A large-diameter slurry balance shield tunneling machine suitable for complex geological formations

Abstract

This invention belongs to the field of tunnel boring machine (TBM) technology, specifically a large-diameter slurry balance TBM suitable for complex geological formations. It includes a main body with a cutterhead mounted on it, forming a slurry chamber between the cutterhead and the main body. A slurry inlet pipe is installed at the upper end of the slurry chamber, and a slurry outlet pipe is installed at the lower end. A screw conveyor is connected to the lower end of the slurry chamber, and a crushing mechanism is installed on the screw conveyor. A dilution and mixing tank is installed at the outlet of the screw conveyor. The screw conveyor is connected to the slurry chamber via a connecting cylinder, and the slurry outlet pipe is installed on the connecting cylinder. A branch pipe is installed between the slurry outlet pipe and the slurry inlet pipe. Screws symmetrically distributed on both sides of the connecting cylinder are installed inside the slurry chamber. This invention has a simple structure and, through an innovative dual-channel, heterogeneous slurry discharge system design combined with intelligent collaborative control logic, achieves continuous, efficient, and safe slag discharge operations.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of tunnel boring machine technology, specifically a large-diameter slurry balance tunnel boring machine suitable for complex geological formations. Background Technology

[0002] In industry practice, tunnel boring machines with an excavation diameter of more than 12 meters are usually defined as "ultra-large diameter tunnel boring machines". One of the core technical bottlenecks faced by such tunnel boring machines during the tunneling process is the problem of efficient and reliable muck removal.

[0003] Traditional single-channel slurry drainage systems often experience sludge accumulation in the slurry chamber and air cushion chamber when facing ultra-large diameter excavation faces due to uneven slurry circulation and reduced flow velocity, resulting in a "stagnant drainage" phenomenon. This stagnant drainage not only significantly reduces tunneling efficiency, leading to project delays and increased costs, but more seriously, it may cause abnormal pressure fluctuations in the slurry chamber, threatening the stability of the tunnel face and even inducing major safety accidents such as cutterhead mud cake formation, gushing, and collapse.

[0004] Especially when traversing complex and variable strata such as soft upper layers and hard lower layers, containing boulders and boulders, and strongly weathered rock layers, traditional slurry discharge systems are almost ineffective in handling large-sized rocks or highly viscous soil. This can clog slurry discharge pipes or damage subsequent mud pumps, leading to frequent shutdowns for maintenance. At the same time, for some rocks or soil that are close to the upper limit of the safe range, although they can be carried by mud and transported through the slurry discharge pipes, they are also prone to sedimentation when flowing long distances in the slurry discharge pipes. This can lead to a reduction in the diameter of the slurry discharge pipes or blockages, requiring the tunnel boring machine to be shut down for maintenance or repair. As a result, the performance advantages of ultra-large diameter tunnel boring machines cannot be fully utilized.

[0005] Therefore, the core objective of this invention is to solve the technical problems of low slag discharge efficiency, easy clogging, and poor geological adaptability that are commonly found in existing ultra-large diameter slurry balance shield tunneling machines under complex geological conditions. Summary of the Invention

[0006] To overcome the shortcomings of existing technologies, this invention proposes an ultra-large diameter slurry balance shield machine suitable for complex strata, through an innovative dual-channel, heterogeneous slurry discharge system design and combined with intelligent collaborative control logic, to achieve continuous, efficient and safe slag discharge operations.

[0007] The technical solution adopted by the present invention to solve its technical problem is: the present invention provides an ultra-large diameter slurry balance shield machine suitable for complex strata, including a shield machine body, a cutterhead installed on the shield machine body, the cutterhead being driven by a main drive, and a slurry chamber being formed between the cutterhead and the shield machine body;

[0008] The mud tank is equipped with two slurry discharge channels: an air cushion direct discharge channel and a collaborative conveying channel. The air cushion direct discharge channel includes a mud discharge pipe, and the collaborative conveying channel includes a screw conveyor and a dilution mixing tank.

[0009] The upper end of the mud tank is equipped with a mud inlet pipe, the lower end of the mud tank is equipped with a mud outlet pipe, the inlet of the screw conveyor is connected to the lower end of the mud tank, the outlet of the screw conveyor is integrated with a multi-stage crushing mechanism, and a dilution mixing tank is installed at the outlet of the screw conveyor.

[0010] The inlet of the screw conveyor is connected to the mud and water tank through a connecting cylinder. The screw plate of the screw conveyor extends into the connecting cylinder. The mud outlet pipe is installed at one end of the connecting cylinder near the mud and water tank. The mud outlet pipe is connected to the mud and water tank through the connecting cylinder. The screw conveyor is started and operated periodically.

[0011] An ultrasonic sensor and a millimeter-wave radar sensor are installed on the mud outlet pipe, and a branch pipe is installed on the mud outlet pipe, which is connected to the mud inlet pipe.

[0012] The inner wall of the mud tank is equipped with a power cylinder and a lifting cylinder. A flexible auger is installed between the power cylinder and the lifting cylinder via a connecting shaft. The augers are symmetrically distributed on both sides of the connecting cylinder. A water spray pipe is installed on the surface of the auger. A cavity is opened in the connecting shaft on the power cylinder. A connecting ring is installed on the connecting shaft. The connecting ring is connected to the mud inlet pipe through a connecting pipe. The water spray pipe, the cavity, and the connecting ring are interconnected.

[0013] Preferably, the portion of the spiral plate located inside the connecting cylinder is a grid spiral plate, and the surface of the grid spiral plate is provided with a through groove.

[0014] Preferably, the spiral plate inside the spiral conveyor extends into the mud and water chamber through the connecting cylinder, the inlet of the connecting cylinder faces the rear of the cutter head, and the pitch of the portion of the spiral plate located in the mud and water chamber is smaller than the pitch of the other portions.

