Main drive sealing pressure compensation system, method and tunneling machine

Abstract

This invention relates to a main drive sealing pressure compensation system, method, and tunneling machine. The main drive sealing pressure compensation system includes a mounting box, a drive ring, multiple drive components, and a pressurizing device. The drive ring is rotatably and sealingly mounted within the first end of the mounting box via a sealing assembly. Each drive component is sealed to the mounting box via a sealing ring. The output shaft of each drive component extends into the mounting box and is connected to the drive ring via a transmission structure. A first sealed chamber is formed within the mounting box, in the area between the sealing assembly and the sealing rings. Each drive component is also covered by a pressure sealing cover, and a second sealed chamber is formed between each pressure sealing cover and the outer walls of the mounting box, sealing rings, and drive components. The pressurizing device can pressurize the first and / or second sealed chambers. This invention effectively solves the problem that the pressure-bearing capacity of existing main drive seals cannot meet the requirements of ultra-high water pressure formations, thus affecting the normal tunneling operation of the tunneling machine.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of tunnel construction equipment, and more particularly to a main drive sealing pressure compensation system, method, and tunneling machine. Background Technology

[0002] With the advancement of science and technology, the construction of urban rail transit is booming, and the application of shield tunneling is becoming more and more widespread. For cross-river and cross-sea tunnels and tunnels in complex geological conditions, higher requirements are placed on the sealing system of shield tunneling machines.

[0003] The main drive seal is one of the most critical components of a tunnel boring machine (TBM). Its function is to prevent mud from entering the main bearing and to prevent lubricating gear oil from leaking out of the main drive gear cavity, acting as a protective barrier for the main bearing. The reliability of the TBM's main drive seal is crucial for the normal tunneling operation of the TBM. The sealing system must meet the requirements of mud-water pressure, groundwater pressure, additive injection pressure, and air pressure within the soil chamber. For ultra-high water pressure strata, the main drive seal withstands high pressure, and preventing mud from entering the TBM's main drive system requires even higher standards for the sealing structure. However, the pressure-bearing capacity of existing seals cannot meet the requirements of ultra-high water pressure strata.

[0004] In recent years, research has been conducted to address the insufficient performance of main drive seals under high water pressure. Methods such as pressure control of the grease chamber within the seal and pressure compensation on the back of the seal by pressurizing the drive housing have been used to improve the pressure-bearing capacity of the main drive seal. However, due to the limited pressure-bearing capacity of the reducer seal, the pressurization capacity of the drive housing is also limited, and pressure control remains somewhat restricted, failing to achieve complete adaptability to high-pressure formations. Therefore, it is essential to design a main drive seal system with a wide applicability and strong pressure-bearing capacity. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a main drive seal pressure compensation system, method and tunneling machine, which can effectively solve the problem that the pressure bearing capacity of the existing main drive seal cannot meet the requirements of ultra-high water pressure strata and affect the normal tunneling of the tunneling machine.

[0006] The objective of this invention can be achieved using the following technical solutions:

