A tunnel boring machine with a ring motor direct drive structure

Abstract

This utility model relates to the field of tunneling machine technology, specifically to a tunnel boring machine (TBM) with a ring motor direct drive structure. The ring motor direct drive structure includes a drive box, a ring motor, a main bearing, and a connecting flange. The ring motor is connected to the rear end of the drive box, the main bearing is connected inside the drive box, and the connecting flange is a transmission connection between the ring motor and the main bearing, located inside the drive box. This utility model's TBM with a ring motor direct drive structure integrates the ring motor directly into the rear of the drive box, eliminating traditional transmission chain components such as reducers, pinions, and gear rings. This makes the overall structure more compact, significantly reduces axial space occupation, and provides more design space for other functional modules of the TBM.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of tunneling machine technology, and in particular to a tunnel boring machine containing a ring motor direct drive structure. Background Technology

[0002] As a key component of a tunneling machine, the main drive provides torque and support for the cutterhead to cut through rock formations, while also bearing the propulsive force for the machine's forward movement. The load-bearing capacity and reliability of its power transmission drive structure directly affect the service life of the entire tunneling machine. Currently, the contradiction between limited space and high power requirements in large tunneling equipment is becoming increasingly prominent, placing higher demands on the main drive structure's spatial design, load transmission efficiency, and economy. Traditional main drives typically employ multiple motors, using a two-stage reduction gear transmission chain consisting of a reducer, pinion, and gear ring to transmit torque. This current structural layout not only affects transmission efficiency but also significantly limits the space available for the inspection and maintenance of each component system.

[0003] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a drive structure that does not affect transmission efficiency and provides sufficient space for inspection and maintenance to solve the above-mentioned technical problems. Utility Model Content

[0004] The main purpose of this invention is to provide a tunnel boring machine with a ring motor direct drive structure, which aims to solve the technical problems of low transmission efficiency and small maintenance space of the main drive structure of existing tunneling equipment.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model proposes a tunnel boring machine with a ring motor direct drive structure. The ring motor direct drive structure includes a drive box, a ring motor, a main bearing, and a connecting flange. The ring motor is connected to the rear end of the drive box, the main bearing is connected inside the drive box, and the connecting flange is drivingly connected between the ring motor and the main bearing. The connecting flange is located inside the drive box.

[0006] The tunnel boring machine containing a ring motor direct drive structure of this utility model is further improved in that the output front end of the ring motor is provided with a spline, and the inner wall of the connecting flange is provided with a keyway that engages with the spline.

[0007] The tunnel boring machine with a direct drive structure of a ring motor is further improved in that the connecting flange is provided with a cutter compartment inside, and a partition is provided at the front end of the cutter compartment, which is connected to the connecting flange.

[0008] The tunnel boring machine of this invention, which has a direct drive structure of a ring motor, is further improved in that a sealing element is provided between the connecting flange and the drive box.

[0009] The tunnel boring machine of this invention, which has a ring motor direct drive structure, is further improved in that the bottom of the ring motor is provided with a support base.

[0010] The tunnel boring machine of this invention, which has a direct drive structure with a ring motor, is further improved in that both the ring motor and the main bearing are connected to the drive box by fasteners.

[0011] The technical solution of this utility model has the following beneficial effects: This utility model discloses a tunnel boring machine (TBM) with a ring motor direct drive structure. The ring motor is directly integrated into the rear of the drive box, eliminating traditional transmission chain components such as reducers, pinions, and gear rings. This results in a more compact overall structure, significantly reducing axial space occupation and providing more design space for other functional modules of the TBM. Simultaneously, it brings the center of gravity of the power transmission system closer to the TBM's axis, improving overall machine balance and reducing vibration and off-center load risks. Furthermore, the ring motor has a hollow design, allowing the central area to be used for hydraulic pipelines or inspection equipment channels. Its direct drive structure eliminates the gear transmission system, directly exposing the cutterhead connecting flange in the operable area, greatly increasing the cutterhead changing space and significantly improving the maintenance difficulty of key components. This solves the technical problems of low transmission efficiency and limited maintenance space in the main drive structure of existing TBMs. This utility model eliminates mechanical transmission losses by directly transmitting torque through the magnetic field of the ring motor, achieving precise speed control and rapid adjustment, suitable for tunneling operations under complex geological conditions. At the same time, the absence of gear meshing significantly reduces operating noise, improving the working environment. Attached Figure Description

[0012] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art 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 the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.

