Special centralized lubricating equipment for tunnel boring machine

Abstract

The utility model relates to centralized lubricating equipment special for a tunnel boring machine, and aims to solve the problem that the pressure is reduced due to the fact that long-distance lubricating grease conveying of a centralized lubricating system of the tunnel boring machine is easily influenced by low temperature. The main oil pipe and the branch oil pipes are each composed of a plurality of sections, every two sections of oil pipes are connected through a heating switching module, each heating switching module comprises a three-way valve block, oil pipe quick connectors are installed on three channel openings of each three-way valve block, and annular heating units are arranged on the three-way valve blocks and correspond to the oil pipe quick connectors one to one. The barrel heating assembly comprises a sliding heating ring slidably arranged outside the grease storage barrel in a sleeving mode, the inner diameter of the sliding heating ring is consistent with the outer diameter of the grease storage barrel, an outer arc-shaped permanent magnet is fixedly arranged on the upper portion of the sliding heating ring in the circumferential direction, an inner arc-shaped permanent magnet is correspondingly arranged on the outer circumferential face of the pressing disc, and the sliding heating ring moves along with the pressing disc through attraction of the inner arc-shaped permanent magnet and the outer arc-shaped permanent magnet. Therefore, the lubricating grease close to the lower surface of the pressure plate is heated.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to a centralized lubrication device specifically for tunnel boring machines. Background Technology

[0002] The centralized lubrication system of tunnel boring machines (TBMs, shield tunneling machines, and cantilever tunneling machines) mainly includes lubrication pumps, distributors, main oil pipes, branch oil pipes, pipe fittings, and pipe clamps. The oil pipes need to be interconnected via pipe fittings or connected to corresponding interfaces of the lubrication pumps and distributors. Furthermore, the oil pipes need to be fixed to the TBM using multiple spaced pipe clamps. The length of the oil pipes needs to be dynamically adjusted according to the equipment structure, lubrication point distribution, and operating conditions. Their design must balance pressure loss, flexibility, and ease of maintenance. The main oil pipe length from the main drive to the cutterhead area of ​​a shield tunneling machine is typically 15-30 meters, accommodating cutterhead rotation and shield extension / retraction. In contrast, the oil pipe length from the downstream trolley to the main drive of a TBM is approximately 10-20 meters, requiring consideration of compact equipment layout. The length of a single branch oil pipe generally does not exceed 10 meters to reduce pressure loss and the impact of grease viscosity.

[0003] However, due to the size limitations of tunnel boring machines (TBMs), achieving centralized lubrication for all friction pairs in a centralized lubrication system requires a significant amount of oil pipe length, even with the lubrication pump positioned in the middle of each friction pair. The lubrication pump needs to deliver grease to the main oil pipe, which then distributes it through a distributor to the friction pairs via branch oil pipes. For some friction pairs, the length of the lubrication path formed by the main and branch oil pipes can reach hundreds of meters. This long-distance grease transport inevitably leads to pressure drop. When the lubrication point is more than 150 meters from the pump station, the pressure drop can reach 0.15-0.2 MPa, resulting in insufficient grease supply at the end lubrication point. In one tunnel project, the actual grease injection volume for the cutterhead bearing, located 180 meters from the pump station, was only 62% of the design value.

[0004] In addition to the pressure drop during long-distance transport mentioned above, the viscosity of lubricating grease is even more significantly affected by temperature. For example, the viscosity of extreme pressure lithium-based grease increases by 300% at -20℃, resulting in a significant decrease in its fluidity and an even greater pressure drop during long-distance transport. The characteristics of pressure drop during long-distance transport and increased viscosity at low temperatures make centralized lubrication systems difficult to apply to tunnel boring machines in extremely cold regions, further limiting their application in larger tunnel boring machines, especially shield tunneling machines. In extremely cold areas, manual lubrication is often necessary, greatly increasing labor intensity and equipment downtime.