[0007] This invention provides a main drive sealing pressure compensation system, including a mounting box, a drive ring, multiple drive components, and a pressurizing device. The drive ring is rotatably and sealingly disposed within a first end of the mounting box via a sealing assembly. Multiple drive components are circumferentially fixed at a distance from the second end of the mounting box. Each drive component is sealed to the mounting box via a sealing ring. The output shaft of each drive component extends into the mounting box and is connected to the drive ring via a transmission structure to drive the drive ring to rotate. A first sealed chamber is formed in the area within the mounting box between the sealing assembly and each sealing ring. Each drive component is also covered by a pressure sealing cover, which is fixed to the second end of the mounting box. A second sealed chamber is formed in the area between each pressure sealing cover and the outer walls of the mounting box, the sealing rings, and the drive components. The pressurizing device is connected to the first and second sealed chambers and can pressurize the first and / or second sealed chambers.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a first pressure sensor is provided outside the first end of the mounting box, a second pressure sensor is provided in the first sealed chamber, and a third pressure sensor is provided in each of the second sealed chambers. The main drive sealing pressure compensation system also includes a controller, which is electrically connected to the first pressure sensor, the second pressure sensor, the third pressure sensor, and the pressurizing device.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the pressurizing device is connected to the first sealed chamber in a switchable manner through a first pipeline, and is connected to the second sealed chamber in a switchable manner through a plurality of second pipelines respectively; a first switching valve is provided on the first pipeline, a second switching valve is provided on the second pipeline, and the controller is also electrically connected to the first switching valve and the second switching valve.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a main bearing is provided inside the mounting box and between the drive ring and the drive component. The outer ring of the main bearing is fixedly connected to the mounting box. Gears are fixedly provided on the output shaft of each drive component. Each gear can mesh with the inner ring of the main bearing. The drive ring is fixedly connected to the inner ring of the main bearing.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the mounting box includes a grease tank and a drive box that are connected and communicate with each other. Both the grease tank and the drive box are annular boxes, and a baffle is provided at the inner annular hole of the grease tank and at the end position away from the drive box. The drive ring and the sealing assembly are both disposed in the grease tank. The outer ring of the main bearing is clamped and fixed between the grease tank and the drive box. The drive component is fixedly connected to the drive box, and the output shaft of the drive component extends into the drive box. The pressure sealing cover is fixedly connected to the drive box.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the drive box includes a first mounting ring, a second mounting ring, and a support ring arranged axially spaced apart. The support ring is connected and fixed between the first and second mounting rings and near the inner ring hole of the first mounting ring. The outer diameter of the second mounting ring is larger than the outer diameter of the first mounting ring. A plurality of mounting holes are circumferentially spaced on the second mounting ring. The drive component is inserted into the mounting holes and sealed by a sealing ring. A mounting shaft is connected to the output shaft of the drive component. The end of the mounting shaft is rotatably connected to the first mounting ring. A gear is sleeved and fixed on the mounting shaft. The main bearing is sleeved outside the first mounting ring, and its two end faces abut against the end faces of the grease tank and the second mounting ring, respectively. Its outer ring is fixedly connected to the grease tank and the second mounting ring. The pressure sealing cover is fixedly connected to the second mounting ring, and the drive component is fixedly connected to the second mounting ring through a bracket.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the grease tank includes an inner grease ring and an outer grease ring arranged in an inner and outer manner. A drive ring is installed in an annular cavity formed by the inner and outer grease rings. A first end of the drive ring can extend out of the grease tank and is used to connect to the cutterhead of the tunneling machine, and its second end can be fixedly connected to the inner ring of the main bearing. The outer grease ring is fixedly connected to the outer ring of the main bearing, and the inner grease ring is fixedly connected to the first mounting ring. The sealing assembly includes an outer sealing assembly disposed between the drive ring and the outer grease ring, and an inner sealing assembly disposed between the drive ring and the inner grease ring.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the driving component includes a rotary power mechanism and a reducer connected together. The reducer is sealed to the mounting box by a sealing ring and fixed to the mounting box by a bracket.

[0015] This invention also provides a method for compensating the main drive sealing pressure, wherein a first sealed chamber is formed between a sealing assembly on the outer periphery of the drive ring of a tunneling machine and a sealing ring on the outer periphery of the drive component, and a pressure sealing cover is provided on the outside of the drive component to form a second sealed chamber between the pressure sealing cover, the outer periphery of the drive component, and the sealing ring; the main drive sealing pressure compensation method includes:

[0016] Real-time monitoring of the pressure in the mud and water chamber in front of the drive ring, the pressure in the first sealed chamber, and the pressure in the second sealed chamber;

[0017] Calculate the pressure difference between the mud and water tank and the first sealed chamber, as well as the pressure difference between the first sealed chamber and the second sealed chamber, and denot them as the first pressure difference and the second pressure difference, respectively.

[0018] Adjust the pressure in the first sealed chamber and the second sealed chamber so that the first pressure difference is less than or equal to the first preset upper limit value and the second pressure difference is less than or equal to the second preset upper limit value;

[0019] The first preset upper limit value is less than the pressure limit value of the sealing component, and the second preset upper limit value is less than the pressure limit value of the sealing ring.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, adjusting the pressure in the first sealed chamber and the second sealed chamber includes:

[0021] When the pressure in the mud and water chamber increases to the point that the first pressure difference exceeds the first preset upper limit, the first sealed chamber is pressurized until the first pressure difference is less than or equal to the first preset upper limit.

[0022] When the pressure difference in the first sealed chamber exceeds the second preset upper limit value, the pressure in both the first sealed chamber and the second sealed chamber is increased simultaneously until the second pressure difference is less than or equal to the second preset upper limit value and the first pressure difference is less than or equal to the first preset upper limit value.

[0023] The present invention also provides a tunneling machine, including a cutterhead, a shield body, and the aforementioned main drive sealing pressure compensation system; the mounting box is fixedly installed inside the shield body, and the end of the drive ring can extend out of the first end of the mounting box and connect with the cutterhead to drive the cutterhead to rotate.