[0013] Figure 1 This is an axial sectional view of the tunnel boring machine (A is the tunneling direction) containing the direct drive structure of the ring motor according to this utility model. Figure 2 This is a radial sectional view of the rear end of the annular direct drive motor of the tunnel boring machine containing the annular motor direct drive structure of this utility model.

[0014] Explanation of icon numbers: 1. Drive box; 2. Ring direct drive motor; 3. Main bearing; 4. Connecting flange; 5. Seals; 6. Partition plate; 7. Support base. Detailed Implementation

[0015] 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.

[0016] It should be noted that all directional indicators (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.) in this utility model embodiment are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of each component in a certain specific posture (as shown in the figure). If the specific posture changes, the directional indicator will also change accordingly.

[0017] Furthermore, in this utility model, the use of terms such as "first," "second," etc., is for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this utility model, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0018] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connection," "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, "fixing" can mean a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; it can mean a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can mean a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can mean the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise explicitly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0019] Furthermore, the technical solutions of the various embodiments of this utility model can be combined with each other, but only if they are based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or cannot be implemented, it should be considered that such combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed by this utility model.

[0020] like Figures 1-2 As shown, this utility model proposes a tunnel boring machine with a ring motor direct drive structure. The ring motor direct drive structure includes a drive box 1, a ring direct drive motor 2, a main bearing 3, and a connecting flange 4. The ring direct drive motor 2 is connected to the rear end of the drive box 1, the main bearing 3 is connected to the inside of the drive box 1, and the connecting flange 4 is drivingly connected between the ring direct drive motor 2 and the main bearing 3. The connecting flange 4 is located inside the drive box 1.

[0021] The ring-shaped direct-drive motor 2 features a hollow design, with the hollow area suitable for accommodating hydraulic pipelines or inspection equipment channels. This invention is applicable not only to large tunneling equipment but also to small and conventional tunneling equipment. Through innovative spatial arrangement and transmission methods, this invention utilizes a ring-shaped motor for direct drive, eliminating the need for gear transmission or direct contact transmission. Compared to traditional multi-motor + reducer structures, this design increases axial space while ensuring precise torque transmission and speed control. The hollow design of the ring-shaped motor and the innovative spatial arrangement improve the overall layout optimization and tool changing convenience of the tunneling machine. For small tunneling equipment, this invention provides a more efficient and reliable drive solution, achieving improvements in overall machine layout optimization and tool changing convenience, and offering a more efficient and reliable drive solution for small and conventional tunneling equipment.

[0022] Preferably, the output front end of the annular direct drive motor 2 is provided with a spline, and the inner wall of the connecting flange 4 is provided with a keyway that engages with the spline. Specifically, the main bearing 3 includes an inner ring and an outer ring that rotate relative to each other. The outer ring is fixedly connected to the drive housing 1 by bolts, and the connecting flange 4 is fixed to the inner ring. The output front end of the annular direct drive motor 2 engages with the keyway through the spline. Torque is transmitted through the magnetic field in the air gap between the stator and rotor of the annular direct drive motor 2, which realizes the rotation of the connecting flange 4. The rotation of the connecting flange 4 drives the main bearing 3 to realize the transmission of torque, forming a drive structure that does not require gear transmission or direct contact transmission.

