Novel belt conveyor carrier roller set for shield tunneling machine
By designing the idler assembly with suspension brackets and adjustment units, the problem of belt misalignment of the tunnel boring machine idler group under complex working conditions was solved, realizing flexible adjustment and buffering of the idler group, and improving construction efficiency and safety.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- TRIUMPH HEAVY IND CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-05-20
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-28
AI Technical Summary
The existing belt conveyor idler groups for tunnel boring machines cannot be adjusted during installation, which leads to belt misalignment and material spillage, affecting construction efficiency and safety.
A roller assembly including a suspension bracket, pin shaft, roller bracket and tie rod assembly is designed. The lower roller is connected by the pin shaft. The roller assembly and adjustment unit realize the flexible rotation and angle adjustment of the roller assembly. It is equipped with a buffer unit to absorb impact force and realize a composite correction mechanism of active adjustment and passive response.
It effectively corrects belt misalignment, reduces material spillage, improves construction continuity and safety, adapts to complex working conditions, and reduces installation difficulty and cost.
Smart Images

Figure CN224171808U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the technical field of belt conveyors for tunnel boring machines, specifically a new type of belt conveyor idler group for tunnel boring machines. Background Technology
[0002] As a core piece of equipment in tunnel construction, the tunnel boring machine (TBM) integrates key functions such as soil excavation, muck transportation, and tunnel shaping. Among these, muck transportation mainly relies on belt conveyors. In actual working conditions, the conveyor inevitably faces complex transportation scenarios such as changes in inclination angle, slope transitions, and turns.
[0003] The currently widely used fixed overlapping upper and lower idlers present problems with inconvenient installation, layout, and adjustment. Under harsh conditions such as frequent changes in belt load and uneven material distribution, the traditional rigid correction idlers are unable to effectively buffer the impact forces generated by instantaneous vibrations, sudden load changes, or uneven material distribution during belt operation. This leads to frequent belt misalignment, causing material spillage, which not only reduces construction efficiency but also poses safety hazards and seriously affects the continuity and reliability of tunnel boring machine (TBM) construction. Therefore, based on the above background, a new type of belt conveyor idler assembly for TBMs is designed that can actively intervene in misalignment through rigid adjustment and passively cope with sudden impacts through elastic compensation. This is of great significance for improving the system's adaptability and reliability to different working conditions and reducing problems such as material spillage and equipment wear caused by misalignment. Utility Model Content
[0004] The purpose of this utility model is to provide a new type of belt conveyor idler group for tunnel boring machines, which solves the following technical problems: When existing belt conveyors are installed and used in tunnel boring machines, the fixed idler group cannot be adjusted, the belt runs off-center and spills material, affecting smooth passage and causing high working resistance.
[0005] The objective of this utility model can be achieved through the following technical solution: A novel belt conveyor idler group for a tunnel boring machine includes a suspension frame, a support fixedly installed at the bottom of the suspension frame, a pin installed at the upper end of the support, lower idlers symmetrically pinned to the upper end of the pin, the upper ends of the two lower idlers connected to the same idler bracket, multiple upper idlers installed at the upper end of the idler bracket, and a tie rod assembly installed at one end of the idler bracket for adjusting the angle of the entire idler group.
[0006] As a further embodiment of this utility model: the upper ends of the plurality of upper rollers are provided with the same belt.
[0007] As a further embodiment of this utility model: the tie rod assembly includes a connecting rod disposed at one end of the roller bracket, a connecting sleeve movably sleeved at one end of the connecting rod, the connecting sleeve being connected to the suspension bracket, a connecting frame fixedly disposed at one end of the suspension bracket, and an adjustment unit disposed at one end of the connecting frame.
[0008] As a further embodiment of this utility model: the adjustment unit includes a screw threaded to one end of the connecting frame, one end of the screw extending into the interior of the connecting frame and rotatably connected to a bearing, one end of the bearing being provided with a moving block, and one end of the moving block being provided with a buffer unit.
[0009] As a further embodiment of this utility model: the buffer unit includes a squeezing column fixedly disposed at one end of the moving block, a squeezing sleeve slidably sleeved on the outer surface of the squeezing column, a connecting plate fixedly disposed at one end of the squeezing sleeve, the connecting plate being fixedly connected to the connecting rod, and a limit ring fixedly disposed inside the squeezing sleeve on the squeezing column.
[0010] As a further embodiment of this utility model: a reset spring is sleeved on the outer surface of the extrusion column and fixed between the upper end of the extrusion sleeve and the limiting ring.
