A grouting system of a tunnel boring machine
By designing an automated grouting system, the problems of pipe entanglement and manual control in existing technologies have been solved, achieving stability and convenience in the grouting process and improving the construction safety and project quality of tunnel boring machines.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- 林鸿亮
- Filing Date
- 2025-06-10
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-02
AI Technical Summary
Existing grouting systems have complex pipelines that are prone to entanglement and require manual control of grouting, making maintenance and troubleshooting difficult.
A grouting system for a tunnel boring machine was designed, which uses components such as a grouting pump, grouting pipes, support pipes, grout control solenoid valves, and cleaning water pipes to achieve automatic control and clear pipe connections, avoid tangling, and achieve precise control and cleaning of grout through solenoid valves.
The grouting process has been automated, avoiding entanglement problems, improving the convenience of maintenance and troubleshooting, and ensuring the stability and reliability of the grouting system.
Smart Images

Figure CN224314996U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of grouting system technology, and in particular to a grouting system for a tunnel boring machine. Background Technology
[0002] The grouting system of a tunnel boring machine (TBM) is a crucial part of tunnel construction. It primarily fills the gaps between the tunnel wall and the surrounding soil and rock during tunnel excavation, serving multiple functions such as ground reinforcement, water sealing, and controlling surface settlement. In recent years, with the rapid urbanization in my country, the construction of municipal infrastructure projects has also progressed rapidly. Among municipal infrastructure projects, underground pipeline engineering, as a "lifeline" for production and daily life, directly affects the safety and reliability of the project. In municipal pipeline laying, jacking devices are typically used to create pipeline laying channels. Supporting pipes are then placed within these channels, and the grouting system fills the gaps between the pipes and the channels to ensure the stability of the pipeline structure and the quality of the project. Simultaneously, during pipe jacking, bentonite grout is injected into the gaps between the jacking pipe and the surrounding soil through the grouting system, reducing the friction between the pipe wall and the soil during pipe jacking and significantly reducing the thrust required for jacking. This not only makes pipe jacking construction easier, but also effectively prevents soil collapse due to excessive friction, further ensuring construction safety and project quality.
[0003] Existing grouting systems have complex piping, requiring multiple grouting pipes to correspond to each grouting channel. During use, problems such as pipe entanglement can easily occur.
[0004] Therefore, this utility model provides a grouting pipeline for a tunnel boring machine, which has a simple structure and can avoid problems such as entanglement. Utility Model Content
[0005] In order to overcome the shortcomings of the existing technology, this utility model provides a grouting system for a tunnel boring machine, which has a simple structure and can avoid problems such as entanglement.
[0006] The technical solution adopted by this utility model to solve its technical problem is:
[0007] This utility model discloses a grouting system for a tunnel boring machine, comprising: a grouting pump, a grouting pipe, and a support pipe; the grouting pipe includes a main grouting pipe, several grouting connectors, and several grouting branch pipes, the main grouting pipe and the grouting branch pipes being connected through the grouting connectors, each grouting connector being equipped with a grout control solenoid valve, the main grouting pipe including a grout inlet end and a grout outlet end, the grout inlet end of the main grouting pipe being connected to the grouting pump; the grouting pipe is disposed within the support pipe, and the support pipe is provided with a grouting port, the grouting branch pipes being connected to the grouting port.
[0008] As an improvement to this utility model, it also includes a mixing container and a return pipe. The return pipe includes a return input end and a return output end. The return input end is connected to the slurry outlet end of the grouting main pipe, and the return output end is connected to the mixing container.
[0009] As an improvement to this utility model, it also includes a water pump, a water distribution connector, and a cleaning water pipe. The cleaning water pipe is connected to the grouting branch pipe through the water distribution connector. The water distribution connector is equipped with a water control solenoid valve. One end of the cleaning water pipe is connected to the water pump.
[0010] As an improvement to this utility model, the grouting branch pipe is a ring-shaped grouting pipe.
[0011] As an improvement of this utility model, the grouting connector includes an inlet connector and an outlet connector. The main grouting pipe is connected to the grouting branch pipe through the inlet connector, and the grouting branch pipe is connected to the grouting port through the outlet connector.
[0012] As an improvement of this utility model, the grouting branch pipe is provided with a grouting inlet and a grouting outlet, and the grouting inlet is connected to the grouting main pipe through the grout inlet connector and the grout outlet connector.
