A continuous belt system for a TBM

Abstract

The utility model relates to a continuous belt system for TBM in the technical field of continuous belt in TBM, specifically relates to a kind of continuous belt system for TBM, including hanger, parallel roller, support frame, distance sensor and controller. Lower belt is equipped in the lower of hanger;Parallel roller is located below lower belt;Support frame includes two columns, crossbeam and joist, two columns are used to support on TBM trolley, crossbeam is connected between two columns, joist is located above crossbeam, roll cylinder is equipped above joist, and jacking mechanism is equipped between crossbeam and joist;Controller can control jacking mechanism stop rising according to the distance information of lower belt detected by distance sensor. The utility model does not need to stop the operation of whole continuous belt system when installing new parallel roller, avoids the time and efficiency loss caused by parallel roller installation due to shutdown, effectively improves the efficiency of belt conveying slag.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of continuous belt technology in TBMs, and particularly to a continuous belt system for TBMs. Background Technology

[0002] During tunnel excavation using a tunnel boring machine (TBM), a continuous conveyor belt system is typically used to transport the excavated material out of the tunnel. The continuous conveyor belt system consists of a moving section and a stationary section: the moving section is connected to the TBM and moves synchronously with it; the stationary section is installed inside the completed tunnel segments. The stationary section has longitudinal hangers extending along the tunnel axis, which are connected to the inner wall of the tunnel segments. Multiple parallel idlers are evenly distributed on the longitudinal hangers to support the lower conveyor belt. As the TBM advances, longitudinal hangers and parallel idlers are gradually added behind the TBM to extend the stationary section and match the changing excavation length.

[0003] However, the current installation method for the newly added parallel idlers has significant problems. Each time a new parallel idler is installed, the entire continuous conveyor belt system must be stopped, and the system restarted only after the idler is installed on the longitudinal hanger. This frequent start-stop operation makes it difficult for the continuous conveyor belt system to maintain stable operation, ultimately leading to reduced efficiency in the transportation of construction waste. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the problem in existing continuous belt conveyor systems where, when installing new parallel idlers, the entire continuous belt system must be stopped first, and then restarted after the parallel idlers are installed on the longitudinal hangers. This makes it difficult for the continuous belt system to maintain stable operation, ultimately leading to a decrease in the efficiency of waste transportation. Therefore, this invention provides a continuous belt conveyor system for TBMs.

[0005] This utility model provides a continuous belt system for TBMs, comprising: A hanger, with a lower belt mounted below it; Parallel idler rollers are located below the lower belt, and both ends of the parallel idler rollers are connected to the hanger. The support frame includes two uprights, a crossbeam, and a support beam. The bottoms of the two uprights are used to support the trolley of the TBM. The crossbeam is connected between the two uprights. The support beam is located above the crossbeam. A roller is provided above the support beam to support the lower belt. A lifting mechanism is provided between the crossbeam and the support beam. The lifting mechanism can drive the support beam to rise and fall, thereby driving the roller away from or closer to the crossbeam. A distance sensor and a controller are provided. The distance sensor is located above the lower belt and is connected to the hanger. The distance sensor can detect the distance information between itself and the lower belt and transmit the distance information to the controller. When the distance information is less than a predetermined threshold, the controller can control the lifting mechanism to stop its upward movement.

[0006] This invention provides a continuous belt system for a TBM (Turbine Bus Machine). The hanger is used to fix the parallel idlers, which in turn support the lower belt. Two uprights support the entire support frame on a trolley at the end of the TBM and provide support for the crossbeam. The crossbeam provides support for the lifting mechanism. A support beam connects to the roller, which temporarily supports the lower belt. The lifting mechanism is extendable and retractable, applying support to the support beam to enable it to move up and down. Because the support beam is connected to the roller, the roller moves away from or towards the crossbeam as the support beam moves up and down, thus allowing the roller to move away from or towards the lower belt. The distance sensor is used to detect the distance information between the distance sensor and the lower belt after the lower belt is lifted upward by the roller. When the distance information is less than a predetermined threshold, the controller can control the lifting mechanism to stop the upward movement, thereby avoiding damage to the lower belt or the hanger due to excessive roller lifting, and ensuring the smooth and safe operation of the entire system.