[0011] As a further embodiment of this utility model: a support rod is fixedly provided at the other end of the roller bracket, a support sleeve is slidably sleeved at one end of the support rod, and the end of the support sleeve away from the support rod is slidably connected to the suspension bracket.
[0012] As a further embodiment of this utility model: the number of upper idlers is multiple, and the upper idlers with symmetrically raised ends are used for guiding the belt operation.
[0013] The beneficial effects of this utility model are:
[0014] (1) The suspension bracket of this utility model is stably connected to the shield machine frame. The integral idler assembly is precisely connected to the lower support of the bracket through a pin, and the side is flexibly fixed by a tie rod assembly. Compared with the traditional fixed overlapping idler, this structure greatly simplifies the installation process, effectively shortens the installation cycle, and reduces labor costs. Its flexible installation method can easily adapt to the complex spatial layout of different positions of the shield machine, and is especially suitable for special working conditions such as changes in inclination angle and curved operation in tunnel construction. An adjustment unit is set at one end of the connecting frame. The screw drives the connecting rod to move precisely within the connecting sleeve, so that the integral idler assembly can rotate flexibly around the pin, realize timely correction of belt deviation, reduce material spillage caused by deviation, and ensure the continuity and efficiency of material transportation in shield construction.
[0015] (2) The buffer unit set at one end of the moving block in this utility model absorbs the impact force of instantaneous vibration, load fluctuation or uneven material distribution of the belt during operation through the reset spring on the outer surface of the extrusion column. The extrusion column slides in the extrusion sleeve and compresses the reset spring to perform elastic buffering, avoiding damage to the rigid structure due to stress concentration. It breaks through the design limitations of traditional single rigid or elastic correction. Through the composite correction mechanism of active adjustment and passive response, the correction efficiency is improved. It meets the requirements of shield machine installation and commissioning, and is convenient for turning operation and correcting belt deviation. It has the advantages of novel design, compact structure, convenient installation, economic practicality, safety and reliability, and significant social and economic benefits. It can be widely used in the field of shield machine belt conveyor.
[0016] Additional aspects and advantages of this invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description
[0017] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the existing idler roller assembly device of this utility model;
[0019] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of this utility model;
[0020] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the integral idler roller assembly of this utility model;
[0021] Figure 4 This is a structural schematic diagram of the tie rod assembly of this utility model.
[0022] In the diagram: 1. Suspension hanger; 2. Upper idler roller; 3. Idler roller bracket; 4. Tie rod assembly; 41. Connecting rod; 42. Connecting sleeve; 43. Connecting frame; 44. Adjusting unit; 441. Screw; 442. Adjusting nut; 443. Bearing; 444. Moving block; 45. Buffer unit; 451. Extrusion column; 452. Extrusion sleeve; 453. Connecting disc; 454. Limiting ring; 455. Return spring; 5. Lower idler roller; 6. Pin; 7. Support; 8. Belt; 91. Support rod; 92. Support sleeve. Detailed Implementation
[0023] The embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar symbols denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain this utility model, and should not be construed as limiting this utility model.
[0024] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.
[0025] In the field of shield tunneling machine belt conveyor technology, the installation and adjustment of existing fixed overlapping upper and lower idlers are quite difficult, often resulting in belt misalignment and material spillage, which significantly impacts work efficiency and operational safety. This utility model addresses the problem of difficult installation and adjustment of existing fixed overlapping upper and lower idlers by incorporating a series of innovative designs to facilitate shield tunneling machine turning, slope adjustment, and belt misalignment correction. The specific implementation method is as follows:
[0026] Example 1: As Figures 1-3 As shown, a novel belt conveyor idler assembly for a tunnel boring machine (TBM) includes a suspension bracket 1, which is fixedly connected to the TBM frame. The suspension bracket 1 has a U-shaped structure, which allows the idler assembly to be stably installed on the TBM, ensuring that the idler assembly will not shift or fall due to vibration, swaying, or other factors during TBM operation. A support 7 is fixedly installed at the bottom of the suspension bracket 1, and a pin 6 is installed at the upper end of the support 7. The pin 6 provides a rotational support point for the integral idler assembly. When the belt 8 deviates during operation, the integral idler assembly can rotate around the pin 6 at a certain angle, thereby adjusting and correcting the belt 8. The upper end of the pivot pin 6 is symmetrically connected with lower idler rollers 5. The lower idler rollers 5 are V-shaped and bear the weight of the belt 8 and the material on it. Through the even arrangement of the two lower idler rollers 5, the weight of the belt 8 and the material can be distributed to the suspension frame 1 and the shield machine frame. The upper ends of the two lower idler rollers 5 are connected to the same idler roller bracket 3. Multiple upper idler rollers 2 are set on the upper end of the idler roller bracket 3. One end of the idler roller bracket 3 is equipped with a tie rod assembly 4. By changing the length of the tie rod, the tie rod assembly 4 can make the entire idler roller group rotate around the pivot pin 6, so as to correct the belt 8 from running off course in time. In the turning condition, the tilt angle of the entire idler roller group can be adjusted to keep the belt 8 running in the center.
