A lifting steering wheel assembly of a shield tunneling machine translation trolley
By designing an integrated lifting and steering wheel assembly, the problem of steering and lifting the tunnel boring machine trolley in narrow spaces was solved, enabling efficient and safe movement of heavy-duty equipment in complex tunnel environments and improving construction accuracy and safety.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- CHINA RAILWAY 18TH BUREAU GRP CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-09-23
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-21
AI Technical Summary
The existing shield tunneling trolley wheel assembly has significant shortcomings in terms of lifting flexibility, steering adaptability, structural integration and operating efficiency, especially in achieving efficient and safe movement and positioning in narrow spaces.
A lifting steering wheel assembly including a frame, steering system, suspension assembly and drive axle was designed. Through the cooperation of flange seat, flange plate, flange bearing and steering hydraulic cylinder, the overall precise steering and lifting of the suspension assembly and drive axle are realized. The linkage between C-shaped wheel frame and lifting hydraulic cylinder forms a highly efficient and reliable triangular support lifting mechanism, which is centrally controlled by hydraulic system.
It significantly improves operational flexibility and efficiency, ensures smooth turning and precise lifting in confined spaces, reduces the risks of high-altitude operations, and improves construction accuracy and safety. It is suitable for the efficient movement of heavy-duty equipment in complex tunnel environments.
Smart Images

Figure CN224532725U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of heavy-duty vehicle technology, specifically to a lifting and steering wheel assembly for a tunnel boring machine translation trolley. Background Technology
[0002] Shield tunneling has become a key technology in modern tunnel engineering, and the efficiency of the movement and positioning of the trolley supporting the shield machine directly affects the overall construction progress and cost. As a core component for support and movement, the design rationality of the trolley wheel assembly is crucial. Traditional trolley movement mostly relies on direct lifting by hoisting equipment or simple wheel sliding; however, existing technologies have many limitations: First, conventional trolley wheels lack sufficient steering and lifting flexibility. Most trolley wheels use a fixed support structure, lacking an effective steering mechanism. This means that when adjusting direction in tunnel turns or narrow spaces, external jacking equipment (such as jacks) is required for forced steering, which is not only cumbersome but also prone to deviation or jamming due to uneven force. Especially in tunnels with small curvature radii, existing wheels cannot adapt to curved trajectories and require manual adjustment using sliding steel plates and reaction supports, resulting in poor positional accuracy and low efficiency.
[0003] Secondly, the wheel lifting and adjustment functions are lacking or the structure is rudimentary. Currently, some trolleys use hydraulic jacks to lift the trolley body, but these are mostly separate lifting mechanisms, not integrated with the wheel assembly, resulting in a disconnect between lifting operations and movement. For example, when assembling or disassembling the trolley in a narrow space, external lifting equipment is needed to raise the trolley body to connect with the rails, a process that is time-consuming and poses stability risks. In addition, the lack of anti-sway mechanisms during lifting makes the trolley body prone to tilting or wheel derailment due to uneven load distribution.
[0004] Furthermore, the level of integration and intelligence is low. Existing trolley movement mostly relies on winch traction or hydraulic jacking, lacking an integrated lifting-steering-traversing coordinated control system. For example, during the overall translation process, the positions of the jack assembly and reaction frame need to be adjusted multiple times, resulting in poor operational continuity and reliance on manual experience, which can easily lead to safety risks.
[0005] In summary, existing shield tunneling trolley wheel assemblies have significant shortcomings in terms of lifting flexibility, steering adaptability, structural integration, and operational efficiency. There is an urgent need for an integrated wheel assembly design that combines lifting adjustment and steering functions to improve the trolley's movement accuracy and construction efficiency in complex tunnel environments. Summary of the Invention
[0006] This utility model aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, one objective of this utility model is to provide a lifting and steering wheel assembly for a tunnel boring machine (TBM) translation trolley, so as to realize the function of load transfer and translation of a TBM weighing up to 800 tons in narrow passages or construction environments.
[0007] To solve the above problems, this utility model provides a lifting and steering wheel assembly for a tunnel boring machine translation trolley, including a frame, a steering system, a suspension assembly and a drive axle. The bottom of the frame is rotatably connected to the suspension assembly via the steering system. The lifting power output end of the suspension assembly is fitted with the drive axle, and the drive axle provides rotational power to the wheels. The suspension assembly includes a C-shaped wheel frame, the top of which is rotatably supported on the bottom surface of the vehicle frame via the steering system. A lifting hydraulic cylinder is connected to the middle pin of the wheel frame, and a lifting arm is hinged to the bottom of the wheel frame. The free end of the lifting arm is connected to the power output end of the lifting hydraulic cylinder, and the drive axle is fixedly mounted in the middle of the lifting arm.
[0008] Preferably, the steering system includes a flange seat, a flange plate, a flange bearing, and a steering hydraulic cylinder. The flange seat is fixed to the bottom of the frame, and the flange bearing is coaxially embedded in the inner ring of the flange seat. The flange plate is coaxially embedded in the inner ring of the flange bearing. The bottom surface of the flange plate is fixedly connected to the wheel frame, and the bottom of the flange plate is powered by the steering hydraulic cylinder. One end of the steering hydraulic cylinder is connected to the frame pin, and the other end of the steering hydraulic cylinder is connected to the flange plate pin.
