A hydraulic system for driving belt conveyors in a tunnel boring machine (TBM)

Abstract

This utility model discloses a hydraulic drive system for a shield tunneling machine (TBM) belt conveyor, belonging to the field of TBM belt conveyors. It includes an oil source comprising a hydraulic oil tank. A variable displacement piston pump is installed at the upper end of the hydraulic oil tank. A variable frequency motor is located on one side of the variable displacement piston pump. An overflow chamber is located at the top of the variable frequency motor, and a proportional overflow valve is located at the upper end of the overflow chamber. Two oil delivery pipes are located at the front end of the oil source. A tensioning cylinder control valve assembly is installed at the end of one of the oil delivery pipes. A first pressure sensor is installed on the right side of the tensioning cylinder control valve assembly. This utility model, through the coordinated operation of various structures within the oil source, effectively solves the prominent problems of unstable drive of existing TBM main conveyor belts, lack of intelligent adjustment of the tensioning system, and poor reliability in harsh underground environments. This achieves efficient and stable drive and precise tension control of the main conveyor belt, significantly improving the operating efficiency and stability of the equipment, thus effectively ensuring the smooth progress of tunnel construction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of TBM (Tunnel Boring Machine) belt conveyors, specifically a hydraulic drive system for TBM belt conveyors. Background Technology

[0002] In tunnel construction, tunnel boring machines (TBMs) and full-face hard rock tunnel boring machines (TBMs) are the core tunnel excavation equipment, undertaking the critical task of efficiently and safely excavating tunnels. The main conveyor belt, as an important component of the TBM / TBM equipment, is responsible for continuously and stably transporting the excavated rock and soil materials from the tunnel face to the rear, playing a crucial connecting role in the entire tunnel construction process. However, existing TBM / TBM main conveyor belts face numerous severe challenges in their drive and control systems during operation. These problems seriously affect the equipment's operating efficiency, stability, and the overall construction progress. On the one hand, the traditional main conveyor belt... The current conveyor belt system suffers from unstable power output. Most main conveyor belts are driven directly by motors or through simple mechanical transmission devices. When faced with complex and ever-changing material conveying conditions, such as frequent changes in material type, particle size, humidity, and conveying volume, the motors cannot quickly and accurately adjust the output torque and speed. This can easily lead to malfunctions such as jamming, slippage, or even shutdown during the start-up and operation of the conveyor belt. This not only reduces the efficiency of material conveying and increases equipment wear, but may also cause problems such as material accumulation and blockage, seriously affecting the continuity and normal progress of construction. On the other hand, the existing tensioning system of the conveyor belt lacks intelligent automatic adjustment capabilities. During long-term operation, the belt tension of a conveyor belt gradually changes due to factors such as belt wear, stretching, and temperature variations. If the tension is too low, the belt is prone to slippage, reducing conveying efficiency and even increasing friction between the belt and rollers, leading to safety hazards such as belt overheating and damage. If the tension is too high, it will increase wear on the belt and rollers, shorten the equipment's service life, and also increase the system's energy consumption. Traditional tensioning systems often rely on manual periodic inspections and adjustments. This method is not only labor-intensive and inefficient, but also difficult to ensure that the belt is always in optimal tension due to the untimely and subjective nature of manual inspections. It cannot meet the requirements of real-time and precise control of conveyor belt tension for tunnel boring machines (TBMs) during continuous and efficient construction. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a hydraulic system for TBM main conveyor belts that can provide stable power output, has intelligent automatic tension adjustment functions, and is highly reliable in harsh underground environments. A drive hydraulic system that improves the working performance of TBM equipment, ensures the smooth progress of tunnel construction, and reduces construction costs is essential. Utility Model Content

[0003] The present invention provides a hydraulic system for driving a TBM (Tunnel Boring Machine) belt conveyor, which aims to solve the problems of insufficient conveying efficiency and insufficient service life of existing TBM belt conveyors.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides a hydraulic system for driving a TBM (Tunnel Boring Machine) belt conveyor, including an oil source;

