A top pressure sealing structure of a immersed tube joint

Abstract

The utility model relates to the sinking pipe tunnel construction technical field discloses a sinking pipe joint top pressure sealing structure, including sinking pipe joint, main sealing mechanism and deputy sealing mechanism, the main sealing mechanism through setting in the internal injection pressure channel of sinking pipe joint, will external hydraulic pressure be introduced the pressure-bearing cavity behind annular plunger main part, drive annular plunger main part extrude annular plunger compression sealing tape, form the first seal of active pressure compensation, the deputy sealing mechanism is in the sinking pipe joint inside, through bolt and seal the pressing plate, arc sealing band mechanical pressure tightly on the sealing bottom plate integrated with sinking pipe joint, form the second seal, the utility model discloses through main, deputy double sealing structure, effectively solved the problem that the existing sealing because of ageing settlement leads to performance attenuation and is difficult to repair, realized the very high sealing reliability, simultaneously, the function that can be on -line pressure compensation makes the maintenance simple and efficient, has prolonged the service life of tunnel structure significantly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of immersed tunnel construction technology, and in particular to an immersed tunnel joint top pressure sealing structure. Background Technology

[0002] As an important transportation infrastructure spanning rivers, lakes, and seas, immersed tunnels are typically constructed using a method of underwater docking of prefabricated tunnel sections. This involves floating multiple prefabricated sections on land to a designated location and then sinking them, before docking them underwater to form a complete tunnel structure. In this process, the sealing of the joints between the tunnel sections is a key technical aspect that determines the success or failure of the entire tunnel project and its long-term safe operation.

[0003] Currently, the sealing of immersed tunnel joints generally adopts a passive compression method, such as using a large rubber sealing strip. When two immersed tunnel sections are joined, the sealing strip is deformed by a huge jacking force, thereby filling the joint and achieving a waterproof seal. This one-time compression molding sealing method can provide a good sealing effect in the early stage of installation. However, the decrease in sealing pre-tightening force will directly lead to the weakening of the joint sealing performance. When the pre-tightening force decreases to a certain extent, water leakage may occur. This will not only affect the aesthetics and normal use of the tunnel, but more seriously, it will corrode the steel bars, damage the structural durability, and pose a major threat to the overall safety of the tunnel.

[0004] The main drawback of existing passive sealing structures is that once the sealing performance deteriorates, there are almost no convenient and effective means of later maintenance or reinforcement. If repair is required, it often requires large-scale underwater engineering projects that are technically very difficult, extremely expensive, and seriously affect traffic operations. This makes the maintenance cost of the tunnel throughout its entire life cycle high and also limits its service life.

[0005] Therefore, this utility model proposes a top-pressure sealing structure for a submerged pipe joint to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art. Utility Model Content

[0006] In view of the problems of sealing performance degradation due to long-term use, difficulty in effective repair, high maintenance costs, and insufficient safety of the existing immersed tube joint top pressure sealing structure, this utility model aims to provide an improved immersed tube joint top pressure sealing structure that can effectively solve the above problems.

[0007] This utility model provides a top-pressure sealing structure for a submerged pipe joint, comprising: a submerged pipe joint; and a main sealing mechanism and a secondary sealing mechanism disposed on the submerged pipe joint.

[0008] The main sealing mechanism includes an annular plunger body, an annular plunger compression sealing tape, a pressure injection connector switch, and an internal pressure injection channel. The secondary sealing mechanism includes a sealing base plate integrally formed with the submerged pipe joint, an arc-shaped sealing strip, a sealing pressure plate, and bolts.

[0009] Furthermore, the annular plunger body in the main sealing mechanism is slidably fitted into the groove at the end of one section of the submerged pipe joint. The internal injection channel connects the injection connector switch with the pressure-bearing cavity formed on the rear side of the annular plunger body, so that the annular plunger body is hydraulically driven to squeeze the annular plunger to compress the sealing tape, which is then pressed tightly against the flat end of the other section of the submerged pipe joint for sealing. The secondary sealing mechanism is located at the internal joint of the submerged pipe joint. The bolt passes through the sealing pressure plate and is threadedly connected to the sealing base plate to mechanically compress the arc-shaped sealing strip.

[0010] Preferably, the main sealing mechanism further includes an outer sealing ring and an inner sealing ring of the annular plunger, and the outer and inner circumferences of the annular plunger body are respectively provided with annular grooves for installing the outer sealing ring and the inner sealing ring of the annular plunger.

[0011] Preferably, the annular plunger body has an annular step at one end facing the annular plunger compression sealing tape for applying pressure to the annular plunger compression sealing tape.