[0015] Preferably, the spiral plate inside the mud and water chamber is made of elastic rubber plate, the surface of the spiral plate inside the mud and water chamber is in contact with the inner wall of the mud and water chamber, and the surface of the auger is covered with a rubber layer.

[0016] Preferably, the mud outlet pipe is provided with a bend section at one end near the connecting cylinder. The mud outlet pipe and the connecting cylinder are inclined relative to the vertical plane. The bend section of the mud outlet pipe and the connecting cylinder are located in the same plane. The shape of the bend section includes, but is not limited to, U-shape, W-shape, and S-shape.

[0017] Preferably, the bent section of the mud outlet pipe is made of an elastic tube.

[0018] Preferably, the bent pipe section is mounted on a bracket of a corresponding shape by means of a spring, and a vibrator is mounted on the surface of the bent pipe section.

[0019] Preferably, the connection point between the branch pipe and the mud outlet pipe is located below the mud outlet pipe, and the branch pipe is installed at an angle relative to the mud outlet pipe.

[0020] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows:

[0021] 1. The present invention discloses an ultra-large diameter slurry balance shield machine suitable for complex strata. By setting up a slurry chamber, slurry outlet pipe, screw conveyor, and dilution mixing tank, a dual-channel heterogeneous design is formed. Through an intelligent collaborative control system, based on real-time tunneling parameters, the stability of the soil chamber pressure is used as the criterion for switching the slurry discharge channel. This automatically judges the working conditions and decides to start any one or two slurry discharge channels for slurry discharge, avoiding sludge stagnation and slurry pipe blockage, ensuring high slag discharge efficiency, high shield machine tunneling efficiency, and improving construction efficiency.

[0022] 2. The present invention describes an ultra-large diameter slurry balance shield machine suitable for complex strata. By incorporating a connecting cylinder, a screw conveyor, a slurry outlet pipe, and a grid spiral plate, the grid spiral plate and connecting cylinder act as an interception net to screen the slurry entering the outlet pipe. This reduces the number of slag particles with diameters approaching the safe limit carried in the slurry, ensuring smooth slurry discharge from the outlet pipe. It prevents large slag particles from settling after long-distance slurry flow, which could reduce the diameter of the outlet pipe or cause blockage. Simultaneously, the screw conveyor transports and crushes large rocks, soil clods, and slag particles with diameters approaching the safe limit before discharge, ensuring smooth and efficient slag discharge from the shield machine. Furthermore, the combined effect of these two components allows the shield machine to adapt to almost all complex geological formations, from uniform sand to hard rock strata containing boulders and erratics, thus expanding its application range. Attached Figure Description

[0023] The invention will now be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the tunnel boring machine of the present invention when the mud inlet pipe and mud outlet pipe are installed;

[0025] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the tunnel boring machine of the present invention when the mud inlet pipe, mud outlet pipe, and screw conveyor are installed;

[0026] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure inside the slurry chamber of the tunnel boring machine of this invention;

[0027] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the auger structure in the tunnel boring machine of this invention;

[0028] Figure 5 yes Figure 2 Enlarged view of a portion of point A in the middle;

[0029] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram showing the installation positions of the mud outlet pipe, connecting cylinder, and screw conveyor in the tunnel boring machine of this invention;

[0030] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram showing the installation position of the upper bend of the mud outlet pipe and the connecting cylinder in the tunnel boring machine of this invention;

[0031] In the diagram: Shield machine body 1, main drive 11, cutterhead 12, mud and water chamber 2, mud inlet pipe 3, mud outlet pipe 31, screw conveyor 4, dilution and mixing tank 41, grid spiral plate 42, connecting cylinder 43, elastic rubber plate 44, auger 5, power cylinder 51, lifting cylinder 52, connecting shaft 53, water spray pipe 6, cavity 61, connecting ring 62, connecting pipe 63. Detailed Implementation

[0032] To make the technical means, creative features, objectives and effects of this invention easier to understand, the invention will be further described below in conjunction with specific embodiments.

[0033] like Figures 1 to 7 As shown, the present invention provides an ultra-large diameter slurry balance shield tunneling machine suitable for complex strata, comprising a shield machine body 1, a cutterhead 12 mounted on the shield machine body 1, the cutterhead 12 being driven by a main drive 11, and a slurry chamber 2 being formed between the cutterhead 12 and the shield machine body 1.

[0034] The mud tank 2 is equipped with two slurry discharge channels: an air cushion direct discharge channel and a collaborative conveying channel. The air cushion direct discharge channel includes a mud outlet pipe 31, and the collaborative conveying channel includes a screw conveyor 4 and a dilution mixing tank 41.

[0035] The upper end of the mud and water tank 2 is equipped with a mud inlet pipe 3, the lower end of the mud and water tank 2 is equipped with a mud outlet pipe 31, the inlet of the screw conveyor 4 is connected to the lower end of the mud and water tank 2, the outlet of the screw conveyor 4 is integrated with a multi-stage crushing mechanism, and a dilution mixing tank 41 is installed at the outlet of the screw conveyor 4.

[0036] The inlet of the screw conveyor 4 is connected to the mud and water chamber 2 through the connecting cylinder 43. The screw plate of the screw conveyor 4 extends into the connecting cylinder 43. The mud outlet pipe 31 is installed at one end of the connecting cylinder 43 near the mud and water chamber 2. The mud outlet pipe 31 is connected to the mud and water chamber 2 through the connecting cylinder 43. The screw conveyor 4 is started and operated periodically.

[0037] An ultrasonic sensor and a millimeter-wave radar sensor are installed on the mud outlet pipe 31. A branch pipe is installed on the mud outlet pipe 31 and the branch pipe is connected to the mud inlet pipe 3.