[0027] The suspension bracket 1 is connected and fixed to the shield machine frame. The upper roller 2 and lower roller 5 are respectively installed at the upper and lower ends of the roller bracket 3 to form an integral roller assembly. The assembled integral roller assembly is placed at the support 7 on the suspension bracket 1 and connected by the pin 6 to achieve modular installation and solve the problem of difficult synchronous adjustment of traditional split roller groups.
[0028] There are multiple upper idlers 2. In this embodiment, there are three upper idlers 2. The upper idlers 2, which are symmetrically raised at both ends, can guide the belt 8 to a certain extent, helping the belt 8 to stay on the correct running trajectory and reducing the possibility of belt 8 running off track. When the belt 8 runs slightly off track during operation, the raised ends of the upper idlers 2 can apply a certain lateral force to bring the belt 8 back to the normal running position.
[0029] Multiple upper rollers 2 are equipped with the same belt 8 at their upper ends. The belt 8 is laid on the top surface of the multiple upper rollers 2. The upper rollers 2 provide support for the belt 8, enabling it to bear the weight of the material and smoothly transport the material to the designated location.
[0030] like Figure 4 As shown, the tie rod assembly 4 includes a connecting rod 41 disposed at one end of the idler bracket 3. A connecting sleeve 42 is movably sleeved at one end of the connecting rod 41. The connecting sleeve 42 is connected to the suspension bracket 1. A connecting frame 43 is fixedly disposed at one end of the suspension bracket 1. An adjustment unit 44 is disposed at one end of the connecting frame 43. The adjustment unit 44 is used to adjust the length of the connecting rod 41 so that the lower idler 5 can rotate, thereby realizing timely correction of belt 8 deviation.
[0031] The adjustment unit 44 includes a screw 441 threadedly connected to one end of the connecting frame 43. One end of the screw 441 is provided with an adjustment nut 442. The other end of the screw 441 extends to the connecting frame 43 and is rotatably connected with a bearing 443. One end of the bearing 443 is provided with a moving block 444, and one end of the moving block 444 is provided with a buffer unit 45.
[0032] When the screw 441 is rotated, according to the principle of screw transmission, it will move linearly, thereby driving the bearing 443 structure connected to it to move together. The bearing 443 can ensure that the screw 441 can rotate flexibly, and at the same time convert the rotational motion of the screw 441 into the linear motion of the moving block 444, preventing the moving block 444 from rotating with the screw 441.
[0033] In summary, a new type of belt conveyor idler group for tunnel boring machines allows the entire idler group to rotate flexibly around the pin shaft 6 by adjusting the connecting rod 41 relative to the connecting sleeve 42 through the screw 441, thereby realizing timely correction of belt deviation and reducing material spillage caused by deviation.
[0034] Example 2: Based on Example 1, as followsFigure 4 As shown, the buffer unit 45 includes a squeezing column 451 fixedly disposed at one end of the moving block 444. A squeezing sleeve 452 is slidably sleeved on the outer surface of the squeezing column 451. A connecting plate 453 is fixedly disposed at one end of the squeezing sleeve 452. The connecting plate 453 is fixedly connected to the connecting rod 41. A limit ring 454 is fixedly disposed inside the squeezing sleeve 452. The limit ring 454 ensures that the squeezing column 451 will not completely slide out of the squeezing sleeve 452, thus avoiding structural failure. A reset spring 455 is sleeved on the outer surface of the squeezing column 451 inside the squeezing sleeve 452 and fixed between the upper end of the squeezing sleeve 452 and the limit ring 454.
[0035] By adjusting the effective length of the connecting rod 41 through the adjusting nut 442 and screw 441, the tilt angle of the integral idler assembly can be directly adjusted to correct the belt 8 deviation. This is a precise rigid adjustment. The return spring 455, as an elastic element, can absorb the impact force caused by instantaneous vibration, load fluctuation or uneven material distribution during the operation of the belt 8, and avoid damage to the rigid structure due to stress concentration. This is an elastic compensation, thus breaking through the design limitations of traditional single rigid or elastic correction. Through the combination of "active adjustment + passive response", the correction efficiency is improved.