[0012] Preferably, the secondary sealing mechanism further includes an inner sealing plate and an arc-shaped sealing balance ring, wherein the inner sealing plate and the arc-shaped sealing balance ring are respectively arranged on both sides of the arc-shaped sealing strip and located between the sealing pressure plate and the sealing base plate.

[0013] Preferably, the submerged pipe joint top pressure sealing structure further includes a sealing top screw, which is threaded onto the submerged pipe joint and extends laterally through the internal injection channel to control the flow of hydraulic pressure.

[0014] Preferably, the immersed tube joint is a hollow rectangular structure.

[0015] Preferably, the cross-section of the arc-shaped sealing balance ring is arc-shaped, which is used to evenly distribute the pressure of the sealing plate onto the arc-shaped sealing strip.

[0016] Preferably, the sealing base plate is provided with a threaded hole that mates with the bolt.

[0017] This utility model has the following beneficial effects: 1. This utility model solves the problem that existing immersed tube joint sealing structures are difficult to effectively repair and reinforce after the sealing performance declines due to geological subsidence or material aging, resulting in high maintenance costs and difficulties. By setting up a main sealing mechanism that can be pressurized by an external hydraulic system, this invention achieves online and active repair and reinforcement of the main sealing performance, significantly extending the service life of the sealing structure and reducing the difficulty of long-term maintenance.

[0018] 2. This utility model solves the problem of single-point failure risk and insufficient sealing reliability and safety of the existing technology by setting up a dual sealing system that combines a hydraulically driven main sealing mechanism and a mechanically pressed secondary sealing mechanism. It achieves the construction of two safety barriers, a main and a secondary, and realizes redundant sealing, which greatly improves the sealing reliability and overall structural safety of the immersed tube joint during long-term underwater operation. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a front perspective view of a top-pressure sealing structure for a submerged pipe joint proposed in this utility model; Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of a submerged pipe joint switch with a top-pressure sealing structure proposed in this utility model. Figure 3 This is a left view of a top-pressure sealing structure for a submerged pipe joint proposed in this utility model; Figure 4 This is a right view of a top-pressure sealing structure for a submerged pipe joint proposed in this utility model; Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the injection joint switch of the top pressure sealing structure of the submerged pipe joint proposed in this utility model; Figure 6 for Figure 5 Enlarged view of the local structure at point A in the middle.

[0020] Legend: 1. Injection connector switch; 2. Internal injection channel; 3. Submerged tube connector; 4. Sealing top screw; 5. Annular plunger body; 6. Annular plunger outer sealing ring; 7. Annular plunger inner sealing ring; 8. Annular plunger compression sealing tape; 9. Sealing base plate; 10. Arc-shaped sealing balance ring; 11. Sealing pressure plate; 12. Bolt; 13. Sealing inner plate; 14. Arc-shaped sealing strip. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The specific embodiments of the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples.

[0022] Reference Figures 1 to 6 This utility model provides a pressure sealing structure for a submerged pipe joint, which aims to solve the problem that existing submerged pipe joint sealing structures are difficult to repair after long-term use due to the decay of sealing pressure. Figures 1 to 3As shown, the immersed tube joint top-pressure sealing structure includes two interlocking immersed tube joints 3. The immersed tube joint 3 is a hollow rectangular structure for vehicle passage. One section of the immersed tube joint 3 has a groove at its end, while the other section has a flat end. After the two sections of the immersed tube joint 3 are joined, a seam is formed at the joint. The immersed tube joint top-pressure sealing structure also includes a main sealing mechanism located at the joint of the two sections of the immersed tube joint 3 and a secondary sealing mechanism located inside the immersed tube joint 3. The main sealing mechanism and the secondary sealing mechanism together constitute a double sealing protection for the seam of the immersed tube joint 3. The main sealing mechanism is used to seal the immersed tube joint. The first active seal is provided during docking and can be maintained by pressure replenishment later. The secondary sealing mechanism serves as the second physical barrier, used to reinforce the sealing of the interface from the inside after the main seal is completed. The main sealing mechanism includes an annular plunger body 5, an annular plunger compression sealing tape 8, a pressure injection connector switch 1, an inner pressure injection channel 2, an annular plunger outer sealing ring 6, and an annular plunger inner sealing ring 7. The secondary sealing mechanism includes a sealing base plate 9, an arc-shaped sealing strip 14, a sealing pressure plate 11, a bolt 12, a sealing inner plate 13, and an arc-shaped sealing balance ring 10. The sinker joint 3 is also equipped with a sealing top screw 4.