[0038] A power cylinder 51 and a lifting cylinder 52 are installed on the inner wall of the mud tank 2. A flexible auger 5 is installed between the power cylinder 51 and the lifting cylinder 52 via a connecting shaft 53. The auger 5 is symmetrically distributed on both sides of the connecting cylinder 43. A water spray pipe 6 is installed on the surface of the auger 5. A cavity 61 is opened in the connecting shaft 53 on the power cylinder 51. A connecting ring 62 is installed on the connecting shaft 53. The connecting ring 62 is connected to the mud inlet pipe 3 via a connecting pipe 63. The water spray pipe 6, the cavity 61, and the connecting ring 62 are interconnected.

[0039] During operation, the mud pump pumps fresh circulating mud into the mud-water chamber 2 through the mud inlet pipe 3, causing the slag and soil produced by the cutter head 12 to flow with the mud in the mud-water chamber 2. When the mud flows to the lower part of the mud-water chamber 2, the mud pump generates negative pressure on the mud outlet pipe 31, causing the mud and slag in the mud-water chamber 2 to be discharged to the ground through the mud outlet pipe 31. After that, the slag and mud are separated, and the mud is recycled again.

[0040] Meanwhile, under favorable geological conditions and stable tunneling parameters, the connecting cylinder 43 and mud outlet pipe 31 at the bottom of the mud chamber 2, with the opening facing the back of the cutterhead 12, suck out the newly excavated slag and circulating mud from the mud chamber 2, minimizing the time that the slag stays and settles in the mud chamber 2, ensuring high tunneling efficiency of the tunnel boring machine and avoiding the phenomenon of stagnation.

[0041] Meanwhile, when traversing complex and variable strata such as soft upper layers and hard lower layers, containing boulders and strongly weathered rock layers, large rocks or highly viscous soil may enter the mud and water chamber 2, making it difficult for the slag in the mud and water chamber 2 to be discharged quickly. At this time, the movement of the screw conveyor 4 is controlled to forcibly transport the poorly fluid slag deposited at the bottom of the mud and water chamber 2, thereby accelerating the discharge speed of the slag in the mud and water chamber 2 and avoiding the phenomenon of stagnation in the mud and water chamber 2.

[0042] Meanwhile, the large rocks and highly viscous soil conveyed by the screw conveyor 4 are transported to the integrated multi-stage crushing mechanism: the large rocks are first blocked by the grid, then the jaw crusher performs primary crushing, and then the toothed crusher performs secondary fine crushing, ensuring that the size of all solid particles passing through this channel is within a safe and controllable range, thereby completely eliminating the threat to the subsequent pumping units and pipelines, avoiding the risk of physical damage to the subsequent equipment and pipelines by large rocks, and preventing serious accidents such as gushing caused by pipe blockage or pump blockage. At the same time, the crushed slag discharged from the screw conveyor 4 will enter the dilution mixing tank 41, so that the crushed slag is mixed and diluted with the entering mud until the viscosity of the slag is reduced and it is suitable for pumping, and then it is pumped out of the ground by the mud pump.

[0043] Meanwhile, since the tunnel boring machine is an ultra-large diameter slurry balance tunnel boring machine, the diameter of the slurry chamber 2 is relatively large. When sediment and slag appear in the slurry chamber 2, the slag will be distributed on the arc-shaped surface below the three o'clock and nine o'clock directions in the slurry chamber 2. In this case, since the position of the screw conveyor 4 is fixed, the screw conveyor 4 can only force the slag in the area near the six o'clock direction in the slurry chamber 2 to be transported and discharged. The slag deposited in other areas on the arc-shaped surface is not easy to accumulate in the area near the six o'clock direction and be forcibly transported out, which makes the slag deposition in the slurry chamber 2 gradually more serious, and even causes the slag in the slurry chamber 2 to be stagnant.

[0044] Meanwhile, by installing a flexible auger 5 inside the mud and water tank 2, and symmetrically distributing the auger 5 on both sides of the connecting cylinder 43, when the auger 5 is driven by external hydraulic power or motor, the rotating auger 5 will gradually push and transport the slag deposited on the arc surface at the bottom of the mud and water tank 2 to the area near the screw conveyor 4, so that the screw conveyor 4 can discharge all the deposited, poorly mobile slag in the mud and water tank 2, speed up the discharge speed of the slag in the mud and water tank 2, and avoid the phenomenon of stagnation.

[0045] Meanwhile, since the distance between the cutterhead 12 and the bottom surface of the slurry chamber 2 is relatively large, that is, the width of the arc surface inside the slurry chamber 2 is relatively large, similarly, after the slag is deposited on the lower arc surface inside the slurry chamber 2, the auger 5 can only push and carry the slag near it to the vicinity of the screw conveyor 4. It cannot push and carry the slag deposited in other areas of the arc surface to the vicinity of the screw conveyor 4. Therefore, there is a possibility that the slag will continue to be deposited and settled on the arc surface, causing the slag to gradually accumulate and increase, resulting in sluggish discharge. Therefore, when the auger 5 rotates, the control system inside the tunnel boring machine will control the hydraulic cylinder in the lifting cylinder 52 to drive the lifting cylinder 52 to move up and down repeatedly, so that the auger 5 moves back and forth in an arc area with the power cylinder 51 as the origin. This promotes all the slag deposited on the lower arc surface inside the slurry chamber 2 to approach the screw conveyor 4 and be forcibly transported and discharged, further reducing the deposition and settling in the slurry chamber 2, avoiding sluggish discharge in the slurry chamber 2, and ensuring the normal operation of the tunnel boring machine.

[0046] Meanwhile, due to the elasticity of the auger 5 itself, the movement of the lifting cylinder 52 can drive the auger 5 to reciprocate within the arc-shaped area, ensuring the conveying and pushing effect on the slag deposited on the arc-shaped surface. At the same time, during the rotation of the auger 5, the control system on the tunnel boring machine will control the valve on the connecting pipe 63 to open, allowing fresh slurry in the slurry inlet pipe 3 to enter the water spray pipe 6 from the connecting pipe 63, connecting ring 62, and cavity 61. Then, the fresh slurry is sprayed out from the water spray pipe 6, thereby impacting and agitating the slag in the vicinity of the auger 5, expanding the effective range of the auger 5, and through the impact of the sprayed slurry, preventing some highly viscous slag from adhering to the surface of the auger 5 during the pushing process, thus affecting the normal use of the auger 5 and the pushing effect on the slag deposited on the arc-shaped surface.