[0013] As an improvement of this utility model, the grouting branch pipe is provided with a water inlet, which is connected to the cleaning water pipe through the water distribution connector.
[0014] As an improvement of this utility model, the grouting port is connected to the grouting outlet through the grouting connector.
[0015] As an improvement to this utility model, the solenoid valve for controlling the slurry is an electromagnetic ball valve.
[0016] As an improvement to this utility model, the water control solenoid valve is an electromagnetic ball valve.
[0017] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: Through the above-described structure, the grouting pipeline, with its main grouting pipe, several grouting connectors, and several branch grouting pipes, provides a clear and straightforward connection between the pipelines. This not only avoids problems such as tangling but also facilitates easier maintenance and troubleshooting when issues arise in the grouting system. Furthermore, the inclusion of the solenoid valve allows for automatic control of the grouting process, eliminating the need for manual intervention. Attached Figure Description
[0018] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. The drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort. In addition, the drawings are not drawn to a 1:1 scale, and the relative dimensions of each component are only illustrated in the drawings and are not necessarily drawn to the actual scale.
[0019] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.
[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the grouting system of the tunnel boring machine of this utility model;
[0021] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional structural schematic diagram of the grouting system of the tunnel boring machine of this utility model;
[0022] Figure 3 This is an exploded schematic diagram of the grouting system of the tunnel boring machine of this utility model;
[0023] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Enlarged view of circle A;
[0024] Figure 5 This is a first-view exploded schematic diagram of the grouting system of the tunnel boring machine of this utility model;
[0025] Figure 6 This is a second-view exploded schematic diagram of the grouting system of the tunnel boring machine of this utility model.
[0026] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:
[0027] 100 Grouting pump; 200 Grouting pipe; 300 Mixing container; 400 Return pipe; 500 Water pump; 600 Water distribution connector; 700 Cleaning water pipe; 800 Support pipe; 210 Main grouting pipe; 211 Grout inlet end; 212 Grout outlet end; 220 Grout distribution connector; 221 Grout control solenoid valve; 222 Grout inlet connector; 223 Grout outlet connector; 230 Grouting branch pipe; 231 Grouting inlet; 232 Grouting outlet; 233 Water inlet; 410 Return input end; 420 Return output end; 610 Water control solenoid valve; 810 Grouting port. Detailed Implementation
[0028] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of this application more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of this application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of this application. However, this application can be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar modifications without departing from the spirit of this application. Therefore, this application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.
[0029] In the description of this application, it should be understood that if terms such as "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential" appear, these terms indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application.
[0030] Furthermore, where the terms "first" and "second" appear, these terms are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, where the term "multiple" appears, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.
[0031] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise expressly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.
[0032] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the use of descriptions such as "above" or "below" the second feature indicates that the first and second features are in direct contact or indirect contact via 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. Similarly, "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.
[0033] It should be noted that if an element is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intervening element. If an element is considered to be "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. If so, the terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used in this application are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.
[0034] Reference Figures 1 to 6 A grouting system for a tunnel boring machine includes: a grouting pump 100, a grouting pipe 200, and a support pipe 800; the grouting pipe 200 includes a main grouting pipe 210, a plurality of grouting connectors 220, and a plurality of grouting branch pipes 230, the main grouting pipe 210 and the grouting branch pipes 230 are connected through the grouting connectors 220, the grouting connectors 220 are provided with grout control solenoid valves 221, the main grouting pipe 210 includes a grout inlet end 211 and a grout outlet end 212, the grout inlet end 211 of the main grouting pipe 210 is connected to the grouting pump 100; the grouting pipe 200 is disposed within the support pipe 800, and the support pipe 800 is provided with a grouting port 810, the grouting branch pipes 230 are connected to the grouting port 810.
