Pipe piece connecting device and connecting method

Abstract

The invention discloses a pipe piece connecting device and method, the device comprises a first connecting assembly and a second connecting assembly, the first connecting assembly comprises a connecting part, and a first connecting groove is formed in the outer surface of the connecting part; the second connecting assembly comprises a first shell, an inserting hole is formed in the end, corresponding to the connecting part, of the first shell, and an elastic connecting piece is arranged in the inserting hole. By arranging the connecting part and the elastic connecting piece, in the process that the connecting part is inserted into the first shell, the elastic connecting piece is squeezed by the connecting part to retract, so that the connecting part can be inserted, and the elastic connecting piece is inserted into the first shell; after the connecting part reaches a preset connecting position, the first connecting groove is aligned with the elastic connecting piece, and the elastic connecting piece rebounds into the first connecting groove to limit the connecting part to be separated from the inserting hole, so that the first connecting assembly and the second connecting assembly are locked, one-time in-place locking is achieved, the reliability and efficiency of segment splicing are improved, and the service life of the segment splicing device is prolonged. And the slab staggering rate of segment splicing is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of tunnel construction technology, and in particular to a segment connection device and connection method. Background Technology

[0002] During shield tunnel construction, the assembly and connection of tunnel segments (including concrete segments and steel segments) are typically achieved using segment bolts. These bolts are tightened to a certain preload force manually or mechanically to achieve a secure connection. However, after the segments detach from the tunnel boring machine (TBM) trolley, the area above the segments lacks a stable working platform, making subsequent re-tightening difficult. Steel segments are usually made by welding steel plates into a grid shape before assembly. While possessing a certain rigidity, they are still secured with bolts. Furthermore, operating holes need to be pre-drilled during welding for re-tightening with a wrench. However, due to the compact structural space and limited hole size, workers face difficulties operating in confined spaces, making it hard to ensure that each bolt reaches the designed preload force, thus affecting connection reliability.

[0003] Currently, some convex-concave or CT-type mechanical first connecting blocks have appeared on the market, attempting to achieve boltless or low-bolt assembly through "rapid pull". These first connecting blocks typically rely on prefabricated tenons and grooves to engage, along with cables or prestressing to achieve locking. Although theoretically improving assembly speed, they still have significant drawbacks in practical applications: First, the interface machining precision is not high, leading to misalignment during assembly; second, most products are made of cast iron or cast steel, which are brittle and difficult to effectively weld and embed with reinforcing steel during factory prefabrication, resulting in inconvenient secondary disassembly and high maintenance costs. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application aims to at least solve one of the aforementioned technical problems existing in the prior art. Therefore, the purpose of this application is to provide a segment connection device and method that can solve the problem of high misalignment rate in the assembly of the first connecting block of existing segments.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted in this application is as follows: A segment connection device, comprising A first connecting component, the first connecting component including a connecting part, the outer surface of the connecting part being provided with a first connecting groove; The second connecting assembly includes a first housing. The first housing has a insertion hole at one end corresponding to the connecting part. An elastic connector is provided inside the insertion hole. The elastic connector protrudes from the inner wall of the insertion hole and can elastically deform when compressed, so that the connecting part can be inserted into the first housing through the insertion hole. The first connecting groove corresponds to the elastic connector after the connecting part is inserted to a preset connecting position. The elastic connector can be engaged in the first connecting groove to prevent the connecting part from disengaging from the insertion hole, so that the first connecting assembly and the second connecting assembly are locked together.

[0006] According to some embodiments of this application, the elastic connector is provided with a first inclined guide surface on the side near the insertion end of the plug hole. When the first inclined guide surface is squeezed by the connecting part, it can drive the elastic connector to undergo elastic deformation to avoid the connecting part.

[0007] According to some embodiments of this application, the connecting portion is provided with a second inclined guide surface at one end near the first housing.