[0024] As described above, this invention provides two sealed chambers on the back of the sealing assembly. By dynamically adjusting the pressure within these two chambers, unlimited pressurization can be achieved within the pressure-bearing range of the sealing assembly and sealing ring. This balances the water and soil pressure outside the first end of the mounting box. Through two-stage pressure compensation, the effectiveness of the sealing assembly and sealing ring under ultra-high pressure conditions is ensured, guaranteeing normal tunneling operation under ultra-high pressure and avoiding the risk of tunneling failure due to main drive sealing system malfunction under ultra-high pressure. This invention ensures stable, safe, and economical construction without altering the existing main drive of the tunneling machine. Attached Figure Description

[0025] The accompanying drawings are intended only to illustrate and explain the present invention and do not limit the scope of the invention.

[0026] in:

[0027] Figure 1 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of the tunneling machine provided by the present invention.

[0028] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Enlarged view of part of the image.

[0029] Explanation of icon numbers:

[0030] 100. Main drive sealing pressure compensation system;

[0031] 11. Rotary power mechanism; 12. Reducer; 121. Sealing ring; 122. Mounting shaft; 123. End bearing; 124. Bracket; 13. Gear;

[0032] 2. Main bearing;

[0033] 3. Drive ring;

[0034] 4. Sealing assembly; 41. External sealing assembly; 42. Internal sealing assembly;

[0035] 5. Drive box; 51. First mounting ring; 52. Second mounting ring; 53. Support ring;

[0036] 6. Grease tank; 61. Outer grease ring; 611. First limiting ring; 62. Inner grease ring; 621. Pressure ring; 6211. Second limiting ring; 622. Inner ring body; 63. Baffle;

[0037] 7. Pressure sealing cover;

[0038] 81. First sealed chamber; 82. Second sealed chamber;

[0039] 200. Shield;

[0040] 300. Cutter head;

[0041] 400. Mud and water storage tank. Detailed Implementation

[0042] To provide a clearer understanding of the technical features, objectives, and effects of the present invention, specific embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0043] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, this application provides a main drive sealing pressure compensation system 100, including a mounting box, a drive ring 3, multiple drive components, and a pressurizing device; the drive ring 3 is rotatably and sealingly disposed in the first end of the mounting box through a sealing assembly 4, the multiple drive components are circumferentially spaced and fixed in the second end of the mounting box, each drive component is sealed to the mounting box through a sealing ring 121, the output shaft of each drive component extends into the mounting box and is connected to the drive ring 3 through a transmission structure to drive the drive ring 3 to rotate; a first sealed chamber 81 is formed in the area inside the mounting box and between the sealing assembly 4 and each sealing ring 121.

[0044] Each drive component is also covered by a pressure sealing cover 7, which is fixedly connected to the second end of the mounting box. The area between each pressure sealing cover 7 and the mounting box, the sealing ring 121 and the outer side wall of the drive component forms a second sealed chamber 82. The pressurizing device is connected to the first sealed chamber 81 and the second sealed chamber 82, and can pressurize the first sealed chamber 81 and / or the second sealed chamber 82 to balance the pressure outside the first end of the mounting box.

[0045] In use, the entire main drive sealing pressure compensation system 100 is fixed inside the shield body 200 of the tunneling machine. The drive ring 3 is used to connect the cutterhead 300 to drive the cutterhead 300 to rotate. The area between the cutterhead 300 and the first end of the mounting box forms a mud chamber 400.

[0046] When the pressure in the mud-water chamber 400 (i.e., the pressure outside the first end of the mounting box) rises above the pressure bearing range of the sealing component 4, the first sealed chamber 81 can be pressurized to activate the first-stage pressure compensation, ensuring the balance between the water and soil pressure at the front and the back pressure of the sealing component 4. When the water and soil pressure outside the first end of the mounting box continues to rise, causing the pressure applied in the first sealing chamber to exceed the pressure bearing range of the sealing ring 121, the second-stage pressure compensation can be activated by simultaneously pressurizing the second sealed chamber 82 and the first sealed chamber 81, providing back pressure to the sealing ring 121, increasing the upper limit of the pressurization of the first sealed chamber 81, so that the sum of the pressures of the sealing component 4 and the first sealed chamber 81 can balance the water and soil pressure, and the pressure difference on both sides of the sealing component 4 and the sealing ring 121 is within their respective pressure bearing range, thus ensuring the effectiveness of the sealing component 4 and the sealing ring 121.

[0047] Therefore, the main drive sealing pressure compensation system 100 of this application has two sealed chambers on the back of the sealing component 4. By dynamically adjusting the pressure in the two sealed chambers, unlimited pressurization can be achieved within the pressure-bearing range of the sealing component 4 and the sealing ring 121 to balance the water and soil pressure outside the first end of the mounting box. Through two-stage pressure compensation, the effectiveness of the sealing component 4 and the sealing ring 121 under ultra-high pressure conditions can be ensured, ensuring that the tunneling machine can tunnel normally under ultra-high pressure conditions and avoiding the risk of tunneling failure due to the failure of the main drive sealing system under ultra-high pressure conditions. This application ensures stable, safe, and economical construction without changing the existing main drive of the tunneling machine.