[0007] This invention utilizes a lifting mechanism to allow the rollers to move upwards, effectively supporting the bottom surface of the lower belt of the continuous conveyor system. This causes the supported portion of the lower belt to bulge upwards, creating sufficient installation space for new parallel idlers. When supporting the lower belt, the rollers roll along with the belt's movement, without obstructing or interfering with the normal operation of the continuous conveyor system. Therefore, installing new parallel idlers does not require stopping the entire continuous conveyor system, avoiding time and efficiency losses due to downtime for installation and effectively improving the efficiency of the continuous conveyor system in transporting construction waste.

[0008] Preferably, guide rods are connected to both ends of the support beam, and guide grooves are provided on both columns. The axial direction of the guide grooves is consistent with the axial direction of the columns. The raising and lowering of the support beam allows the guide rods to move along the axial direction of the corresponding guide grooves. In this design, the cooperation between the guide rods and the guide grooves provides guidance for the movement of the support beam, ensuring that the support beam can drive the rollers to move vertically up and down along the height direction of the columns.

[0009] The lifting mechanism can be a scissor-type lifting device or a jack.

[0010] Preferably, the lifting mechanism is a jack, which is connected to the side wall of the column via a connecting arm and an end plate. The connecting arm connects the end plate and the lifting mechanism, and the end plate is connected to the column. In this design, since the top and bottom surfaces of the lifting mechanism abut against the support beam and the crossbeam respectively, connecting the lifting mechanism to the side wall of the column via the connecting arm and the end plate effectively secures the lifting mechanism, preventing it from moving relative to the crossbeam and detaching from it during operation.

[0011] The end plate and the column can be connected by welding or bolting.

[0012] Preferably, the end plate is connected to the column by bolts. In this design, the bolted connection forms a detachable connection, which facilitates the removal of the lifting mechanism from the column when it needs to be replaced.

[0013] The lifting mechanism can be a mechanical jack or a hydraulic jack.

[0014] Preferably, the lifting mechanism includes two hydraulic jacks arranged side by side, with the two hydraulic jacks sharing a single oil pump. Compared to mechanical jacks, the hydraulic jacks can provide a greater lifting thrust. The sharing of a single oil pump between the two hydraulic jacks facilitates synchronous lifting and lowering.

[0015] Preferably, both ends of the support beam are provided with support plates, and the top of the support plates is provided with grooves. The two ends of the roller are respectively supported in the grooves of the two support plates. In this design, the support plates provide support for the roller. The grooves facilitate the disassembly of the roller. When the roller needs repair or replacement, it can be easily removed from the grooves of the support plates without complicated procedures or special tools, greatly improving the efficiency of repair and replacement.

[0016] Preferably, the system further includes a diagonal brace, the top end of which is connected to the column, and the bottom end of which is used to connect to the trolley. In this design, the diagonal brace enhances the stability of the connection between the column and the trolley.

[0017] The distance sensor can be an ultrasonic distance sensor or a laser distance sensor.

[0018] Preferably, the distance sensor is an ultrasonic distance sensor. Compared to laser distance sensors, ultrasonic distance sensors are less expensive.

[0019] Preferably, a rib is provided between the crossbeam and the column. In this design, the rib can enhance the stability of the connection between the crossbeam and the column.

[0020] Preferably, the vertical movement of the roller is 140mm-200mm.

[0021] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: This invention provides a continuous belt conveyor system for TBMs. Through a lifting mechanism, the rollers can move upwards, effectively supporting the bottom surface of the lower belt of the continuous belt system. This causes the supported portion of the lower belt to bulge upwards, creating sufficient installation space for new parallel idlers. When supporting the lower belt, the rollers roll along with the movement of the lower belt, without obstructing or interfering with the normal operation of the continuous belt conveyor system. Therefore, installing new parallel idlers does not require stopping the entire continuous belt conveyor system, avoiding time and efficiency losses due to downtime for parallel idler installation, and effectively improving the efficiency of the continuous belt conveyor system in transporting construction waste. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a continuous belt system for TBMs.

[0023] Figure 2 This is a side view of a support frame for a continuous belt system used in a TBM.

[0024] Figure 3 This is a side view of the support beam and roller.

[0025] Figure 4 This is a first schematic diagram of the installation of parallel idlers.