[0008] According to some embodiments of this application, the first housing includes a connecting plate, a connecting pipe, and a first connecting block. The insertion hole is formed on one end surface of the connecting pipe near the connecting part. There are two first connecting blocks symmetrically disposed inside the connecting pipe. The two first connecting blocks are joined together inside the connecting pipe to form a complete inner ring structure. The connecting plate is disposed on the outer surface of the connecting pipe for connecting with the pipe segment.

[0009] According to some embodiments of this application, the first connecting block is provided with at least two second connecting grooves, the elastic connector is installed in the second connecting grooves, and the position of the second connecting grooves corresponds to the first connecting groove.

[0010] According to some embodiments of this application, the first connecting component further includes a second housing and a second connecting block. The second connecting block is disposed inside the second housing. A first connecting hole is formed on the surface of the second housing. One end of the connecting portion passes vertically through the first connecting hole and is detachably connected to the second connecting block.

[0011] According to some embodiments of this application, the first connecting component further includes a movable member movably disposed on the outer surface of the second connecting block, so that the second connecting block can move relative to the second housing to accommodate docking errors during the segment assembly process.

[0012] According to some embodiments of this application, the second housing includes a box body, a first cover and a second cover, the box body is used to accommodate the second connecting block and is located between the first cover and the second cover, the box body is connected to the first cover and the second cover respectively, and the first connecting hole is provided on the first cover.

[0013] According to some embodiments of this application, the movable component is a ball bearing. The second connecting block has a first slide rail on each of the outer surfaces of the first cover and the second cover. There are two first slide rails symmetrically arranged on the upper and lower sides of the first connecting hole. Multiple balls are placed in the first slide rails. The first cover and the second cover have a second slide rail corresponding to the first slide rail on the side of the second connecting block. The first slide rail and the second slide rail together form a closed channel for the ball bearing to move. The second connecting block moves within the second housing by the ball bearing rolling in the channel.

[0014] A method for connecting tunnel segments, employing the aforementioned tunnel segment connecting device, includes: One segment to be assembled is connected to the first connecting assembly via the outer surface of the connecting part, and the other segment to be assembled is connected to the second connecting assembly. One end of the connecting part with the first connecting groove is inserted into the first housing through the plug hole along the axial direction of the connecting part's central axis. During the insertion process, the elastic connector is squeezed by the connecting part and retracts to allow the connecting part to be inserted. After the elastic connecting part reaches the preset connection position, the first connecting groove and the elastic connector are aligned, and the elastic connector springs back into the first connecting groove to prevent the connecting part from disengaging from the plug hole, so that the first connecting assembly and the second connecting assembly are locked together at the same time, and the two tube segments are assembled.

[0015] The beneficial effects of this application are: This application provides a first connecting component and a second connecting component. The first connecting component has a connecting part with a first connecting groove on its outer surface. The second connecting component has a first housing with a insertion hole at one end corresponding to the connecting part. An elastic connector protrudes from the inner wall of the insertion hole and can deform elastically under pressure, allowing the connecting part to be inserted into the first housing through the insertion hole. The first connecting groove aligns with the elastic connector after the connecting part is inserted to a preset connection position, and the elastic connector can engage with the first connecting groove to prevent the connecting part from disengaging from the insertion hole. This locks the first connecting component and the second connecting component together, achieving a one-time locking, improving the reliability and efficiency of segment assembly, and reducing the misalignment rate of segment assembly.

[0016] Additional aspects and advantages of this application will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of this application. Attached Figure Description

[0017] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of this application will become apparent and readily understood from the description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the following drawings, in which: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the segment connection device of this application.

[0018] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the segment connection device of this application.

[0019] Figure 3 This is an exploded view of the segment connection device in this application.

[0020] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the segment connection device in this application.

[0021] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the first connecting component.

[0022] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the second connecting component.

[0023] Figure 7 This application includes an exploded view of the segment connection device.

[0024] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the segment connection device of this application with segment connection.