[0005] Therefore, solving the problem of pressure reduction caused by low temperature during long-distance delivery of lubricating grease in centralized lubrication systems of tunnel boring machines will be of great significance for the lubrication of centralized lubrication systems in low-temperature environments and for the lubrication of larger equipment. Utility Model Content

[0006] The purpose of this utility model is to provide a centralized lubrication device for tunnel boring machines, which solves the technical problem that the pressure of the long-distance delivery of lubricating grease in the centralized lubrication system of tunnel boring machines is easily affected by low temperature.

[0007] The technical solution of this utility model is as follows: A centralized lubrication device for tunnel boring machines includes:

[0008] fat storage container;

[0009] The lubrication pump includes a pressure plate for sliding the seal assembly inside the grease reservoir and squeezing the grease from top to bottom. A pneumatic pump for grease extraction is provided above the pressure plate, and the inlet of the pneumatic pump extends to the lower part of the pressure plate through an oil pipe.

[0010] Distributor;

[0011] The segmented heated oil pipe assembly includes a main oil pipe, branch oil pipes, and a heating adapter module. Both the main oil pipe and branch oil pipes are composed of multiple segments, and each pair of oil pipe segments is connected by a heating adapter module. The heating adapter module includes a three-way valve block, and each of the three ports of the three-way valve block is equipped with a quick-connect oil pipe connector. Any two adjacent oil pipes are connected to two of the quick-connect oil pipe connectors on the three-way valve block. The quick-connect oil pipe connectors are equipped with a sealing mechanism for sealing the connectors. At a certain distance from the inner wall of the three ports, the three-way valve block is provided with annular heating units corresponding to the quick-connect oil pipe connectors to heat the grease inside the three-way valve block.

[0012] The barrel heating assembly includes a sliding heating ring for sliding around the grease reservoir. The inner diameter of the sliding heating ring is the same as the outer diameter of the grease reservoir. An outer arc-shaped permanent magnet is fixed to the upper part of the sliding heating ring along the circumference. An inner arc-shaped permanent magnet is correspondingly provided on the outer circumference of the pressure plate. By attracting the inner and outer arc-shaped permanent magnets, the sliding heating ring moves with the pressure plate to heat the grease near the lower surface of the pressure plate.

[0013] Based on the above scheme, the following improvements are made: the lubrication pump includes a controller, which is connected to each annular heating unit to control each annular heating unit to work independently.

[0014] Based on the above scheme, the following improvements are made: the controller controls each heating transfer module to be set in a gradient along the flow direction of the lubricating grease.

[0015] Based on the above scheme, the following improvements are made: each branch oil pipe is equipped with a pressure detection sensor at the end for detecting the pressure inside the pipe. The pressure detection sensor feeds back data to the controller. When the pressure value is lower than the set pressure value, the controller automatically controls each heating adapter module and sliding heating ring to heat.

[0016] Based on the above scheme, the following improvements are made: a mounting plate is fixed on the three-way valve block, and bolt holes are provided on the mounting plate for fixing it to the body of the tunnel boring machine by bolts.

[0017] Based on the above scheme, the following improvements are made: the annular heating unit and the sliding heating ring adopt electromagnetic induction heating.

[0018] Based on the above solution, the following improvements are made: the quick-connect oil pipe is equipped with a one-way valve that is open to the three-way valve block. The one-way valve constitutes the sealing mechanism. The corresponding oil pipe is equipped with an oil pipe connector that is adapted to be inserted into the quick-connect oil pipe. A push rod is provided in the middle of the oil pipe connector. When the oil pipe connector is adapted to be inserted into the corresponding quick-connect oil pipe, the push rod pushes the one-way valve to open the one-way valve.