[0047] Because the screw conveyor 4 is installed inside the mud tank 2 via the connecting cylinder 43, and because there is a spiral plate inside the connecting cylinder 43, the space inside the connecting cylinder 43 is filled and blocked by the spiral plate. When the mud outlet pipe 31 installed on the connecting cylinder 43 draws mud from the mud tank 2, the mud in the mud tank 2 will enter the connecting cylinder 43 and then be drawn into the mud outlet pipe 31, and then discharged to the ground. During this process, the screw conveyor 4 operates periodically. When the mud in the mud tank 2 passes through the connecting cylinder 43, it will be obstructed by the spiral plate, intercepting and blocking larger rocks and soil clods carried in the mud. This causes some large rocks and soil clods to be intercepted in the connecting cylinder 43 or in the mud tank 2 near the inlet of the connecting cylinder 43, preventing the large rocks and soil clods that are close to the upper limit of the safe range from being carried away. Particles and solids enter the mud outlet pipe 31, thereby separating the mud from the mud in the mud tank 2. This prevents particles with sizes close to the upper limit of the safety range from gradually slowing down and settling in the mud outlet pipe 31, which could lead to a reduction in the diameter of the mud outlet pipe 31 and blockage, affecting the normal operation of the tunnel boring machine. At the same time, the intercepted particles and solids are transported by the periodically operating screw conveyor 4 to prevent them from accumulating in the connecting cylinder 43 and causing blockage. The transported particles and solids are then crushed by the integrated crushing mechanism to further reduce their size, making it easier to pump them to the ground. This also prevents all mud or solid particles from passing through the integrated crushing mechanism, which could cause small solid particles to be over-crushed, increasing the workload and load of the crushing mechanism.

[0048] Meanwhile, the ultrasonic and millimeter-wave radar sensors installed on the mud outlet pipe 31 detect the movement and density of the mud transported in the mud outlet pipe 31. Then, when the control system inside the tunnel boring machine detects that the mud flow is slow, the density is too high, or there is a possibility of sedimentation and blockage in a certain area of ​​the mud outlet pipe 31 based on the ultrasonic and millimeter-wave radar sensor data, the control system opens the valve on the branch pipe of the corresponding area of ​​the mud outlet pipe 31, so that the mud in the mud inlet pipe 3 is transported into the area of ​​the mud outlet pipe 31 where the flow is slow and there is a possibility of blockage. This dilutes and flushes the mud in the mud outlet pipe 31, promotes the smooth discharge of the mud from the mud outlet pipe 31, and avoids blockage of the mud outlet pipe 31, obstruction of mud discharge in the mud-water chamber 2, and stagnation in the mud-water chamber 2.

[0049] Meanwhile, through its dual-channel heterogeneous design, the control system inside the tunnel boring machine automatically judges the working conditions based on real-time tunneling parameters and coordinates the slurry discharge work of the two channels.

[0050] Under normal operating conditions, when the geological conditions and tunneling parameters, such as the torque of the cutterhead 12 and the propulsion speed, are stable, the control system will mainly use the air cushion direct discharge channel, i.e., the mud discharge pipe 31, to discharge the mud in the mud and water chamber 2. It will also use the cooperative conveying channel to assist in periodically starting the screw conveyor 4 to transport away the accumulated solid particles whose particle size is close to the upper limit of the safe range, so as to ensure that the slag in the mud and water chamber 2 is discharged smoothly and there is no stagnation.

[0051] When the torque of the cutterhead 12 increases suddenly or continuously, indicating that it has encountered a large obstacle, or that the pressure in the mud tank 2 and the slurry discharge pipeline is abnormally drastic, the control system will mainly use the cooperative conveying channel and auxiliaryly use the air cushion direct discharge channel to keep the screw conveyor 4 running continuously to transport and crush large rocks, and to discharge the mud carrying rocks through the mud discharge pipe 31, thereby ensuring that the slag and mud in the mud tank 2 are discharged smoothly and avoiding the phenomenon of stagnation in the mud tank 2.

[0052] Meanwhile, the dual-channel design allows the two channels to serve as backups for each other. If one channel experiences a temporary failure, the other channel can still maintain the muck removal operation, ensuring the continuity of tunnel boring machine construction, facilitating equipment maintenance and troubleshooting, and improving the overall reliability of the tunnel boring machine.

[0053] In one embodiment of the present invention, the portion of the spiral plate located inside the connecting cylinder 43 is a grid spiral plate 42, and the surface of the grid spiral plate 42 is provided with a through groove.

[0054] Since the mud outlet pipe 31 is connected to the mud chamber 2 through the connecting cylinder 43, and the spiral plate inside the connecting cylinder 43 occupies part of the space, the space for mud to pass through the connecting cylinder 43 is relatively small, which affects the amount of mud entering the mud outlet pipe 31 and reduces the discharge flow rate. Therefore, a grid spiral plate 42 is set on the spiral plate and placed inside the connecting cylinder 43. This allows the mud in the mud chamber 2 to pass through the connecting cylinder 43 and enter the mud outlet pipe 31. During this process, the mud and the soil particles with a size within the safe range can pass through the slots on the grid spiral plate 42, facilitating the passage of mud from the connecting cylinder 43. This reduces the impact on the discharge volume while ensuring the interception effect on particles with a size close to the upper limit of the safe range, so as to quickly discharge the mud in the mud chamber 2, minimize the time for soil to stay and settle in the mud chamber 2, improve the tunneling efficiency of the tunnel boring machine, and avoid the phenomenon of stagnation in the mud chamber 2.

