A size adjusting device for a cutter head of a shield machine
By designing a shield machine cutterhead size adjustment device, the in-situ adjustment of the shield machine cutterhead is achieved by using hydraulic cylinders and sliding cooperation mechanisms. This solves the problems of complex structure and cumbersome operation of existing devices, realizes efficient and stable adjustment of the shield machine in the tunnel, reduces construction costs and improves economic benefits.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- CHINA TUNNEL CONSTRUCTION CO LTD GUANGDONG
- Filing Date
- 2025-08-07
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-21
AI Technical Summary
Existing shield tunneling machine cutterhead adjustment devices are complex in structure, cumbersome in operation, and have low adjustment accuracy, making it difficult to achieve efficient and stable in-situ adjustment within the limited space inside the tunnel, resulting in high construction costs and long construction periods.
Design a shield machine cutterhead size adjustment device that includes a cutterhead, a movable beam, a cutting mechanism, a sliding fit mechanism, and a telescopic mechanism. Utilize hydraulic cylinders to control the cutting mechanism to achieve in-situ adjustment within the limited space inside the tunnel. Combined with the precise fit between the slide rail and the slider, ensure smooth changes and precise adjustment of the cutterhead diameter.
It enables flexible and stable adjustment of the tunnel boring machine cutterhead inside the tunnel, reduces construction costs, improves construction efficiency and economy, and ensures a smooth transition between tunnel sections of different diameters.
Smart Images
Figure CN224532728U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of tunnel boring machine technology, and in particular to a tunnel boring machine cutterhead size adjustment device. Background Technology
[0002] With the acceleration of urbanization and the continuous growth in demand for underground space development, large-scale infrastructure projects such as integrated utility tunnels and cross-sea tunnels are becoming increasingly common. Tunnel engineering faces more complex and varied geological conditions (such as soft soil, hard rock, and composite strata) and diverse tunnel cross-section design requirements. Traditional fixed-diameter shield tunneling machines suffer from insufficient flexibility and poor adaptability in practical applications, making it difficult to meet the continuous excavation needs of tunnel sections with different diameters. This leads to frequent equipment replacements or the excavation of new working shafts during construction, increasing project costs and extending the construction period.
[0003] To address these issues, tunnel boring machines (TBMs) were developed. TBMs can dynamically adjust their diameter according to changes in the tunnel cross-section, enabling the smooth excavation of tunnel sections with different diameters, greatly improving construction flexibility and economy. However, existing TBM cutterhead adjustment devices generally suffer from complex structures, cumbersome operation, low adjustment accuracy, and low space utilization. Especially when achieving in-situ cutterhead adjustment within the limited space inside the tunnel, they often face technical bottlenecks such as high construction difficulty, unstable adjustment process, and difficulty in ensuring cutterhead strength.
[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a shield machine cutterhead adjustment device that is simple in structure, easy to operate, and capable of in-situ adjustment within the limited space inside the tunnel, in order to meet the pressing needs of modern tunnel engineering for efficient, safe, and economical construction. Utility Model Content
[0005] This utility model aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, this utility model proposes a shield tunneling machine cutterhead size adjustment device, which can realize in-situ adjustment of the shield tunneling machine cutterhead within the limited space inside the tunnel. It can expand or shrink the diameter of the shield tunneling machine cutterhead without excavating a new working shaft, so as to meet the construction requirements of tunnel sections with different diameters.
[0006] A shield tunneling machine cutterhead size adjustment device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes:
[0007] The cutter head includes a main body and a movable beam. The main body is a disc structure, and the movable beam is a strip structure that extends radially along the main body. The movable beam is fixed to the main body and has a box-shaped cavity. The movable beam is provided with a fixing part.
[0008] The cutting mechanism is slidably connected to the movable beam and extends into the box-shaped cavity; the cutting mechanism can be fixedly connected to the fixed part.
[0009] The sliding engagement mechanism includes a slide rail and a slider. The slide rail is fixed to the inner wall of the box-shaped cavity, the slider is slidably connected to the slide rail, and the slider is fixedly connected to the cutting mechanism.
[0010] The telescopic mechanism is detachably installed in the box-type cavity. The telescopic mechanism includes a hydraulic cylinder, a front fixed seat, and a rear fixed seat. The rear fixed seat is used to fix the cylinder body of the hydraulic cylinder and the fixed part of the movable beam. The front fixed seat is used to fix the hydraulic rod of the hydraulic cylinder and the cutting mechanism.