[0035] With the above-described structure, the grouting pipeline 200, by including the main grouting pipe 210, several grouting connectors 220, and several grouting branch pipes 230, avoids problems such as entanglement during use. Furthermore, the inclusion of the grout control solenoid valve 221 allows for automatic control of the grouting process, eliminating the need for manual intervention. Since each solenoid valve 221 is individually controlled, the on / off state of one or more grouting branch pipes 230 can be arbitrarily controlled as needed, thereby controlling the flow direction of the grout. The grouting pump 100 extracts the grouting material (such as bentonite grout) from the storage container using mechanical, hydraulic, or pneumatic methods and delivers it to the grouting pipeline 200 at a set pressure. The main grouting pipe 210's primary function is to guide the grout delivered by the grouting pump 100 to the grouting connectors 220. Because the grouting pump 100 has a high outlet pressure, the main grouting pipe 210 needs sufficient strength to withstand the pressure of the grout, while its inner wall should be as smooth as possible to reduce resistance during grout delivery. The grout distribution connector 220 distributes the grout, and its internal structure includes a grout control solenoid valve 221 that controls the flow of grout to the grouting branch pipe 230. The grouting branch pipe 230 delivers the distributed grout to the specific locations on the tunnel boring machine that require grouting. These locations may be the strata surrounding the tunnel wall, or the gaps between the tunnel segments and the strata. The number and arrangement of the grouting branch pipes 230 are usually determined based on the design of the tunnel boring machine and the actual grouting requirements to ensure that the grout can be evenly filled into the target area. During tunnel excavation, the surrounding strata are disturbed, leading to a decrease in stratum stability. Injecting grout into the strata through the grouting system can fill the voids in the strata, improving the density and strength of the strata. For example, in soft soil strata, grouting can bind loose sand or silt particles together to form a relatively stable structure, effectively preventing ground collapse and providing a safe working environment for tunnel excavation. When a tunnel passes through water-bearing strata, the influx of groundwater can pose significant challenges to the excavation work. A grouting system can inject waterproof grout into the strata or the gaps between tunnel segments and the strata, forming a water-stopping curtain to prevent groundwater from entering the tunnel. For instance, in some water-rich sandy and gravelly strata, injecting chemical grout can effectively seal groundwater channels after solidification, reducing seepage within the tunnel and ensuring smooth tunnel construction. For tunnels constructed using the shield tunneling method, gaps may exist between the tunnel segments and the strata after assembly. A grouting system can inject grout into these gaps, ensuring a tight fit between the tunnel segments and the strata, uniformly transmitting ground pressure, and improving the stability of the tunnel segments. Simultaneously, filling these gaps also helps reduce segment deformation and settlement, ensuring the quality of tunnel construction.Furthermore, during pipe jacking construction, bentonite grout is injected into the gap between the pipe and the surrounding soil through a grouting system. This reduces the friction between the pipe wall and the soil during pipe jacking, significantly reducing the thrust required for jacking. This not only makes pipe jacking construction easier but also effectively prevents soil collapse due to excessive friction, further ensuring construction safety and project quality.
[0036] This embodiment also includes a mixing container 300 and a return pipe 400. The return pipe 400 includes a return input end 410 and a return output end 420. The return input end 410 is connected to the slurry outlet end 212 of the grouting main pipe 210, and the return output end 420 is connected to the mixing container 300. With this structure, during use, the return pipe 400 allows the slurry flowing from the slurry outlet end 212 of the grouting main pipe 210 to return to the mixing container 300 through the return output end 420. During grouting, situations may arise such as the grouting volume exceeding the requirement or the composition of the grouting material needing adjustment. This return method allows unused grout to be recycled, avoiding waste. If grouting needs to be paused, the slurry can flow back to the mixing container 300 through the return pipe 400, allowing the slurry to circulate between the grouting pipe 200 and the return pipe 400, preventing the slurry from solidifying due to cessation of flow. After the grouting work is completed, cleaning fluid can be injected into the grouting main pipe 210, allowing the cleaning fluid to carry away any remaining material in the grouting main pipe 210 and return to the mixing container 300 through the return pipe 400. This not only cleans the grouting main pipe 210 but also the return pipe 400, facilitating the maintenance of the entire system.
[0037] This embodiment also includes a water pump 500, a water distribution connector 600, and a cleaning water pipe 700. The cleaning water pipe 700 is connected to the grouting branch pipe 230 via the water distribution connector 600. The water distribution connector 600 is equipped with a water control solenoid valve 610. One end of the cleaning water pipe 700 is connected to the water pump 500. With this structure, during use, cleaning water can be injected into the grouting branch pipe 230 through the water pump 500, the water distribution connector 600, and the cleaning water pipe 700, thereby cleaning residual grout in the grouting branch pipe 230, preventing residual grout from solidifying in the grouting branch pipe 230, and extending the service life of the grouting branch pipe 230. The water control solenoid valve 610 in the water distribution connector 600 can precisely control whether cleaning water flows into the grouting branch pipe 230. When cleaning is required, the water control solenoid valve 610 is opened to allow cleaning water to flow to the grouting branch pipe 230. During normal grouting or when cleaning is not required, the water control solenoid valve 610 is closed to prevent water from entering, thus avoiding interference with the grouting work and ensuring the normal switching and orderly operation of the system functions.