[0055] In one embodiment of the present invention, the spiral plate inside the spiral conveyor 4 extends into the mud and water chamber 2 through the connecting cylinder 43. The inlet of the connecting cylinder 43 faces the rear of the cutter head 12. The pitch of the portion of the spiral plate located inside the mud and water chamber 2 is smaller than the pitch of the other portions.

[0056] Since the end of the spiral plate extends into the mud-water chamber 2 after passing through the connecting cylinder 43, the spiral plate agitates the slag in the lower part of the mud-water chamber 2, causing the slag in the mud-water chamber 2 to flow and be discharged, thus avoiding the slag in the mud-water chamber 2 from not being able to be discharged in time due to insufficient fluidity, resulting in sedimentation and stagnation, which would affect the normal operation of the tunnel boring machine.

[0057] Meanwhile, the spiral plate extending into the mud chamber 2 will push and drive the excavated soil in the mud chamber 2 towards the connecting cylinder 43, accelerating the entry of the excavated soil slurry into the connecting cylinder 43, and then leaving the mud chamber 2 from the mud outlet pipe 31 or the spiral conveyor 4, thereby forming a relatively forced slurry discharge circulation, avoiding poor fluidity of the excavated soil in the mud chamber 2, which would lead to failure of the mud-water circulation system, and cause the excavated soil to settle and stagnate in the mud chamber 2, affecting the tunneling efficiency and normal operation of the tunnel boring machine;

[0058] Meanwhile, because the pitch of the spiral plate located inside the mud-water chamber 2 is smaller than that of other parts, the material conveying capacity of the spiral plate inside the mud-water chamber 2 is relatively smaller than that of the spiral plates in other parts of the screw conveyor 4. As a result, after the spiral plate inside the mud-water chamber 2 pushes and drives the slag and slurry, when the moving slag and slurry enter the connecting cylinder 43, the slag and slurry can easily enter the connecting cylinder 43, avoiding excessive slag and slurry entering the connecting cylinder 43 at the same time, which would cause congestion in the connecting cylinder 43 and affect the discharge efficiency of the slag and slurry.

[0059] In one embodiment of the present invention, the spiral plate inside the mud and water chamber 2 is made of elastic rubber plate 44, the surface of the spiral plate inside the mud and water chamber 2 is in contact with the inner wall of the mud and water chamber 2, and the surface of the auger 5 is covered with a rubber layer.

[0060] Because the slag and mud in the mud tank 2 are constantly flowing and the flow speed is relatively fast, the spiral plate and auger 5 that extend into the mud tank 2 are easily subjected to continuous scouring by the mud and solid slag, which causes the spiral plate and auger 5 to be eroded, affecting the normal use and service life of the spiral plate and auger 5. At the same time, the part of the spiral plate located in the mud tank 2 is made of elastic rubber plate 44, and a rubber layer is covered on the surface of the auger 5 to improve the spiral plate's resistance to abrasion and extend the service life of the spiral plate.

[0061] Meanwhile, through the mutual contact between the spiral plate inside the mud-water chamber 2 and the inner wall of the mud-water chamber 2, the spiral plate inside the mud-water chamber 2 can fully agitate and push the slag in the lower part of the mud-water chamber 2, avoiding the dead corner between the bottom of the spiral plate inside the mud-water chamber 2 and the mud-water chamber 2, which would cause the slag to accumulate in the dead corner and lead to the phenomenon of sludge accumulation and sludge discharge. This avoids the problems of incomplete sludge discharge, low sludge discharge efficiency and easy equipment blockage in the mud-water chamber 2, thus ensuring the discharge and circulation of slag and sludge and the tunneling efficiency of the tunnel boring machine.

[0062] In one embodiment of the present invention, a bent section is provided at one end of the mud outlet pipe 31 near the connecting cylinder 43. The mud outlet pipe 31 and the connecting cylinder 43 are inclined relative to the vertical plane. The bent section of the mud outlet pipe 31 and the connecting cylinder 43 are located in the same plane. The shape of the bent section includes, but is not limited to, U-shape, W-shape and S-shape.

[0063] When the slurry enters the slurry outlet pipe 31 from the connecting cylinder 43, solid slag with a diameter close to the safety limit cannot be completely blocked and separated by the spiral plate inside the connecting cylinder 43. This causes some solid slag with a diameter close to the safety limit to enter the slurry outlet pipe 31 along with the slurry. After flowing a long distance, it is easy to deposit in the slurry outlet pipe 31, resulting in a reduction in the diameter of the slurry outlet pipe 31 or blockage, affecting the normal operation of the tunnel boring machine and the tunneling efficiency. At the same time, by setting a bend in the slurry outlet pipe 31 near the connecting cylinder 43, the slurry will immediately encounter the bend in the slurry outlet pipe 31 after entering the slurry outlet pipe 31 from the connecting cylinder 43. This causes the solid slag with a diameter close to the safety limit to be relatively intercepted in the slurry, so that the movement of the solid slag is slowed down and it gradually sinks into the connecting cylinder 43. This promotes the separation of the slurry from the larger solid slag, making it easier for the slurry to be pumped out by the slurry pump.

[0064] Meanwhile, by setting up a mud outlet pipe 31 and a connecting cylinder 43 that are relatively inclined to the vertical plane, and by using a bend section near the connecting cylinder 43 to buffer and slow down the mud, the solid slag in the mud gradually settles and separates downwards, improving the slag separation effect and discharge efficiency, and increasing the tunneling efficiency of the tunnel boring machine.

[0065] In one embodiment of the present invention, the bent section of the mud outlet pipe 31 is made of an elastic pipe;

[0066] When the mud is buffered and slowed down at the bend section, the mud will have an impact effect on the bend section. By using an elastic pipe to make the bend section elastic, the impact force generated by the mud impact is buffered, so as to avoid the impact force generated when the mud is slowed down and buffered from causing wear and vibration to the mud outlet pipe 31, which would affect the normal use of the mud outlet pipe 31.

