Shield tunneling machine

Abstract

The application discloses a shield machine, and belongs to the technical field of tunneling methods or equipment. The shield machine comprises a small shield body, a large shield body assembly, a small shield body partition, a large shield body partition, a screw conveyor and a switching mechanism. The large shield body assembly is arranged at the radial outer side of the small shield body and is fixedly connected with the small shield body. The small shield body partition is arranged at the front part of the small shield body, and the small shield body partition is provided with a first slag outlet. The large shield body partition is arranged at the front part of the large shield body assembly, and the large shield body partition is provided with a second slag outlet. The screw conveyor is used for conveying spoil. The switching mechanism is configured to make the spoil inlet end of the screw conveyor selectively dock with the first slag outlet and the second slag outlet. The shield machine has high operation efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the technical field of tunnel or adit excavation methods or equipment, specifically to a tunnel boring machine. Background Technology

[0002] In tunnel engineering, such as the transition sections between subway lines and stations, it is often necessary to connect small-diameter cross-sections to large-diameter cross-sections on the same line. Although existing in-tunnel diameter changing technology can achieve cutterhead enlargement and shield conversion, the shield conversion efficiency is low, resulting in low operational efficiency.

[0003] Therefore, how to improve the operational efficiency during the shield conversion process is an urgent problem to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of the above problems, this application provides a tunnel boring machine that can improve the operational efficiency during the shield conversion process.

[0005] This application provides a tunnel boring machine (TBM), comprising a small shield body, a large shield body assembly, a small shield body partition, a large shield body partition, a screw conveyor, and a switching mechanism. The large shield body assembly is located radially outside the small shield body and is fixedly connected to it. The small shield body partition is located at the front of the small shield body and has a first muck discharge port. The large shield body partition is located at the front of the large shield body assembly and has a second muck discharge port. The screw conveyor is used to transport excavated soil. The switching mechanism is configured to allow the inlet end of the screw conveyor to selectively engage with either the first or second muck discharge port.

[0006] In the technical solution of this application embodiment, during the shield body conversion process, the switching mechanism can realize the rapid and reliable switching of the slag inlet end between the first slag outlet and the second slag outlet. This not only effectively avoids the structural complexity and operational inconvenience caused by moving the entire large shield body assembly to adjust the position of the slag outlet, but also significantly improves the operating efficiency.

[0007] In one or more embodiments, the screw conveyor includes a barrel and a conveying shaft, the conveying shaft being rotatably disposed within the barrel. The switching mechanism includes a slide rail and a slide block, a portion of which is disposed on a small shield partition and another portion on a large shield partition. The slide block is slidably engaged with the slide rail and is connected to the slag inlet end of the barrel. The slide block has a first position and a second position. In the first position, the conveying shaft can extend from the slag inlet end and pass through a first slag outlet; in the second position, the conveying shaft can extend from the slag inlet end and pass through a second slag outlet.

[0008] In the above scheme, the design of the sliding rail and the sliding base allows the slag inlet to accurately and stably connect with the first or second slag outlet during the shield body conversion process. This design, through the local displacement of the sliding base and the coordinated extension of the conveying shaft, quickly completes the slag outlet switching without the need for overall reconstruction of large components, thereby improving operational efficiency.

[0009] In one or more embodiments, the slide includes a base and a sleeve, the base being slidably fitted with a slide rail; the base has a first through hole through which a conveying shaft passes, one end of the sleeve is connected to the base and surrounds the first through hole, and the other end of the sleeve is fitted onto the slag inlet end of the machine barrel and connected to the slag inlet end.

[0010] In the above scheme, the sleeve structure facilitates the assembly of the slag inlet end of the tunnel boring machine (TBM) with the slide block, effectively improving the convenience of the assembly operation. Simultaneously, the sleeve connection enhances the rigidity of the connection between the TBM and the slide block, thus ensuring the installation stability of the screw conveyor during slag outlet switching and improving the overall operational reliability of the tunnel boring machine.

[0011] In one or more embodiments, the switching mechanism further includes a first seal fixed to the slide. In a first position, the first seal is disposed around the first slag outlet and seals the gap between the small shield partition and the slide. In a second position, the first seal is disposed around the second slag outlet and seals the gap between the large shield partition and the slide.

[0012] In the above scheme, the setting of the first sealing element can maintain the pressure of the soil chamber during the switching of the slag outlet, realize the pressure isolation of the soil chamber, reduce the risk of soil instability, and improve the safety of operation.

[0013] In one or more embodiments, the switching mechanism further includes a second seal for sealing the gap between the slide block and the slide rail.

[0014] In the above scheme, the setting of the second seal can effectively reduce the risk of jamming during the movement of the slide along the slide rail, ensure smoother movement of the slide, help maintain the positioning accuracy of the slag outlet switching, reduce the interruption of operation caused by debugging, and thus improve the overall operation efficiency.

[0015] In one or more embodiments, the outer surface of the slide is an arc surface along the radial direction of the small shield body, and in the first position, the arc surface and the outer peripheral surface of the small shield body together form a cylindrical surface.

