Function modularization remote control box for main control instrument platform of shield tunneling machine

By designing a modular remote control box for the main control console of the tunnel boring machine, the problem of the tunnel boring machine being unable to be controlled remotely was solved, achieving high precision and convenience in remote operation and adapting to signal transmission in complex environments.

CN223839128UActive Publication Date: 2026-01-27CREG TUNNEL BORING MFG CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202520737161.2
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-04-18
Publication Date
2026-01-27
Estimated Expiration
2035-04-18

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The existing tunnel boring machines cannot be remotely controlled, which means that staff cannot fully and in real time observe the operation through the host computer panel. Operation relies on on-site observation, resulting in low operational accuracy.

Method used

Design a modular remote control box for the main control console of a tunnel boring machine, including a PLC controller, communication module, panel, buttons, switches, handle and housing. By simulating the console function, it realizes remote operation of signal transmission and control commands.

Benefits of technology

It enables remote control of tunnel boring machines, improves operational accuracy, adapts to different operating environments, is easy to operate and carry, and ensures stable transmission of control commands and convenient operation.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The utility model relates to a function modularization remote control box for a main control instrument table of a shield tunneling machine. The function modularization remote control box comprises a panel, keys, a switch, a handle and a shell. A power supply module, a controller, a PCB (Printed Circuit Board) and a PCB extension socket are arranged in the shell, the controller is connected with a communication module, and the controller is in communication connection with the PLC through the communication module; the number of the keys, the number of the switches and the number of the handles are multiple, the keys and the switches are electrically connected with the input end of the controller through a PCB extension socket, the controller is connected with a plurality of USB interfaces, and the controller is connected with the handles through the USB interfaces. The panel is provided with mounting holes corresponding to the plurality of keys, the switch and the handle, and the switch and the handle are fixed with the panel through the mounting holes; the panel is arranged above the shell, and the bottom end of the shell is fixed to the shell. Signals are triggered through the keys, the switch and the handle, collected by the controller and transmitted to the PLC through the communication module, and remote transmission of action command signals is completed.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of tunnel boring machine control, and specifically relates to a modular remote control box for the main control console of a tunnel boring machine. Background Technology

[0002] The main control room of the tunnel boring machine (TBM) is the core of the entire equipment's control system. With the increasing size of TBMs, the complexity of the main control room has also gradually increased. The main control room houses electrical cabinets, inside which electrical components are assembled. The necessary upper-level computer control panels are mounted on the surface of the cabinets, and the lower half houses the control console. The control of various functional modules of the TBM is generally completed in the main control room, such as the screw conveyor, cutterhead, foam generator, belt conveyor, segment assembly machine, secondary ventilation, etc.

[0003] These modules are typically monitored via a host computer in the main control room and controlled using a control panel. Due to the complex working environment and limited camera installation locations, it's impossible to comprehensively and in real-time observe the work situation through the cameras connected to the host computer panel. Therefore, staff often need to conduct on-site observations before operating the equipment. However, this method still has drawbacks; when staff return to the main control room, they can only operate based on memory, resulting in poor work performance.

[0004] Therefore, on-site control can help improve operational accuracy, and there is an urgent need for a remote control device to control the tunnel boring machine from outside the main control room. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To solve the problem of existing tunnel boring machines being unable to be controlled remotely, this utility model provides a modular remote control box for the main control console of a tunnel boring machine. It simulates the functions of a console by setting up multiple control boxes, including a panel, buttons, switches, handles, and a housing. Signals are triggered by buttons, switches, and handles, and then collected by the controller and transmitted to the PLC controller through a communication module, thus completing the remote transmission of action command signals.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model proposes a modular remote control box for the main control console of a tunnel boring machine, including a PLC controller. The PLC controller is equipped with a communication module and is electrically connected to the main control console. The PLC controller is connected to multiple control boxes through the communication module. Each control box includes a panel, buttons, switches, handles, and a housing.

[0007] The housing contains a power module, a controller, a PCB board, and a PCB connector. The controller is connected to a communication module, and the controller communicates with the PLC controller through the communication module.