[0048] In a specific implementation, a first pressure sensor is provided outside the first end of the mounting box, a second pressure sensor is provided in the first sealed chamber 81, and a third pressure sensor is provided in each of the second sealed chambers 82. The main drive sealing pressure compensation system 100 also includes a controller, which is electrically connected to the first pressure sensor, the second pressure sensor, the third pressure sensor, and the pressurizing device.

[0049] The pressurizing device is connected to the first sealed chamber 81 in a switchable manner through a first pipeline, and is connected to the second sealed chamber 82 in a switchable manner through multiple second pipelines respectively; a first switching valve is provided on the first pipeline, and a second switching valve is provided on the second pipeline; the controller is also electrically connected to the first switching valve and the second switching valve to automatically control the pressurization of the first sealed chamber 81 and the second sealed chamber 82.

[0050] The pressure at various locations can be detected in real time using various sensors. The controller can dynamically adjust the pressure of the first sealed chamber 81 and the second sealed chamber 82 according to the pressure of the front-end mud and water chamber 400. By automatically adjusting the pressure of the two sealed chambers, automatic pressure compensation can be achieved, which can ensure that the tunneling machine can tunnel normally in high-pressure strata and ensure the applicability of the main drive seal under ultra-high pressure conditions.

[0051] Furthermore, a main bearing 2 is provided inside the mounting box and between the drive ring 3 and the drive component. The outer ring of the main bearing 2 is fixedly connected to the mounting box. A gear 13 is fixedly provided on the output shaft of each drive component. Each gear 13 can mesh with the inner ring of the main bearing 2. The drive ring 3 is fixedly connected to the inner ring of the main bearing 2.

[0052] Specifically, the mounting box includes a grease tank 6 and a drive box 5 connected and communicating with each other. Both the grease tank 6 and the drive box 5 are annular boxes, and a baffle 63 is provided at the inner annular hole of the grease tank 6 and at the end away from the drive box 5 to close the inner annular hole of the grease tank 6. The drive ring 3 and the sealing assembly 4 are both located inside the grease tank 6. The outer ring of the main bearing 2 is clamped and fixed between the grease tank 6 and the drive box 5. The drive component is fixedly connected to the drive box 5, and the output shaft of the drive component extends into the drive box 5. The pressure sealing cover 7 is fixedly connected to the drive box 5.

[0053] Reference Figure 2 The drive box 5 includes a first mounting ring 51, a second mounting ring 52 and a support ring 53 arranged axially at intervals. The support ring 53 is connected and fixed between the first mounting ring 51 and the second mounting ring 52 and is located near the inner ring hole of the first mounting ring 51. The outer diameter of the second mounting ring 52 is larger than the outer diameter of the first mounting ring 51.

[0054] The second mounting ring 52 has multiple mounting holes spaced apart circumferentially. The drive component is inserted into the mounting holes and sealed by the sealing ring 121. The output shaft of the drive component is connected to the mounting shaft 122. The end of the mounting shaft 122 is rotatably connected to the first mounting ring 51 (e.g., through the end bearing 123). The gear 13 is sleeved and fixed on the mounting shaft 122. The main bearing 2 is sleeved outside the first mounting ring 51. Its two end faces abut against the end faces of the grease tank 6 and the second mounting ring 52, respectively. Its outer ring is fixed to the grease tank 6 and the second mounting ring 52. The pressure sealing cover 7 is fixed to the second mounting ring 52. The drive component is fixed to the second mounting ring 52 through the bracket 124.

[0055] The drive unit includes a rotary power mechanism 11 and a reducer 12 connected together. The reducer 12 is sealed to the mounting box through a sealing ring 121 and fixed to the mounting box through a bracket 124.

[0056] The rotary power mechanism 11 can be, for example, an electric motor or a hydraulic motor, or other drive structures as needed. A mud chamber 400 is formed between the cutter head 300 and the mounting box of the main drive sealing pressure compensation system 100. The sealing assembly 4 is located between the mud chamber 400 and the main bearing 2. The back of the sealing assembly 4, the main bearing 2, the gear 13, and the drive housing 5 form the aforementioned first sealed chamber 81. The pressure sealing cover 7 is a cylindrical structure with one open end, its open end fixed to the drive housing 5, enclosing both the rotary power mechanism 11 and the reducer 12 to form a second sealed chamber 82, which is located behind the first sealed chamber 81.