[0016] In the above design, in the first position, the arc-shaped surface of the slide block's outer surface and the outer circumference of the small shield together form a complete cylindrical surface. This design allows the small shield to be evenly stressed during tunneling, effectively reducing the risk of damage caused by stress concentration. It also helps the tunnel boring machine advance more smoothly, reducing friction and attitude deviations. Furthermore, this structure provides a standard working space for segment assembly, which is beneficial for improving segment splicing accuracy and construction quality.

[0017] In one or more embodiments, the switching mechanism further includes a third seal fixed to the slide block, which seals the gap between the slide block and the small shield body when in the first position.

[0018] In the above scheme, the installation of the third sealing element can reduce the risk of mud and sand and other media entering the small shield body and damaging the equipment during the slag outlet switching process, thereby threatening the safety of the operators and improving the operational safety during the shield body conversion process.

[0019] In one or more embodiments, the switching mechanism further includes a shifting drive unit and a telescopic drive unit. The shifting drive unit is used to drive the slide block to move along the slide rail; the telescopic drive unit is used to drive the conveying shaft to move so that the conveying shaft extends or retracts at the slag inlet end.

[0020] In the above scheme, a parallel drive strategy is adopted, with the mobile drive unit and the telescopic drive unit working in coordination. The mobile drive unit drives the slide block to move along the slide rail, while the telescopic drive unit controls the telescopic movement of the conveyor shaft. Through motion decoupling and coordinated cooperation, the two can accurately and efficiently complete the switching of the slag outlet during shield body conversion. This design not only improves response speed and positioning accuracy but also effectively reduces the control complexity under multi-degree-of-freedom composite motion. In addition, within a limited space, the structure of the tunnel boring machine is more compact, giving it higher operational adaptability.

[0021] In one or more embodiments, the displacement drive unit includes a first telescopic cylinder, which includes a first cylinder body and a first piston rod. The first telescopic cylinder is mounted on the small shield body, and the first piston rod is hinged to the slide block.

[0022] In the above scheme, the first telescopic cylinder drives the slide, which has high stroke control accuracy and good structural rigidity, and can reduce the risk of unexpected displacement of the screw conveyor during the movement, thereby making its overall operation more stable.

[0023] In one or more embodiments, the telescopic drive unit includes a second telescopic cylinder, which includes a second cylinder body and a second piston rod. The second telescopic cylinder is mounted on the machine barrel, and one end of the second piston rod is connected to the conveying shaft.

[0024] In the above scheme, the second telescopic cylinder is used to drive the conveyor shaft, enabling it to achieve precise and controllable displacement adjustment. This not only helps maintain the stability of the screw conveyor operation after the slag outlet is switched, but also, due to its relatively simple structure, facilitates optimization of the overall spatial layout and reduces the complexity of equipment maintenance.

[0025] In one or more embodiments, the switching mechanism further includes a sealing cover, one end of which covers the first slag outlet and the second slag outlet, and the other end of which is fitted onto the outer periphery of the screw conveyor barrel and connected to the barrel.

[0026] In the above scheme, the sealing cover ensures that the slag inlet remains within the sealed cavity during the slag outlet switching process. This design effectively maintains stable pressure within the soil chamber during switching, achieving pressure isolation and reducing the risks of soil instability and water / sand inrush, thereby improving operational safety. Furthermore, the sealing cover's structure also appropriately reduces the alignment accuracy requirements between the slag inlet and the first and second slag outlets, simplifying the docking operation and further improving operational efficiency.

[0027] In one or more embodiments, the sealing cover is a bellows or a rubber bladder.

[0028] In one or more embodiments, the tunnel boring machine further includes an assembly machine main beam, on which a support base is installed, and a chute is provided on the support base. A slider is hinged to the tail of the screw conveyor, and the slider is slidably connected to the chute.

[0029] In the above scheme, the cooperation between the support base and the slide rail provides a stable pitch freedom for the tail of the screw conveyor during the slag outlet switching process, allowing it to smoothly adjust its posture to adapt to different slag outlet positions. Simultaneously, by using the main beam of the assembly machine to support the screw conveyor, its overall structural stability after switching is enhanced, effectively suppressing vibration and offset, thereby ensuring the continuity and reliability of the slag discharge process.

[0030] In one or more embodiments, the tunnel boring machine further includes a first gate, a second gate, a first drive unit, and a second drive unit. The first drive unit is configured to drive the first gate to move in order to close or open the first slag outlet; the second drive unit is configured to drive the second gate to move in order to close or open the second slag outlet.

[0031] In the above scheme, during the connection between the slag inlet and the first slag outlet, the second drive unit can drive the second gate to close the second slag outlet, and during the connection between the slag inlet and the second slag outlet, the first drive unit can drive the first gate to close the first slag outlet. This design can maintain the pressure of the soil chamber during the slag outlet switching process, achieve pressure isolation of the soil chamber, reduce the risks of soil instability and slag leakage, and improve the safety of the operation.

[0032] In one or more embodiments, the tunnel boring machine further includes a main drive system for driving the variable-diameter cutterhead. Both the first and second muck discharge ports are located below the main drive system.

[0033] In the above scheme, since both the first and second slag discharge ports are located below the main drive system, the risk of structural interference between the screw conveyor and the main drive system during slag discharge port switching is low. This reduces the need for frequent disassembly or adjustment of the main drive system, thereby lowering related operational risks and improving overall operational efficiency.