[0019] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: In use, the centralized lubrication device for tunnel boring machines utilizes a barrel heating assembly that relies on the coupling between an outer arc-shaped permanent magnet and an inner arc-shaped permanent magnet on the pressure plate. When the pressure plate moves, the outer arc-shaped permanent magnet drives the sliding heating ring to move accordingly, ensuring that the sliding heating ring constantly heats the grease near the lower surface of the pressure plate. This ingenious design solves the following problems: Since the pressure plate descends with the grease level, and the inlet of the pneumatic pump is located at the bottom of the pressure plate, near its lower surface, facilitating smooth pumping... Once the grease is collected, heating only the grease near the lower surface of the pressure plate is sufficient. Heating the grease in other areas is pointless. If a fixed heating device is used to heat the grease reservoir, it is impossible to achieve dynamic heating of the grease near the dynamic lower surface area of ​​the pressure plate. However, the design of inner and outer arc-shaped permanent magnets and the interactive heating ring driven by the outer arc-shaped permanent magnet to follow the inner arc-shaped permanent magnet perfectly achieves the purpose of dynamic local heating. The heating area is more precise and effective, avoiding energy waste and increased risk of grease oxidation caused by ineffective heating. The heating of the oil pipes (including the main oil pipes and branch oil pipes) adopts a segmented heating technology. The advantages of segmented heating include: since the oil pipes are long, heating the entire length is impractical, and segmented heating solves this problem. Because the heated grease needs a certain amount of time to cool down, by adjusting the spacing of the heating points, the grease is heated and delivered before it cools down. Then, the grease is continuously heated in a relay manner, so that the grease is delivered within a suitable temperature range, avoiding the problem of increased grease viscosity due to low temperature, which would lead to delivery difficulties. In addition, segmented heating can also avoid local overcooling, because the centralized lubrication system pumps grease in a pulse form. When the grease is frequently started and stopped, the flow resistance of the grease is large. Segmented heating ensures that the temperature of the grease is uniform throughout its entire length. In addition, setting the heating point on the heating adapter module has the following advantages: Firstly, since oil pipes are usually flexible rubber tubes, it is not convenient to set the heating module, but it is much more convenient to set it on the three-way valve block made of metal. Secondly, part of the original adapter on the oil pipe can be eliminated, that is, the original oil pipe adapter and heating function are integrated together. At the same time, in a further design, the function of the oil pipe fixing clamp can also be integrated into the three-way valve block, making it a positioning and fixing structure for the oil pipe. Using the three-way valve block method makes it versatile and can meet the conversion requirements of straight connectors and bend connectors. At the same time, all three oil pipe quick connectors can be connected to the oil pipe to realize the function of a two-way diversion connector.

[0020] Furthermore, the method of independently connecting and controlling each annular heating unit to the controller facilitates independent control of each annular heating module, making the use more flexible. For example, for the three ports of the three-way valve block, only two ports connected to oil pipes can be heated, while the other port is not heated, thus achieving energy saving.

[0021] Furthermore, the gradient arrangement of the heating modules along the grease flow direction allows for more efficient energy utilization. For example, due to the different locations of the oil pipes on the equipment, the temperature near the electrical control cabinet may be higher. In this case, the grease in the oil pipe at this location does not need to be heated, and the controller can control it to shut off heating or adjust the heating power. Another example is that because the heating power of the barrel heating assembly is high, the temperature of the grease near the lubrication pump is higher, while the temperature of the grease near the friction pair is lower. In this case, the heating power of each heating module can be controlled to gradually decrease along the grease flow direction. Yet another example is that as the oil pipe length increases, the pressure of the grease may decrease due to pressure drop as it approaches the friction pair, making flow more difficult. In this case, the controller can be used to set the heating power of each heating module to gradually increase along the grease flow direction.