[0026] Figure 5 This is a second schematic diagram showing the installation of parallel idlers.

[0027] Marked in the image: 1-Support frame, 11-Column, 12-Beam, 13-Lifting mechanism, 14-Connecting arm, 15-End plate, 16-Support beam, 17-Guide rod, 18-Roller, 19-Rib plate, 110-Diagonal brace, 111-Support plate, 112-Guide groove 21-Hanger, 22-Lower belt, 23-Top-mounted belt, 24-Troughing idler roller, 25-Parallel rollers, 26 vehicles 27-segment, 28 - Distance sensor. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments. However, it should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention to the following embodiments; all technologies implemented based on the content of the present invention fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0029] Unless otherwise specified, the terms "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "center," "inner," and "outer" used in the description of specific embodiments of this utility model to indicate orientation or positional relationships are based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship in which the utility model product / equipment / device is usually placed during use. These terms are merely for the purpose of facilitating the description of the utility model solution or simplifying the description in specific embodiments, and for enabling those skilled in the art to quickly understand the solution, and do not indicate or imply that a specific device / component / element must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific positional relationship. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.

[0030] Furthermore, the use of terms such as "horizontal," "vertical," "suspended," "parallel," and "coaxial" does not imply that the corresponding device / component / element must be absolutely horizontal, vertical, suspended, parallel, or coaxial. Slight tilt or deviation is permissible, as long as it does not affect the normal function of the relevant component. For example, "horizontal" simply means that its direction is more horizontal relative to "vertical," not that the structure must be perfectly horizontal; a slight tilt is acceptable. "Coaxial" means that two components are arranged as coaxially as possible, allowing them to move coaxially or approximately coaxially when their relative positions change. Alternatively, it can be simplified to mean that the corresponding device / component / element, when arranged in "horizontal," "vertical," "suspended," "parallel," or "coaxial" directions, can have an error / deviation of ±10% relative to the corresponding direction, more preferably within ±8%, more preferably within ±6%, more preferably within ±5%, and more preferably within ±4%. For example, the deviation in the "coaxial" direction is controlled within 0.2-1mm, preferably within 0.2-0.5mm. As long as the corresponding device / component / element is within the error / deviation range, it can still achieve its function in the present invention.

[0031] Furthermore, the use of terms such as "first," "second," and "third" in terminology is merely for distinguishing descriptions of identical or similar components and should not be interpreted as emphasizing or implying the relative importance of a particular component.

[0032] Furthermore, in the description of the embodiments of this utility model, "several", "multiple", and "several" represent at least two. The number can be any number, such as two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, or nine, and can even exceed nine.

[0033] Furthermore, in the description of the technical solution of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified / limited / restricted, the terms "set up," "install," "connect," "link," "provided with," "laid out," and "arranged" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; they can refer to common connection methods in the art, such as welding, riveting, bolting, and threaded connections. Such connections can be mechanical, electrical, or communication connections; they can be direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal communication between two components.

[0034] Example 1 like Figures 1 to 5 As shown, a continuous belt system for a TBM includes a hanger 21, parallel idlers 25, a support frame 1, a distance sensor 28, and a controller.

[0035] A lower belt 22 is provided below the hanger 21.

[0036] The parallel idler roller 25 is located below the lower belt 22, and its two ends are connected to the hanger 21. Specifically, the hanger 21 is used to support the trough idler roller 24 and suspend the parallel idler roller 25. The trough idler roller 24 is located above the hanger 21. The trough idler roller 24 is used to support the upper belt 23, and the parallel idler roller 25 is used to support the lower belt 22. The hanger 21 is connected to the inner wall of the tube segment 27.

[0037] The support frame 1 includes two uprights 11, a crossbeam 12, and a support beam 16. The bottoms of the two uprights 11 are supported on the trolley 26 of the TBM. The crossbeam 12 connects the two uprights 11. The support beam 16 is located above the crossbeam 12, and a roller 18 is provided above the support beam 16. The roller 18 supports the lower belt 22. A lifting mechanism 13 is provided between the crossbeam 12 and the support beam 16. The lifting mechanism 13 can drive the support beam 16 to rise and fall, thereby moving the roller 18 away from or closer to the crossbeam 12. Specifically, the bottoms of the uprights 11 are connected to the top surface of the trolley 26 by welding or bolts. The crossbeam 12 is bolted to the uprights 11. The roller 18 is made of steel, and its diameter is 180mm-220mm.