[0034] In one or more embodiments, the position of the second slag outlet is lower than the position of the first slag outlet.

[0035] In the above scheme, the pitch angle adjustment range of the screw conveyor is smaller during the slag outlet switching process, and the overall posture is easier to maintain stability, which is conducive to improving the controllability during the movement process. At the same time, it effectively reduces the risk of interference with other parts of the tunnel boring machine, improves the safety of operation, reduces the difficulty of operation, and thus improves the efficiency of operation.

[0036] The above description is only an overview of the technical solution of this application. In order to better understand the technical means of this application and to implement it in accordance with the contents of the specification, and to make the other objects, features and advantages of this application more obvious and understandable, specific embodiments of this application are given below. Attached Figure Description

[0037] Various other advantages and benefits will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the detailed description of the preferred embodiments below. The accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this application. Furthermore, the same reference numerals denote the same parts throughout the drawings. In the drawings: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the tunnel boring machine in some embodiments of this application, showing the connection between the slag inlet and the second slag outlet; Figure 2 This is a structural schematic diagram of a tunnel boring machine from another perspective in some embodiments of this application; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the tunnel boring machine in some embodiments of this application, showing the connection between the slag inlet and the first slag outlet; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a portion of the structure of a tunnel boring machine in some embodiments of this application, showing a first position where the outer surface of the slide is an arc surface and together with the outer peripheral surface of the small shield body forms a cylindrical surface; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a portion of the structure of a tunnel boring machine in some embodiments of this application, showing the support base.

[0038] The reference numerals in the detailed embodiments are as follows: 1-Small shield body; 11-Small shield body partition; 12-First slag outlet; 111-First gate; 2-Large shield body assembly; 21-Large shield body partition; 22-Second slag outlet; 211-Second gate; 3-Screw conveyor; 31-Telescopic drive unit; 32-Slider; 33-Hinge shaft; 34-Cylinder; 35-Conveyor shaft; 4-Slide seat; 41-Spherical bearing; 42-First seal; 43-Third seal; 44-Base; 441-First through hole; 442-Sleeve; 46-Shift drive unit; 5-Support seat; 6-Assembly machine main beam; 7-Slide rail; 8-First drive unit; 9-Second drive unit; 10-Main drive system. Detailed Implementation

[0039] The embodiments of the technical solution of this application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. These embodiments are only used to more clearly illustrate the technical solution of this application and are therefore merely examples, and should not be used to limit the scope of protection of this application.

[0040] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains; the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the application; the terms “comprising” and “having”, and any variations thereof, in the specification, claims, and foregoing description of the drawings are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion.

[0041] In the description of the embodiments of this application, technical terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish different objects and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number, specific order, or primary and secondary relationship of the indicated technical features. In the description of the embodiments of this application, "multiple" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly defined.

[0042] In this document, the term "embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of this application. The appearance of this phrase in various places throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a separate or alternative embodiment mutually exclusive with other embodiments. It will be explicitly and implicitly understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein can be combined with other embodiments.

[0043] When the diameter of a tunnel boring machine (TBM) changes, the soil chamber baffle and corresponding muck outlet at the front of the shield will undergo spatial displacement due to the expansion, contraction, or repositioning of the shield structure. In traditional designs, the installation position of the screw conveyor is usually fixed, and its inlet cannot dynamically adapt to changes in the position of the outlet. This can easily lead to poor muck discharge, reduced cutterhead fluidity, and consequently, increased cutterhead torque and tunneling resistance, severely affecting the continuity of construction and operational efficiency.

[0044] In view of this, this application provides a tunnel boring machine (TBM), comprising a small shield body, a large shield body assembly, a small shield body partition, a large shield body partition, a screw conveyor, and a switching mechanism. The large shield body assembly is located radially outside the small shield body and is fixedly connected to it. The small shield body partition is located at the front of the small shield body and has a first muck outlet. The large shield body partition is located at the front of the large shield body assembly and has a second muck outlet. The screw conveyor is used to transport excavated soil. The switching mechanism is configured to allow the inlet end of the screw conveyor to selectively connect with either the first or second muck outlet. During shield body conversion, the switching mechanism enables rapid and reliable switching of the inlet end between the first and second muck outlets, effectively avoiding the structural complexity and operational inconvenience caused by moving the entire large shield body assembly to adjust the muck outlet position, and significantly improving operational efficiency.

[0045] According to some embodiments of this application, please refer to Figures 1-3 This application provides a tunnel boring machine (TBM), comprising a small shield body 1, a large shield body assembly 2, a small shield body partition 11, a large shield body partition 21, a screw conveyor 3, and a switching mechanism. The large shield body assembly 2 is located radially outside the small shield body 1 and is fixedly connected to it. The small shield body partition 11 is located at the front of the small shield body 1 and has a first muck outlet 12. The large shield body partition 21 is located at the front of the large shield body assembly 2 and has a second muck outlet 22. The screw conveyor 3 is used to transport excavated soil. The switching mechanism is configured to allow the inlet end of the screw conveyor 3 to selectively connect with either the first muck outlet 12 or the second muck outlet 22.