[0008] The number of buttons, switches and handles is multiple. Multiple buttons and switches are electrically connected to the input terminal of the controller through PCB connectors. The controller is connected to multiple USB ports and is connected to the handle through the USB ports.

[0009] The panel has mounting holes for multiple buttons, switches and handles, and the switches and handles are fixed to the panel through the mounting holes.

[0010] The panel is positioned above the housing, and the bottom of the housing is fixed to the housing.

[0011] Furthermore, it also includes a pad, which is a square structure made of rubber material. Multiple square protrusions are arranged in an array between the pads, and a button is provided below the square protrusions. The pad is fixed to the bottom of the panel.

[0012] The buttons are fixed on the PCB board in a square array.

[0013] The pad is designed to facilitate operation by staff, and it also protects the buttons from dust and water.

[0014] Furthermore, the switch includes a rotary switch and a mushroom-shaped switch.

[0015] Furthermore, the handle includes a fingertip operating handle, the housing of which is fixed to the panel, and the end of the fingertip operating handle passes through a mounting hole located at the upper end of the panel.

[0016] The USB interface includes a GL850G module, which is communicatively connected to the controller and connected to the fingertip control handle via a USB data cable.

[0017] The fingertip control handle offers a high degree of freedom, replicating the feel of operating a piano. Communication between the fingertip control handle and the controller is simple and easy to install via a USB interface.

[0018] Furthermore, the communication module includes one or more combinations of RS232 module, RS485 module, WIFI module and Ethernet module.

[0019] The communication module can adopt both wired and wireless communication strategies to adapt to different operating environments. It is easy to operate and its modular design facilitates wiring.

[0020] Furthermore, the power module includes a lithium battery, a charging module, and a voltage conversion module. The charging module includes a BQ24210 module, and the voltage conversion module includes a TP2084 module. The BQ24210 module is connected to a charger, and the output terminal of the BQ24210 module is connected to the lithium battery. The output terminal of the lithium battery is connected to multiple buttons, switches, handles, communication modules, and controllers through the TP2084 module.

[0021] The power module provides power to the electrical components of the control box and is easy to charge, providing hardware support for remote control.

[0022] Furthermore, the housing is a hollow, square structure with a normally open upper end, and a charging hole is provided on the side of the housing corresponding to the power module.

[0023] The housing is secured to the panel with screws.

[0024] The enclosure protects the electrical components and is easy for staff to carry, improving the convenience of remote control.

[0025] The beneficial effects of this utility model through the above technical solution are as follows:

[0026] This invention enables remote control of a tunnel boring machine (TBM). Multiple control boxes are set up using a simulated piano console. Each control box includes a panel, buttons, switches, a handle, and a housing. Inside the housing are a power module, a controller, a PCB board, and PCB connectors. The controller is connected to a communication module, which communicates with a PLC controller. The design of the panel, buttons, switches, and handle simulates a real piano console, facilitating operation by staff. This allows for on-site operation using the control boxes, significantly improving operational accuracy and overcoming the limitations of complex working environments and limited camera installation locations, which prevent staff from fully monitoring the operation in real-time via a host computer and rely solely on memory from the control room. The communication module offers multiple communication strategies, combining wired and wireless communication to adapt to different working environments. Its simple operation and modular design facilitate wiring, ensuring stable transmission of control commands to the PLC controller in both open areas with good signal strength and complex construction environments with weak signals, guaranteeing smooth remote control. The power module includes a lithium battery, a charging module, and a voltage conversion module, providing convenient charging and stable hardware support for remote control. The combination of the casing and panel protects the internal electrical components, makes it easy for staff to carry, and improves the convenience of remote control. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a structural schematic diagram of a modular remote control box for the main control console of a tunnel boring machine according to the present invention.

[0028] Figure 2 This is one of the circuit diagrams for a modular remote control box for the main control console of a tunnel boring machine according to this utility model;

[0029] Figure 3 The second circuit diagram of a modular remote control box for the main control console of a tunnel boring machine.

