Tunnel boring machine electrical simulation training platform

Abstract

The utility model discloses a tunnel boring machine electrical simulation practical training platform, solved the equipment function of tunnel boring machine electrical practical training device in the prior art single, cannot satisfy the problem of diversified simulation needs. The utility model practical training device, including control cabinet and be used for placing motor model's foldable support plate frame, foldable support plate frame sets up at the one side of control cabinet, be equipped with PLC module and total power switch in control cabinet, and total power switch is connected with motor model through frequency converter electric starting circuit, simulates motor frequency conversion starting, total power switch is connected with motor model through star delta starting circuit, simulates motor star delta starting, total power switch is connected with motor model through direct starting circuit, simulates motor direct starting. Three in one starting mode single equipment integrated frequency converter starting, star delta step -down starting, direct starting three kinds of mainstream motor control scheme, can satisfy the demand of practical training personnel to tunnel boring machine electrical simulation diversification.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of tunnel boring machine technology, and in particular to an electrical simulation training device. Background Technology

[0002] The electrical system of a tunnel boring machine (TBM) involves a wide range of control functions and a diverse array of electrical components with varying functions, structures, and usage methods. Electrical system failures are a primary cause of equipment downtime during TBM operation. If on-site technicians are not sufficiently familiar with the system's composition and component principles, troubleshooting efficiency will suffer, leading to delays in construction. Electrical simulation training devices are not only teaching tools but also crucial bridges between education, industry, and technology. They simulate the working states and control processes of real electrical systems in a low-cost, high-efficiency, and highly safe manner. By setting up fault points, they help relevant technicians master electrical principles, control technologies, and troubleshooting methods, cultivating versatile talents to meet the demands of modern industry.

[0003] Compared with actual engineering equipment, current tunnel boring machine electrical simulation training platforms have been greatly simplified in terms of electrical system composition, making it difficult to simulate the entire electrical control process of tunnel boring machines. In addition, the equipment functions of related training devices are limited and cannot meet diverse simulation needs. Utility Model Content

[0004] To address the shortcomings in the aforementioned background technology, this utility model proposes an electrical simulation training platform for tunnel boring machines, which solves the problem that the existing electrical training devices for tunnel boring machines have limited functionality and cannot meet diverse simulation needs.

[0005] The technical solution of this utility model is implemented as follows: A tunnel boring machine electrical simulation training platform includes a control cabinet and a foldable support frame for placing motor models. The foldable support frame is located on one side of the control cabinet. The control cabinet is equipped with a PLC module and a main power switch. The main power switch is connected to the motor model through a frequency converter electric starting circuit to simulate the frequency converter starting of the motor. The main power switch is also connected to the motor model through a star-delta starting circuit to simulate the star-delta starting of the motor. Finally, the main power switch is connected to the motor model through a direct starting circuit to simulate the direct starting of the motor. The three-in-one starting method integrates three mainstream motor control schemes: frequency converter starting, star-delta reduced voltage starting, and direct starting. This allows for the coverage of teaching needs for starting motors of different power levels, such as those in the cutterhead drive, screw conveyor, and auxiliary systems of tunnel boring machines, without requiring multiple devices. It fully reproduces the electrical control logic of typical scenarios in shield machines, such as the cutterhead motor (frequency conversion speed regulation to adapt to geological changes), the propulsion pump motor (star-delta starting to reduce impact), and auxiliary equipment (direct starting).

[0006] Further optimization involves a layered internal layout of the control cabinet, forming four levels of components from top to bottom: a primary component area, a secondary component area, a tertiary component area, and a quaternary component area. The main power switch is located in the primary component area. The primary component area also contains a motor power switch, which is connected to the main power switch via a safety protection circuit. The secondary component area houses contactor groups. The PLC module is located in the tertiary component area, and the quaternary component area contains a frequency converter. The primary and secondary component areas (main circuit 110-380V) and the tertiary and quaternary component areas (control circuit 24VDC) form a natural electrical isolation barrier, reducing the risk of electric shock and arcing interference.

[0007] Further optimization reveals that the motor power switch includes a first motor circuit breaker, a second motor circuit breaker, and a third motor circuit breaker. The first motor circuit breaker is connected to the frequency converter to form a frequency converter electric starting circuit; the second motor circuit breaker is connected to three contactors in the contactor group to form a star-delta starting circuit; and the third motor circuit breaker is connected to one contactor in the contactor group to form a direct starting circuit. This design employs a three-circuit independent branch power supply architecture, providing dedicated protection for the three starting modes of the tunnel boring machine and improving safety. Furthermore, trainees can intuitively establish a one-to-one mapping relationship between "circuit breaker → starting mode → motor model".