[0046] In some embodiments, the tunnel boring machine further includes a large shield cutting ring, a large shield tail shield, a variable diameter cutterhead, and a main drive system 10 for driving the variable diameter cutterhead. The variable diameter cutterhead is disposed at the front of the large shield assembly 2, the large shield cutting ring is disposed between the variable diameter cutterhead and the large shield assembly 2, and the large shield tail shield is disposed at the rear of the large shield assembly 2.

[0047] In some embodiments, the large shield cutting ring, the large shield partition 21, the small shield partition 11, and the variable diameter cutterhead enclose a soil chamber for large-diameter tunneling. During large-diameter tunneling, slag can be discharged through the second slag outlet 22.

[0048] In some embodiments, the tunnel boring machine further includes a small shield body 1 cutting ring, a small shield body 1 tail shield, a variable diameter cutterhead, and a main drive system 10 for driving the variable diameter cutterhead. The variable diameter cutterhead is disposed at the front of the small shield body 1 cutting ring, and the small shield body 1 tail shield is disposed at the rear of the front and middle shields of the small shield body 1. It should be noted that after the small diameter is changed to a large diameter, the small shield body 1 cutting ring and the small shield body 1 tail shield are removed.

[0049] In some embodiments, the small shield body 1 cutting ring, the small shield body partition 11, and the variable diameter cutterhead enclose and form a soil chamber for small-diameter tunneling by the tunnel boring machine. During small-diameter tunneling, slag can be discharged through the first slag outlet 12.

[0050] In some embodiments, the large shield assembly 2 is provided with multiple rings, and the multiple rings of the large shield assembly 2 are arranged along the axial direction of the small shield 1. Each ring of the large shield assembly 2 includes multiple large shield assemblies 2 arranged circumferentially along the small shield 1. The large shield partition 21 is disposed at the front of the foremost ring of the large shield assembly 2.

[0051] The switching mechanism is configured to allow the feed end of the screw conveyor 3 to selectively engage with either the first discharge port 12 or the second discharge port 22. This means that the switching mechanism can drive the feed end of the screw conveyor 3 to partially move so that it engages with either the first discharge port 12 or the second discharge port 22. For example, during large-diameter tunneling, the feed end engages with the second discharge port 22. When switching to small-diameter tunneling is required, the variable-diameter cutterhead reduces its diameter, and the large shield body is transformed into a small shield body 1 (by removing the large shield body cutting ring, the large shield body tail shield, and the large shield body partition 21, etc., and assembling the small shield body 1 cutting ring and the small shield body 1 tail shield, etc.), and the feed end moves to engage with the first discharge port 12.

[0052] In some embodiments, the position of the second slag outlet 22 is lower than that of the first slag outlet 12. The switching mechanism may include a lifting unit and a plugging / unplugging unit. The lifting unit is used to drive the screw conveyor barrel 34 to move in the height direction. Taking the lifting unit as a telescopic cylinder as an example, the cylinder body of the telescopic cylinder can be hinged to the small shield partition 11, and the piston rod of the telescopic cylinder can be hinged to the barrel 34. It should be noted that after switching at the slag inlet end, a sealing element can be installed to seal the soil chamber. The plugging / unplugging unit is used to drive the screw conveyor barrel 34 to move so that its conveying shaft extends into or out of the first slag outlet 12, or into or out of the second slag outlet 22, along with the barrel 34. For example, the tail of the screw conveyor can be provided by a balance arm mechanism with multiple degrees of freedom, or by a trolley that can roll along an arc track. The purpose of both is to allow the tail to have degrees of freedom in horizontal movement and pitch rotation to adapt to the displacement of the slag inlet end.

[0053] In some embodiments, a preset program can be used to control the endpoint of the displacement. For example, position sensors (such as proximity switches or visual recognition targets) can be installed near the first slag outlet 12 and the second slag outlet 22. When the slag inlet moves to the sensing area, it can automatically make fine adjustments to achieve precise alignment.

[0054] In some embodiments, the tunnel boring machine may be equipped with a control unit. After receiving a diameter change command, the control unit automatically starts the switching mechanism to realize the displacement of the slag inlet end.

[0055] It should be noted that the slag inlet end can move in the direction of height, or in the direction intersecting with the direction of height, or in multiple directions to switch between the first slag outlet 12 and the second slag outlet 22.

[0056] In some embodiments, the conveying shaft of the screw conveyor can be divided into multiple segments. For example, one segment of the conveying shaft extends along the height direction, and two segments of the conveying shaft located on both sides of the aforementioned one segment of the conveying shaft can extend along the axial direction of the small shield 1. The conveying shaft as a whole is Z-shaped.

[0057] It should be noted that the slag inlet end of the screw conveyor can be understood as the opening of the screw conveyor barrel 34 facing the soil chamber.

[0058] It should be noted that the first slag outlet 12 and the second slag outlet 22 mentioned in this application refer to two slag outlets under two diameter working conditions of the tunnel boring machine, and are not limited to two slag outlets of the tunnel boring machine. For example, when the tunnel boring machine has three diameter working conditions, the number of slag outlets can be three.

[0059] In the technical solution of this application embodiment, during the shield body conversion process, the switching mechanism can realize the rapid and reliable switching of the slag inlet end between the first slag outlet 12 and the second slag outlet 22. This not only effectively avoids the structural complexity and operational inconvenience caused by moving the entire large shield body assembly to adjust the position of the slag outlet, but also significantly improves the operating efficiency.