[0023] Reference Figure 2 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 The annular plunger body 5 is slidably fitted into the groove at the end of one section of the submerged pipe joint 3. The annular plunger body 5 is annular in shape, and an annular step is provided at the end of the annular plunger body 5 facing the other section of the submerged pipe joint 3. A pressure-bearing cavity is formed between the rear side of the annular plunger body 5 and the bottom of the groove of the submerged pipe joint 3. The outer and inner circumferences of the annular plunger body 5 are respectively provided with annular grooves for installing sealing rings. The outer sealing ring 6 and the inner sealing ring 7 of the annular plunger are respectively installed in the corresponding annular grooves to prevent hydraulic leakage in the pressure-bearing cavity. The annular plunger compression sealing tape 8 is provided at the front end of the annular plunger body 5 and abuts against the annular step. On the upper step, the pressure injection connector switch 1 is installed on the outside of the immersed tube joint 3, and the inner pressure injection channel 2 extends inside the structure of the immersed tube joint 3. One end of the inner pressure injection channel 2 is connected to the pressure injection connector switch 1, and the other end opens into the pressure-bearing cavity. This structure allows external hydraulic equipment to inject high-pressure liquid into the pressure-bearing cavity through the pressure injection connector switch 1 and the inner pressure injection channel 2, pushing the annular plunger body 5 to move outward, and then squeezing the annular plunger to compress the sealing tape 8 through the annular step, causing the annular plunger to compress the sealing tape 8 to expand and deform outward, thereby tightly pressing it onto the flat end of the other section of the immersed tube joint 3, forming a stable and reliable first seal.

[0024] As a preferred embodiment, in order to control the hydraulic channel, the submerged pipe joint 3 is also provided with a sealing screw 4, please refer to... Figure 2The sealing screw 4 is threaded onto the sinker joint (3) and extends laterally through the inner pressure channel 2. By screwing in or out the sealing screw 4, the inner pressure channel 2 can be mechanically blocked or opened, thereby controlling the flow of hydraulic pressure and ensuring the airtightness of the hydraulic system in the non-pressure state.

[0025] As another preferred embodiment, in order to form a stable and reliable second seal, a secondary sealing mechanism is installed at the internal joint of the submerged tube joint 3. Please refer to [reference needed]. Figure 1 and Figure 3 The sealing base plate 9 and the sinking pipe joint 3 are connected by an integrated processing method, which ensures the connection strength and the flatness of the foundation. The sealing base plate 9 is provided with multiple threaded holes that cooperate with the bolts 12. The arc-shaped sealing strip 14 is set along the joint of the sinking pipe joint (3) to directly seal the joint. In order to evenly press the arc-shaped sealing strip 14, the two sides of the arc-shaped sealing strip 14 are also provided with sealing inner plate 13 and arc-shaped sealing balance ring 10. The function of sealing inner plate 13 and arc-shaped sealing balance ring 10 is to transmit and disperse pressure. The sealing pressure plate 11 covers the arc-shaped sealing strip 14, sealing inner plate 13 and arc-shaped sealing balance ring 10. After the bolts 12 pass through the sealing pressure plate 11, they are screwed into the threaded holes of the sealing base plate 9. By tightening multiple bolts 12, the sealing pressure plate 11 applies huge and uniform downward pressure to the entire sealing assembly, thereby firmly pressing the arc-shaped sealing strip 14 onto the joint to form a solid physical sealing barrier.

[0026] As another preferred embodiment, to further improve the clamping effect of the secondary seal, please refer to... Figure 3 and Figure 4 The cross-section of the arc-shaped sealing balance ring 10 is arc-shaped. This shape design can better fit the inner wall curvature of the submerged pipe joint and more effectively convert the planar pressure transmitted from the sealing pressure plate 11 into uniform radial pressure on the arc-shaped sealing strip 14, ensuring that all parts of the arc-shaped sealing strip 14 are subjected to consistent force, avoiding local stress concentration, thereby improving the overall sealing performance and durability of the secondary seal.

[0027] During the construction of the immersed tunnel, the two sections of the immersed tube joint 3 are first connected underwater. The grooved end of one section of the immersed tube joint 3 is aligned with the flat end of the other section of the immersed tube joint 3 and brought closer together. At this time, the main sealing mechanism starts to work. The construction personnel connect the external hydraulic pump to the injection joint switch 1 and inject high-pressure liquid into the pressure-bearing cavity. After the high-pressure liquid enters the pressure-bearing cavity through the internal injection channel 2, it generates a huge axial thrust on the annular plunger body 5. Under the guidance and sealing action of the outer annular plunger outer sealing ring 6 and the inner annular plunger inner sealing ring 7, the annular plunger body 5 slides smoothly outward. The annular step at the front end of the annular plunger body 5 squeezes the annular plunger compression sealing tape 8, causing the annular plunger compression sealing tape 8 to undergo elastic deformation. It expands outward and presses tightly against the flat end of the opposite immersed tube joint 3, thus quickly forming the first reliable main seal. After the main seal is completed, a dry and wet environment is formed inside the tunnel, and the installation personnel can enter the tunnel to install the secondary sealing mechanism at the joint. During installation, the arc-shaped sealing strip 14, the inner sealing plate 13, and the arc-shaped sealing balance ring 10 are placed on the sealing base plate 9 integrally formed with the immersed tube joint 3 in sequence. Then, the sealing pressure plate 11 is covered, and the bolts 12 are passed through the sealing pressure plate 11 and screwed into the threaded holes of the sealing base plate 9. By tightening all the bolts 12 in a cross, in stages, and evenly, the sealing pressure plate 11 applies a strong mechanical pressure to the entire sealing assembly, firmly pressing the arc-shaped sealing strip 14 to form the second solid secondary seal.