[0005] The oil source includes a hydraulic oil tank, a variable displacement piston pump is installed at the upper end of the hydraulic oil tank, a variable frequency motor is installed on one side of the variable displacement piston pump, an overflow chamber is installed at the top of the variable frequency motor, a proportional overflow valve is installed at the upper end of the overflow chamber, two oil supply pipes are provided at the front end of the oil source, a tension cylinder control valve assembly is installed at the end of one oil supply pipe, a first pressure sensor is installed on the right side of the tension cylinder control valve assembly, a first tension cylinder is installed at the upper end of the first pressure sensor, a second pressure sensor is installed on the right side of the tension cylinder control valve assembly, a second tension cylinder is installed at the top of the second pressure sensor, a proportional multi-way valve is installed at the end of the other oil supply pipe, a balance valve assembly is installed at the upper end of the proportional multi-way valve, a third pressure sensor is installed at the upper end of the balance valve assembly, and a hydraulic motor is installed at the output end of the third pressure sensor.

[0006] In a preferred embodiment of this utility model, the variable frequency motor and the variable displacement piston pump are rigidly connected by a coupling, thereby connecting the oil source to the hydraulic cylinder and the hydraulic motor.

[0007] As a preferred embodiment of this utility model, the oil inlet of the variable piston pump is connected to the hydraulic oil tank, and the variable piston pump is a constant power pump with load sensitivity and pressure cut-off. The outlet pressure of the constant power pump is controlled by a proportional relief valve.

[0008] As a preferred embodiment of this utility model, the variable piston pump is connected to the tensioning cylinder control valve group and the proportional multi-way valve respectively.

[0009] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first pressure sensor and the second pressure sensor are installed on the tensioning cylinder control valve assembly, and the first tensioning cylinder and the second tensioning cylinder are equipped with stroke sensors.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment of this utility model, the proportional multi-way valve and the balance valve group are connected, the third pressure sensor is installed on the balance valve group, and the balance valve group is directly connected to the hydraulic motor.

[0011] As a preferred embodiment of this utility model, the tensioning cylinder control valve group includes a three-position four-way solenoid directional valve, a pressure reducing valve is installed at the upper end of the three-position four-way solenoid directional valve, and a balance valve is installed at the upper end of the pressure reducing valve.

[0012] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0013] 1. When used in a TBM (Tunnel Boring Machine) belt conveyor, the system utilizes a combination of components including an oil source, hydraulic tank, variable displacement piston pump, frequency converter motor, overflow chamber, proportional overflow valve, tension cylinder control valve assembly, first pressure sensor, first tension cylinder, second pressure sensor, second tension cylinder, proportional multi-way valve, balance valve assembly, third pressure sensor, hydraulic motor, three-position four-way solenoid directional valve, pressure reducing valve, and balance valve. Employing a high-performance hydraulic pump assembly and a hydraulic motor with high torque and low speed characteristics, along with advanced variable displacement adjustment devices and intelligent control strategies, the system provides stable, powerful, and flexibly adjustable power output to the TBM main conveyor. This effectively solves the problem of unstable power in traditional drive methods, ensuring stable and efficient operation of the conveyor under various complex material conveying conditions. Consequently, it significantly improves material conveying efficiency, reduces equipment failure rate, and strongly guarantees the tunnel's smooth operation. This invention ensures the continuity of tunnel construction by utilizing an intelligent automatic tensioning system, including tensioning cylinders, displacement sensors, pressure sensors, and an advanced tension controller, to monitor and adjust belt tension in real time and with precision. This keeps the belt at its optimal tension, significantly improving the accuracy and efficiency of tension adjustment compared to traditional manual tensioning methods. It effectively avoids slippage and wear caused by improper belt tension, extending the service life of the belt and equipment, reducing maintenance costs, and improving construction safety. This invention effectively solves the prominent problems of unstable drive of existing shield / TBM main conveyor belts, lack of intelligent adjustment of tensioning systems, and poor reliability in harsh underground environments. It achieves efficient and stable drive and precise tension control of the main conveyor belt, significantly improving equipment operating efficiency and stability, and strongly guaranteeing the smooth progress of tunnel construction. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of this utility model;

[0015] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the tensioning cylinder control valve assembly of this utility model.