[0060] According to some embodiments of this application, please refer to Figures 1-3 The screw conveyor 3 includes a barrel 34 and a conveying shaft 35, which is rotatably disposed within the barrel 34. The switching mechanism includes a slide rail 7 and a slide block 4. A portion of the slide rail 7 is disposed on the small shield partition 11, and another portion is disposed on the large shield partition 21. The slide block 4 is slidably engaged with the slide rail 7 and is connected to the slag inlet end of the barrel 34. The slide block 4 has a first position and a second position. In the first position, the conveying shaft 35 can extend from the slag inlet end and pass through the first slag outlet 12. In the second position, the conveying shaft 35 can extend from the slag inlet end and pass through the second slag outlet 22.

[0061] In some embodiments, the slide rail 7 may extend along the height direction.

[0062] In some embodiments, a slider 32 that matches the slide rail 7 may be provided on the slide block 4.

[0063] In some embodiments, the movement of the slide block 4 along the slide rail 7 can be achieved by a gear and rack pair in conjunction with a servo motor.

[0064] In some embodiments, the slide 4 can be an L-shaped support, which includes a vertical section and a horizontal section, with the slag inlet end connected to the vertical section.

[0065] In the above scheme, the cooperative design of the slide rail 7 and the slide block 4 enables the slag inlet end to accurately and stably connect with the first slag outlet 12 or the second slag outlet 22 during the shield body conversion process. This design, through the local displacement of the slide block 4 and the coordinated extension of the conveying shaft 35, quickly completes the slag outlet switching without the need for overall reconstruction of large components, thereby improving operational efficiency.

[0066] According to some embodiments of this application, please refer to Figures 1-4 The slide block 4 includes a base 44 and a sleeve 442. The base 44 is slidably engaged with the slide rail 7. The base 44 has a first through hole 441 through which the conveying shaft 35 passes. One end of the sleeve 442 is connected to the base 44 and surrounds the first through hole 441. The other end of the sleeve 442 is sleeved on the slag inlet end of the machine barrel 34 and connected to the slag inlet end.

[0067] In some embodiments, the sleeve 442 may be connected to the slag inlet end of the barrel 34 by means of fastener connection or welding.

[0068] In some embodiments, the sleeve 442 and the base 44 may be integrally formed.

[0069] In some embodiments, the sleeve 442 and the base 44 may be connected by means of fasteners or welding.

[0070] In the above scheme, the sleeve 442 structure facilitates the assembly of the slag inlet end of the casing 34 with the slide block 4, effectively improving the convenience of the assembly operation. At the same time, the sleeve 442 enhances the connection rigidity between the casing 34 and the slide block 4, thereby ensuring the installation stability of the screw conveyor during the slag outlet switching process and improving the overall operational reliability of the tunnel boring machine.

[0071] According to some embodiments of this application, please refer to Figures 1-4 The switching mechanism also includes a first seal 42, which is fixed to the slide block 4. In the first position, the first seal 42 is arranged around the first slag outlet 12 and seals the gap between the small shield partition 11 and the slide block 4. In the second position, the first seal 42 is arranged around the second slag outlet 22 and seals the gap between the large shield partition 21 and the slide block 4.

[0072] It should be noted that the first seal 42 is fixed to the slide 4, which means that the first seal 42 can move with the slide 4.

[0073] The material of the first seal 42 may include, but is not limited to, metal, composite materials, rubber, etc.

[0074] In some embodiments, the first seal 42 may be a magnetohydrodynamic seal.

[0075] The first sealing element 42 can be in the form of a circular ring, an elliptical ring, a polygonal ring, etc.

[0076] In the above scheme, the setting of the first sealing element 42 can maintain the pressure of the soil chamber during the switching of the slag outlet, realize the pressure isolation of the soil chamber, reduce the risk of soil instability, and improve the safety of operation.

[0077] According to some embodiments of this application, please refer to Figures 1-4 The switching mechanism also includes a second seal, which is used to seal the gap between the slide block 4 and the slide rail 7.

[0078] In some embodiments, the second seal may be a sliding seal.

[0079] In the above scheme, the setting of the second seal can effectively reduce the risk of jamming during the movement of the slide block 4 along the slide rail 7, ensure that the slide block 4 moves more smoothly, help maintain the positioning accuracy of the slag outlet switching, reduce the operation interruption caused by debugging, and thus improve the overall operation efficiency.

[0080] According to some embodiments of this application, please refer to Figures 1-4 Along the radial direction of the small shield 1, the outer surface of the slide block 4 is an arc surface. In the first position, the arc surface and the outer peripheral surface of the small shield 1 together form a cylindrical surface.

[0081] It should be noted that in the first position, the arc surface and the outer circumference of the small shield 1 together form a cylindrical surface, which means that when the tunnel boring machine is excavating in a small diameter state, the outer circumference of the small shield 1 is a complete and smooth cylindrical surface.