[0008] Further preferably, the secondary device area also includes a control power supply switch, with the main power switch connected to the control power supply switch. Further preferably, the tertiary device area also includes a DC power supply and branch terminal blocks; the control power supply switch is connected to the DC power supply, and the input terminals of the branch terminal blocks are connected to the DC power supply; the output terminals are connected to the PLC module and the touchscreen and potentiometer mounted on the cabinet door.

[0009] Further optimization involves the inclusion of intermediate relay groups, 24V electrical groups, and terminal blocks in the fourth-level device area. The 24V electrical groups are connected to the branch terminal blocks via the intermediate relay groups. The inverter electric start circuit is connected to the motor model via the inverter start terminal block on the terminal block. The star-delta start circuit is connected to the motor model via the star-delta start terminal block on the terminal block. The direct start circuit is connected to the motor model via the direct start terminal block on the terminal block. The control cabinet introduces control power supply switches, DC power supplies, branch terminal blocks, intermediate relay groups, and 24V electrical groups in the second to fourth-level device areas, constructing a refined power management system with hierarchical power supply, step-by-step distribution, and unified interfaces.

[0010] Further optimization involves connecting the external power supply to the main power switch via the power terminals and molded case circuit breakers on the terminal block; the molded case circuit breakers provide instantaneous short-circuit protection and inverse-time overload protection to prevent external power grid faults from being transmitted to precision components inside the cabinet, thereby improving safety.

[0011] Further optimization revealed that the 24V electrical unit includes a safety relay, a network switch, and a speed sensor for motor speed measurement. This 24V electrical unit configuration organically integrates the three core elements of modern industrial automation: functional safety, industrial networking, and condition monitoring. This transforms the training device from a skills training tool into a miniature platform for intelligent manufacturing technology. The value of teaching and training is multiplied, cultivating three-dimensional capabilities in "safety + networking + sensing."

[0012] Further preferred, the foldable support frame includes a folding frame and a plate base set on the folding frame. The plate base is provided with a fixed seat to support the motor model, and a shock-absorbing pad is provided between the fixed seat and the plate base; this ensures the stability of the motor model while reducing vibration.

[0013] Further optimization includes a control cabinet door equipped with a button for starting and stopping the motor, a status indicator light for starting the motor via frequency conversion, a safety warning light on the top of the control cabinet for starting the circuit, and wheels at the bottom of the control cabinet.

[0014] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: This utility model can simulate the parameter setting process in the common tunnel boring machine debugging process through frequency converters, speed monitors, etc. It can realize three common motor starting effects, namely direct start, star-delta start, and frequency conversion start, through motor circuit breakers, contactors and frequency converters. It can also display the motor's operating status in real time through a touch screen and simulate the start and stop of the motor, thereby realizing the effect of simple data interaction between the host computer and PLC, improving flexibility and operability. It has a significant positive effect on promoting trainees' understanding and use of the electrical components of tunnel boring machines, and can meet the diverse needs of trainees for electrical simulation of tunnel boring machines.

[0015] This invention integrates motor start / stop control, frequency conversion control, data acquisition and processing, and touchscreen display into a single system, effectively reducing the installation space required for the simulation training device. The core hardware of this device, including but not limited to logic controllers, sensor and actuator interfaces, directly utilizes industrial-grade components identical to those of a real tunnel boring machine; and its control logic is replicated to achieve a highly integrated simulation of the training device. This allows operators to interact with a more realistic physical machine and complete hands-on training such as debugging and troubleshooting. Attached Figure Description

[0016] To more clearly illustrate the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of this utility model; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the internal layout of the cabinet of this utility model; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a motor model; Figure 4 This is the circuit diagram for an electrical simulation training device. Detailed Implementation

[0018] 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.

[0019] Example 1, such as Figure 1 As shown, an electrical simulation training platform for a tunnel boring machine includes a control cabinet 1 and a foldable support frame 7 for placing a motor model. The foldable support frame 7 is extended when in use and folded back onto the cabinet when not in use. The foldable support frame 7 is located on one side of the control cabinet 1, allowing for easy extension and retraction while ensuring the stability of the motor model. The control cabinet 1 contains a PLC module 10 and a main power switch 8. The main power switch 8 is fixed at the top of the cabinet and is protected by a molded case circuit breaker. The main power switch 8 is connected to the motor model via a frequency converter electric starting circuit to simulate frequency converter starting; the main power switch 8 is also connected to the motor model via a star-delta starting circuit to simulate star-delta starting; and the main power switch 8 is connected to the motor model via a direct starting circuit to simulate direct starting. This utility model adopts a three-in-one starting method, integrating three mainstream motor control schemes—frequency converter starting, star-delta reduced voltage starting, and direct starting—into a single device. It can cover the teaching needs of motor starting of different power levels such as tunnel boring machine cutterhead drive, screw conveyor, and auxiliary systems without the need for multiple devices; and meets the diverse simulation needs of tunnel boring machine electrical training devices.