[0057] The first mounting ring 51 and the second mounting ring 52 can be flanges, for example. An annular groove is formed on the outer wall of the drive component, specifically on the outer wall of the reducer 12 housing. A sealing ring 121 is embedded in this groove to achieve a seal between the reducer 12 and the mounting hole. The housing of the reducer 12 is fixedly connected to the second mounting ring 52 via a bracket 124. The gear 13 can be integrally formed with the mounting shaft 122, and after integral forming, it is connected to the output shaft of the reducer 12 via a spline or other transmission components. The gear 13 is axially limited between the first mounting ring 51 and the stepped surface of the output shaft of the reducer 12. The inner ring of the main bearing 2 is a gear ring that meshes with each gear 13. When the rotary power mechanism 11 drives each gear 13 to rotate via the reducer 12, the inner ring of the main bearing 2 drives the drive ring 3 to rotate, thereby driving the cutter head 300 to rotate.

[0058] Furthermore, the grease tank 6 includes an inner grease ring 62 and an outer grease ring 61 arranged in an inner and outer manner. The drive ring 3 is installed in the annular cavity formed by the inner grease ring 62 and the outer grease ring 61. The first end of the drive ring 3 can extend out of the grease tank 6 and is used to connect to the cutterhead 300 of the tunneling machine, and its second end can be fixedly connected to the inner ring of the main bearing 2. The outer grease ring 61 is fixedly connected to the outer ring of the main bearing 2, and the inner grease ring 62 is fixedly connected to the first mounting ring 51. The sealing assembly 4 includes an outer sealing assembly 41 disposed between the drive ring 3 and the outer grease ring 61 and an inner sealing assembly 42 disposed between the drive ring 3 and the inner grease ring 62.

[0059] A first limiting ring 611 with a reduced inner diameter is formed on the inner wall of the outer grease ring 61 and near the first end of the drive ring 3. A second limiting ring 6211 with an increased outer diameter is formed on the outer wall of the inner grease ring 62 and near the first end of the drive ring 3. The first limiting ring 611 and the second limiting ring 6211 can axially limit the drive ring 3 to confine the drive ring 3 within the grease tank 6.

[0060] For ease of processing and installation, the inner grease ring 62 includes a pressure ring 621 and an inner ring body 622 connected together, the inner ring body 622 being connected to the first mounting ring 51. The inner ring of the main bearing 2 and the drive ring 3, the outer ring of the main bearing 2 and the outer grease ring 61, and the outer ring of the main bearing 2 and the second mounting ring 52 can be fixed together, for example, by fasteners (such as bolts).

[0061] Furthermore, the working process of the main drive sealing pressure compensation system 100 is as follows:

[0062] Initially, the pressure in the first sealed chamber 81 and the second sealed chamber 82 is very small and can be ignored. The pressure difference between the mud-water tank 400 and the first sealed chamber 81 is denoted as the first pressure difference, and the pressure difference between the first sealed chamber 81 and the second sealed chamber 82 is denoted as the second pressure difference.

[0063] During the tunneling process, the pressure in the slurry chamber 400 begins to change.

[0064] When the pressure in the mud and water chamber 400 is low, causing the first pressure difference to be lower than the first preset upper limit value, the pressurizing device does not work, and neither the first sealed chamber 81 nor the second sealed chamber 82 is pressurized.

[0065] When the pressure in the mud and water chamber 400 increases, causing the first pressure difference to exceed the first preset upper limit value, the pressurization device is activated to pressurize the first sealed chamber 81 until the first pressure difference is less than or equal to the first preset upper limit value (ensuring that the pressure difference between the two is controlled to the pressure that the sealing component 4 can withstand); this process is the first stage of pressure compensation.

[0066] When the pressure in the mud-water tank 400 continues to rise, resulting in a large pressure applied to the first sealed chamber 81, and the second pressure difference exceeds the second preset upper limit value, the pressurization device is activated to simultaneously pressurize both the first sealed chamber 81 and the second sealed chamber 82 until the second pressure difference is less than or equal to the second preset upper limit value, and the first pressure difference is less than or equal to the first preset upper limit value; this process is the second stage of pressure compensation. It can be understood that during the first stage of pressure compensation, the pressurization of the first sealed chamber 81 does not cause the second pressure difference to exceed the second preset upper limit value; therefore, this process only pressurizes the first sealed chamber 81 to provide back pressure for the sealing assembly 4. Only when the pressure in the mud-water tank 400 continues to rise, causing the pressurization of the first sealed chamber 81 to cause the second pressure difference to exceed the second preset upper limit value, will the second stage of pressure compensation be activated, simultaneously providing back pressure for the sealing ring 121.

[0067] When the pressure in the mud-water chamber 400 continues to decrease, the pressure in the first sealed chamber 81 and the second sealed chamber 82 is released simultaneously. When releasing the pressure simultaneously, the first pressure difference should be less than or equal to the first preset upper limit value, and the second pressure difference should be less than or equal to the second preset upper limit value. When the pressure in the mud-water chamber 400 decreases to the sum of the first preset upper limit value and the second preset upper limit value, the pressure in the second sealed chamber 82 is completely released.