[0038] Distance sensor 28 is located above the lower belt 22 and is connected to the hanger 21. Distance sensor 28 detects the distance between itself and the lower belt 22 and transmits this information to the controller. When the distance is less than a predetermined threshold, the controller stops the lifting mechanism 13 from rising. Specifically, the predetermined threshold can be 15mm or 20mm. That is, when the distance between the probe of distance sensor 28 and the top surface of the lower belt 22 is less than 15mm or 20mm, the lifting mechanism 13 stops rising under the control of the controller to prevent further lifting of the lower belt 22. Distance sensor 28 and hanger 21 are detachably connected. In use, distance sensor 28 should be positioned directly above roller 18 to ensure that the position detected by distance sensor 28 is the highest point where the lower belt 22 rises during the lifting process.

[0039] In an optional embodiment, guide rods 17 can be connected to both ends of the support beam 16, and guide grooves 112 are provided on both columns 11. The axial direction of the guide grooves 112 is consistent with the axial direction of the columns 11. The raising and lowering of the support beam 16 allows the guide rods 17 to move along the axial direction of the corresponding guide grooves 112. Specifically, the guide rods 17 are perpendicular to the axial direction of the columns 11. The guide rods 17 can be round steel with a diameter of 15mm-20mm. The width of the guide grooves 112 can be 15mm-20mm, and the length of the guide grooves 112 can be 140mm-200mm. There can be two guide rods 17 at each end of the support beam 16.

[0040] In an optional embodiment, the lifting mechanism 13 can be a jack. The lifting mechanism 13 can be connected to the side wall of the column 11 via a connecting arm 14 and an end plate 15. The connecting arm 14 connects between the end plate 15 and the lifting mechanism 13, and the end plate 15 is connected to the column 11. Specifically, both the connecting arm 14 and the end plate 15 are made of steel plate. The two ends of the connecting arm 14 are fixedly connected to the end plate 15 and the outer wall of the lifting mechanism 13, respectively.

[0041] In an optional embodiment, the end plate 15 and the column 11 can be connected by bolts.

[0042] In an optional embodiment, the lifting mechanism 13 may include two hydraulic jacks arranged side by side, with the two hydraulic jacks sharing a single oil pump. Specifically, the two lifting mechanisms 13 are arranged along the length of the crossbeam 12. The oil pump may be a manual oil pump or an electric oil pump.

[0043] In an optional embodiment, both ends of the support beam 16 may be provided with support plates 111, the top of which has a groove. The two ends of the roller 18 are respectively supported in the grooves of the two support plates 111. Specifically, the support plates 111 are made of steel plates with a thickness of 15mm-20mm, and the bottom of the support plates 111 is welded to the support beam 16. The roller 18 is sleeved on a roller shaft, the two ends of which are supported in the grooves of the two support plates 111. The roller 18 is capable of rolling around the axis of the roller shaft.

[0044] In an optional embodiment, a diagonal brace 110 may be included, with its top end connected to the column 11 and its bottom end connected to the trolley 26. Specifically, the diagonal brace 110 may be made of angle steel or I-beams. Each column 11 may be provided with two diagonal braces 110. The included angle between the diagonal brace 110 and the column 11 may be 30°-45°.

[0045] In an optional embodiment, the distance sensor 28 may be an ultrasonic distance sensor. Specifically, the ultrasonic distance sensor is connected to the hanger 21 via a horizontal bar, and the ultrasonic probe of the ultrasonic distance sensor is positioned facing directly downwards.

[0046] In an optional embodiment, a rib plate 19 may be provided between the crossbeam 12 and the column 11. Specifically, the rib plate 19 is made of steel plate with a thickness of 10mm-15mm, and the rib plate 19 is welded to both the crossbeam 12 and the column 11. The rib plate 19 is located below the crossbeam 12.

[0047] In an optional embodiment, the two columns 11, the crossbeam 12, and the support beam 16 can all be made of square tubing, I-beams, or H-beams.

[0048] In an optional embodiment, the vertical movement of the roller 18 can be 140mm-200mm, specifically 140mm, 150mm, 160mm, 180mm, or 200mm.