[0038] In this embodiment, the grouting branch pipe 230 is an annular grouting pipe. With this structural design, the shape of the annular grouting pipe matches the tunnel structure, as the tunnel cross-section is typically circular. This matching structural design allows for better fit against the tunnel wall, enabling the grout to be injected more precisely into the gaps behind the tunnel wall.
[0039] In this embodiment, the grout distribution connector 220 includes an inlet connector 222 and an outlet connector 223. The main grouting pipe 210 and the branch grouting pipe 230 are connected via the inlet connector 222, and the branch grouting pipe 230 is connected to the grouting port 810 via the outlet connector 223. With this structure, in use, the overall function of the grout distribution connector 220 (including the inlet connector 222 and the outlet connector 223) is to integrate the main grouting pipe 210, the branch grouting pipe 230, and the grouting port 810 into a complete grouting system. These three components cooperate to ensure that the grout, after being properly distributed (from the inlet connector 222 to the branch grouting pipe 230) from the source (from the grouting equipment to the main grouting pipe 210), is accurately injected into the target location (from the outlet connector 223 to the grouting port 810). This collaborative working method can improve the efficiency and accuracy of grouting. For example, in the reinforcement grouting of underground engineering, the grout can be precisely injected into the pores or fissures of the strata that need to be reinforced, thereby effectively improving the strength and stability of the strata.
[0040] In this embodiment, the grouting branch pipe 230 is provided with a grouting inlet 231 and a grouting outlet 232. The grouting inlet 231 is connected to the main grouting pipe 210 through the grout inlet connector 222 and the grout outlet connector 223. This structure, with its clear connection method, makes maintenance and troubleshooting easier when problems occur in the grouting system. If a grouting branch pipe 230 becomes blocked or the grouting effect is poor, the section of pipe from the grouting inlet 231 to the grouting outlet 232 can be checked first. By checking whether the connection between the grout outlet connector 223 and the grouting inlet 231 is tight and whether the internal passage is unobstructed, the problem can be quickly located, improving the reliability and maintainability of the entire grouting system and further enhancing the user experience.
[0041] In this embodiment, the grouting branch pipe 230 is provided with a water inlet 233, which is connected to the cleaning water pipe 700 via the water distribution connector 600. With this structure, after a portion of the grouting work is completed, it is necessary to clean part of the grouting branch pipe 230 to prevent residual grouting material from solidifying and accumulating inside the pipe, affecting the quality of subsequent grouting and the service life of the pipe. The water inlet 233 provides an entrance for clean water to enter the grouting branch pipe 230. The cleaning water pipe 700 is connected to the water inlet 233 via the water distribution connector 600. When cleaning is required, clean water can enter the grouting branch pipe 230 from the water pump 500 through the cleaning water pipe 700, the water distribution connector 600, and the water inlet 233, using the fluidity and flushing force of the water to wash away any residual grouting material inside the pipe. By specifically connecting the cleaning water pipe 700 to the water inlet 233 of the grouting branch pipe 230, the grouting branch pipe 230 can be cleaned in a targeted manner without affecting other parts that do not need cleaning (such as the grouting main pipe 210). The water control solenoid valve 610 in the water distribution connector 600 can precisely control whether the cleaning water enters the water inlet 233, thereby achieving precise control of the cleaning process.
[0042] In this embodiment, the grouting port 810 is connected to the grouting outlet 232 via the grouting connector 223. Through the above structural design, the grouting port 810 and the grouting connector 223 allow for better integration of the grouting pipe 200 with the supporting pipe 800 during use. This connection method can adapt to different types of grouting pipes 200 and supporting pipes 800 in terms of size, material, and other characteristics. For example, when replacing grouting pipes 200 or supporting pipes 800 with different specifications, as long as the interface design of the grouting connector 223 is reasonable, compatible connections between the new pipes can be easily achieved, ensuring the normal operation of the grouting system.