[0020] In this embodiment, as a preferred solution, such as Figure 2As shown, the control cabinet 1 is internally layered, forming a primary component area 21, a secondary component area 22, a tertiary component area 23, and a quaternary component area 24 from top to bottom. The main power switch 8 is located in the primary component area 21. The primary component area 21 also contains a motor power switch 12, and the main power switch 8 is connected to the motor power switch 12 via a safety protection circuit 19. The secondary component area 22 contains a contactor group 13. The PLC module 10 is located in the tertiary component area 23. The PLC module 10 is the core of the entire electrical control system, used to collect, store, and process input signals and output the processing results. The quaternary component area 24 contains a frequency converter 11. The main power switch and the motor power switch are located on the highest layer, conforming to the IEC60204-1 principle of "upper isolation, lower control," ensuring vertical isolation between strong and weak currents. The primary and secondary component areas (main circuit 110-380V) and the tertiary and quaternary component areas (control circuit 24VDC) form a natural electrical isolation barrier, reducing the risk of electric shock and arcing interference. Harmonic interference and high-frequency switching noise generated by the frequency converter (level 4) are confined to the bottom of the cabinet and directly grounded through a dedicated grounding busbar, preventing coupling to the upper PLC and contactor circuits. The PLC module is located in level 3, away from the frequency converter and in the central area of ​​the cabinet's electromagnetic shielding, allowing signal lines to be connected via the shortest path, reducing external radiation interference and crosstalk. The breaking arc and electromagnetic pulse generated by the contactor group in level 2 are "sandwiched" by the level 1 isolation power supply and the level 4 frequency converter, forming a sandwich shielding structure to improve system reliability. Furthermore, the above design conforms to engineering principles: the top-down "central control-distribution-processing-execution" layout aligns with electrical control system design thinking, allowing trainees to establish a hierarchical conceptual model of the system and enhancing the value of teaching and training.

[0021] In one implementation, the motor power switch 12 in this embodiment includes a first motor circuit breaker QF2, a second motor circuit breaker QF3, and a third motor circuit breaker QF4. The first motor circuit breaker QF2 is connected to the frequency converter 11 to form a frequency converter electric starting circuit; the second motor circuit breaker QF3 is connected to three contactors in the contactor group 13 to form a star-delta starting circuit; and the third motor circuit breaker QF4 is connected to one contactor in the contactor group 13 to form a direct starting circuit. In other words, the motor power switch consists of three motor protection circuit breakers, corresponding to the power switches for three different motor starting methods. This design adopts a three-circuit independent branch power supply architecture, providing dedicated protection for the three starting modes of the tunnel boring machine. The training logic is clear, and a one-to-one mapping relationship of "circuit breaker → starting method → ​​motor model" can be intuitively established.

[0022] Example 2 provides an electrical simulation training platform for tunnel boring machines, further optimized from Example 1. In this example, the secondary component area 22 also includes a control power supply switch 9, connected to the main power switch 8. The control power supply switch 9 is the power switch for all 24V and below electrical equipment in the entire electrical control system. Its right-side contactor group 13 consists of two main parts: one for protecting the incoming power supply of the motor circuit breaker, and the other for cooperating with the motor circuit breaker to start the motor. The tertiary component area 23 also includes a DC power supply group 15 and a branch terminal 14. The control power supply switch 9 is connected to the DC power supply group 15, and the input terminal of the branch terminal 14 is connected to the DC power supply group 15. The DC power supply group 15 includes 10V and 24V DC power modules, and the generated DC power is distributed to various electrical components through the branch terminal group 14. For example, the 10V DC power supplies the potentiometer on the cabinet door. The output terminal is connected to the PLC module 10, the touch screen 3 mounted on the cabinet door 2, and a potentiometer. The potentiometer is used to adjust the motor speed when the motor is controlled by the frequency converter. The fourth-level device area 24 also has an intermediate relay group 16, a 24V electrical group 17, and a terminal block 18. The terminal block 18, from left to right, has terminals for incoming power, frequency converter start, star-delta start, direct start, and motor speed detection. An opening is provided at the bottom of the cabinet, allowing the motor, speed sensor, etc., to be connected to the terminal blocks through the opening at the base. This control cabinet introduces control power supply switches, DC power supplies, branch terminal blocks, intermediate relay groups, and 24V electrical groups in the second to fourth-level device areas, constructing a refined power management system with layered power supply, step-by-step distribution, and unified interfaces. Physical isolation between voltage levels prevents frequency converter harmonics from coupling to the PLC through the power lines, improving electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) performance.

