High-sealing-performance single-blade hob of shield tunneling machine

By introducing a pressure compensation spring and an outer washer structure into the single-blade cutterhead of the tunnel boring machine, the sealing problem caused by the deformation of the floating oil seal was solved, achieving high sealing performance and ensuring the normal operation of the cutterhead under complex geological conditions.

CN223482659UActive Publication Date: 2025-10-28GUANGZHOU YUEYU TUNNEL ENG EQUIP CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202520010445.1
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-01-03
Publication Date
2025-10-28
Estimated Expiration
2035-01-03

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The floating oil seals of existing tunnel boring machine single-blade cutterheads are prone to deformation after prolonged use, resulting in poor sealing performance and affecting the normal operation of the cutterheads.

Method used

The structure employs a pressure-compensating spring and an outer washer. The outer washer applies continuous pressure to the first O-ring, ensuring a tight fit between it and the second O-ring, thus compensating for the sealing gap and improving sealing performance.

Benefits of technology

It significantly reduces the risk of external impurities intruding and internal lubricating grease leakage, ensuring that the cutter can work normally under complex geological conditions and extending the service life of the sealing structure.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The utility model discloses a high-sealing-performance single-blade hob of a shield tunneling machine, and relates to the technical field of cutters of shield tunneling machines. The high-sealing-performance shield tunneling machine single-blade hobbing cutter comprises a cutter shaft, a cutter hub is installed outside the cutter shaft through a key, the front end and the rear end of the cutter hub are connected with end covers in a sealed mode, a cutter ring is installed outside the cutter hub in an interference fit mode, a bearing is assembled between the cutter hub and the cutter shaft, an oil channel is formed in the cutter body, a floating oil seal is installed in the oil channel, and the floating oil seal is connected with the end covers. The floating oil seal comprises a floating sealing seat, a floating ring and a first O-shaped ring. In order to solve the problem that the floating oil seal in the single-blade hob of the shield tunneling machine is easy to deform after being used for a long time, so that the sealing performance is poor, a pressure compensation spring can apply continuous pressure to a first O-shaped ring through an outer gasket, so that the first O-shaped ring can be tightly attached to a second O-shaped ring; the risks of invasion of external impurities and leakage of internal lubricating grease are greatly reduced, and the sealing performance of the hob is remarkably improved.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of tunnel boring machine (TBM) cutter technology, specifically a high-sealing single-blade rolling cutter for TBMs. Background Technology

[0002] During the operation of a tunnel boring machine (TBM), the single-edged cutterhead needs to withstand enormous pressure, friction, and impact, while also dealing with complex and ever-changing geological conditions. To ensure the normal operation of the cutterhead, prevent external impurities such as mud and moisture from entering its interior, and avoid internal lubricant leakage, good sealing performance is crucial.

[0003] Currently, floating oil seals are commonly used as sealing devices for single-edge cutterheads in tunnel boring machines (TBMs). Floating oil seals have a certain compensation capability, enabling them to adapt to vibrations, offsets, and deformations of the cutterhead during operation, thus ensuring a good seal. However, in practical applications, floating oil seals are prone to deformation after prolonged use, leading to poor sealing and posing a series of challenges to the normal operation of the TBM.

[0004] Therefore, in response to the problem that the floating oil seal in the existing shield tunneling machine single-edged cutter is prone to deformation after long-term use, resulting in poor sealing performance, there is an urgent need to develop a shield tunneling machine single-edged cutter with high sealing performance to improve the sealing performance and reliability of the cutter and meet the needs of shield tunneling machines for efficient tunneling under complex geological conditions. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a high-sealing single-blade cutter for tunnel boring machines. When the first O-ring deforms due to various factors, the pressure compensation spring can apply continuous pressure to the first O-ring through the outer washer, so that the first O-ring can fit tightly with the second O-ring, greatly reducing the risk of external impurities intruding and internal lubricating grease leakage, and significantly improving the sealing performance of the cutter, thereby solving the problems mentioned in the background art.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solutions:

[0007] A high-sealing single-edged cutterhead for a tunnel boring machine includes a cutter shaft, a cutter hub mounted on the cutter shaft via a key, end caps sealingly connected to the front and rear ends of the cutter hub, and an interference fit cutter ring mounted on the cutter hub. A bearing is assembled between the cutter hub and the cutter shaft. An oil passage is formed inside the cutter body, and a floating oil seal is installed in the oil passage. The floating oil seal includes a floating sealing seat, a floating ring, and a first O-ring. A second O-ring is also installed on the inner wall of the floating sealing seat via a sealing groove, and the second O-ring is tightly fitted with the first O-ring.