[0011] A shield tunneling machine cutterhead size adjustment device according to an embodiment of the present utility model has at least the following beneficial effects:
[0012] 1. Adjust the fixed part of the front cutting mechanism and the movable beam to ensure a stable connection, ensuring the integrity of the cutter head cutting function in the small diameter state, and the overall structural strength meets the propulsion requirements;
[0013] 2. When adjustment is required, the telescopic mechanism is installed in the box-type cavity. By using the hydraulic cylinder control of the telescopic mechanism, the cutting mechanism can be moved radially in place or at low speed within the limited space inside the tunnel, thereby realizing flexible adjustment of the shield machine diameter.
[0014] 3. The coordinated use of the slide rail and slider allows for precise control of the cutting mechanism's movement direction during cutterhead adjustment, ensuring overall error remains within specified limits. By precisely controlling the extension and retraction of the hydraulic cylinders, the diameter of the tunnel boring machine (TBM) can be gradually increased or decreased, achieving a smooth change in cutterhead diameter while ensuring the accuracy of the diameter variation. After adjustment, the cutting mechanism is fixed in place. This device enables in-situ adjustment of the TBM cutterhead, enhancing the TBM's adaptability, achieving a smooth transition between tunnel sections of different diameters, effectively reducing construction costs, and improving economic efficiency.
[0015] In some embodiments, the shield machine cutterhead size adjustment device further includes a second cutter head, which can be installed inside the box cavity when the telescopic mechanism leaves the box cavity.
[0016] In some embodiments, there are two movable beams, which are arranged symmetrically.
[0017] In some embodiments, the cutterhead further includes multiple fixed beams extending radially along the body, the multiple fixed beams being arranged circumferentially around the body, and a shield machine cutterhead size adjustment device further includes a third cutterhead, the third cutterhead being installed at the end of the fixed beam opposite to the center of the cutterhead.
[0018] In some embodiments, the width of the fixed beam is greater than the width of the movable beam.
[0019] In some embodiments, the box-shaped cavity has an opening for the telescopic mechanism to enter or exit, and the movable beam is provided with a switch door for opening or closing the opening.
[0020] In some embodiments, the tunnel boring machine cutterhead size adjustment device further includes a hydraulic auxiliary pump for supplying oil to the hydraulic cylinders.
[0021] In some embodiments, the cutting mechanism includes a fourth hob and a scraper, the fourth hob and the scraper being located at one end of the cutting mechanism away from the center of the cutter head.
[0022] 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
[0023] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments, wherein:
[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a tunnel boring machine cutterhead size adjustment device according to some embodiments of the present invention (before diameter enlargement).
[0025] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a shield machine cutterhead size adjustment device according to some embodiments of the present invention (after diameter enlargement).
[0026] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a shield tunneling machine cutterhead size adjustment device according to some embodiments of the present invention;
[0027] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the cutting mechanism and telescopic mechanism of a shield machine cutterhead size adjustment device according to some embodiments of the present invention;
[0028] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the telescopic mechanism of a shield machine cutterhead size adjustment device according to some embodiments of the present invention.
[0029] Figure label:
[0030] Shield machine cutterhead size adjustment device 1000;
[0031] Cutter head 100, main body 110, movable beam 120, box-type cavity 130, fixed part 140, fixed beam 150, third hob 160;
[0032] Cutting mechanism 200, fourth hob 210, scraper 220;
[0033] Slide rail 300, slider 310;
[0034] Telescopic mechanism 400, hydraulic cylinder 410, front fixed seat 420, rear fixed seat 430;
[0035] The second hobbing cutter is 500. Detailed Implementation
[0036] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, a shield machine cutterhead size adjustment device 1000 provided in this embodiment of the utility model includes a cutterhead 100, a cutting mechanism 200, a sliding fit mechanism, a telescopic mechanism 400, and a second roller cutter 500.
[0037] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the cutter head 100 includes a main body 110 and a movable beam 120. The main body 110 has a disc structure, and the movable beam 120 has a strip structure and extends radially along the main body 110. The movable beam 120 is fixed to the main body 110 and has a box-shaped cavity 130. The movable beam 120 is also provided with a fixing part 140. The cutting mechanism 200 is slidably connected to the movable beam 120 and extends into the box-shaped cavity 130. The cutting mechanism 200 can be fixedly connected to the fixing part 140 (e.g., by bolt connection). The sliding engagement mechanism includes a slide rail 300 and a slider 310. The slide rail 300 is fixed to the inner wall of the box-shaped cavity 130, and the slider 310 is slidably connected to the slide rail 300. The slider 310 is fixedly connected to the cutting mechanism 200. The telescopic mechanism 400 is detachably mounted in the box-shaped cavity 130 (e.g., by bolt connection). The telescopic mechanism 400 includes a hydraulic cylinder 410, a front fixed seat 420, and a rear fixed seat 430. The rear fixed seat 430 is used to fix the cylinder body of the hydraulic cylinder 410 and the fixing part 140 of the movable beam 120. The front fixed seat 420 is used to fix the hydraulic rod of the hydraulic cylinder 410 to the cutting mechanism 200. When the telescopic mechanism 400 leaves the box-shaped cavity 130, the second hob 500 can be installed inside the box-shaped cavity 130 (e.g., by bolt connection).