[0016] In the diagram: 1. Oil source; 2. Hydraulic oil tank; 3. Variable displacement piston pump; 4. Variable frequency motor; 5. Overflow chamber; 6. Proportional relief valve; 7. Tensioning cylinder control valve assembly; 8. First pressure sensor; 9. First tensioning cylinder; 10. Second pressure sensor; 11. Second tensioning cylinder; 12. Proportional multi-way valve; 13. Balance valve assembly; 14. Third pressure sensor; 15. Hydraulic motor; 16. Three-position four-way solenoid directional valve; 17. Pressure reducing valve; 18. Balance valve. Detailed Implementation

[0017] 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 protection scope of the present utility model.

[0018] Example 1

[0019] Please see Figures 1-2 This utility model provides a hydraulic system for driving a TBM (Tunnel Boring Machine) belt conveyor, including an oil source 1;

[0020] The oil source 1 includes a hydraulic oil tank 2. A variable displacement piston pump 3 is installed at the upper end of the hydraulic oil tank 2. A variable frequency motor 4 is installed on one side of the variable displacement piston pump 3. An overflow chamber 5 is installed at the top of the variable frequency motor 4. A proportional overflow valve 6 is installed at the upper end of the overflow chamber 5. Two oil supply pipes are provided at the front end of the oil source 1. A tension cylinder control valve group 7 is installed at the end of one oil supply pipe. A first pressure sensor 8 is installed on the right side of the tension cylinder control valve group 7. A first tension cylinder 9 is installed at the upper end of the first pressure sensor 8. A second pressure sensor 10 is installed on the right side of the tension cylinder control valve group 7. A second tension cylinder 11 is installed at the top of the second pressure sensor 10. A proportional multi-way valve 12 is installed at the end of the other oil supply pipe. A balance valve group 13 is installed at the upper end of the proportional multi-way valve 12. A third pressure sensor 14 is installed at the upper end of the balance valve group 13. A hydraulic motor 15 is installed at the output end of the third pressure sensor 14.

[0021] In one specific embodiment, the coordinated operation of the various structures in the oil source 1 effectively solves the prominent problems of unstable drive of the existing shield / TBM main conveyor belt, lack of intelligent adjustment of the tensioning system, and poor reliability in harsh underground environments. This achieves efficient and stable drive and precise tension control of the main conveyor belt, significantly improving the operating efficiency and stability of the equipment, thus ensuring the smooth progress of tunnel construction. When the shield / TBM main conveyor belt starts, the variable frequency motor 4 is energized and drives the variable displacement piston pump 3 to rotate. The variable displacement piston pump 3 draws oil from the hydraulic oil tank 2 through the suction port S. Simultaneously, the output flow and pressure of the variable displacement piston pump 3 are automatically adjusted according to preset parameters and real-time feedback of system operating conditions monitored by the third pressure sensor 14. The hydraulic oil from the variable displacement piston pump 3 enters the hydraulic motor 15 through the proportional multi-way valve 12 and the balance valve group 13. The speed of the hydraulic motor 15 is controlled by the amplified current of the proportional multi-way valve 12, allowing manual control of its speed based on the conveyor belt's feeding conditions. When pressure sensor 14 detects that the pressure of hydraulic motor 15 is too low, causing belt conveyor slippage, proportional relief valve 6 can increase the outlet pressure of variable piston pump 3 by adjusting parameters such as the amplifier plate according to the current set parameters, so as to provide stable, strong and flexibly adjustable power output to belt conveyor in a timely manner. When the host computer detects that belt conveyor needs tensioning, hydraulic oil from variable piston pump 3 enters tensioning cylinder control valve group 7. The hydraulic oil first passes through pressure reducing valve 17, so that the system pressure reaches the tension required by first tensioning cylinder 9 and second tensioning cylinder 11. When the pressure is applied, the three-position four-way solenoid directional valve 16 is energized. At this time, hydraulic oil enters the first tensioning cylinder 9 and the second tensioning cylinder 11 through the three-position four-way solenoid directional valve 16 and the balance valve 18. By detecting the displacement stroke of the first tensioning cylinder 9 and the second tensioning cylinder 11 and detecting the pressure in the small chamber by the first pressure sensor 8 and the second pressure sensor 10, the tension of the belt conveyor can reach the set value. The balance valve 18 is used to protect the safety pressure of the first tensioning cylinder 9 and the second tensioning cylinder 11, thereby improving the operating efficiency and stability of the equipment.