[0082] In the above scheme, in the first position, the arc-shaped surface of the outer surface of the slide block 4 and the outer circumference of the small shield 1 together form a complete cylindrical surface. This design allows the small shield 1 to be evenly stressed during tunneling, effectively reducing the risk of damage caused by stress concentration. It also helps the tunnel boring machine advance more smoothly, reducing friction and attitude deviation. Furthermore, this structure provides a standard working space for segment assembly, which is beneficial for improving segment splicing accuracy and construction quality.

[0083] According to some embodiments of this application, please refer to Figures 1-4The switching mechanism also includes a third seal 43, which is fixed to the slide block 4. In the first position, the third seal 43 seals the gap between the slide block 4 and the small shield body 1.

[0084] The material of the third seal 43 may include, but is not limited to, metal, composite materials, rubber, etc.

[0085] In some embodiments, the third seal 43 may be a magnetohydrodynamic seal.

[0086] The third seal 43 can be in the form of a circular ring, an elliptical ring, a polygonal ring, etc.

[0087] The third seal 43 is fixed to the slide 4, which means that the third seal 43 can move together with the slide 4.

[0088] In the above scheme, the setting of the third sealing element 43 can reduce the risk of mud and sand and other media entering the small shield 1 and damaging the equipment during the slag outlet switching process, thereby threatening the safety of the operators and improving the operational safety during the shield conversion process.

[0089] According to some embodiments of this application, please refer to Figures 1-4 The switching mechanism also includes a shift drive unit 46 and a telescopic drive unit 31. The shift drive unit 46 is used to drive the slide block 4 to move along the slide rail 7; the telescopic drive unit 31 is used to drive the conveyor shaft 35 to move so that the conveyor shaft 35 extends or retracts at the slag inlet end.

[0090] In some embodiments, the shift drive unit 46 may include a reducer, a servo motor, a gear rack pair, etc.

[0091] In some embodiments, the telescopic drive unit 31 may include a reducer, a linear motor, etc.

[0092] In the above scheme, a parallel drive strategy is adopted, with the mobile drive unit and the telescopic drive unit 31 working in coordination. The mobile drive unit drives the slide block 4 to move along the slide rail 7, while the telescopic drive unit 31 controls the telescopic movement of the conveying shaft 35. Through motion decoupling and coordinated cooperation, the two can accurately and efficiently complete the switching of the slag outlet during the shield body conversion process. This design not only improves the response speed and positioning accuracy but also effectively reduces the control complexity under multi-degree-of-freedom compound motion. In addition, within a limited space, the structure of the tunnel boring machine is more compact, giving it higher operational adaptability.

[0093] According to some embodiments of this application, please refer to Figures 1-4 The shifting drive unit 46 includes a first telescopic cylinder, which includes a first cylinder body and a first piston rod. The first telescopic cylinder is mounted on the small shield body 1, and the first piston rod is hinged to the slide block 4.

[0094] In some embodiments, the first telescopic cylinder may be a hydraulic cylinder, an electric push rod, or the like.

[0095] In some embodiments, the first telescopic cylinder is hinged to the small shield body 1.

[0096] In some embodiments, one of the slide block 4 and the small shield 1 is provided with a moving groove to balance the degree of freedom.

[0097] In some embodiments, a spherical bearing 41 is provided on the slide 4, and the first piston rod is connected to the spherical bearing 41.

[0098] In the above scheme, the first telescopic cylinder is used to drive the slide block 4, which has high stroke control accuracy and good structural rigidity. This can reduce the risk of unexpected displacement of the screw conveyor 3 during the movement, thereby making its overall operation more stable.

[0099] According to some embodiments of this application, please refer to Figures 1-4 The telescopic drive unit 31 includes a second telescopic cylinder, which includes a second cylinder body and a second piston rod. The second telescopic cylinder is installed on the machine barrel 34, and one end of the second piston rod is connected to the conveying shaft 35.

[0100] In some embodiments, the second telescopic cylinder may be a hydraulic cylinder, an electric push rod, or the like.

[0101] In some embodiments, the second telescopic cylinder may be fixed inside the barrel 34.

[0102] In the above scheme, the second telescopic cylinder is used to drive the conveyor shaft 35, which enables it to achieve precise and controllable displacement adjustment. This not only helps to maintain the stability of the screw conveyor 3 after the slag outlet is switched, but also, due to its relatively simple structure, it is conducive to optimizing the overall spatial layout and reducing the complexity of equipment maintenance.

[0103] According to some embodiments of this application, please refer to Figures 1-4 The switching mechanism also includes a sealing cover, one end of which covers the first slag outlet 12 and the second slag outlet 22, and the other end of which is fitted onto the outer periphery of the cylinder 34 of the screw conveyor 3 and connected to the cylinder 34.

[0104] The sealing cover may have two openings: one opening is provided with a first slag outlet 12 and a second slag outlet 22, and the other opening may be fitted onto the outer periphery of the barrel 34 and connected to the barrel 34.

[0105] It should be noted that the sealing cover has a certain plastic deformation capacity to keep the internal space of the sealing cover sealed during the displacement of the slag inlet end.

[0106] In the above scheme, the sealing cover ensures that the slag inlet remains within the sealed cavity during the slag outlet switching process. This design effectively maintains stable pressure within the soil chamber during switching, achieving pressure isolation and reducing the risks of soil instability and water / sand inrush, thereby improving operational safety. Furthermore, the sealing cover's structure appropriately reduces the alignment accuracy requirements between the slag inlet and the first and second slag outlets 12 and 22, simplifying the docking operation and further improving operational efficiency.