[0038] Reference Figure 1 As shown, before the diameter is enlarged, the cutting mechanism 200 is securely connected to the fixed part 140 of the movable beam 120 (e.g., by bolt connection) to ensure the integrity of the cutting function of the cutter head 100 in the small diameter state, and the overall structural strength meets the propulsion requirements.
[0039] Reference Figure 2 As shown, when the diameter needs to be increased, the second cutter 500 is removed from the box cavity 130, and the telescopic mechanism 400 is installed in the box cavity 130. By using the control action of the hydraulic cylinder 410 of the telescopic mechanism 400, the cutting mechanism 200 can be moved radially in place or at low speed in the limited space inside the tunnel, thereby realizing the flexible adjustment of the diameter of the tunnel boring machine.
[0040] After adjustment, the diameter of the cutterhead 100 increases. Then, the telescopic mechanism 400 is removed from the box-shaped cavity 130, and the second cutter 500 is reinstalled into the box-shaped cavity 130. This ensures the overall strength and functional integrity of the cutterhead 100 in its larger diameter state, thus saving space in the box-shaped cavity 130. Reinstalling the second cutter 500 is not only to restore the cutting function, but more importantly, it fills and supports the box-shaped cavity 130, forming a more stable overall structure with the extended cutting mechanism 200. This effectively distributes and transmits the tunneling force, essentially adding a "structural reinforcement block" to the extended movable part, greatly improving the rigidity and load-bearing capacity of the cutterhead 100 in its maximum diameter state, and solving the problem of insufficient strength of traditional cutterheads after extension. This "functional modularization and space reuse" design concept is a major highlight of this utility model.
[0041] This device enables in-situ adjustment of the tunnel boring machine (TBM) cutterhead 100, enhancing the TBM's adaptability and achieving a smooth transition between tunnel sections of different diameters. It effectively reduces construction costs and improves economic efficiency. This device allows for in-situ adjustment of the TBM cutterhead 100 within the limited space inside the tunnel, eliminating the need for excavating a new working shaft. It allows for the enlargement or reduction of the cutterhead 100's diameter, meeting the construction requirements of subsequent tunnel sections with different diameters. The coordinated use of the slide rail 300 and the slider 310 precisely controls the movement direction of the cutting mechanism 200 during cutterhead 100 adjustment, ensuring that the overall error is controlled within the specified range. By precisely controlling the extension and retraction of the hydraulic cylinder 410, the diameter of the TBM is gradually increased or decreased, achieving a smooth change in the cutterhead 100's diameter while ensuring the accuracy of the diameter change.
[0042] Reference Figure 1 As shown, in some embodiments, there are two movable beams 120, which are arranged symmetrically. The cutting mechanism 200, sliding engagement mechanism, and telescopic mechanism 400 are also arranged symmetrically accordingly. This centrally symmetrical layout is crucial. During adjustment, the two cutting mechanisms 200 move outward or inward synchronously and at the same speed, ensuring that the center of mass of the cutterhead 100 always remains on the axis of rotation. This avoids severe vibration and uneven wear caused by mass eccentricity, ensuring the stability of the tunneling posture and the accuracy of guidance of the tunnel boring machine.
[0043] Reference Figure 1As shown, in some embodiments, the cutterhead 100 further includes multiple fixed beams 150 extending radially along the main body 110. These fixed beams 150 are arranged at circumferential intervals along the main body 110. A shield machine cutterhead size adjustment device 1000 also includes a third cutterhead 160, which is mounted on the end of the fixed beam 150 away from the center of the cutterhead 100. The position of the third cutterhead 160 on the fixed beam 150 remains unchanged, and the width of the fixed beam 150 can be greater than the width of the movable beam 120. The fixed beams 150 constitute the "backbone" of the cutterhead 100; they do not participate in diameter adjustment and can therefore be designed to be more robust, providing basic strength and rigidity for the entire cutterhead 100. The movable beam 120, on the other hand, is relatively "slender" to accommodate the adjustment mechanism. This combination of rigidity and flexibility ensures both the stability of the overall structure and the flexibility of local functions.
[0044] In some embodiments, the box-shaped cavity 130 has an opening for the telescopic mechanism 400 and the second cutterhead 500 to enter or exit. The movable beam 120 is equipped with a switch door for opening or closing the opening. This switch door is typically located on the back side of the movable beam 120 (the side facing the tunnel boring machine body) and is equipped with a reliable sealing and locking device. Its presence greatly improves the maintainability of the equipment, allowing workers to easily replace and repair components within the box-shaped cavity 130 from the relatively safe interior of the tunnel boring machine without having to enter the dangerous excavation face.