[0068] As the pressure in the mud and water chamber 400 continues to decrease, the pressure in the first sealed chamber 81 continues to be released until the sealing component 4 can independently bear the mud and water pressure in the mud and water chamber 400 (that is, when the pressure in the mud and water chamber 400 decreases to less than or equal to the first preset upper limit value), and the pressure in the first sealed chamber 81 is also released.

[0069] The first preset upper limit value is less than the pressure limit value of the sealing component 4, and the second preset upper limit value is less than the pressure limit value of the sealing ring 121. The specific values ​​are determined according to actual needs. Generally, during the tunneling process, the pressure in the mud chamber 400 is greater than or equal to the pressure in the first sealed chamber 81, and the pressure in the first sealed chamber 81 is greater than or equal to the pressure in the second sealed chamber 82.

[0070] Of course, the above working process is only an example. In actual application, it can be flexibly adjusted according to the actual situation. As long as the first pressure difference is less than or equal to the first preset upper limit value and the second pressure difference is less than or equal to the second preset upper limit value through the dynamic adjustment and control of the two-stage pressure, the water and soil pressure in the mud and water chamber 400 can be balanced by using the two sealed chambers on the back of the sealing component 4 through two-stage pressure compensation. This not only improves the bearing capacity of the sealing ring 121 and ensures the effectiveness of the sealing component 4 and the sealing ring 121, but also effectively solves the problem of insufficient pressure bearing capacity of the main drive seal of the tunneling machine in high-pressure construction projects, ensuring that the tunneling machine can tunnel normally.

[0071] Furthermore, this application also provides a main drive sealing pressure compensation method, wherein a first sealed chamber 81 is formed between the sealing assembly 4 on the outer periphery of the drive ring 3 of the tunneling machine and the sealing ring 121 on the outer periphery of the drive component, and a pressure sealing cover 7 is provided on the outside of the drive component to form a second sealed chamber 82 between the pressure sealing cover 7, the outer periphery of the drive component, and the sealing ring 121; the main drive sealing pressure compensation method includes:

[0072] Real-time monitoring of the pressure in the mud and water chamber 400 in front of the drive ring 3, the pressure in the first sealed chamber 81, and the pressure in the second sealed chamber 82;

[0073] Calculate the pressure difference between the mud and water tank 400 and the first sealed chamber 81, and the pressure difference between the first sealed chamber 81 and the second sealed chamber 82, and record them as the first pressure difference and the second pressure difference, respectively.

[0074] Adjust the pressure in the first sealed chamber 81 and the second sealed chamber 82 so that the first pressure difference is less than or equal to the first preset upper limit value and the second pressure difference is less than or equal to the second preset upper limit value;

[0075] The first preset upper limit value is less than the pressure upper limit value of the sealing component 4, and the second preset upper limit value is less than the pressure upper limit value of the sealing ring 121.

[0076] Specifically, adjusting the pressure in the first sealed chamber 81 and the second sealed chamber 82 includes:

[0077] When the pressure in the mud and water chamber 400 increases to the point that the first pressure difference exceeds the first preset upper limit value, the first sealed chamber 81 is pressurized until the first pressure difference is less than or equal to the first preset upper limit value.

[0078] When the first sealed chamber 81 rises and the second pressure difference exceeds the second preset upper limit value, the first sealed chamber 81 and the second sealed chamber 82 are pressurized simultaneously until the second pressure difference is less than or equal to the second preset upper limit value and the first pressure difference is less than or equal to the first preset upper limit value.

[0079] The entire method achieves two-stage pressure compensation by dynamically adjusting the pressure of the two sealed chambers on the back of the sealing component 4, which can improve the pressure bearing capacity of the main drive system. When the working environment pressure is too high, the pressure borne by the sealing component 4 during the operation of the tunneling machine can be reduced to the pressure value that the sealing component 4 can withstand. It can also reduce the pressure borne by the sealing ring 121 at the drive component to the pressure value that the sealing ring 121 can withstand, so that the tunneling machine can meet the requirements of normal use under high water pressure.

[0080] Furthermore, the main drive seal pressure compensation method can be implemented using the aforementioned main drive seal pressure compensation system 100. The specific working process has been described in detail above and will not be repeated here.

[0081] Furthermore, this application also provides a tunneling machine, including a cutterhead 300, a shield 200, and the aforementioned main drive sealing pressure compensation system 100; the mounting box is fixedly installed inside the shield 200 (specifically, the second mounting ring 52 of the aforementioned drive box 5 is fixedly connected to the shield 200), and the end of the drive ring 3 can extend out of the first end of the mounting box and connect with the cutterhead 300 to drive the cutterhead 300 to rotate.