[0107] According to some embodiments of this application, the sealing cover is a bellows or a rubber bladder.

[0108] According to some embodiments of this application, please refer to Figures 1-5 The tunnel boring machine also includes an assembly machine main beam 6, on which a support base 5 is installed. A chute is provided on the support base 5. A slider 32 is hinged to the tail of the screw conveyor 3, and the slider 32 is slidably connected to the chute.

[0109] In some embodiments, two support seats 5 are provided, with the two support seats 5 located on both sides of the main beam 6 of the assembly machine, and two corresponding sliders 32 are also provided.

[0110] In some embodiments, the slider 32 is connected to the hinge shaft 33, which is located at the tail of the screw conveyor 3.

[0111] In the above scheme, the cooperation between the support base 5 and the slide rail 7 provides a stable pitch freedom for the tail of the screw conveyor 3 during the slag outlet switching process, allowing it to smoothly adjust its posture to adapt to different slag outlet positions. At the same time, by using the main beam 6 of the assembly machine to support the screw conveyor 3, its overall structural stability after switching can be enhanced, effectively suppressing vibration and offset, thereby ensuring the continuity and reliability of the slag discharge process.

[0112] According to some embodiments of this application, please refer to Figures 1-4 The tunnel boring machine also includes a first gate 111, a second gate 211, a first drive unit 8, and a second drive unit 9. The first drive unit 8 is configured to drive the first gate 111 to move in order to close or open the first slag outlet 12; the second drive unit 9 is configured to drive the second gate 211 to move in order to close or open the second slag outlet 22.

[0113] In some embodiments, the first gate 111 can be a gate in a slide gate valve, a gate in a rotary valve, or a gate in a butterfly valve or a slide valve.

[0114] In some embodiments, the second gate 211 may be a gate in a slide gate valve, a gate in a rotary valve, or a gate in a butterfly valve or a slide valve.

[0115] In some embodiments, the first drive unit 8 may include a servo motor, a bevel gear pair, and a reducer, etc.

[0116] In some embodiments, the second drive unit 9 may include a servo motor, a bevel gear pair, and a reducer, etc.

[0117] In the above scheme, during the connection between the slag inlet and the first slag outlet 12, the second drive unit 9 can drive the second gate 211 to close the second slag outlet 22. Conversely, during the connection between the slag inlet and the second slag outlet 22, the first drive unit 8 can drive the first gate 111 to close the first slag outlet 12. This design maintains the pressure in the soil chamber during slag outlet switching, achieving pressure isolation within the soil chamber, reducing the risks of soil instability and slag leakage, and improving operational safety.

[0118] According to some embodiments of this application, please refer to Figures 1-4 The tunnel boring machine also includes a main drive system 10 for driving the variable diameter cutterhead. The first slag outlet 12 and the second slag outlet 22 are both located below the main drive system 10.

[0119] In some embodiments, the main drive system 10 may include a drive housing and a flange, with the flange disposed inside the drive housing. The first slag outlet 12 and the second slag outlet 22 are both located below the drive housing.

[0120] In the above scheme, since both the first slag outlet 12 and the second slag outlet 22 are located below the main drive system 10, the risk of structural interference between the screw conveyor 3 and the main drive system 10 during slag outlet switching is low. This reduces the need for frequent disassembly or adjustment of the main drive system 10, thereby reducing related operational risks and improving overall operational efficiency.

[0121] According to some embodiments of this application, please refer to Figures 1-4 The position of the second slag outlet 22 is lower than the position of the first slag outlet 12.

[0122] In some embodiments, the first slag outlet 12 and the second slag outlet 22 are arranged along the height direction.

[0123] In the above scheme, during the switching process of the slag outlet, the pitch angle adjustment range of the screw conveyor 3 is relatively small, and the overall posture is easier to maintain stability, which is conducive to improving the controllability during the movement process. At the same time, it effectively reduces the risk of interference with other components of the tunnel boring machine, improves the safety of operation, reduces the difficulty of operation, and thus improves the efficiency of operation.

[0124] In some embodiments of this application, please refer to Figures 1-4 In large-diameter tunneling modes, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2The second gate 211 opens the second slag outlet 22, and the first gate 111 closes the first slag outlet 12. The piston rod of the shift drive unit 46 extends and applies downward force through the spherical bearing 41, driving the slag inlet end of the screw conveyor 3 to descend and stabilize at a low position. The telescopic drive unit 31 actuates, causing the screw shaft to extend, allowing the slag to enter the screw conveyor 3 from the second slag outlet 22. When switching to the small diameter mode, the screw conveyor 3 stops, the telescopic drive unit 31 retracts, driving the conveyor shaft 35 to retract, disengaging its front end from the second slag outlet 22. The second slag outlet 22 is closed by the second gate 211. The piston rod of the shift drive unit 46 retracts, pulling the slag inlet end through the spherical bearing 41, causing it to rise along the guide rail until the slag inlet end is aligned with the first slag outlet 12. The first gate 111 is driven to move and open the first slag outlet 12. The telescopic drive unit 31 extends, pushing the conveyor shaft 35 to extend, allowing the slag to enter the screw conveyor 3 from the first slag outlet 12.