[0008] An inner gasket is embedded in the inner wall of the floating ring near the first O-ring, and an outer gasket is movably installed in the inner wall of the floating sealing seat near the first O-ring.

[0009] Preferably, the number of the floating sealing seat, the floating ring, and the first O-ring are all provided in two and arranged symmetrically along an axis.

[0010] Preferably, the first O-ring is fitted into a specific groove in the floating ring, and the floating ring is engaged in the mounting groove of the floating seal seat.

[0011] Preferably, a pressure compensation spring is installed on the inner wall of the floating sealing seat through an adjustment groove. One end of the pressure compensation spring is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the adjustment groove, and the other end is fixedly connected to an outer washer.

[0012] Preferably, the outer washer can be used to press the first O-ring, and its pressing surface is in close contact with the first O-ring.

[0013] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:

[0014] This high-sealing shield tunneling machine single-edged cutter utilizes a pressure compensation spring and an outer washer installed on the inner wall of the floating sealing seat. When the sealing performance of the first O-ring deteriorates due to prolonged use, vibration, misalignment, or deformation, the pressure compensation spring applies continuous pressure to the first O-ring through the outer washer, ensuring that the first O-ring remains tightly fitted with the second O-ring. This effectively compensates for any potential sealing gaps, significantly reducing the risk of external impurities such as mud and moisture intruding into the cutter. It also prevents leakage of internal lubricating grease, significantly improving the sealing performance of the cutter and ensuring its normal operation under complex geological conditions. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional view of the overall structure of this utility model;

[0016] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the overall structure of this utility model;

[0017] Figure 3 For the utility model Figure 2 Enlarged view at point A;

[0018] In the diagram: 1. Cutter shaft; 2. End cover; 3. Cutter hub; 4. Cutter ring; 5. Bearing; 6. Floating oil seal; 61. Floating sealing seat; 611. Adjusting groove; 612. Sealing groove; 62. Floating ring; 63. First O-ring; 64. Pressure compensation spring; 65. Outer washer; 66. Inner washer ring; 67. Second O-ring. Detailed Implementation

[0019] Please see Figure 1-Figure 2A high-sealing shield machine single-edged cutter includes a cutter shaft 1, a cutter hub 3 is mounted on the cutter shaft 1 via a key, end caps 2 are sealed to the front and rear ends of the cutter hub 3, and a cutter ring 4 is installed on the cutter hub 3 with an interference fit, wherein a bearing 5 is assembled between the cutter hub 3 and the cutter shaft 1.

[0020] The cutter shaft 1 and the cutter hub 3 are connected by a key in order to effectively transmit the power of the cutter shaft 1 to the cutter hub 3 and prevent relative slippage between the two during rotation.

[0021] The front and rear ends of the cutter hub 3 are sealed with end caps 2 to prevent external impurities (such as mud, sand, water, etc.) from entering the interior of the cutter hub 3, protect the internal bearings 5, lubricating grease and other key components from contamination and damage, and also prevent internal lubricating grease leakage.

[0022] The cutter hub 3 and the cutter ring 4 are installed by an interference fit, which can firmly fix the cutter ring 4 on the cutter hub 3. During the hobbing process, the cutter ring 4 can withstand huge cutting forces without loosening or falling off.

[0023] A bearing 5 is installed between the cutter hub 3 and the cutter shaft 1 to reduce the frictional resistance between the cutter shaft 1 and the cutter hub 3, making the hob more flexible and smooth during rotation.

[0024] Please see Figure 2-Figure 3 The number of floating seal seat 61, floating ring 62 and first O-ring 63 are all provided in two and arranged symmetrically on the axis.

[0025] The two sealing structures work together to better compensate for the deformation of the cutter during operation, ensuring that the entire sealing system always maintains a good sealing condition. This helps improve the cutter's adaptability to complex working conditions and extends the service life of the sealing structure.

[0026] Please see Figure 2-Figure 3 The first O-ring 63 is fitted into a specific groove in the floating ring 62, and the floating ring 62 is engaged in the mounting groove of the floating seal seat 61.

[0027] The specific groove provides support and constraint for the first O-ring 63, enabling the O-ring to better maintain its shape and elasticity when subjected to pressure. When the hob is working, the O-ring needs to withstand external pressure and internal lubricating grease pressure. The specific groove can prevent the O-ring from being excessively deformed or squeezed out under pressure, thereby ensuring a tight fit between the O-ring and other sealing surfaces and improving the sealing effect.