[0030] The reference numerals in the diagram are as follows: 1 is the PLC controller, 2 is the communication module, 3 is the panel, 4 is the button, 5 is the switch, 6 is the handle, 7 is the housing, 8 is the power module, 9 is the controller, 10 is the USB interface, and 11 is the pad. Detailed Implementation

[0031] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments:

[0032] Example 1

[0033] like Figures 1-3 As shown, a modular remote control box for the main control console of a tunnel boring machine includes a PLC controller 1. The PLC controller 1 is equipped with a communication module 2. The PLC controller 1 is electrically connected to the main control console. The PLC controller 1 is connected to multiple control boxes through the communication module 2. The control box includes a panel 3, buttons 4, switches 5, handles 6, and a housing 7.

[0034] The housing 7 contains a power module 8, a controller 9, a PCB board and a PCB connector. The controller 9 is connected to a communication module 2 and communicates with the PLC controller 1 through the communication module 2.

[0035] The number of buttons 4, switches 5 and handles 6 is multiple. Multiple buttons 4 and switches 5 are electrically connected to the input terminal of controller 9 through PCB connectors. Controller 9 is connected to multiple USB interfaces 10. Controller 9 is connected to handle 6 through the USB interfaces 10.

[0036] The panel 3 has mounting holes for multiple buttons 4, switches 5 and handles 6, and the switches 5 and handles 6 are fixed to the panel 3 through the mounting holes;

[0037] The panel 3 is disposed above the housing 7, and the bottom end of the housing 7 is fixed to the housing 7.

[0038] It also includes a pad 11, which is a square structure made of rubber. Multiple square protrusions are arranged in a spacer array between the pads 11. A button 4 is arranged below the square protrusions. The pads 11 are fixed to the bottom of the panel 3.

[0039] The buttons 4 are fixed on the PCB board in a square array.

[0040] The switch 5 includes a rotary switch and a mushroom-shaped switch.

[0041] The handle 6 includes a fingertip operating handle, the housing 7 of which is fixed to the panel 3, and the end of the fingertip operating handle passes through the mounting hole at the upper end of the panel 3.

[0042] The USB interface 10 includes a GL850G module, which is communicatively connected to the controller 9. The GL850G module is connected to the fingertip control handle via a USB data cable.

[0043] The communication module 2 includes one or more combinations of RS232 module, RS485 module, WIFI module and Ethernet module.

[0044] The power module 8 includes a lithium battery, a charging module, and a voltage conversion module. The charging module includes a BQ24210 module, and the voltage conversion module includes a TP2084 module. The BQ24210 module is connected to a charger, and the output terminal of the BQ24210 module is connected to the lithium battery. The output terminal of the lithium battery is connected to multiple buttons 4, switches 5, handles 6, a communication module 2, and a controller 9 through the TP2084 module.

[0045] The housing 7 is a hollow, square structure with a normally open top. A charging hole is provided on the side of the housing 7 corresponding to the power module 8.

[0046] The housing 7 is fixed to the panel 3 by screws.

[0047] In this embodiment, the controller 9 uses an STM32 microcontroller, and the communication module is a WIFI module. A local area network (LAN) is built in the main control room. The STM32 microcontroller communicates with the ST67W611M1 module, which enables the connection to the LAN. The PLC controller 1 is connected to the ZKD-8I8SO-WIFI module, which connects to the LAN, enabling communication between the PLC controller 1 and the STM32 microcontroller. The GL850G supports up to 7 USB ports for expansion, meeting the needs of the handle 6.

[0048] exist Figure 2 Because there are many buttons 4 and switches 5, but their structure and model are the same, in order to display them clearly... Figure 2 Two switches (5) and eight buttons (4) are shown. The ST67W611M1 module also features Bluetooth functionality, enabling the controller (9) to communicate with external devices.

[0049] Operators operate multiple buttons 4, switches 5, and handles 6 on the control box according to actual needs. When button 4 is pressed or switch 5 is toggled, the corresponding electrical signal is transmitted to controller 9.