[0022] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2 The variable frequency motor 4 and the variable displacement piston pump 3 are rigidly connected by a coupling, which connects the oil source 1 to the hydraulic cylinder and the hydraulic motor 15.

[0023] In one specific embodiment, this improves the connection and smoothness of use between the oil source 1 and the hydraulic cylinder and hydraulic motor 15.

[0024] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2The suction port of the variable piston pump 3 is connected to the hydraulic oil tank 2. The variable piston pump 3 is a constant power pump with load sensitivity and pressure cut-off. The outlet pressure of the constant power pump is controlled by the proportional relief valve 6.

[0025] In one specific embodiment, the presence of the proportional relief valve 6 can improve the accuracy of controlling the outlet pressure of the constant power pump, thereby reducing hydraulic oil loss and thus reducing cost losses. At the same time, the proportional relief valve 6 can limit the maximum system pressure of the entire system, thereby extending the service life of the variable piston pump 3.

[0026] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2 The variable displacement piston pump 3 is connected to the tension cylinder control valve group 7 and the proportional multi-way valve 12, respectively.

[0027] In one specific embodiment, this improves the accuracy and convenience of controlling the tension cylinder control valve group 7 and the proportional multi-way valve 12 by the variable piston pump 3.

[0028] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2 The first pressure sensor 8 and the second pressure sensor 10 are installed on the tensioning cylinder control valve group 7, and the first tensioning cylinder 9 and the second tensioning cylinder 11 are equipped with stroke sensors.

[0029] In one specific embodiment, the first pressure sensor 8 and the second pressure sensor 10 are installed on the tensioning cylinder control valve group 7 to detect the pressure in the small chambers of the first tensioning cylinder 9 and the second tensioning cylinder 11, and the stroke sensor can detect the stroke of the first tensioning cylinder 9 and the second tensioning cylinder 11.

[0030] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2 The proportional multi-way valve 12 is connected to the balance valve assembly 13, and the third pressure sensor 14 is installed on the balance valve assembly 13. The balance valve assembly 13 is directly connected to the hydraulic motor 15.

[0031] In one specific embodiment, a third pressure sensor 14 is mounted on the balance valve assembly 13 to detect the pressure on one side of the hydraulic motor 15.

[0032] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2 The tensioning cylinder control valve group consists of 7 including a three-position four-way solenoid directional valve 16, a pressure reducing valve 17 installed at the upper end of the three-position four-way solenoid directional valve 16, and a balance valve 18 installed at the upper end of the pressure reducing valve 17.

[0033] In one specific embodiment, the actions of the first tensioning cylinder 9 and the second tensioning cylinder 11 can be controlled by the three-position four-way solenoid directional valve 16, the pressure reducing valve 17 and the balance valve 18 in the tensioning cylinder control valve group 7.