[0049] Example 2 A method for installing parallel idlers, applied to a continuous belt system for a TBM as described in Example 1, includes the following steps: S1: Start the lifting mechanism 13, move the roller 18 upward so that the roller 18 contacts the lower belt 22, raise the lower belt 22 upward a predetermined distance, and pause the lifting mechanism 13; S2: Keep the lower belt 22 above the roller 18 in a raised state, and install the parallel idler roller 25 onto the hanger 21; S3: Start the lifting mechanism 13 to move the roller 18 downward so that the lower belt 22 contacts the parallel idler roller 25, and the installation is completed.

[0050] During the above steps, the lower belt 22 can maintain normal operation.

[0051] In an optional embodiment, step S2, the step of installing the parallel roller 25 may be as follows: connect both ends of the parallel roller 25 to the hanger 21 at a position close to the roller 18, slide the parallel roller 25 along the hanger 21 to a predetermined installation position, and fix both ends of the parallel roller 25 to the hanger 21.

[0052] Specifically, the parallel roller 25 has grooves at both ends that match the cross-section of the hanger 21. Therefore, when the grooves are installed on the hanger 21, the parallel roller 25 can slide along the hanger 21. After moving to the predetermined position, the grooves are locked to the hanger 21 by bolts, thereby achieving a fixed connection between the parallel roller 25 and the hanger 21.

[0053] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A continuous belt system for TBMs, characterized in that, include: Hanger (21), with a lower belt (22) below the hanger (21); Parallel idler (25), the parallel idler (25) is located below the lower belt (22), and the two ends of the parallel idler (25) are connected to the hanger (21); The support frame (1) includes two columns (11), a crossbeam (12) and a support beam (16). The bottom of the two columns (11) is used to support the trolley (26) of the TBM. The crossbeam (12) is connected between the two columns (11). The support beam (16) is located above the crossbeam (12). A roller (18) is provided above the support beam (16). The roller (18) is used to support the lower belt (22). A lifting mechanism (13) is provided between the crossbeam (12) and the support beam (16). The lifting mechanism (13) can drive the support beam (16) to rise and fall, and thus drive the roller (18) away from or closer to the crossbeam (12). The distance sensor (28) is located above the lower belt (22) and is connected to the hanger (21). The distance sensor (28) can detect the distance information between itself and the lower belt (22) and transmit the distance information to the controller. When the distance information is less than a predetermined threshold, the controller can control the lifting mechanism (13) to stop the lifting action.

2. A continuous belt system for TBM according to claim 1, characterized in that, Both ends of the support beam (16) are connected to guide rods (17), and both columns (11) are provided with guide grooves (112). The axial direction of the guide grooves (112) is consistent with the axial direction of the columns (11). The lifting and lowering of the support beam (16) enables the guide rods (17) to move along the axial direction of the corresponding guide grooves (112).

3. A continuous belt system for TBM according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lifting mechanism (13) is a jack. The lifting mechanism (13) is connected to the side wall of the column (11) through a connecting arm (14) and an end plate (15). The connecting arm (14) is connected between the end plate (15) and the lifting mechanism (13). The end plate (15) is connected to the column (11).

4. A continuous belt system for TBM according to claim 3, characterized in that, The end plate (15) is connected to the column (11) by bolts.

5. A continuous belt system for a TBM according to claim 3, characterized in that, The lifting mechanism (13) includes two hydraulic jacks arranged side by side, and the two hydraulic jacks share a single oil pump.

6. A continuous belt system for a TBM according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, Both ends of the support beam (16) are provided with support plates (111), and the top of the support plate (111) is provided with a groove. The two ends of the roller (18) are respectively supported in the grooves of the two support plates (111).

7. A continuous belt system for a TBM according to claim 6, characterized in that, It also includes a diagonal brace (110), the top of which is connected to the column (11), and the bottom of which is used to connect to the trolley (26).

8. A continuous belt system for a TBM according to claim 6, characterized in that, The distance sensor (28) is an ultrasonic distance sensor.

9. A continuous belt system for a TBM according to claim 6, characterized in that, A rib plate (19) is provided between the crossbeam (12) and the column (11).

10. A continuous belt system for a TBM according to claim 6, characterized in that, The vertical movement of the roller (18) is 140mm-200mm.

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