[0067] Meanwhile, the impact force of the mud is buffered by the flexible curved pipe section, so that the mud can enter the mud outlet pipe 31 from the connecting cylinder 43. The interception and reduction effect of the mud is good, which in turn promotes the relative suspension of solid slag in the mud whose size diameter is close to the limit of the safe range. This allows the solid slag to gradually settle and fall back into the connecting cylinder 43, thereby improving the separation effect of slag in the mud.

[0068] In one embodiment of the present invention, the bent pipe section is mounted on a bracket of a corresponding shape by means of a spring, and a vibrator is mounted on the surface of the bent pipe section.

[0069] The bend section is installed on a correspondingly shaped bracket by a spring, ensuring that the bend section does not change shape during use. Meanwhile, after the slurry enters the slurry outlet pipe 31 from the connecting cylinder 43, the bend section is vibrated by a vibrator. The shape of the bend section buffers and slows down the slurry, causing larger diameter solid slag in the slurry to separate under the action of vibration, promoting the settling of solid slag and slurry separation. At the same time, the vibration of the slurry will promote the thorough and uniform mixing of water, soil and entrained slag in the slurry, improving the fluidity of the slurry. This makes it easier for the slurry to be pumped to the ground from the slurry outlet pipe 31 by the slurry pump, further reducing the possibility of sedimentation of slag entrained in the slurry after long-term movement, which could lead to a decrease in the diameter of the slurry outlet pipe 31 or blockage.

[0070] In one embodiment of the present invention, the connection point between the branch pipe and the mud outlet pipe 31 is located below the mud outlet pipe 31, and the branch pipe is installed at an angle relative to the mud outlet pipe 31.

[0071] Install the branch pipe below the mud outlet pipe 31 so that when the valve on the branch pipe is opened, the mud discharged from the branch pipe will directly flush and dilute the solid slag material that flows slowly and is deposited in the mud outlet pipe 31. This will dilute and agitate the mud in the mud outlet pipe 31, promote the normal flow of the mud in the mud outlet pipe 31, prevent the diameter of the mud outlet pipe 31 from decreasing or becoming blocked, ensure the smooth discharge of slag material in the mud-water tank 2, and avoid the phenomenon of stagnation.

[0072] Meanwhile, the branch pipe is installed at an angle relative to the mud outlet pipe 31, so that the mud discharged from the branch pipe impacts the slag material deposited and blocked in the mud outlet pipe 31 at an angle, which improves the unblocking effect of the mud outlet pipe 31, ensures the normal use of the mud outlet pipe 31, and improves the tunneling efficiency of the tunnel boring machine.

[0073] The specific workflow is as follows:

[0074] During operation, the mud pump pumps mud into the mud chamber 2 through the mud inlet pipe 3, causing the slag produced by the cutter head 12 to flow with the mud in the mud chamber 2. When the mud flows to the lower part of the mud chamber 2, the mud and slag in the mud chamber 2 are discharged to the ground through the mud outlet pipe 31.

[0075] Meanwhile, under favorable geological conditions and stable tunneling parameters, the connecting cylinder 43 and the mud discharge pipe 31 suck out the newly excavated slag and circulating mud from the mud and water chamber 2.

[0076] Meanwhile, when traversing complex and variable strata such as soft upper and hard lower layers, containing boulders and strongly weathered rock layers, the movement of the screw conveyor 4 is controlled to forcibly transport and discharge the poorly mobile slag deposited at the bottom of the mud and water tank 2.

[0077] Meanwhile, the large rocks and highly viscous soil conveyed by the screw conveyor 4 are transported to the integrated multi-stage crushing mechanism: the large rocks are first blocked by the grid, then the jaw crusher performs primary crushing, and then the toothed roller crusher performs secondary fine crushing, ensuring that the size of all solid particles passing through the channel is within a safe and controllable range. At the same time, the crushed slag discharged from the screw conveyor 4 will enter the dilution mixing tank 41, so that the crushed slag is mixed and diluted with the entering mud until the viscosity of the slag is reduced and it is suitable for pumping, and then it is pumped out of the ground by the mud pump.

[0078] Meanwhile, when the auger 5 is driven by external hydraulic power or motor, the rotating auger 5 will gradually push and transport the slag deposited on the arc surface of the lower part of the mud and water tank 2 to the area near the screw conveyor 4, so that the screw conveyor 4 can discharge all the deposited, poorly mobile slag in the mud and water tank 2.

[0079] At the same time, when the auger 5 rotates, the control system inside the tunnel boring machine will control the hydraulic cylinder inside the lifting cylinder 52 to drive the lifting cylinder 52 to move up and down repeatedly, so that the auger 5 moves back and forth in an arc-shaped area with the power cylinder 51 as the origin, thereby promoting all the slag deposited on the lower arc-shaped surface of the mud chamber 2 to approach the screw conveyor 4 and be forcibly transported and discharged.

[0080] Meanwhile, during the rotation of the screw conveyor 5, the control system on the tunnel boring machine will control the valve on the connecting pipe 63 to open, so that the fresh mud in the mud inlet pipe 3 enters the water spray pipe 6 from the connecting pipe 63, connecting ring 62, and cavity 61. Then the fresh mud is sprayed out from the water spray pipe 6, impacting and agitating the slag in the vicinity of the screw conveyor 5, expanding the effective range of the screw conveyor 5, and preventing some highly viscous slag from adhering to the surface of the screw conveyor 5 during the pushing process of the screw conveyor 5 through the impact of the sprayed mud.

[0081] When the mud outlet pipe 31 installed on the connecting cylinder 43 extracts the mud in the mud tank 2, the mud in the mud tank 2 will enter the connecting cylinder 43 and then be extracted into the mud outlet pipe 31, and then discharged to the ground. During this process, the screw conveyor 4 operates periodically. When the mud in the mud tank 2 passes through the connecting cylinder 43, it will be obstructed by the screw plate, which will intercept and block the large rocks and soil clods carried in the mud. This will cause some large rocks and soil clods to be intercepted in the connecting cylinder 43 or in the mud tank 2 near the inlet of the connecting cylinder 43. At the same time, the intercepted solid particles will be transported by the periodically operating screw conveyor 4, and the transported solid particles will be crushed by the integrated crushing mechanism.