[0023] Preferably, the connecting flange 4 has a tool compartment inside, and a partition 6 is provided at the front end of the tool compartment. The partition 6 is connected to the connecting flange 4. The partition 6 can be bolted to the connecting flange 4. The tool compartment allows operators to enter for maintenance operations, and the partition 6 can block the entrance of the tool compartment to prevent soil from the soil chamber from entering the tool compartment.

[0024] Furthermore, a seal 5 is provided between the connecting flange 4 and the drive box 1 to block mud, sand, and gravel; effectively protecting the closed gear oil system between the drive box 1, connecting flange 4, main bearing 3, and ring motor, allowing it to operate normally without being affected by the external environment. The seal 5 preferably uses multiple sealing rings arranged side-by-side.

[0025] Preferably, the bottom of the annular direct drive motor 2 is provided with a support base 7 to support the rear part of the annular direct drive motor 2. Furthermore, multiple wheels can be provided at the bottom of the support base 7 to ensure the stability of the annular direct drive motor 2 as the support base 7 moves along the axial direction of the tunnel during the tunneling process.

[0026] Preferably, both the annular direct drive motor 2 and the main bearing 3 are connected to the drive housing 1 by fasteners. Bolts can be used as fasteners to facilitate replacement or maintenance.

[0027] This utility model discloses a tunnel boring machine (TBM) with a ring motor direct drive structure. The ring motor 2 is directly integrated into the rear of the drive box 1, eliminating traditional transmission chain components such as reducers, pinions, and gear rings. This results in a more compact overall structure, significantly reducing axial space occupation and providing more design space for other functional modules of the TBM. Simultaneously, it brings the center of gravity of the power transmission system closer to the TBM's axis, improving overall machine balance and reducing vibration and off-center load risks. Furthermore, the ring motor 2 has a hollow design, allowing the central area to be used for hydraulic pipelines or inspection equipment channels. Its direct drive structure eliminates the gear transmission system, directly exposing the cutterhead connecting flange 4 to the operable area, greatly increasing the cutterhead changing space and significantly improving the maintenance difficulty of key components. This solves the technical problems of low transmission efficiency and limited maintenance space in the main drive structure of existing TBMs. This utility model eliminates mechanical transmission losses by directly transmitting torque through the magnetic field of the ring motor 2, achieving precise speed control and rapid adjustment, suitable for tunneling operations under complex geological conditions. At the same time, the absence of gear meshing significantly reduces operating noise, improving the working environment.

[0028] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and does not limit the patent scope of the present utility model. All equivalent structural transformations made under the inventive concept of the present utility model using the contents of the present utility model specification and drawings, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the patent protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A shield tunneling machine comprising a direct drive structure of a toroidal motor, characterized in that, The ring motor direct drive structure includes a drive box (1), a ring direct drive motor (2), a main bearing (3), and a connecting flange (4); the ring direct drive motor (2) is connected to the rear end of the drive box (1), the main bearing (3) is connected inside the drive box (1), and the connecting flange (4) is connected between the ring direct drive motor (2) and the main bearing (3). The connecting flange (4) is located inside the drive box (1).

2. The machine according to claim 1, wherein the machine comprises a shield tunneling machine. The output front end of the annular direct drive motor (2) is provided with a spline, and the inner wall of the connecting flange (4) is provided with a keyway that engages with the spline.

3. The machine according to claim 1, wherein the machine comprises a shield tunneling machine. The connecting flange (4) has a blade compartment inside, and a partition (6) is provided at the front end of the blade compartment. The partition (6) is connected to the connecting flange (4).

4. The machine according to claim 1, wherein the machine comprises a shield tunneling machine. A sealing element (5) is provided between the connecting flange (4) and the drive box (1).

5. The machine according to claim 1, wherein the machine comprises a shield tunneling machine. The bottom of the ring direct drive motor (2) is provided with a support base (7).

6. The tunnel boring machine with a direct-drive structure containing a ring motor as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The ring direct drive motor (2) and the main bearing (3) are both connected to the drive box (1) by fasteners.

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