[0045] In some embodiments, the tunnel boring machine cutterhead size adjustment device 1000 further includes a hydraulic auxiliary pump for supplying oil to the hydraulic cylinder 410.
[0046] Reference Figure 2 As shown, in some embodiments, the cutting mechanism 200 is semi-fan-shaped, on which cutting tools such as roller cutters and cutting blades can be arranged. The cutting mechanism 200 includes a fourth roller cutter 210 and a scraper 220, which are located at the end of the cutting mechanism 200 away from the center of the cutter head 100. The fourth roller cutter 210, as the main rock-breaking tool, breaks rocks by rolling and fracturing; while the scraper 220 is mainly used for excavation of soft soil or mixed strata, as well as cleaning corners and debris that the roller cutter could not effectively remove, and shaping a smooth tunnel profile. The two work together, enabling the cutting mechanism 200 to adapt to more diverse geological conditions, and the cutting effect is better through the cooperation of the fourth roller cutter 210 and the scraper 220.
[0047] It should be noted that the aforementioned hobbing cutter refers to a disc structure with a rotatable cutting edge, primarily used to achieve a hobbing effect. The aforementioned scraper refers to a disc structure with a non-rotatable cutting edge, primarily used to achieve a scraping effect.
[0048] Examples of the embodiments described above are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described above with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.
[0049] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the directional descriptions, such as up, down, front, back, left, right, etc., indicate the directional or positional relationship based on the directional or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model 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. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.
[0050] In the description of this utility model, "several" means one or more, "multiple" means two or more, "greater than," "less than," and "exceeding" are understood to exclude the stated number, while "above," "below," and "within" are understood to include the stated number. If "first" or "second" is used in the description, it is only for the purpose of distinguishing technical features and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance, or implicitly indicating the number of indicated technical features, or implicitly indicating the order of the indicated technical features.
[0051] In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly defined, terms such as "setting," "installation," and "connection" should be interpreted broadly, and those skilled in the art can reasonably determine the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model in conjunction with the specific content of the technical solution.
[0052] The embodiments of the present utility model have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present utility model is not limited to the above embodiments. Within the scope of knowledge possessed by those skilled in the art, various changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the present utility model.
Claims
1. A shield machine cutterhead size adjustment device, characterized by, include: The cutter head includes a main body and a movable beam. The main body is a disc structure, and the movable beam is a strip structure that extends radially along the main body. The movable beam is fixed to the main body and has a box-shaped cavity. The movable beam is provided with a fixing part. A cutting mechanism is slidably connected to the movable beam and extends into the box-shaped cavity; the cutting mechanism can be fixedly connected to the fixed part. A sliding engagement mechanism includes a slide rail and a slider. The slide rail is fixed to the inner wall of the box-shaped cavity, the slider is slidably connected to the slide rail, and the slider is fixedly connected to the cutting mechanism. A telescopic mechanism is detachably installed in the box-shaped cavity. The telescopic mechanism includes a hydraulic cylinder, a front fixed seat, and a rear fixed seat. The rear fixed seat is used to fix the cylinder body of the hydraulic cylinder and the fixed part of the movable beam. The front fixed seat is used to fix the hydraulic rod of the hydraulic cylinder to the cutting mechanism.
2. The size adjusting device for the cutter head of a shield tunneling machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The shield machine cutterhead size adjustment device also includes a second cutter head, which can be installed inside the box cavity when the telescopic mechanism leaves the box cavity.
3. The size adjusting device of a shield machine cutter head according to claim 1, characterized in that, The number of movable beams is two, and the two movable beams are arranged symmetrically.
4. The size adjusting device of a shield machine cutter head according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cutterhead also includes multiple fixed beams extending radially along the main body, and the multiple fixed beams are arranged at intervals circumferentially along the main body. The shield machine cutterhead size adjustment device also includes a third cutter head, which is installed at the end of the fixed beam opposite to the center of the cutterhead.
5. The size adjusting device of a shield machine cutter head according to claim 4, characterized in that, The width of the fixed beam is greater than the width of the movable beam.
6. The size adjusting device of a shield machine cutter head according to claim 1, characterized in that, The box-shaped cavity has an opening for the telescopic mechanism to enter or exit, and the movable beam is equipped with a switch door for opening or closing the opening.
7. The size adjusting device of a shield machine cutter head according to claim 1, characterized in that, The shield machine cutterhead size adjustment device also includes a hydraulic auxiliary pump for supplying oil to the hydraulic cylinder.
8. The size adjusting device of a shield machine cutter head according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cutting mechanism includes a fourth hob and a scraper, the fourth hob and the scraper being located at one end of the cutting mechanism away from the center of the cutter head.