[0082] Meanwhile, the ultrasonic sensor and millimeter-wave radar sensor installed on the mud outlet pipe 31 detect the movement and density of the mud transported in the mud outlet pipe 31. Then, when the control system in the tunnel boring machine detects that the mud flow is slow, the density is too high, or there is a possibility of sedimentation and blockage in a certain area of ​​the mud outlet pipe 31 based on the ultrasonic sensor data and millimeter-wave radar sensor data, the control system opens the valve on the branch pipe of the corresponding area on the mud outlet pipe 31, so that the mud in the mud inlet pipe 3 is transported into the area of ​​the mud outlet pipe 31 where the flow is slow and there is a possibility of blockage, diluting and flushing the mud in the mud outlet pipe 31, and promoting the smooth discharge of the mud from the mud outlet pipe 31.

[0083] Meanwhile, through its dual-channel heterogeneous design, the control system inside the tunnel boring machine automatically judges the working conditions based on real-time tunneling parameters and coordinates the slurry discharge work of the two channels.

[0084] Under normal working conditions, when the geological conditions are good and the tunneling parameters, such as the torque of the cutterhead 12 and the propulsion speed, are stable, the control system will mainly use the air cushion direct discharge channel, i.e., the mud discharge pipe 31, to discharge the mud in the mud and water chamber 2. It will also use the cooperative conveying channel to assist in periodically starting the screw conveyor 4 to transport away the accumulated solid particles whose particle size is close to the upper limit of the safe range, so as to ensure that the slag in the mud and water chamber 2 is discharged smoothly.

[0085] When the torque of the cutterhead 12 increases suddenly or continuously, indicating that it has encountered a large obstacle, or that the pressure in the mud tank 2 and the slurry discharge pipeline is abnormally drastic, the control system will mainly use the cooperative conveying channel and auxiliaryly use the air cushion direct discharge channel to keep the screw conveyor 4 running, to transport and crush large rocks, and to discharge the mud carrying rocks through the mud discharge pipe 31, so as to ensure that the slag and mud in the mud tank 2 are discharged smoothly.

[0086] A grid spiral plate 42 is installed on the spiral plate and the grid spiral plate 42 is located inside the connecting cylinder 43. This allows the mud in the mud tank 2 to pass through the connecting cylinder 43 and enter the mud outlet pipe 31. During this process, the mud and the slag particles carried by the mud that are within the safe range can pass through the through groove on the grid spiral plate 42. This reduces the impact on the discharge volume while ensuring the interception effect on particles whose size is close to the upper limit of the safe range, so as to quickly discharge the mud in the mud tank 2.

[0087] Since the end of the spiral plate extends into the mud and water chamber 2 after passing through the connecting cylinder 43, the spiral plate agitates the slag and soil in the lower part of the mud and water chamber 2, causing the slag and soil in the mud and water chamber 2 to flow and be discharged.

[0088] At the same time, the spiral plate extending into the mud and water chamber 2 will push and drive the slag in the mud and water chamber 2 towards the connecting cylinder 43, accelerate the entry of slag and slurry into the connecting cylinder 43, and then leave the mud and water chamber 2 from the slurry outlet pipe 31 or the spiral conveyor 4, forming a relatively forced slurry discharge circulation, avoiding the deposition and stagnation of slag in the mud and water chamber 2.

[0089] Meanwhile, since the pitch of the spiral plate located inside the mud and water chamber 2 is smaller than that of other parts, the material conveying capacity of the spiral plate inside the mud and water chamber 2 is relatively smaller than that of the spiral plates in other parts of the screw conveyor 4. Slag and mud can easily enter the connecting cylinder 43, avoiding excessive slag and mud entering the connecting cylinder 43 at the same time, which would cause congestion in the connecting cylinder 43.

[0090] The portion of the spiral plate located inside the mud and water chamber 2 is made of elastic rubber sheet 44, which improves the spiral plate's resistance to abrasion.

[0091] At the same time, through the mutual contact between the spiral plate in the mud and water chamber 2 and the inner wall of the mud and water chamber 2, the spiral plate in the mud and water chamber 2 can fully agitate and push the slag in the lower part of the mud and water chamber 2, so as to avoid incomplete mud discharge, low discharge efficiency and easy blockage of equipment in the mud and water chamber 2.

[0092] When the slurry enters the slurry outlet pipe 31 from the connecting cylinder 43, solid slag with a diameter close to the safety limit cannot be completely blocked and separated by the spiral plate inside the connecting cylinder 43. This causes some solid slag with a diameter close to the safety limit to enter the slurry outlet pipe 31 along with the slurry. As a result, after flowing a long distance, it is easy to deposit in the slurry outlet pipe 31, which leads to a reduction in the diameter of the slurry outlet pipe 31 or blockage. At the same time, by setting a bend in the slurry outlet pipe 31 near the connecting cylinder 43, the slurry will immediately encounter the bend in the slurry outlet pipe 31 after entering from the connecting cylinder 43. This causes the solid slag with a diameter close to the safety limit to be relatively intercepted in the slurry, which slows down the movement of the solid slag and causes it to gradually sink into the connecting cylinder 43, promoting the separation of the slurry from the larger solid slag.

[0093] Meanwhile, by setting up a mud outlet pipe 31 and a connecting cylinder 43 that are inclined relative to the vertical plane, and by using the bend section near the connecting cylinder 43 to buffer and slow down the mud, the solid slag in the mud gradually settles and separates downwards.

[0094] By using an elastic tube to make the bend section, the impact force generated by the mud impact is buffered, and the impact force generated when the mud is slowed down and buffered is avoided from causing wear and vibration to the mud outlet pipe 31.