[0028] The interlocking design of the floating ring 62 and the floating seal seat 61 makes the connection between the two tighter. The interlocking structure can increase the contact area and friction between the two, preventing the floating ring 62 from loosening or shifting during the operation of the hob. This tight connection helps to form a complete and continuous sealing structure, effectively preventing the intrusion of external impurities and the leakage of internal lubricating grease.

[0029] To address the technical problem of decreased sealing performance caused by deformation of floating oil seals after prolonged use, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 2-Figure 3 This embodiment provides the following technical solution:

[0030] The cutter body has an oil passage, and a floating oil seal 6 is installed in the oil passage. The floating oil seal 6 includes a floating sealing seat 61, a floating ring 62 and a first O-ring 63. A second O-ring 67 is also installed on the inner wall of the floating sealing seat 61 through a sealing groove 612. The second O-ring 67 is tightly fitted with the first O-ring 63.

[0031] An inner gasket 66 is embedded in the inner wall of the floating ring 62 near the first O-ring 63, and an outer gasket 65 is movably installed in the inner wall of the floating sealing seat 61 near the first O-ring 63.

[0032] A pressure compensation spring 64 is installed on the inner wall of the floating sealing seat 61 through the adjustment groove 611. One end of the pressure compensation spring 64 is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the adjustment groove 611, and the other end is fixedly connected to an outer washer 65. The outer washer 65 can be used to press the first O-ring 63, and its pressing surface is in close contact with the first O-ring 63.

[0033] The inner gasket 66 serves to support and protect the first O-ring 63, preventing it from being damaged by excessive pressure or friction during operation, while also helping to maintain the shape and sealing performance of the first O-ring 63.

[0034] The function of the outer washer 65 is to transfer the elastic force of the pressure compensation spring 64 to the first O-ring 63, so that it is always in close contact with the second O-ring 67. At the same time, the close contact between the outer washer 65 and the first O-ring 63 further enhances the sealing effect and prevents the formation of sealing gaps.

[0035] Specifically, during the operation of the hobbing cutter, factors such as vibration, offset and deformation may cause the sealing gap between the first O-ring 63 and the second O-ring 67 to increase. The pressure compensation spring 64 can automatically adjust the position of the outer washer 65 so that the first O-ring 63 is always tightly fitted to the second O-ring 67, thereby compensating for the sealing gap and maintaining good sealing performance.

[0036] Working Principle: During operation, the single-edged cutterhead of this high-sealing tunnel boring machine is subjected to enormous pressure, friction, impact, and temperature changes. This can cause the first O-ring 63 to wear, deform, or experience an increased sealing gap. In this situation, the pressure compensation spring 64 automatically adjusts the position of the outer washer 65 according to the change in the sealing gap. The outer washer 65 applies continuous pressure to the first O-ring 63, ensuring that the first O-ring 63 remains tightly fitted to the second O-ring 67, thereby compensating for the sealing gap and maintaining the sealing performance of the structure.

Claims

1. A high-sealing shield tunneling machine single-edged cutter, comprising a cutter shaft (1), a cutter hub (3) mounted on the cutter shaft (1) via a key, end caps (2) sealingly connected to the front and rear ends of the cutter hub (3), and a cutter ring (4) interference-fitted on the cutter hub (3), wherein a bearing (5) is assembled between the cutter hub (3) and the cutter shaft (1), characterized in that: The cutter body has an oil passage, and a floating oil seal (6) is installed in the oil passage. The floating oil seal (6) includes a floating sealing seat (61), a floating ring (62) and a first O-ring (63). A second O-ring (67) is also installed on the inner wall of the floating sealing seat (61) through a sealing groove (612). The second O-ring (67) is in close contact with the first O-ring (63). An inner gasket (66) is embedded in the inner wall of the floating ring (62) near the first O-ring (63), and an outer gasket (65) is movably installed in the inner wall of the floating sealing seat (61) near the first O-ring (63).

2. The high-sealing shield machine single-edged cutter according to claim 1, characterized in that: The number of the floating sealing seat (61), the floating ring (62) and the first O-ring (63) are all provided in two and arranged symmetrically on the axis.

3. The high-sealing shield machine single-edged cutter according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first O-ring (63) is fitted into a specific groove of the floating ring (62), which is engaged in the mounting groove of the floating sealing seat (61).

4. The high-sealing shield machine single-edged cutter according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inner wall of the floating sealing seat (61) is fitted with a pressure compensation spring (64) through the adjustment groove (611). One end of the pressure compensation spring (64) is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the adjustment groove (611), and the other end is fixedly connected to an outer washer (65).

5. The high-sealing shield machine single-edged cutter according to claim 4, characterized in that: The outer washer (65) can be used to press the first O-ring (63), and its pressing surface is in close contact with the first O-ring (63).