Reaction force support system for receiving steel sleeve of shield machine
By combining steel sleeves, end caps, transition rings, reaction support frames, diagonal supports, and horizontal supports, the stability problem of the steel sleeve of the tunnel boring machine under large soil pressure or uneven settlement is solved, achieving higher construction quality and safety.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- CHINA RAILWAY 20TH BUREAU GRP SOUTHERN ENG CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-06-11
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-16
AI Technical Summary
The current support system of the steel sleeve of the tunnel boring machine is prone to instability when faced with large soil pressure or uneven settlement, which leads to deformation of the steel sleeve and a decrease in its stability, thus affecting the construction quality.
The structure adopts a combination of steel sleeve, end cap, transition ring, reaction support frame, multiple diagonal supports and multiple horizontal supports. The diagonal supports form a triangular support structure to transfer the lateral load to the bottom plate of the receiving well. The high rigidity of the well bottom enhances stability, and the horizontal supports abut against the well wall to balance the lateral load, thereby enhancing the overall structural stability.
It improves the stability and load-bearing capacity of the shield machine's steel sleeve, ensuring construction quality and safety, reducing the need for mechanical adjustments, and improving installation efficiency and reliability.
Smart Images

Figure CN224363953U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of tunnel boring machine (TBM) engineering technology, and in particular to a reaction support system for receiving steel sleeves of a TBM. Background Technology
[0002] With the rapid development of modern civil engineering, tunnel boring machines (TBMs), as important underground engineering construction equipment, have gradually received widespread attention for their technology and applications. The development of TBM steel sleeve receiving technology has gone through a process from simple mechanical support methods to complex structural design optimization.
[0003] Currently, during the construction process of tunnel boring machines, the receiving of the steel sleeve usually relies on a series of mechanical devices and fixed structures for support, ensuring that it can effectively withstand the pressure from the soil and other external loads during construction.
[0004] However, the current support system is prone to instability when faced with large soil pressure or uneven settlement, which leads to deformation of the steel sleeve and a decrease in its stability, thereby reducing the overall construction quality. Utility Model Content
[0005] The main objective of this invention is to propose a reaction support system for receiving steel sleeves in tunnel boring machines, aiming to solve the technical problem that current support systems are prone to instability, thereby reducing the overall construction quality.
[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention proposes a reaction support system for receiving a steel sleeve of a tunnel boring machine, comprising:
[0007] A steel sleeve, which is mounted on an external bracket; the steel sleeve is a hollow cylindrical structure with openings at both ends, and the two ends of the steel sleeve along its extension direction are an open end and a closed end, respectively.
[0008] An end cap, wherein the end cap is disposed at the closed end of the steel sleeve;
[0009] A transition ring is installed at the open end of the steel sleeve and connected to the external portal ring plate;
[0010] A reaction support frame, the reaction support frame extending vertically, the reaction support frame abutting against the end cap;
[0011] Multiple inclined supports are provided, spaced apart along the width direction of the reaction support frame. The top end of each inclined support is connected to the reaction support frame, and the bottom end of each inclined support is connected to the bottom plate of the external receiving well.
[0012] Multiple horizontal supports are spaced apart on both sides of the reaction support frame extending vertically. One end of each horizontal support is connected to the reaction support frame, and the other end of each horizontal support abuts against the well wall of the receiving well.
[0013] In one embodiment, a pre-embedded steel plate is provided on the upper surface of the bottom plate of the receiving well, and the bottom end of the inclined support is connected to the bottom plate of the receiving well through the pre-embedded steel plate.
[0014] In one embodiment, the pre-embedded steel plate is anchored to the bottom plate of the receiving well by rebar anchoring. The number of rebar anchors is multiple, and the multiple rebar anchors are arranged at intervals along the circumference of the pre-embedded steel plate.
[0015] In one embodiment, a portion of the plurality of horizontal supports is disposed near the top of the reaction support frame, and another portion is disposed near the bottom of the reaction support frame.
[0016] In one embodiment, the steel sleeve includes multiple cylindrical sections, which are spaced apart in a horizontal direction, and adjacent cylindrical sections are connected by bolts.
[0017] In one embodiment, a sealing element is provided at the connection between the end cap and the steel sleeve.
[0018] In one embodiment, an observation hole is provided through the transition ring and the portal ring plate, and the observation hole is coaxially arranged with the transition ring.
[0019] In one embodiment, the shield machine steel sleeve receiving reaction support system further includes a monitoring device, which includes strain gauges and dial gauges, with the strain gauges installed on the outer wall of the steel sleeve.