[0082] The tunneling machines mentioned here include, but are not limited to, tunneling equipment such as shield tunneling machines, inclined shaft tunneling machines, and vertical shaft tunneling machines. Taking a shield tunneling machine as an example, when the shield tunneling machine is working, the drive ring 3 drives the cutterhead 300 to rotate, and the shield body 200 advances forward. The cutterhead 300 and the mud in the mud chamber 400 establish pressure in the mud chamber 400. When the pressure in the mud chamber 400 is too high, the pressure-bearing capacity of the sealing component 4 is limited, which will cause the seal to fail, causing the mud in the mud chamber 400 to enter the drive box 5 through the sealing component 4. When the first sealed chamber 81 is pressurized, the first stage of pressure compensation is performed on the back of the sealing assembly 4. At this time, the drive box 5 bears part of the slurry pressure in the slurry chamber 400. When the second sealed chamber 82 is pressurized, the second stage of pressure compensation is performed on the back of the first sealed chamber 81, which can increase the upper limit of the pressurization of the first sealed chamber 81 and improve the pressure bearing capacity of the drive box 5. The two-stage pressure compensation system can improve the pressure bearing range of the main drive seal and ensure the normal tunneling of the tunnel boring machine.

[0083] The tunneling machine includes the aforementioned main drive seal pressure compensation system 100, which has the same effect. The tunneling machine of this application adds a pressure sealing cover 7 to achieve pressure compensation function to balance ultra-high water pressure without changing the original system of the tunneling machine. Under high water pressure conditions, it compensates for the pressure of the main drive seal, preventing the seal from failing under high water pressure conditions and causing the tunneling machine to be unable to tunnel normally. It also prevents mud from entering the tunneling machine's interior, ensuring the normal operation of the tunneling machine.

[0084] The above are merely illustrative embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Any equivalent changes and modifications made by those skilled in the art without departing from the concept and principles of the present invention should fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A main drive sealing pressure compensation system, characterized in that, Includes a mounting box, a drive ring (3), multiple drive components, and a pressurizing device; The drive ring (3) is rotatably and sealingly disposed in the first end of the mounting box via the sealing assembly (4). A plurality of drive components are circumferentially fixed at the second end of the mounting box. Each drive component is sealed to the mounting box via a sealing ring (121). The output shaft of each drive component extends into the mounting box and is connected to the drive ring (3) via a transmission structure to drive the drive ring (3) to rotate. A first sealed chamber (81) is formed in the area within the mounting box between the sealing assembly (4) and each sealing ring (121). Each of the driving components is also covered by a pressure sealing cover (7), which is fixedly connected to the second end of the mounting box. The area between each pressure sealing cover (7) and the mounting box, the sealing ring (121) and the outer side wall of the driving component forms a second sealed chamber (82). The pressurizing device is connected to the first sealed chamber (81) and the second sealed chamber (82) and can pressurize the first sealed chamber (81) or pressurize the first sealed chamber (81) and the second sealed chamber (82) simultaneously. A first pressure sensor is also provided outside the first end of the mounting box, a second pressure sensor is provided in the first sealed chamber (81), and a third pressure sensor is provided in each of the second sealed chambers (82). The main drive sealing pressure compensation system (100) also includes a controller, which is electrically connected to the first pressure sensor, the second pressure sensor, the third pressure sensor and the pressurizing device.

2. The main drive sealing pressure compensation system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The pressurizing device is connected to the first sealed chamber (81) in a switchable manner through a first pipeline, and is connected to the second sealed chamber (82) in a switchable manner through a plurality of second pipelines respectively; a first switching valve is provided on the first pipeline, and a second switching valve is provided on the second pipeline; the controller is also electrically connected to the first switching valve and the second switching valve.

3. The main drive sealing pressure compensation system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, A main bearing (2) is also provided inside the mounting box and between the drive ring (3) and the drive component. The outer ring of the main bearing (2) is fixedly connected to the mounting box. A gear (13) is fixedly provided on the output shaft of each drive component. Each gear (13) can mesh with the inner ring of the main bearing (2). The drive ring (3) is fixedly connected to the inner ring of the main bearing (2).

4. The main drive sealing pressure compensation system as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The mounting box includes a grease tank (6) and a drive box (5) connected and communicating with each other. Both the grease tank (6) and the drive box (5) are annular boxes, and a baffle (63) is provided at the inner ring hole of the grease tank (6) and at the end position away from the drive box (5). The drive ring (3) and the sealing assembly (4) are both located in the grease tank (6). The outer ring of the main bearing (2) is clamped and fixed between the grease tank (6) and the drive box (5). The drive component is fixedly connected to the drive box (5), and the output shaft of the drive component extends into the drive box (5). The pressure sealing cover (7) is fixedly connected to the drive box (5).