[0034] Working Principle: When the TBM main conveyor belt starts, the variable frequency motor 4 is energized and drives the variable displacement piston pump 3 to rotate, causing the variable displacement piston pump 3 to draw oil from the hydraulic oil tank 2 through the suction port S. Simultaneously, the output flow and pressure of the variable displacement piston pump 3 are automatically adjusted according to preset parameters and real-time feedback from the system operating conditions monitored by the third pressure sensor 14. Meanwhile, the hydraulic oil from the variable displacement piston pump 3 enters the hydraulic motor 15 through the proportional multi-way valve 12 and the balance valve group 13. The speed of the hydraulic motor 15 is controlled by the amplified current of the proportional multi-way valve 12, allowing manual control of its speed based on the conveyor belt's feeding conditions. When the third pressure sensor 14 detects that the pressure of the hydraulic motor 15 is too low, causing the conveyor belt to slip, the proportional relief valve 6 can increase the outlet pressure of the variable displacement piston pump 3 by adjusting parameters such as the amplified current, based on the current set parameters. The system can provide a stable, powerful, and flexibly adjustable power output to the belt conveyor in a timely manner. When the host computer detects that the belt conveyor needs to be tensioned, the hydraulic oil from the variable piston pump 3 enters the tensioning cylinder control valve group 7. The hydraulic oil first passes through the pressure reducing valve 17, which enables the system pressure to reach the tensioning pressure required by the first tensioning cylinder 9 and the second tensioning cylinder 11. The three-position four-way solenoid directional valve 16 is energized, and at the same time, the hydraulic oil enters the first tensioning cylinder 9 and the second tensioning cylinder 11 through the three-position four-way solenoid directional valve 16 and the balance valve 18. By detecting the displacement stroke of the first tensioning cylinder 9 and the second tensioning cylinder 11 and the pressure of the small chamber detected by the first pressure sensor 8 and the second pressure sensor 10, the belt conveyor tension can reach the set value. The balance valve 18 is used to protect the safety pressure of the first tensioning cylinder 9 and the second tensioning cylinder 11, thereby improving the operating efficiency and stability of the equipment.

[0035] It should be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus.

[0036] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A hydraulic system for driving a belt conveyor in a tunnel boring machine (TBM), characterized in that, Including oil source (1): The oil source (1) includes a hydraulic oil tank (2), a variable displacement piston pump (3) is installed at the upper end of the hydraulic oil tank (2), a variable frequency motor (4) is provided on one side of the variable displacement piston pump (3), an overflow chamber (5) is provided at the top of the variable frequency motor (4), a proportional overflow valve (6) is provided at the upper end of the overflow chamber (5), two oil supply pipes are provided at the front end of the oil source (1), a tension cylinder control valve assembly (7) is installed at the end of one of the oil supply pipes, a first pressure sensor (8) is installed on the right side of the tension cylinder control valve assembly (7), and the first pressure sensor... A first tensioning cylinder (9) is installed at the upper end of the sensor (8). A second pressure sensor (10) is installed on the right side of the tensioning cylinder control valve group (7). A second tensioning cylinder (11) is installed on the top of the second pressure sensor (10). A proportional multi-way valve (12) is installed at the end of another oil supply pipe. A balance valve group (13) is installed at the upper end of the proportional multi-way valve (12). A third pressure sensor (14) is installed at the upper end of the balance valve group (13). A hydraulic motor (15) is installed at the output end of the third pressure sensor (14).

2. The driving hydraulic system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The variable frequency motor (4) and the variable displacement piston pump (3) are rigidly connected by a coupling, so that the oil source (1) is connected to the hydraulic cylinder and the hydraulic motor (15).

3. The driving hydraulic system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The oil inlet of the variable piston pump (3) is connected to the hydraulic oil tank (2). The variable piston pump (3) is a constant power pump with load sensitivity and pressure cut-off. The outlet pressure of the constant power pump is controlled by the proportional relief valve (6).

4. The driving hydraulic system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The variable displacement piston pump (3) is connected to the tension cylinder control valve group (7) and the proportional multi-way valve (12), respectively.

5. The driving hydraulic system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first pressure sensor (8) and the second pressure sensor (10) are mounted on the tension cylinder control valve assembly (7), and the first tension cylinder (9) and the second tension cylinder (11) are equipped with stroke sensors.

6. The driving hydraulic system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The proportional multi-way valve (12) is connected to the balance valve group (13), the third pressure sensor (14) is installed on the balance valve group (13), and the balance valve group (13) is directly connected to the hydraulic motor (15).

7. The driving hydraulic system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The tensioning cylinder control valve group (7) includes a three-position four-way solenoid directional valve (16), a pressure reducing valve (17) is installed at the upper end of the three-position four-way solenoid directional valve (16), and a balance valve (18) is installed at the upper end of the pressure reducing valve (17).

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