[0028] Another key function of the top-pressure sealing structure of this utility model for immersed tunnel joints is its ability to facilitate later maintenance and repair. After the immersed tunnel has been in use for a period of time, if the sealing pressure of the main seal decreases due to geological settlement, temperature changes, or material aging, and a slight risk of leakage occurs, maintenance personnel do not need to perform complex underwater operations. They only need to reconnect the hydraulic equipment to the injection joint switch 1, and if necessary, unscrew the sealing screw 4 to open the internal injection channel 2. Then, pressurize the pressure-bearing cavity. The supplemented hydraulic pressure will push the annular plunger body 5 again, applying additional compression force to the annular plunger to compress the sealing tape 8, thereby restoring or exceeding the initial sealing stress. This simple and efficient restoration of the main seal performance greatly extends the service life of the immersed tunnel and improves the overall operational safety.

Claims

1. A pressure sealing structure for a submerged pipe joint, comprising a submerged pipe joint (3); characterized in that, The submerged pipe joint top pressure sealing structure also includes a main sealing mechanism, which includes an annular plunger body (5), an annular plunger compression sealing tape (8), a pressure injection connector switch (1), and an inner pressure injection channel (2). The annular plunger body (5) is slidably fitted in the groove at the end of the submerged pipe joint (3). The annular plunger compression sealing tape (8) is set at the front end of the annular plunger body (5) and is used to be pushed out under hydraulic drive and pressed tightly to seal the flat end of the submerged pipe joint. The inner pressure injection channel (2) connects the pressure injection connector switch (1) and the pressure-bearing cavity formed by the rear side of the annular plunger body (5). The submerged pipe joint top pressure sealing structure also includes a secondary sealing mechanism. The secondary sealing mechanism is located inside the submerged pipe joint (3) and is used to cover the joint. The secondary sealing mechanism includes a sealing base plate (9) integrally formed with the submerged pipe joint (3), an arc-shaped sealing strip (14), a sealing pressure plate (11), and a bolt (12). The bolt (12) passes through the sealing pressure plate (11) and is threadedly connected to the sealing base plate (9), mechanically pressing the arc-shaped sealing strip (14) at the joint.

2. The top-pressure sealing structure for a submerged pipe joint according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer and inner circumferences of the annular plunger body (5) are respectively provided with annular grooves. The main sealing mechanism also includes an annular plunger outer sealing ring (6) and an annular plunger inner sealing ring (7), which are respectively installed in the annular grooves.

3. The top-pressure sealing structure for a submerged pipe joint according to claim 1, characterized in that, The annular plunger body (5) has an annular step at one end facing the annular plunger compression sealing tape (8), and the annular step is used to apply pressure to the annular plunger compression sealing tape (8).

4. The top-pressure sealing structure for a submerged pipe joint according to claim 1, characterized in that, The secondary sealing mechanism also includes a sealing inner plate (13) and an arc-shaped sealing balance ring (10). The sealing inner plate (13) and the arc-shaped sealing balance ring (10) are respectively arranged on both sides of the arc-shaped sealing strip (14) and located between the sealing pressure plate (11) and the sealing bottom plate (9).

5. The top-pressure sealing structure for a submerged pipe joint according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sinking pipe joint (3) is also provided with a sealing top screw (4), which is threaded onto the sinking pipe joint (3) and extends laterally through the internal injection channel (2) to control the flow of hydraulic pressure.

6. The top-pressure sealing structure for a submerged pipe joint according to claim 1, characterized in that, The immersed tube joint (3) is a hollow rectangular structure.

7. The top-pressure sealing structure for a submerged pipe joint according to claim 4, characterized in that, The arc-shaped sealing balance ring (10) has an arc-shaped cross section, which is used to evenly distribute the pressure of the sealing pressure plate (11) onto the arc-shaped sealing strip (14).

8. The top-pressure sealing structure for a submerged pipe joint according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sealing base plate (9) is provided with a threaded hole that mates with the bolt (12).

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