[0022] Furthermore, the start and stop of each heating module is automatically controlled by detecting the pressure of the end lubricating grease, reducing the burden of manual pressure monitoring, enabling the equipment to have a higher degree of automation and facilitating intelligent control. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the system structure of one embodiment of a centralized lubrication device for tunnel boring machines according to the present invention;

[0024] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A magnified view of a section at point A in the middle;

[0025] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the heating adapter module;

[0026] In the diagram: 1-Gantry bracket, 11-Cylinder, 12-Vertical rod, 13-Mounting bracket, 14-Pressure gauge, 15-Safety valve, 2-Lubrication pump, 21-Pressure plate, 211-Inner annular permanent magnet, 3-Grease reservoir, 4-Main distributor, 5-Sub-distributor, 6-Main oil pipe, 7-Branch oil pipe, 8-Heating adapter module, 81-Three-way valve block, 82-Quick oil pipe connector, 821-Check valve, 83-Annular heating unit, 9-Barrel heating assembly, 91-Sliding heating ring, 92-Outer arc-shaped permanent magnet. Detailed Implementation

[0027] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only for explaining the present utility model and are not intended to limit the present utility model; that is, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of the present utility model described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0028] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0029] It should be noted that relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used merely to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.

[0030] The features and performance of this utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the embodiments.

[0031] An embodiment of the centralized lubrication device for tunnel boring machines according to this utility model: (e.g.) Figure 1-3 As shown, the special centralized lubrication equipment for tunnel boring machines includes a gantry support 1, a cylinder 11, a vertical rod 12, a mounting frame 13, a pneumatic pump, a pressure gauge 14, a safety valve 15, a lubrication pump 2, a grease tank 3, a main distributor 4, a sub-distributor 5, a main oil pipe 6, a branch oil pipe 7, a heating adapter module 8, and a tank heating assembly 9, etc.

[0032] Specifically, the grease storage tank 3 is a cylindrical tank, such as a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) tank, an aluminum tank, or a stainless steel tank.

[0033] The lubrication pump 2 includes a pressure plate 21 that is slidably and sealingly fitted inside a grease reservoir 3 and squeezes grease from top to bottom. The pressure plate 21 has an annular seal on its outer periphery that slides and seals against the inner wall of the grease reservoir 3. A pneumatic pump for grease extraction is located above the pressure plate 21, and the inlet of the pneumatic pump extends to the lower part of the pressure plate 21 via an oil pipe. The lubrication pump 2 includes a controller, which is connected to each annular heating unit 83 to control each annular heating unit 83 to operate independently. This independent connection and control of each annular heating unit 83 facilitates independent control of each annular heating module, making it more flexible. For example, for the three ports of the three-way valve block 81, only two ports connected to oil pipes can be heated, while the other is not heated, achieving energy saving. The controller controls each heating transfer module 8 to be arranged in a gradient along the grease flow direction. The heating transition modules 8 are arranged in a gradient along the flow direction of the grease, which can achieve more efficient energy utilization. For example, due to the different locations of the oil pipes on the equipment, such as the area near the electrical control cabinet where the temperature may be higher, the grease in the oil pipe at this location does not need to be heated, and the controller can control it to turn off the heating or adjust the heating power. For another example, because the heating power of the barrel heating component 9 is high, the temperature of the grease near the lubrication pump 2 is higher, while the temperature of the grease near the friction pair is lower. In this case, the heating power of each heating transition module 8 can be controlled to gradually decrease along the flow direction of the grease. For yet another example, as the length of the oil pipe increases, the pressure of the grease may decrease due to pressure drop as it gets closer to the friction pair, making flow more difficult. In this case, the controller can be set to gradually increase the heating power of each heating transition module 8 along the flow direction of the grease.

[0034] The allocator includes a parent allocator 4 and a child allocator 5, such as a progressive allocator.