[0020] This invention improves the stability of the steel sleeve used for receiving tunnel boring machines (TBMs) through the coordination of a steel sleeve, end cap, transition ring, reaction support frame, multiple diagonal supports, and multiple horizontal supports. The end cap seals one end of the steel sleeve, effectively preventing horizontal displacement during TBM reception, in conjunction with the reaction support frame. The multiple diagonal and horizontal supports not only enhance the lateral and horizontal stability of the steel sleeve but also prevent tilting or deformation under uneven settlement or lateral earth pressure. The triangular support structure formed by the diagonal supports effectively transfers lateral loads to the bottom plate of the receiving shaft, utilizing the high rigidity of the shaft bottom to improve the stability and load-bearing capacity of the entire support system. Simultaneously, the horizontal supports further enhance the overall structural stability by balancing lateral loads against the shaft wall. This invention features a simple structure, reduces the need for additional mechanical adjustments, improves installation efficiency and reliability, and ensures construction quality and safety. Attached Figure Description
[0021] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, 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 the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.
[0022] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a structural embodiment of the shield machine steel sleeve receiving reaction support system provided by this utility model;
[0023] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of another embodiment of the shield machine steel sleeve receiving reaction support system provided by this utility model;
[0024] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the observation hole provided by this utility model.
[0025] Explanation of icon numbers:
[0026] 10. Receiving well;
[0027] 100, Steel sleeve; 200, Bracket; 300, End cap; 400, Transition ring; 500, Reaction support frame; 600, Diagonal support; 700, Horizontal support; 110, Cylindrical section; 401, Observation hole.
[0028] The realization of the purpose, functional features and advantages of this utility model will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation
[0029] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present utility model.
[0030] It should be noted that if the embodiments of this utility model involve directional indicators (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.), the directional indicators are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of the components in a specific posture. If the specific posture changes, the directional indicators will also change accordingly.
[0031] Furthermore, if the embodiments of this utility model involve descriptions such as "first" or "second," these descriptions are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of those features. Additionally, the use of "and / or" or "and / or" throughout the text includes three parallel solutions. For example, "A and / or B" includes solution A, solution B, or a solution where both A and B are satisfied simultaneously. Furthermore, the technical solutions of the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but this must be based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or impossible to implement, it should be considered that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed by this utility model.
[0032] With the rapid development of modern civil engineering, tunnel boring machines (TBMs), as important underground engineering construction equipment, have gradually received widespread attention for their technology and applications. The development of TBM steel sleeve receiving technology has gone through a process from simple mechanical support methods to complex structural design optimization.
[0033] Currently, during the construction process of tunnel boring machines, the receiving of the steel sleeve usually relies on a series of mechanical devices and fixed structures for support, ensuring that it can effectively withstand the pressure from the soil and other external loads during construction.
[0034] However, the current support system is prone to instability when faced with large soil pressure or uneven settlement, which leads to deformation of the steel sleeve and a decrease in its stability, thereby reducing the overall construction quality.
[0035] To solve this technical problem, this utility model proposes a reaction support system for receiving steel sleeves of tunnel boring machines.
[0036] Please see Figures 1 to 3In one embodiment of this utility model, the shield tunneling machine steel sleeve receiving reaction support system includes a steel sleeve 100, an end cap 300, a transition ring 400, a reaction support frame 500, multiple inclined supports 600, and multiple horizontal supports 700. The steel sleeve 100 is mounted on an external bracket 200. The steel sleeve 100 is a hollow cylindrical structure with openings at both ends. The two ends of the steel sleeve 100 along its extension direction are an open end and a closed end, respectively. The end cap 300 is located at the closed end of the steel sleeve 100. The transition ring 400 is installed at the open end of the steel sleeve 100 and connects with the external opening. The door ring plate is connected; the reaction support frame 500 extends vertically and abuts against the end cover 300; multiple inclined supports 600 are spaced apart along the width direction of the reaction support frame 500, the top of each inclined support 600 is connected to the reaction support frame 500, and the bottom of each inclined support 600 is connected to the bottom plate of the external receiving well 10; multiple horizontal supports 700 are spaced apart on both sides of the reaction support frame 500 extending vertically, one end of each horizontal support 700 is connected to the reaction support frame 500, and the other end of each horizontal support 700 abuts against the well wall of the receiving well 10.