[0025] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the first lid and the box body assembly.

[0026] Figure label: 100. First connecting assembly; 110. Second housing; 120. Second connecting block; 121. Threaded hole; 122. First slide rail; 123. Ball bearing; 130. Connecting part; 131. First connecting groove; 132. Second inclined guide surface; 140. Box body; 150. First cover; 151. First connecting hole; 160. Second cover; 170. Second slide rail; 180. Screw; 190. Locating pin; 200, Second connecting assembly; 210, First housing; 220, Elastic connector; 230, Connecting plate; 240, Connecting pipe; 250, First connecting block; 251, Second connecting groove; 300. Segment. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The embodiments of this application are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain this application, and should not be construed as limiting this application.

[0028] In the description of this application, it should be understood that if directional descriptions are involved, such as up, down, front, back, left, right, etc., indicating the directional or positional relationship based on the directional or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, it is only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and does not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

[0029] In the description of this application, if words such as several, greater than, less than, exceeding, above, below, or within appear, "several" means one or more, "more than" means two or more, "greater than," "less than," "exceeding," etc. are understood to exclude the number itself, and "above," "below," "within," etc. are understood to include the number itself.

[0030] In the description of this application, the use of terms such as "first" and "second" is for the purpose of distinguishing technical features only, and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of technical features indicated or the order of the technical features indicated.

[0031] In the description of this application, unless otherwise expressly defined, terms such as "setup," "installation," and "connection" should be interpreted broadly, and those skilled in the art can reasonably determine the specific meaning of the above terms in this application in conjunction with the specific content of the technical solution.

[0032] Reference Figures 1 to 9 The following are specific embodiments of this application.

[0033] This application provides a segment connection device, including a first connection component 100 and a second connection component 200. The first connection component 100 includes a connection portion 130, and the outer surface of the connection portion 130 is provided with a first connection groove 131.

[0034] The second connecting component 200 includes a first housing 210. The first housing 210 has a plug hole at one end corresponding to the connecting part 130. An elastic connector 220 is provided inside the plug hole. The elastic connector 220 protrudes from the inner wall of the plug hole and can elastically deform when compressed, so that the connecting part 130 can be inserted into the first housing 210 through the plug hole. The first connecting groove 131 corresponds to the elastic connector 220 after the connecting part 130 is inserted into the preset connecting position. The elastic connector 220 can be locked into the first connecting groove 131 to prevent the connecting part 130 from disengaging from the plug hole, so that the first connecting component 100 and the second connecting component 200 are locked together.

[0035] During the process of inserting the connecting part 130 into the first housing 210, the elastic connector 220 is squeezed and retracted by the connecting part 130 so that the connecting part 130 can be inserted. After the connecting part 130 reaches the preset connection position, the first connecting groove 131 and the elastic connector 220 are aligned, and the elastic connector 220 springs back into the first connecting groove 131 to prevent the connecting part 130 from disengaging from the insertion hole, so that the first connecting assembly 100 and the second connecting assembly 200 are locked together.

[0036] Furthermore, the end of the elastic connector 220 near the connecting portion 130 is a first inclined guide surface (not shown). The cross-sectional shape of the first connecting groove 131 is complementary to the first inclined guide surface. When the first inclined guide surface is squeezed by the connecting portion 130, it can drive the elastic connector 220 to undergo elastic deformation to avoid the connecting portion 130, so that the elastic connector 220 can more smoothly rebound into the first connecting groove 131.

[0037] Furthermore, when the connecting portion 130 is inserted into the first housing 210, the end of the connecting portion 130 near the first housing 210 is a second inclined guide surface 132. The diameter of the second inclined guide surface 132 gradually decreases towards the first housing 210, and the second inclined guide surface 132 is frustum-shaped or conical. The second inclined guide surface 132 is used to interact with the elastic connector 220 during the insertion of the connecting portion 130 into the second connecting assembly 200, causing it to elastically deform to allow the connecting portion 130 to pass through. After the connecting portion 130 reaches the connecting position, the elastic connector 220 restores its deformation and springs into the first connecting groove 131, thereby realizing the locking between the first connecting assembly 100 and the second connecting assembly 200, achieving a one-time locking.