[0023] The 24V electrical unit 17 is connected to the branch terminal 14 via the intermediate relay group 16; the inverter electric start circuit is connected to the motor model via the inverter start terminal of the terminal block 18; the star-delta start circuit is connected to the motor model via the star-delta start terminal of the terminal block 18; and the direct start circuit is connected to the motor model via the direct start terminal of the terminal block 18. The external power supply is connected to the main power switch 8 via the power supply terminal and molded case circuit breaker of the terminal block 18. The motor rotation is driven by commands sent from the intermediate relays, contactors, and PLC. Buttons are installed on the cabinet door for starting / stopping the motor, indicating its operating status, etc. In case of emergency, pressing the emergency stop knob on the cabinet door will cut off the motor power supply, ensuring personnel safety.

[0024] The 24V electrical unit 17 includes a safety relay, a network switch, and a speed sensor for motor speed measurement. The network switch is an industrial Ethernet switch, enabling real-time data exchange between devices such as the PLC, touchscreen, sensors, and frequency converter in the industrial control system. The speed sensor, mounted on the motor model, detects the motor's rotational speed. After processing the collected data, the speed sensor transmits it to the PLC in the form of current via the analog input terminals of the programmable controller. The PLC then processes the data and displays the real-time motor speed. The touchscreen embedded in the cabinet door can then display the data from the PLC via network communication.

[0025] The main circuit of this utility model is as follows: Figure 4 As shown, the electrical cabinet's incoming power supply is a single 380V line connected to the main circuit breaker QF1, using a three-phase five-wire system. Four power supplies are drawn from QF1 via a safety protection circuit. One 220V power supply is split into two paths via the control power group switch QF5. One path is stepped down to 24V via the DC power group's 24V power switch QF6 circuit breaker and a 24V switching power supply to power the PLC, touchscreen, cabinet control circuits, and sensors. The other path is stepped down to 10V via the DC power group's 10V power switch QF7 circuit breaker and a 10V switching power supply to power devices such as potentiometers. The other three 380V power supplies are: one connected to the frequency converter via the QF2 circuit breaker to form the frequency converter's starting circuit; another connected to three contactors via the QF3 circuit breaker to form a star-delta starting circuit; and the last path connected to a contactor via the QF4 circuit breaker to form a direct starting circuit.

[0026] Example 3: An electrical simulation training platform for tunnel boring machines, such as... Figure 3 As shown, based on embodiment 1 or 2, this embodiment further optimizes the foldable support frame 7, which includes a folding frame 71 and a plate base 72 disposed on the folding frame 71. The folding frame can adopt an existing Y-type (such as...) Figure 1 (As shown) or an X-shaped folding frame is used to achieve quick support and folding of the base. A fixed seat 73 is provided on the base 72 to support the motor model, ensuring the stability of the motor model. A shock-absorbing pad is provided between the fixed seat 73 and the base 72 to reduce vibration.

[0027] In this embodiment, the cabinet door 2 of the control cabinet 1 is also equipped with a button 4 for starting and stopping the motor and a status indicator light 5 for starting the motor via frequency conversion; the top of the control cabinet 1 is equipped with a safety warning light 6 for starting the circuit, and the bottom of the control cabinet 1 is equipped with wheels 25; so as to facilitate the rapid movement of the entire equipment.

[0028] This utility model's electrical automation simulation types mainly include: 1. Low-voltage electrical control training, focusing on the operation of switches, buttons, contactors, relays, and motor hardware, including fault setting and handling. Training can be conducted on three common motor starting methods by modifying wiring, and parameter debugging training can be performed on motor protection circuit breakers, molded case circuit breakers, and speed monitors. 2. Touchscreen control training, combining a touchscreen with PLC hardware to complete human-machine interaction training for controlling a frequency converter via the touchscreen to achieve motor speed regulation and PLC operating status monitoring. 3. Frequency converter control training, completing training on local and remote start-up, local and remote switching, and common faults of the frequency converter; communication control training of the frequency converter via its PROFINET communication control terminals; analog control training of the frequency converter via the cabinet door potentiometer knob; and fine-tuning of the frequency converter's output frequency using a touchscreen and frequency converter combination, completing human-machine interaction control training. 4. Establish an industrial control network and conduct control training. Using a Siemens 1200 PLC as the core, an industrial Ethernet switch is used to connect the PLC, frequency converter, and touchscreen to build an industrial control network system, introducing the basics of PROFINET communication. Based on this electrical simulation training device, students can conduct electrical automation simulation training for various tunnel boring machines, making it a comprehensive teaching and training equipment.