[0050] The handle 6 (finger-operated handle) is connected to the controller 9 via USB interface 10. The GL850G module in USB interface 10 communicates with the controller 9 and is then connected to the finger-operated handle via a USB data cable. The operator's operation signals to the handle 6 are transmitted to the controller 9 through this path.

[0051] After receiving control command signals from button 4, switch 5 and handle 6, controller 9 wirelessly transmits these signals to the local area network through its connected communication module 2 (ST67W611M1 module).

[0052] PLC controller 1 receives signals sent by the control box via the local area network and then controls the tunnel boring machine to work.

[0053] For normal charging, connect an external charger to the BQ24210 module in the charging module to charge the lithium battery. Once charging is complete, the lithium battery powers the entire control box.

[0054] During operation, the voltage output by the lithium battery is converted into a voltage (DC5V or DC3.3V) suitable for the operation of multiple buttons 4, switches 5, handles 6, communication module 2 and controller 9 through the TP2084 module.

[0055] The embodiments described above are merely preferred embodiments of this utility model and are not intended to limit the scope of implementation of this utility model. Therefore, all equivalent changes or modifications made to the structure, features and principles described in the patent claims of this utility model should be included within the scope of the patent application of this utility model.

Claims

1. A modular remote control box for a tunnel boring machine main control console, comprising a PLC controller (1), wherein the PLC controller (1) is equipped with a communication module (2), and the PLC controller (1) is electrically connected to the main control console, characterized in that, The PLC controller (1) is connected to multiple control boxes via a communication module (2). The control boxes include a panel (3), buttons (4), switches (5), handles (6), and a housing (7). The housing (7) is equipped with a power module (8), a controller (9), a PCB board and a PCB connector. The controller (9) is connected to a communication module (2), and the controller (9) communicates with the PLC controller (1) through the communication module (2). The number of buttons (4), switches (5) and handles (6) is multiple. Multiple buttons (4) and switches (5) are electrically connected to the input terminal of the controller (9) through PCB connectors. The controller (9) is connected to multiple USB interfaces (10). The controller (9) is connected to the handles (6) through the USB interfaces (10). The panel (3) has mounting holes for multiple buttons (4), switches (5) and handles (6), and the switches (5) and handles (6) are fixed to the panel (3) through the mounting holes; The panel (3) is disposed above the housing (7), and the bottom end of the housing (7) is fixed to the housing (7).

2. The modular remote control box for the main control console of a tunnel boring machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a pad (11), which is a square structure made of rubber. Multiple square protrusions are arranged in a grid between the pads (11). A button (4) is arranged below the square protrusions. The pads (11) are fixed to the bottom of the panel (3). The buttons (4) are fixed on the PCB board in a square array.

3. The modular remote control box for the main control console of a tunnel boring machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The switch (5) includes a rotary switch and a mushroom-shaped switch.

4. The modular remote control box for the main control console of a tunnel boring machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The handle (6) includes a fingertip operating handle, the housing (7) of the fingertip operating handle is fixed to the panel (3), and the end of the fingertip operating handle passes through the mounting hole at the upper end of the panel (3). The USB interface (10) includes a GL850G module, which is connected to the controller (9) in communication. The GL850G module is connected to the fingertip operation handle via a USB data cable.

5. A modular remote control box for the main control console of a tunnel boring machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The communication module (2) includes one or more combinations of RS232 module, RS485 module, WIFI module and Ethernet module.

6. The modular remote control box for the main control console of a tunnel boring machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The power module (8) includes a lithium battery, a charging module and a voltage conversion module. The charging module includes a BQ24210 module and the voltage conversion module includes a TP2084 module. The BQ24210 module is connected to a charger. The output end of the BQ24210 module is connected to the lithium battery. The output end of the lithium battery is connected to multiple buttons (4), switches (5), handles (6), communication modules (2) and controllers (9) through the TP2084 module.

7. The modular remote control box for the main control console of a tunnel boring machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The housing (7) is a square structure with a hollow interior and an open upper end. The side of the housing (7) is provided with a charging hole corresponding to the power module (8). The housing (7) is fixed to the panel (3) by screws.