[0095] At the same time, after the impact force of the mud is buffered by the flexible curved pipe section, the mud enters the mud outlet pipe 31 from the connecting cylinder 43. The mud interception and reduction effect is good, which promotes the solid slag in the mud whose size diameter is close to the limit of the safe range to be suspended relatively, so that the solid slag gradually settles and falls back into the connecting cylinder 43.

[0096] The bend section is installed on a bracket of the corresponding shape by a spring, so that the bend section does not change during use. At the same time, after the mud enters the mud outlet pipe 31 from the connecting cylinder 43, the bend section is vibrated by a vibrator. The shape of the bend section buffers and slows down the mud, so that the larger diameter solid slag in the mud is separated under the action of vibration, promoting the sedimentation of solid slag and the separation of slag and mud. At the same time, after the mud is vibrated, the water, soil and entrained slag in the mud will be fully mixed evenly, improving the fluidity of the mud and making it easier for the mud to be pumped to the ground from the mud outlet pipe 31.

[0097] Install the branch pipe below the mud outlet pipe 31 so that when the valve on the branch pipe is opened, the mud discharged from the branch pipe will directly flush and dilute the solid slag material that flows slowly and is deposited in the mud outlet pipe 31, thereby diluting and agitating the mud in the mud outlet pipe 31 and promoting the normal flow of the mud in the mud outlet pipe 31.

[0098] At the same time, the branch pipe is installed at an angle relative to the mud outlet pipe 31, so that the mud discharged from the branch pipe impacts the slag material deposited and blocked in the mud outlet pipe 31 at an angle.

[0099] The foregoing has shown and described the basic principles, main features, and advantages of the present invention. Those skilled in the art should understand that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. The embodiments and descriptions in the specification are merely illustrative of the principles of the invention. Various changes and modifications can be made to the invention without departing from its spirit and scope, and all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of the present invention as claimed. The scope of protection of the present invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A large-diameter slurry balance shield machine suitable for complex strata, comprising a shield machine body (1), wherein a cutterhead (12) is installed on the shield machine body (1), the cutterhead (12) is driven by a main drive (11), and a slurry chamber (2) is formed between the cutterhead (12) and the shield machine body (1); Its features are: The mud tank (2) is provided with two slurry discharge channels: an air cushion direct discharge channel and a collaborative conveying channel. The air cushion direct discharge channel includes a mud discharge pipe (31), and the collaborative conveying channel includes a screw conveyor (4) and a dilution mixing tank (41). The upper end of the mud tank (2) is equipped with a mud inlet pipe (3), the mud outlet pipe (31) is installed at the lower end of the mud tank (2), the inlet of the screw conveyor (4) is connected to the lower end of the mud tank (2), the outlet of the screw conveyor (4) is integrated with a multi-stage crushing mechanism, and a dilution mixing box (41) is installed at the outlet of the screw conveyor (4). The inlet of the screw conveyor (4) is connected to the mud and water tank (2) through the connecting cylinder (43). The screw plate of the screw conveyor (4) extends into the connecting cylinder (43). The mud outlet pipe (31) is installed at one end of the connecting cylinder (43) near the mud and water tank (2). The mud outlet pipe (31) is connected to the mud and water tank (2) through the connecting cylinder (43). The screw conveyor (4) is started and operated periodically. An ultrasonic sensor and a millimeter-wave radar sensor are installed on the mud outlet pipe (31). A branch pipe is installed on the mud outlet pipe (31) and the branch pipe is connected to the mud inlet pipe (3). The inner wall of the mud tank (2) is equipped with a power cylinder (51) and a lifting cylinder (52). A flexible auger (5) is installed between the power cylinder (51) and the lifting cylinder (52) through a connecting shaft (53). The auger (5) is symmetrically distributed on both sides of the connecting cylinder (43). A water spray pipe (6) is installed on the surface of the auger (5). A cavity (61) is opened in the connecting shaft (53) on the power cylinder (51). A connecting ring (62) is installed on the connecting shaft (53). The connecting ring (62) is connected to the mud inlet pipe (3) through a connecting pipe (63). The water spray pipe (6), the cavity (61), and the connecting ring (62) are interconnected. The portion of the spiral plate located inside the connecting cylinder (43) is a grid spiral plate (42), and the surface of the grid spiral plate (42) is provided with a through groove; The spiral plate inside the spiral conveyor (4) extends into the mud and water chamber (2) through the connecting cylinder (43). The inlet of the connecting cylinder (43) faces the rear of the cutter head (12). The pitch of the portion of the spiral plate located inside the mud and water chamber (2) is smaller than the pitch of the other portions. The mud outlet pipe (31) is provided with a bend section at one end near the connecting cylinder (43). The mud outlet pipe (31) and the connecting cylinder (43) are inclined relative to each other on the vertical plane. The bend sections of the mud outlet pipe (31) and the connecting cylinder (43) are located in the same plane. The shape of the bend section includes U-shape, W-shape and S-shape. The connection point between the branch pipe and the mud outlet pipe (31) is located below the mud outlet pipe (31), and the branch pipe is installed at an angle relative to the mud outlet pipe (31).

2. The ultra-large diameter slurry balance shield tunneling machine suitable for complex strata as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The spiral plate inside the mud and water chamber (2) is made of elastic rubber plate (44). The surface of the spiral plate inside the mud and water chamber (2) is in contact with the inner wall of the mud and water chamber (2). The surface of the auger (5) is covered with a rubber layer.

3. The ultra-large diameter slurry balance shield tunneling machine suitable for complex strata as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The bent section of the mud outlet pipe (31) is made of an elastic pipe.

4. The ultra-large diameter slurry balance shield tunneling machine suitable for complex strata as described in claim 3, characterized in that: The bent pipe section is mounted on a bracket of a corresponding shape by a spring, and a vibrator is installed on the surface of the bent pipe section.

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