[0037] Specifically, the reaction support frame 500 extends vertically and abuts against the end cap 300, providing horizontal support for the steel sleeve 100. Multiple diagonal supports 600 are spaced apart along the width of the reaction support frame 500. The top of each diagonal support 600 is connected to the reaction support frame 500, and its bottom is connected to the bottom plate of the external receiving well 10, forming a triangular support structure to enhance the lateral stability of the system. Simultaneously, multiple horizontal supports 700 are spaced apart on both sides of the vertically extending reaction support frame 500, with one end connected to the reaction support frame 500 and the other end abutting against the well wall of the receiving well 10, providing horizontal support.
[0038] End cap 300 seals one end of steel sleeve 100, and reaction support frame 500 abuts against end cap 300 to prevent horizontal displacement of steel sleeve 100 when receiving tunnel boring machine. Diagonal support 600 and horizontal support 700 provide lateral and transverse constraints respectively, enhancing the lateral displacement resistance of steel sleeve 100 and preventing steel sleeve 100 from tilting or deforming under uneven settlement or lateral earth pressure.
[0039] Furthermore, the triangular support structure formed by the diagonal brace 600 effectively transfers the lateral load from the steel sleeve 100 to the bottom plate of the receiving well 10, making full use of the bottom rigidity of the well and improving the support effect. One end of the horizontal brace 700 abuts against the well wall, using the well wall constraint to balance the lateral load, further enhancing the overall stability of the steel sleeve 100.
[0040] The technical solution provided by this utility model improves the stability of the steel sleeve 100 for receiving tunnel boring machines through the cooperation of the steel sleeve 100, end cap 300, transition ring 400, reaction support frame 500, multiple diagonal supports 600, and multiple horizontal supports 700. The end cap 300 seals one end of the steel sleeve 100, and in conjunction with the reaction support frame 500, effectively prevents horizontal displacement of the steel sleeve 100 when receiving the tunnel boring machine. The multiple diagonal supports 600 and horizontal supports 700 not only enhance the lateral and horizontal stability of the steel sleeve 100 but also prevent tilting or deformation of the steel sleeve 100 under uneven settlement or lateral earth pressure. The triangular support structure formed by the diagonal supports 600 effectively transfers lateral loads to the bottom plate of the receiving shaft 10, and the high rigidity of the shaft bottom enhances the stability and load-bearing capacity of the entire support system. Simultaneously, the horizontal supports 700 further enhance the overall structural stability by balancing the lateral loads against the shaft wall. This invention has a simple structure, reduces the need for additional mechanical adjustments, improves installation efficiency and reliability, and ensures construction quality and safety.
[0041] Please continue reading. Figure 1 and Figure 2 In an embodiment of this utility model, a pre-embedded steel plate is provided on the upper surface of the bottom plate of the receiving well 10, and the bottom end of the inclined support 600 is connected to the bottom plate of the receiving well 10 through the pre-embedded steel plate.
[0042] Specifically, the pre-embedded steel plate, pre-installed in the bottom plate of the receiving well 10, provides a robust joint point for the inclined support 600. This not only increases the load-bearing capacity of the joint but also simplifies the construction process. The pre-embedded steel plate can be installed during the pouring of the bottom plate of the receiving well 10, eliminating the need for subsequent complex drilling or other installation steps.
[0043] The bottom end of the inclined support 600 is connected to the embedded steel plate via connectors (such as bolts or welding), which can effectively transfer the pressure and shear force caused by the tunnel boring machine and earth pressure. This not only ensures the stability of the inclined support 600, but also protects the bottom plate of the receiving shaft 10 from excessive stress, thereby avoiding structural damage.
[0044] In an embodiment of this utility model, the pre-embedded steel plate is anchored to the bottom plate of the receiving well 10 by rebar installation. The number of rebar installations is multiple, and the multiple rebar installations are arranged at intervals along the circumference of the pre-embedded steel plate.
[0045] Specifically, rebar is used to anchor the embedded steel plate, enhancing the connection strength between the steel plate and the base plate. By embedding the rebar into the existing concrete structure, a strong mechanical anchorage is formed with the concrete interior. Multiple rebars are spaced apart circumferentially along the embedded steel plate, evenly distributing the anchoring force and preventing excessive stress concentration on any side of the steel plate, thereby avoiding the risk of cracks or fractures.
[0046] Furthermore, employing multiple rebar anchors can improve the overall structure's adaptability to uneven loads. During the tunnel boring machine's reception process, the support system may be subjected to uneven forces due to changes in earth pressure and construction load. By arranging multiple rebar anchors, the embedded steel plates can more effectively distribute the stress, thereby improving overall stability and durability.
[0047] Please continue reading. Figure 1 and Figure 2 In an embodiment of this utility model, a portion of the multiple horizontal supports 700 are positioned near the top of the reaction support frame 500, while another portion is positioned near the bottom of the reaction support frame 500.