[0038] In some embodiments, the first housing 210 includes a connecting plate 230, a connecting pipe 240, and a first connecting block 250. There are two first connecting blocks 250 symmetrically disposed inside the connecting pipe 240. The two first connecting blocks 250 are joined together inside the connecting pipe 240 to form a complete inner ring structure. At least two second connecting grooves 251 are provided on the first connecting block 250. An elastic connector 220 is installed in the second connecting groove 251. The connecting plate 230 is disposed on the outer surface of the connecting pipe 240 for connecting with the pipe segment 300.

[0039] By setting two first connecting blocks 250, if positioning or assembly problems are found during the pre-installation process, the entire block can be removed by rotating it in the opposite direction, achieving quick disassembly and reinstallation.

[0040] Furthermore, the connecting plate 230 and the connecting pipe 240 have an O-shaped cross-section, the first connecting block 250 has a C-shaped cross-section, and the insertion hole is opened on the end surface of the connecting pipe 240 near the connecting part 130.

[0041] Furthermore, the elastic connector 220 is an elastic open retaining ring, such as a C-shaped retaining ring or a one-way retaining spring, which is embedded inside the second connecting groove 251. After being assembled into place in one go, it will not come out. That is, it allows the connecting part 130 to be smoothly inserted under the action of axial thrust, and automatically locks into the first connecting groove 131 after the connecting part 130 reaches the locking position, forming an irreversible mechanical lock. This effectively prevents the connecting part 130 from coming out under axial tension or vibration conditions, and the assembly is completed in one go, achieving a reliable connection.

[0042] In some embodiments, the first connecting component 100 includes a second housing 110, a second connecting block 120, and a connecting portion 130. The second connecting block 120 is disposed inside the second housing 110. A first connecting hole 151 is formed on the surface of the second housing 110. One end of the connecting portion 130 is perpendicularly inserted through the first connecting hole 151 and is detachably connected to the second connecting block 120.

[0043] Furthermore, the second connecting block 120 is located at the center inside the second housing 110.

[0044] In some embodiments, the second housing 110 includes a box body 140, a first cover 150, and a second cover 160. The box body 140 is used to accommodate the second connecting block 120 and is located between the first cover 150 and the second cover 160. The box body 140 is connected to the first cover 150 and the second cover 160 respectively. The surface of the second connecting block 120 is provided with a threaded hole 121. One end of the connecting part 130 is provided with a thread that engages with the threaded hole 121, and the threaded hole 121 is located at the center of the first cover 150.

[0045] In some embodiments, the first connecting assembly 100 further includes a movable member movably disposed on the outer surface of the second connecting block 120, for moving the second connecting block 120 relative to the second housing 110 to accommodate docking errors during segment assembly. For example, the second connecting block 120 may be displaced axially along the central axis of the connecting portion 130 and radially perpendicular to the central axis.

[0046] The movable component in the first connecting assembly 100 is a ball bearing 123. The second connecting block 120 has two first slide rails 122 on the outer surfaces of its two sides near the first cover 150 and the second cover 160. The first slide rails 122 are symmetrically arranged on the upper and lower sides of the threaded hole 121. Multiple balls bearing 123 are placed in the first slide rails 122. The first cover 150 and the second cover 160 have a second slide rail 170 on the side near the second connecting block 120, which corresponds to the first slide rail 122. The first slide rails 122 and the second slide rails 170 together form a closed channel for the balls bearing 123 to move. The second connecting block 120 moves within the second housing 110 by the balls bearing 123 rolling in the channel.