[0029] It should be noted that this utility model improves the equipment components and does not involve improvements to the circuit or control program. This utility model only controls the operation and shutdown of various electronic devices through a PLC control system. Since the PLC control system is a mature automatic control system in industry, this utility model will not elaborate on the circuit and control program content.

[0030] 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, improvements, etc., 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. An electrical simulation training platform for tunnel boring machines, characterized in that: The system includes a control cabinet (1) and a foldable support plate (7) for placing the motor model. The foldable support plate (7) is located on one side of the control cabinet (1). The control cabinet (1) is equipped with a PLC module (10) and a main power switch (8). The main power switch (8) is connected to the motor model through a frequency converter electric start circuit to simulate the frequency converter start of the motor. The main power switch (8) is connected to the motor model through a star-delta start circuit to simulate the star-delta start of the motor. The main power switch (8) is connected to the motor model through a direct start circuit to simulate the direct start of the motor.

2. The tunnel boring machine electrical simulation training platform according to claim 1, characterized in that: The control cabinet (1) is arranged in layers from top to bottom, forming a primary device area (21), a secondary device area (22), a tertiary device area (23), and a quaternary device area (24). The main power switch (8) is located in the primary device area (21). There is also a motor power switch (12) in the primary device area (21). The main power switch (8) is connected to the motor power switch (12) through a safety protection circuit (19). There is a contactor group (13) in the secondary device area (22). The PLC module (10) is located in the tertiary device area (23), and the frequency converter (11) is located in the quaternary device area (24).

3. The tunnel boring machine electrical simulation training platform according to claim 2, characterized in that: The motor power switch (12) includes a first motor circuit breaker (QF2), a second motor circuit breaker (QF3) and a third motor circuit breaker (QF4). The first motor circuit breaker (QF2) is connected to the frequency converter (11) to form a frequency converter electric starting circuit. The second motor circuit breaker (QF3) is connected to the three contactors in the contactor group (13) to form a star-delta starting circuit. The third motor circuit breaker (QF4) is connected to one contactor in the contactor group (13) to form a direct starting circuit.

4. The tunnel boring machine electrical simulation training platform according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that: The secondary device area (22) is also equipped with a control power supply switch (9), and the main power switch (8) is connected to the control power supply switch (9).

5. The tunnel boring machine electrical simulation training platform according to claim 4, characterized in that: The third-level device area (23) is also equipped with a DC power supply group (15) and a branch terminal (14). The control power supply group switch (9) is connected to the DC power supply group (15), and the input end of the branch terminal (14) is connected to the DC power supply group (15); the output end is connected to the PLC module (10) and the touch screen (3) and potentiometer set on the cabinet door (2).

6. The tunnel boring machine electrical simulation training platform according to claim 5, characterized in that: The fourth-level device area (24) is also equipped with an intermediate relay group (16), a 24V electrical group (17) and a terminal block (18). The 24V electrical group (17) is connected to the branch terminal (14) through the intermediate relay group (16). The inverter electric start circuit is connected to the motor model through the inverter start terminal of the terminal block (18). The star-delta start circuit is connected to the motor model through the star-delta start terminal of the terminal block (18). The direct start circuit is connected to the motor model through the direct start terminal of the terminal block (18).

7. The tunnel boring machine electrical simulation training platform according to claim 6, characterized in that: The external power supply is connected to the main power switch (8) via the power terminals and the molded case short circuit breaker of the terminal block (18).

8. The tunnel boring machine electrical simulation training platform according to claim 7, characterized in that: The 24V electrical unit (17) includes a safety relay, a network switch, and a speed sensor for motor speed measurement.

9. The tunnel boring machine electrical simulation training platform according to any one of claims 1-3 and 6-8, characterized in that: The foldable support frame (7) includes a folding frame (71) and a plate base (72) set on the folding frame (71). The plate base (72) is provided with a fixed seat (73) for supporting the motor model. A shock-absorbing pad is provided between the fixed seat (73) and the plate base (72).

10. The tunnel boring machine electrical simulation training platform according to claim 9, characterized in that: The control cabinet (1) is equipped with a button (4) for starting and stopping the motor and a status indicator light (5) for starting the motor via frequency conversion on the cabinet door (2); the top of the control cabinet (1) is equipped with a safety warning light (6) for starting the circuit, and the bottom of the control cabinet (1) is equipped with a walking wheel (25).

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