[0125] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and not to limit them. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein. These modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and they should all be covered within the scope of the claims and specification of this application. In particular, as long as there is no structural conflict, the various technical features mentioned in the embodiments can be combined in any way. This application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, but includes all technical solutions falling within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A tunnel boring machine, characterized in that, include: Small shield body (1); The large shield assembly (2) is disposed on the radial outer side of the small shield (1) and is fixedly connected to the small shield (1); Small shield body partition (11) is provided at the front of the small shield body (1), and the small shield body partition (11) is provided with a first slag outlet (12). A large shield body partition (21) is provided at the front of the large shield body assembly (2), and the large shield body partition (21) is provided with a second slag outlet (22). Screw conveyor (3) is used to transport slag and soil; The switching mechanism is configured to allow the slag inlet of the screw conveyor (3) to selectively connect with either the first slag outlet (12) or the second slag outlet (22).

2. The tunnel boring machine as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The screw conveyor (3) includes a barrel (34) and a conveying shaft (35), the conveying shaft (35) being rotatably disposed inside the barrel (34); The switching mechanism includes: A slide rail (7), a portion of which is disposed on the small shield body partition (11) and the other portion of which is disposed on the large shield body partition (21); The slide (4) is slidably engaged with the slide rail (7). The slide (4) is connected to the slag inlet end of the barrel (34). The slide (4) has a first position and a second position. In the first position, the conveying shaft (35) can extend from the slag inlet end and pass through the first slag outlet (12). In the second position, the conveying shaft (35) can extend from the slag inlet end and pass through the second slag outlet (22).

3. The tunnel boring machine as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The slide block (4) includes a base (44) and a sleeve (442), and the base (44) is slidably engaged with the slide rail (7); The base (44) has a first through hole (441) through which the conveying shaft (35) passes. One end of the sleeve (442) is connected to the base (44) and surrounds the first through hole (441). The other end of the sleeve (442) is sleeved on the slag inlet end of the barrel (34) and connected to the slag inlet end.

4. The tunnel boring machine as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The switching mechanism further includes a first seal (42), which is fixed to the slide (4); At the first position, the first seal (42) is arranged around the first slag outlet (12) and seals the gap between the small shield partition (11) and the slide (4); In the second position, the first seal (42) is arranged around the second slag outlet (22) and seals the gap between the large shield partition (21) and the slide (4).

5. The tunnel boring machine as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The switching mechanism further includes a second seal, which is used to seal the gap between the slide block (4) and the slide rail (7).

6. The tunnel boring machine as described in claim 2, characterized in that, Along the radial direction of the small shield (1), the outer surface of the slide (4) is an arc surface. In the first position, the arc surface and the outer peripheral surface of the small shield (1) together form a cylindrical surface.

7. The tunnel boring machine as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The switching mechanism also includes a third seal (43), which is fixed to the slide (4). In the first position, the third seal (43) seals the gap between the slide (4) and the small shield (1).

8. The tunnel boring machine as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The switching mechanism further includes a shift drive unit (46) and a telescopic drive unit (31). The shift drive unit (46) is used to drive the slide block (4) to move along the slide rail (7). The telescopic drive unit (31) is used to drive the conveying shaft (35) to move so that the conveying shaft (35) extends or retracts from the slag inlet end.

9. The tunnel boring machine as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The displacement drive unit (46) includes a first telescopic cylinder, which includes a first cylinder body and a first piston rod. The first telescopic cylinder is installed on the small shield body (1), and the first piston rod is hinged to the slide (4).

10. The tunnel boring machine as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The telescopic drive unit (31) includes a second telescopic cylinder, which includes a second cylinder body and a second piston rod. The second telescopic cylinder is installed on the barrel (34), and one end of the second piston rod is connected to the conveying shaft (35).

11. The tunnel boring machine as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The switching mechanism also includes a sealing cover, one end of which covers the first slag outlet (12) and the second slag outlet (22), and the other end of which is fitted onto the outer periphery of the cylinder (34) of the screw conveyor (3) and connected to the cylinder (34).

12. The tunnel boring machine as described in claim 11, characterized in that, The sealing cover is a bellows or a rubber bladder.

13. The tunnel boring machine as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The tunnel boring machine also includes an assembly machine main beam (6), on which a support base (5) is installed. A chute is provided on the support base (5). A slider (32) is hinged to the tail of the screw conveyor (3). The slider (32) is slidably connected to the chute.

14. The tunnel boring machine as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The tunnel boring machine also includes a first gate (111), a second gate (211), a first drive unit (8), and a second drive unit (9). The first drive unit (8) is configured to drive the first gate (111) to move in order to close or open the first slag outlet (12). The second drive unit (9) is configured to drive the second gate (211) to move in order to close or open the second slag outlet (22).

15. The tunnel boring machine as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The tunnel boring machine also includes: Main drive system (10) for driving variable diameter cutter head. The first slag outlet (12) and the second slag outlet (22) are both located below the main drive system (10).

16. The tunnel boring machine as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The position of the second slag outlet (22) is lower than the position of the first slag outlet (12).

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