[0047] Furthermore, the cross-sectional dimensions of the first slide rail 122 and the second slide rail 170 are larger than the diameter of the ball bearing 123. Specifically, the cross-sectional dimensions of the first slide rail 122 and the second slide rail 170 are 8.4 mm, and the diameter of the ball bearing 123 is 8 mm.

[0048] The assembly process of the first connecting component 100 is as follows: First, connect the box body 140 to the second cover 160, and place the ball bearing 123 into the second slide rail 170 provided in the second cover 160. Place the second connecting block 120 into the box body 140, and place the ball bearing 123 into the first slide rail 122 on the side of the second connecting block 120 near the first cover 150. Then, place the side of the first cover 150 with the second slide rail 170 facing the second connecting block 120, and connect the first cover 150 to the box body 140. The box body 140, the first cover 150 and the second cover 160 are positioned and connected by screws 180 and positioning pins 190. The second shell 110 is then assembled.

[0049] Then, threaded end of connecting part 130 is passed through first connecting hole 151 on first cover 150 and connected to threaded hole 121 on second connecting block 120 to complete the assembly of first connecting assembly 100.

[0050] The assembly process of the second connecting component 200 is as follows: two first connecting blocks 250 are placed into the inside of the connecting tube 240 in sequence, so that they are joined at the center inside the connecting tube 240 to form a complete inner ring structure. An elastic connector 220 is embedded in the second connecting groove 251, and the connecting plate 230 is connected to the outer surface of the connecting tube 240 to complete the assembly of the second connecting component 200.

[0051] This application also provides a segment connection method, employing the above-mentioned segment connection device, including: Step 1: The first connecting component 100 and the second connecting component 200 are connected to the tube segment 300 respectively: One tube segment 300 to be assembled is placed on the outer surface of the connecting part 130 to achieve assembly with the first connecting component 100, and another tube segment 300 to be assembled is placed on the connecting plate 230 to achieve assembly with the second connecting component.

[0052] Step 2: Connect the first connecting assembly and the second connecting assembly with the tube segments to assemble the two tube segments: Insert one end of the connecting part 130 with the first connecting groove 131 into the connecting tube 240 of the second connecting assembly 200 along the axial direction of the central axis of the connecting part 130. During the insertion process, the second inclined guide surface 132 on the connecting part 130 pushes the elastic connecting member 220 to expand. When the connecting part 130 is pushed to the preset locking position, the elastic connecting member 220 rebounds and embeds into the first connecting groove 131 to form a buckle, thereby achieving automatic locking. The two tube segments 300 are then assembled.

[0053] Furthermore, the two segments 300 are welded to the connecting part 130 and the connecting plate 230 respectively.

[0054] Furthermore, after assembly, if it is necessary to replace or repair the segments, a compression tool is used to apply pressure from the outside of the second connecting assembly 200 to compress the elastic connector 220 so that it is disengaged from the first connecting groove 131. After the elastic connector 220 is disengaged, the first connecting assembly 100 and the segments 300 connected to it can be pulled out together, achieving non-destructive disassembly.

[0055] The compression tool can be a split-type hydraulic clamp.

[0056] The segment connection device and method of this application, by setting up a first connection component and a second connection component, includes a connecting part in the first connection component with a first connecting groove on its outer surface; and a first housing in the second connection component with an insertion hole at one end corresponding to the connecting part. An elastic connector is provided within the insertion hole. During the insertion of the connecting part into the first housing, the elastic connector is compressed and retracted by the connecting part, allowing the connecting part to be inserted. After the connecting part reaches a preset connection position, the first connecting groove aligns with the elastic connector, and the elastic connector springs back into the first connecting groove to prevent the connecting part from disengaging from the insertion hole, thus locking the first and second connection components together. Once assembled in place, the connecting part will not retract, achieving a reliable connection, improving assembly reliability and efficiency, and achieving high assembly accuracy. Furthermore, a movable component is provided within the first connection component, allowing the connecting part to move within the second housing during segment assembly to accommodate docking errors during the segment assembly process, further improving assembly accuracy.