[0048] Specifically, the layered arrangement of multiple horizontal supports 700 can more effectively distribute and transfer the lateral (horizontal) load from the steel sleeve 100. The horizontal supports 700 near the top of the reaction support frame 500 mainly bear the lateral force in the upper region, while the horizontal supports 700 near the bottom mainly bear the lateral force in the lower region. By arranging the horizontal supports 700 at different heights, excessive concentrated loads on a single height can be avoided, thereby reducing the risk of localized stress concentration and improving the stability and reliability of the entire support system.
[0049] Furthermore, this layered arrangement enhances the support system's adaptability to uneven settlement. During tunnel boring machine (TBM) construction, uneven settlement may occur in the receiving shaft 10 due to changes in geological conditions. By setting horizontal supports 700 at different heights, even if a support at one height is subjected to a greater load, supports at other heights can provide supplementary support, thereby maintaining the stability of the entire system.
[0050] Please continue reading. Figure 2 In an embodiment of this utility model, the steel sleeve 100 includes a plurality of cylindrical sections 110, which are spaced apart in the horizontal direction and adjacent cylindrical sections 110 are connected by bolts.
[0051] Specifically, the steel sleeve 100 is divided into multiple sections 110, which reduces the size and weight of individual components, facilitating manufacturing, transportation, and hoisting. Compared to the monolithic large steel sleeve 100, the modular manufacturing of the sections 110 improves production efficiency, reduces material waste, and also lowers transportation costs and on-site hoisting difficulty.
[0052] Secondly, the bolted connections between the cylinder sections 110 ensure both the overall strength and rigidity of the steel sleeve 100 and provide a degree of flexibility. During tunnel boring machine (TBM) construction, the steel sleeve 100 may be subjected to uneven soil pressure or settlement. Bolted connections can accommodate these deformations to some extent, preventing structural damage caused by stress concentration. Furthermore, bolted connections facilitate subsequent disassembly and maintenance.
[0053] Furthermore, the segmented steel sleeve 100 can improve construction efficiency and precision. During the tunnel boring machine (TBM) reception process, the steel sleeve 100 can be assembled step by step according to the tunneling progress, avoiding the difficulty of installing a large steel sleeve 100 all at once. At the same time, by controlling the size and connection position of each section 110, the concentricity and straightness of the steel sleeve 100 can be ensured, thereby providing more accurate and stable guidance for the TBM.
[0054] In an embodiment of this utility model, a sealing element is provided at the connection between the end cap 300 and the steel sleeve 100.
[0055] Specifically, the seal prevents groundwater, mud, sand and other substances from seeping into the interior of the steel sleeve 100 through the gap between the end cap 300 and the steel sleeve 100, ensuring that the interior of the steel sleeve 100 is dry and clean.
[0056] The seal can be made of rubber rings, gaskets, etc. When the end cap 300 is connected to the steel sleeve 100, the seal is compressed and deformed, filling and sealing the gap between them, forming a waterproof and mud-proof barrier. Even under high water pressure or high earth pressure conditions, the seal can maintain its sealing performance and effectively prevent leakage.
[0057] Furthermore, the seal possesses a degree of flexibility and elasticity, allowing it to accommodate minor displacements and deformations between the end cap 300 and the steel sleeve 100. During the tunnel boring machine (TBM) reception process, relative displacement may occur between the end cap 300 and the steel sleeve 100 due to changes in geological conditions and TBM vibrations. The seal can absorb these displacements to a certain extent, maintaining the sealing effect and preventing seal failure issues that might result from rigid connections.
[0058] Please continue reading. Figure 3 In an embodiment of this utility model, an observation hole 401 is provided through the transition ring 400 and the portal ring plate, and the observation hole 401 is coaxially arranged with the transition ring 400.
[0059] Specifically, the transition ring 400 is installed at the open end of the steel sleeve 100 and connects to the external portal ring plate, serving as a transition and connection. The observation hole 401 extends through the transition ring 400 and the portal ring plate, allowing direct observation of the interior of the steel sleeve 100. Through the observation hole 401, construction personnel can monitor the tunnel boring machine's reception status inside the steel sleeve 100 in real time, such as changes in soil conditions and water seepage at the excavation face. If any abnormalities are detected, appropriate measures can be taken promptly, such as adjusting excavation parameters and grouting to stop water seepage, thereby preventing accidents.
[0060] Setting the observation hole 401 to be coaxial with the transition ring 400 ensures the optimization of the observation field of view. Since the transition ring 400 is coaxial with the steel sleeve 100, the coaxial observation hole 401 can provide an observation angle that coincides with the axis of the steel sleeve 100, so that the observation field of view covers the entire cross-section of the steel sleeve 100 without any blind spots.