[0035] The segmented heated oil pipe assembly includes a main oil pipe 6, branch oil pipes 7, and a heating adapter module 8. Both the main oil pipe 6 and branch oil pipes 7 are composed of multiple segments, connected to each other via a heating adapter module 8. The heating adapter module 8 includes a three-way valve block 81, with quick-connect couplings 82 installed at each of its three ports. Any two adjacent oil pipes are connected to two of the quick-connect couplings 82. Each quick-connect coupling 82 has a sealing mechanism. At a certain distance from the inner wall of each of the three ports, a ring-shaped heating unit 83 is positioned on the three-way valve block 81, corresponding to each quick-connect coupling 82, to heat the grease inside the three-way valve block 81. Each branch oil pipe 7 has a pressure sensor at its end for detecting the internal pressure. The pressure sensor feeds data back to the controller. When the pressure value is lower than a set pressure value, the controller automatically controls each heating adapter module 8 and the sliding heating ring 91 to heat the pipe. The system automatically controls the start and stop of each heating module by detecting the pressure of the end-lubricating grease, reducing the burden of manual pressure monitoring and enabling higher automation and intelligent control. A mounting plate is fixed to the three-way valve block 81, with bolt holes for fixing it to the tunnel boring machine body. The quick-connect oil pipe coupling 82 has a one-way valve 821 that flows into the three-way valve block 81. The one-way valve 821 constitutes the sealing mechanism. The corresponding oil pipe has a fitting that mates with the quick-connect oil pipe coupling 82. A push rod is located in the middle of the fitting. When the fitting is fitted into the quick-connect oil pipe coupling 82, the push rod pushes the one-way valve 821 to open it.

[0036] The barrel heating assembly 9 includes a sliding heating ring 91 for slidingly fitting around the grease storage tank 3. The inner diameter of the sliding heating ring 91 is the same as the outer diameter of the grease storage tank 3. An outer arc-shaped permanent magnet 92 is fixedly mounted on the upper part of the sliding heating ring 91 along the circumference. An inner arc-shaped permanent magnet 211 is correspondingly provided on the outer circumference of the pressure plate 21. By attracting the inner and outer arc-shaped permanent magnets, the sliding heating ring 91 moves with the pressure plate 21 to heat the grease near the lower surface of the pressure plate 21.

[0037] The annular heating unit 83 and the sliding heating ring 91 are heated by electromagnetic induction.

[0038] In use, the centralized lubrication device for tunnel boring machines of this utility model utilizes the coupling between the outer arc-shaped permanent magnet 92 and the inner arc-shaped permanent magnet 211 on the pressure plate 21. When the pressure plate 21 moves, the outer arc-shaped permanent magnet drives the sliding heating ring 91 to move accordingly, ensuring that the sliding heating ring 91 constantly heats the grease near the lower surface of the pressure plate 21. This ingenious design solves the following problem: Since the pressure plate 21 descends with the grease level, and the inlet of the pneumatic pump is located at the bottom of the pressure plate 21, near its lower surface, this design is problematic. Once the grease is successfully drawn in, heating only the grease near the lower surface of the pressure plate 21 is sufficient. Heating the grease in other areas is pointless. If a fixed heating device is used to heat the grease reservoir 3, it is impossible to achieve dynamic heating of the grease near the lower surface of the pressure plate 21. However, the design of the inner and outer arc-shaped permanent magnets and the interactive heating ring being driven by the outer arc-shaped permanent magnet to follow the inner arc-shaped permanent magnet perfectly achieves the purpose of dynamic local heating. The heating area is more precise and effective, avoiding energy waste and increased risk of grease oxidation caused by ineffective heating. The heating of the oil pipes (including the main oil pipe 6 and the branch oil pipe 7) adopts a segmented heating technology. The advantages of segmented heating include: since the oil pipes are long, heating the entire length is impractical, and segmented heating solves this problem. Because the heated grease needs a certain amount of time to cool down, by adjusting the spacing of the heating points, the grease is heated and delivered before it cools down. Then, the grease is continuously heated in a relay manner, so that the grease is delivered within a suitable temperature range, avoiding the problem of increased grease viscosity due to low temperature, which would lead to delivery difficulties. In addition, segmented heating can also avoid local overcooling, because the centralized lubrication system pumps grease in a pulsed manner. When the system is frequently started and stopped, the grease flow resistance is high. Segmented heating ensures that the temperature of the grease is evenly distributed throughout its entire length. In addition, setting the heating point on the heating adapter module 8 has the following advantages: Firstly, since oil pipes are usually flexible rubber tubes, it is not convenient to set the heating module, but it is much more convenient to set it on the three-way valve block 81 made of metal. Secondly, part of the adapter on the original oil pipe can be eliminated, that is, the original oil pipe adapter and heating function are integrated together. At the same time, in a further design, the function of the oil pipe fixing clamp can also be integrated into the three-way valve block 81, so that it forms a positioning and fixing structure for the oil pipe. The use of the three-way valve block 81 makes it versatile and can meet the conversion requirements of straight connectors and bend connectors. At the same time, all three oil pipe quick connectors 82 can be connected to the oil pipe to realize the function of a two-way diversion connector.