[0057] In the description of this specification, the use of terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiment," "example," "specific example," and "some examples" indicates that the specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0058] Although embodiments of this application have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of this application, the scope of which is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A segment connection device, characterized in that, include A first connecting component, the first connecting component including a connecting part, the outer surface of the connecting part being provided with a first connecting groove; The second connecting assembly includes a first housing. The first housing has a insertion hole at one end corresponding to the connecting part. An elastic connector is provided inside the insertion hole. The elastic connector protrudes from the inner wall of the insertion hole and can elastically deform when compressed, so that the connecting part can be inserted into the first housing through the insertion hole. The first connecting groove corresponds to the elastic connector after the connecting part is inserted to a preset connecting position. The elastic connector can be engaged in the first connecting groove to prevent the connecting part from disengaging from the insertion hole, so that the first connecting assembly and the second connecting assembly are locked together.

2. The segment connection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The elastic connector has a first inclined guide surface on the side near the insertion end of the plug hole. When the first inclined guide surface is squeezed by the connecting part, it can drive the elastic connector to undergo elastic deformation to avoid the connecting part.

3. The segment connection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connecting part is provided with a second inclined guide surface at one end near the first housing.

4. A segment connection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first housing includes a connecting plate, a connecting pipe, and a first connecting block. The insertion hole is opened on one end surface of the connecting pipe near the connecting part. There are two first connecting blocks symmetrically arranged inside the connecting pipe. The two first connecting blocks are joined together inside the connecting pipe to form a complete inner ring structure. The connecting plate is located on the outer surface of the connecting pipe and is used to connect with the pipe segment.

5. A segment connection device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first connecting block is provided with at least two second connecting slots, and the elastic connecting member is installed in the second connecting slot, the position of the second connecting slot corresponding to the first connecting slot.

6. A segment connection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first connecting assembly further includes a second housing and a second connecting block. The second connecting block is disposed inside the second housing. A first connecting hole is formed on the surface of the second housing. One end of the connecting part is perpendicularly inserted through the first connecting hole and detachably connected to the second connecting block.

7. A segment connection device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The first connecting assembly further includes a movable component, which is movably disposed on the outer surface of the second connecting block so that the second connecting block can move relative to the second housing to accommodate docking errors during the segment assembly process.

8. A segment connection device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The second housing includes a box body, a first cover and a second cover. The box body is used to accommodate the second connecting block and is located between the first cover and the second cover. The box body is connected to the first cover and the second cover respectively, and the first connecting hole is provided on the first cover.

9. A segment connection device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The movable component is a ball bearing. The second connecting block has a first slide rail on each of the outer surfaces of the first cover and the second cover. There are two first slide rails, which are symmetrically arranged on the upper and lower sides of the first connecting hole. Multiple balls are placed in the first slide rails. The first cover and the second cover have a second slide rail corresponding to the first slide rail on the side of the second connecting block. The first slide rail and the second slide rail together form a closed channel for the ball bearing to move. The second connecting block moves within the second housing by the ball bearing rolling in the channel.

10. A method for connecting tunnel segments, characterized in that, A segment connection device according to any one of claims 1-9, comprising: One segment to be assembled is connected to the first connecting assembly via the outer surface of the connecting part, and the other segment to be assembled is connected to the second connecting assembly. One end of the connecting part with the first connecting groove is inserted into the first housing through the plug hole along the axial direction of the connecting part's central axis. During the insertion process, the elastic connector is squeezed by the connecting part and retracts to allow the connecting part to be inserted. After the elastic connecting part reaches the preset connection position, the first connecting groove and the elastic connector are aligned, and the elastic connector springs back into the first connecting groove to prevent the connecting part from disengaging from the plug hole, so that the first connecting assembly and the second connecting assembly are locked together at the same time, and the two tube segments are assembled.

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