[0036] A support rod 91 is fixedly installed at the other end of the idler bracket 3. A support sleeve 92 is slidably sleeved at one end of the support rod 91. The end of the support sleeve 92 away from the support rod 91 is slidably connected to the suspension bracket 1. The slidable connection between the support sleeve 92 and the suspension bracket 1 ensures that the integral idler assembly can rotate around the pin 6 during the pulling of the connecting rod 41. At the same time, the support rod 91 can slide inside the support sleeve 92 during the movement of the connecting rod 41. The cooperation between the support rod 91 and the support sleeve 92, together with the idler bracket 3 and the suspension bracket 1, forms a stable support structure. The support rod 91 can effectively transfer the force on the idler bracket 3 to the support sleeve 92 and the suspension bracket 1, ensuring the overall stability of the structure.
[0037] In summary, during operation, the belt 8 experiences instantaneous vibrations, load fluctuations, or uneven material distribution, which generate impact forces. These forces are absorbed by the return spring 455, preventing damage to the rigid structure due to stress concentration. This design overcomes the limitations of traditional single rigid or elastic correction methods. By combining "active adjustment + passive response," the correction efficiency is improved. The support rod 91 can slide within the support sleeve 92 and is slidably connected to the suspension hanger 1. The support rod 91 effectively transmits the force received by the idler roller bracket 3 to the support sleeve 92 and the suspension hanger 1, ensuring the overall stability of the structure. This design satisfies the requirements of tunnel boring machine installation and commissioning, facilitates turning operation, and corrects belt 8 deviation. It boasts advantages such as novel design, compact structure, convenient installation, economic practicality, safety and reliability, and significant social and economic benefits. It can be widely used in the field of tunnel boring machine belt 8 conveying.
[0038] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model, but the protection scope of the present utility model is not limited thereto. Any equivalent substitutions or changes made by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in the present utility model, based on the technical solution and the inventive concept of the present utility model, should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.
Claims
1. A novel belt conveyor idler group for tunnel boring machines, characterized in that, The system includes a suspension bracket (1), with a support (7) fixedly installed at the bottom of the suspension bracket (1). A pin (6) is installed at the upper end of the support (7). Lower rollers (5) are symmetrically pinned to the upper end of the pin (6). The upper ends of the two lower rollers (5) are connected to the same roller bracket (3). Multiple upper rollers (2) are installed at the upper end of the roller bracket (3). A pull rod assembly (4) is installed at one end of the roller bracket (3). The pull rod assembly (4) is used to adjust the angle of the entire roller group.
2. The novel belt conveyor idler group for a tunnel boring machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The upper ends of the multiple upper rollers (2) are provided with the same belt (8).
3. A novel belt conveyor idler group for a tunnel boring machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pull rod assembly (4) includes a connecting rod (41) disposed at one end of the roller bracket (3), a connecting sleeve (42) is movably sleeved at one end of the connecting rod (41), the connecting sleeve (42) is connected to the suspension bracket (1), a connecting frame (43) is fixedly disposed at one end of the suspension bracket (1), and an adjustment unit (44) is disposed at one end of the connecting frame (43).
4. A novel belt conveyor idler group for a tunnel boring machine according to claim 3, characterized in that, The adjustment unit (44) includes a screw (441) threaded to one end of the connecting frame (43). One end of the screw (441) extends into the interior of the connecting frame (43) and is rotatably connected to a bearing (443). One end of the bearing (443) is provided with a moving block (444), and one end of the moving block (444) is provided with a buffer unit (45).
5. A novel belt conveyor idler group for a tunnel boring machine according to claim 4, characterized in that, The buffer unit (45) includes a squeezing column (451) fixedly disposed at one end of the moving block (444). A squeezing sleeve (452) is slidably sleeved on the outer surface of the squeezing column (451). A connecting plate (453) is fixedly disposed at one end of the squeezing sleeve (452). The connecting plate (453) is fixedly connected to the connecting rod (41). A limit ring (454) is fixedly disposed inside the squeezing sleeve (452) of the squeezing column (451).
6. A novel belt conveyor idler group for a tunnel boring machine according to claim 5, characterized in that, The outer surface of the extrusion column (451) is fitted with a return spring (455) that is fixed between the upper end of the extrusion sleeve (452) and the limiting ring (454).
7. A novel belt conveyor idler group for a tunnel boring machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The other end of the roller bracket (3) is fixedly provided with a support rod (91), and a support sleeve (92) is slidably sleeved on one end of the support rod (91). The end of the support sleeve (92) away from the support rod (91) is slidably connected to the suspension bracket (1).
8. A novel belt conveyor idler group for a tunnel boring machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The number of upper rollers (2) is multiple, and the upper rollers (2) with symmetrically raised ends are used to guide the operation of the belt (8).