[0043] In this embodiment, the solenoid valve 221 for controlling the slurry is a solenoid ball valve. With the above-described structure, the solenoid ball valve employs a spherical seal during use, resulting in a relatively small sealing contact area between the ball and the valve seat. Furthermore, it generates a large sealing pressure when closed, effectively preventing media leakage. In contrast, while other solenoid valves, such as solenoid butterfly valves, also have good sealing performance, their sealing relies primarily on rubber or metal sealing rings between the butterfly plate and the valve body. Under prolonged use or harsh conditions, these sealing rings may age and wear, affecting the sealing effect. The spherical sealing structure of the solenoid ball valve, however, is more stable and reliable, maintaining good sealing performance for a longer period.
[0044] In this embodiment, the water-controlling solenoid valve 610 is a solenoid ball valve. With the above-described structure, during use, the friction between the ball and the valve seat is relatively small during rotation, and the moment of inertia of the ball is relatively small. Therefore, the operating torque is not high, and the required electromagnetic force is also relatively small, enabling quick and easy opening and closing actions. Some solenoid valves, such as solenoid diaphragm valves, are prone to fatigue and damage to their diaphragm and other components during long-term, frequent operation, requiring periodic replacement. In comparison, the solenoid ball valve has lower maintenance costs and a longer service life.
[0045] The above description provides one or more embodiments in conjunction with specific content, and does not imply that the specific implementation of this utility model is limited to these descriptions. Any methods or structures that are similar to or identical to those of this utility model, or any technical deductions or substitutions made based on the concept of this utility model, should be considered within the protection scope of this utility model.
Claims
1. A grouting system for a tunnel boring machine, characterized in that, include: The grouting pump (100), grouting pipe (200), and support pipe (800) are described. The grouting pipe (200) includes a main grouting pipe (210), several grouting connectors (220), and several grouting branch pipes (230). The main grouting pipe (210) and the grouting branch pipes (230) are connected through the grouting connectors (220). The grouting connectors (220) are equipped with grout control solenoid valves (221). The main grouting pipe (210) includes an inlet end (211) and an outlet end (212). The inlet end (211) of the main grouting pipe (210) is connected to the grouting pump (100). The grouting pipe (200) is located inside the support pipe (800), and the support pipe (800) is equipped with a grouting port (810). The grouting branch pipes (230) are connected to the grouting port (810).
2. The grouting system of the tunnel boring machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a mixing container (300) and a return pipe (400), the return pipe (400) including a return input end (410) and a return output end (420), the return input end (410) being connected to the grout outlet end (212) of the grouting main pipe (210), and the return output end (420) being connected to the mixing container (300).
3. The grouting system of the tunnel boring machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a water pump (500), a water distribution connector (600), and a cleaning water pipe (700). The cleaning water pipe (700) is connected to the grouting branch pipe (230) through the water distribution connector (600). The water distribution connector (600) is equipped with a water control solenoid valve (610). One end of the cleaning water pipe (700) is connected to the water pump (500).
4. The grouting system of the tunnel boring machine according to claim 3, characterized in that, The grouting branch pipe (230) is an annular grouting pipe.
5. The grouting system of the tunnel boring machine according to claim 4, characterized in that, The grouting connector (220) includes an inlet connector (222) and an outlet connector (223). The main grouting pipe (210) is connected to the grouting branch pipe (230) through the inlet connector (222). The grouting branch pipe (230) is connected to the grouting port (810) through the outlet connector (223).
6. The grouting system of the tunnel boring machine according to claim 5, characterized in that, The grouting branch pipe (230) is provided with a grouting inlet (231) and a grouting outlet (232). The grouting inlet (231) is connected to the grouting main pipe (210) through the grout inlet connector (222) and the grout outlet connector (223).
7. The grouting system of the tunnel boring machine according to claim 5, characterized in that, The grouting branch pipe (230) is provided with a water inlet (233), and the water inlet (233) is connected to the cleaning water pipe (700) through the water distribution connector (600).
8. The grouting system of the tunnel boring machine according to claim 6, characterized in that, The grouting port (810) is connected to the grouting outlet (232) via the grouting connector (223).
9. The grouting system of the tunnel boring machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The solenoid valve (221) for controlling the slurry is a solenoid ball valve.
10. The grouting system of the tunnel boring machine according to claim 3, characterized in that, The water control solenoid valve (610) is an electromagnetic ball valve.