[0061] In an embodiment of this utility model, the reaction support system for receiving the steel sleeve of the tunnel boring machine further includes a monitoring device, which includes strain gauges and dial gauges. The strain gauges are installed on the outer wall of the steel sleeve 100.
[0062] Specifically, strain gauges are installed on the outer wall of the steel sleeve 100, allowing direct measurement of the stress and deformation of the steel sleeve 100 under the influence of external earth pressure, water pressure, or the operating force of the tunnel boring machine itself. Through an electrical connection to a dial gauge, the deformation data is transmitted and displayed in real time. Construction personnel can monitor the structural state of the steel sleeve 100 by reading the data from the dial gauge; that is, the strain gauges and the dial gauge are used together to monitor the deformation and displacement of the steel sleeve 100.
[0063] In one specific implementation, strain gauges are installed at the nodes where the steel sleeve 100 contacts the reaction support frame 500, at the joints of the steel sleeve 100, and at locations known as high-stress areas. The specific steps for installing the strain gauges include, but are not limited to: cleaning the surface of the steel sleeve 100 in the selected area, ensuring it is free of oil, rust, or other impurities. If necessary, lightly sand the surface with sandpaper or other abrasives to enhance the adhesion of the strain gauges. Use adhesive to precisely attach the strain gauges to the clean and flat surface. During attachment, ensure the strain gauges are flat and wrinkle-free, and in close contact with the surface. Connect the strain gauge leads to the data acquisition system or dial gauge via connectors. All electrical connections should ensure good contact and appropriate waterproofing and dustproofing measures. After the strain gauges are installed, calibrate the system to ensure data accuracy. Perform preliminary loading tests to verify the strain gauge response and the overall functionality of the system.
[0064] The above description is merely an exemplary embodiment of the present utility model and does not limit the patent scope of the present utility model. Any equivalent structural transformations made based on the technical concept of the present utility model and the contents of the present utility model specification and drawings, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the patent protection scope of the present utility model.
Claims
1. A reaction support system for shield machine steel sleeve receiving, characterized by, include: A steel sleeve, which is mounted on an external bracket; the steel sleeve is a hollow cylindrical structure with openings at both ends, and the two ends of the steel sleeve along its extension direction are an open end and a closed end, respectively. An end cap, wherein the end cap is disposed at the closed end of the steel sleeve; A transition ring is installed at the open end of the steel sleeve and connected to the external portal ring plate; A reaction support frame, the reaction support frame extending vertically, the reaction support frame abutting against the end cap; Multiple inclined supports are provided, spaced apart along the width direction of the reaction support frame. The top end of each inclined support is connected to the reaction support frame, and the bottom end of each inclined support is connected to the bottom plate of the external receiving well. Multiple horizontal supports are spaced apart on both sides of the reaction support frame extending vertically. One end of each horizontal support is connected to the reaction support frame, and the other end of each horizontal support abuts against the well wall of the receiving well.
2. The counterforce support system for receiving a steel casing of a tunneling machine as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, An embedded steel plate is provided on the upper surface of the bottom plate of the receiving well, and the bottom end of the inclined support is connected to the bottom plate of the receiving well through the embedded steel plate.
3. The counterforce support system for receiving a steel casing of a tunneling machine as claimed in claim 2, wherein, The embedded steel plate is anchored to the bottom plate of the receiving well by rebars. There are multiple rebars, and the multiple rebars are arranged at intervals along the circumference of the embedded steel plate.
4. The counterforce support system for receiving a steel casing of a tunneling machine of claim 1, wherein, A portion of the multiple horizontal supports is positioned near the top of the reaction support frame, while another portion is positioned near the bottom of the reaction support frame.
5. The counterforce support system for receiving a steel casing of a tunneling machine of any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The steel sleeve includes multiple cylindrical sections, which are spaced apart in a horizontal direction, and adjacent cylindrical sections are connected by bolts.
6. The counterforce support system for receiving a steel casing of a tunneling machine of any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, A sealing element is provided at the connection between the end cap and the steel sleeve.
7. The counterforce support system for receiving a steel casing of a tunneling machine of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, An observation hole is provided between the transition ring and the portal ring plate, and the observation hole is coaxial with the transition ring.
8. The counterforce support system for receiving a steel casing of a tunneling machine of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The shield machine steel sleeve receiving reaction support system also includes a monitoring device, which includes strain gauges and dial gauges, with the strain gauges installed on the outer wall of the steel sleeve.