5. The main drive sealing pressure compensation system as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The drive box (5) includes a first mounting ring (51), a second mounting ring (52) and a support ring (53) arranged axially spaced apart. The support ring (53) is connected and fixed between the first mounting ring (51) and the second mounting ring (52) and is located near the inner ring hole of the first mounting ring (51). The outer diameter of the second mounting ring (52) is larger than the outer diameter of the first mounting ring (51). Multiple mounting holes are spaced apart circumferentially on the second mounting ring (52). The drive component is inserted into the mounting holes and sealed by the sealing ring (121). The output shaft of the drive component is connected to the mounting shaft (122). The end of the mounting shaft (122) is rotatably connected to the first mounting ring (51). The gear (13) is sleeved and fixed on the mounting shaft (122). The main bearing (2) is sleeved outside the first mounting ring (51). Its two end faces abut against the end faces of the grease tank (6) and the second mounting ring (52) respectively. Its outer ring is fixed to the grease tank (6) and the second mounting ring (52). The pressure sealing cover (7) is fixed to the second mounting ring (52). The drive component is fixed to the second mounting ring (52) through the bracket (124).

6. The main drive sealing pressure compensation system as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The grease tank (6) includes an inner grease ring (62) and an outer grease ring (61) arranged in an inner and outer manner. The drive ring (3) is installed in the annular cavity formed by the inner grease ring (62) and the outer grease ring (61). The first end of the drive ring (3) can extend out of the grease tank (6) and is used to connect to the cutterhead (300) of the tunneling machine. Its second end can be fixedly connected to the inner ring of the main bearing (2). The outer grease ring (61) is fixedly connected to the outer ring of the main bearing (2), and the inner grease ring (62) is fixedly connected to the first mounting ring (51). The sealing assembly (4) includes an outer sealing assembly (41) disposed between the drive ring (3) and the outer grease ring (61) and an inner sealing assembly (42) disposed between the drive ring (3) and the inner grease ring (62).

7. The main drive sealing pressure compensation system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The drive unit includes a rotary power mechanism (11) and a reducer (12) connected together. The reducer (12) is sealed to the mounting box through a sealing ring (121) and fixed to the mounting box through a bracket (124).

8. A method for compensating main drive sealing pressure, characterized in that, A first sealed chamber (81) is formed between the sealing assembly (4) on the outer periphery of the drive ring (3) of the tunneling machine and the sealing ring (121) on the outer periphery of the drive component. A pressure sealing cover (7) is provided on the outer side of the drive component to form a second sealed chamber (82) between the pressure sealing cover (7), the outer periphery of the drive component, and the sealing ring (121). The main drive sealing pressure compensation method includes: Real-time monitoring of the pressure in the mud and water chamber (400) in front of the drive ring (3), the pressure in the first sealed chamber (81), and the pressure in the second sealed chamber (82); Calculate the pressure difference between the mud and water tank (400) and the first sealed chamber (81), and the pressure difference between the first sealed chamber (81) and the second sealed chamber (82), and record them as the first pressure difference and the second pressure difference, respectively. Adjust the pressure of the first sealed chamber (81) and the second sealed chamber (82) so that the first pressure difference is less than or equal to the first preset upper limit value and the second pressure difference is less than or equal to the second preset upper limit value; Wherein, the first preset upper limit value is less than the pressure upper limit value of the sealing component (4), and the second preset upper limit value is less than the pressure upper limit value of the sealing ring (121).

9. The main drive sealing pressure compensation method as described in claim 8, characterized in that, Adjusting the pressure in the first sealed chamber (81) and the second sealed chamber (82) includes: When the pressure in the mud and water tank (400) increases to the point that the first pressure difference exceeds the first preset upper limit value, the first sealed chamber (81) is pressurized until the first pressure difference is less than or equal to the first preset upper limit value. When the first sealed chamber (81) rises and the second pressure difference exceeds the second preset upper limit value, the first sealed chamber (81) and the second sealed chamber (82) are pressurized simultaneously until the second pressure difference is less than or equal to the second preset upper limit value, and the first pressure difference is less than or equal to the first preset upper limit value.

10. A tunneling machine, characterized in that, It includes a cutterhead (300), a shield (200), and a main drive sealing pressure compensation system (100) as described in any one of claims 1-7. The mounting box is fixed inside the shield body (200), and the end of the drive ring (3) can extend out of the first end of the mounting box and connect with the cutter head (300) to drive the cutter head (300) to rotate.

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