[0039] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model. The patent protection scope of the present utility model shall be determined by the claims. Similarly, any equivalent structural changes made based on the description and drawings of the present utility model shall also be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A centralized lubrication system for tunnel boring machines, comprising: fat storage container; The lubrication pump includes a pressure plate for sliding the seal assembly inside the grease reservoir and squeezing the grease from top to bottom. A pneumatic pump for grease extraction is provided above the pressure plate, and the inlet of the pneumatic pump extends to the lower part of the pressure plate through an oil pipe. Distributor; Its features include: The segmented heated oil pipe assembly includes a main oil pipe, branch oil pipes, and a heating adapter module. Both the main oil pipe and branch oil pipes are composed of multiple segments, and each pair of oil pipe segments is connected by a heating adapter module. The heating adapter module includes a three-way valve block, and each of the three ports of the three-way valve block is equipped with a quick-connect oil pipe connector. Any two adjacent oil pipes are connected to two of the quick-connect oil pipe connectors on the three-way valve block. The quick-connect oil pipe connectors are equipped with a sealing mechanism for sealing the connectors. At a certain distance from the inner wall of the three ports, the three-way valve block is provided with annular heating units corresponding to the quick-connect oil pipe connectors to heat the grease inside the three-way valve block. The barrel heating assembly includes a sliding heating ring for sliding around the grease reservoir. The inner diameter of the sliding heating ring is the same as the outer diameter of the grease reservoir. An outer arc-shaped permanent magnet is fixed to the upper part of the sliding heating ring along the circumference. An inner arc-shaped permanent magnet is correspondingly provided on the outer circumference of the pressure plate. By attracting the inner and outer arc-shaped permanent magnets, the sliding heating ring moves with the pressure plate to heat the grease near the lower surface of the pressure plate.

2. The centralized lubrication equipment for tunnel boring machines according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lubrication pump includes a controller, which is connected to each annular heating unit to control each annular heating unit to work independently.

3. A centralized lubrication device for tunnel boring machines according to claim 2, characterized in that, The controller sets each heating adapter module in a gradient along the flow direction of the lubricating grease.

4. A centralized lubrication device for tunnel boring machines according to claim 2, characterized in that, Each branch oil pipe is equipped with a pressure detection sensor at its end to detect the pressure inside the pipe. The pressure detection sensor feeds back data to the controller. When the pressure value is lower than the set pressure value, the controller automatically controls each heating adapter module and sliding heating ring to heat.

5. A centralized lubrication device for tunnel boring machines according to claim 1, characterized in that, A mounting plate is fixed to the three-way valve block, and bolt holes are provided on the mounting plate for fixing it to the body of the tunnel boring machine with bolts.

6. A centralized lubrication device for tunnel boring machines according to claim 1, characterized in that, The annular heating unit and the sliding heating ring are heated by electromagnetic induction.

7. A centralized lubrication device for tunnel boring machines according to claim 1, characterized in that, The quick-connect oil pipe is equipped with a one-way valve that is open to the three-way valve block. The one-way valve constitutes the sealing mechanism. The corresponding oil pipe is equipped with an oil pipe connector that is compatible with the quick-connect oil pipe. A push rod is provided in the middle of the oil pipe connector. When the oil pipe connector is compatible with the corresponding quick-connect oil pipe, the push rod pushes the one-way valve to open the one-way valve.

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