[0009] Preferably, the lifting power output pin of the lifting hydraulic cylinder is supported by a main reinforcing plate; a secondary reinforcing plate is fixedly provided on the top of the drive axle; the main reinforcing plate and the secondary reinforcing plate are joined and fixed above the assembly connection between the drive axle and the lifting arm, and a reinforcing shaft is fixedly provided in the joined area.
[0010] Preferably, the lower part of the drive axle has an integrally formed axle cylinder, and the top of the axle cylinder is supported by a reinforcing shaft at a 90° angle in the horizontal direction; the lifting end of the lifting arm is fixed with a light shaft that houses the positioning axle cylinder.
[0011] The advantages of this utility model compared with the prior art are as follows: 1. Highly integrated lifting and steering functions significantly improve operational flexibility and efficiency: Steering System: Through the cooperation of flange seats, flange plates, flange bearings, and steering hydraulic cylinders, precise overall steering of the suspension assembly and drive axle is achieved. The flange bearings ensure the stability and low friction of the rotating support, while the steering hydraulic cylinders, as the power source, provide smooth and powerful torque, enabling heavy-duty trolleys to easily complete steering adjustments in confined spaces without relying on external jacking equipment. This completely solves the problems of deviation and jamming that occur with traditional fixed-wheel forced steering, making it particularly suitable for the construction needs of tunnels with small curvature radii.
[0012] Suspension assembly and lifting mechanism: Utilizing a C-shaped wheel frame, lifting hydraulic cylinder, and lifting arm in a linked design. The lifting hydraulic cylinder is directly integrated into the middle of the wheel frame, with its power output acting on the free end of the lifting arm, forming a highly efficient and reliable triangular support lifting mechanism. This structure allows the drive axle and wheels to be raised and lowered as a whole, achieving rapid and precise adjustment of the vehicle height. When connecting tracks or disassembling / assembling equipment inside tunnels, no external jacking equipment is required; lifting and lowering can be completed directly through the hydraulic system, simplifying operation, saving time, and significantly reducing the safety risks of working at height.
[0013] 2. High structural strength, excellent load-bearing capacity, and stable and reliable operation: Strengthened structural design: The output end of the lifting hydraulic cylinder is reinforced by a main reinforcing plate, and the top of the drive axle is reinforced by a secondary reinforcing plate. The two plates converge in key stress areas and are fixed by a reinforcing shaft, forming a robust rigid support frame. This design effectively transfers and distributes the lifting force of the lifting hydraulic cylinder and the load-bearing capacity of the axle, avoiding stress concentration. It significantly enhances the overall structural strength of the assembly and its resistance to eccentric loads and torsion, ensuring absolute stability during lifting and movement under an 800-ton load and effectively preventing the vehicle from tilting or derailing.
[0014] Connection between the drive axle and the lifting arm: The integrally formed axle cylinder at the lower part of the drive axle mates with the optical shaft mounted on the lifting arm, and the reinforcing shaft is mounted at a 90° angle, forming a stable three-dimensional support. This not only ensures that the drive axle maintains the correct posture and smooth movement trajectory during lifting, but also enhances its ability to withstand complex radial and axial loads.
[0015] 3. Excellent collaborative control and high level of intelligent operation: This invention integrates lifting, steering, and traveling functions into one unit, centrally controlled through a hydraulic system. The hydraulic cylinders (steering and lifting) can work in tandem, achieving a seamless automated operation of the trolley's "lifting-steering-traveling-lowering" process. This significantly reduces the cumbersome steps of frequently adjusting jacks and reaction frames in traditional operations, lowers reliance on operator experience, and improves construction accuracy and overall efficiency, providing a solid foundation for intelligent and efficient tunnel boring machine (TBM) construction.
[0016] In summary, this lifting and steering wheel assembly, through its innovative mechanical structure and hydraulic integrated design, perfectly solves the core pain points of traditional trolley movement solutions. It boasts a series of outstanding advantages, including high integration, flexible operation, strong load-bearing capacity, stable and reliable operation, and high degree of automation. It is particularly suitable for the efficient and safe translation of heavy equipment such as tunnel boring machines in complex tunnel environments. Attached Figure Description
[0017] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application 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 application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.
[0018] Figure 1 This is a front view (partial sectional view) of the present invention. Figure 2 This is a top view of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of the drive axle in this utility model; In the diagram: 1-Chassis; 2-Flange; 3-Flange bearing; 4-Flange seat; 5-Wheel frame; 6-Lifting hydraulic cylinder; 7-Wheel; 8-Main reinforcing plate; 9-Positioning cylinder; 10-Smooth shaft; 11-Reinforcing shaft; 12-Secondary reinforcing plate; 13-Lifting arm; 14-Steering auxiliary hinge seat; 15-Steering main hinge seat; 16-Steering hydraulic cylinder; 17-Drive axle. Detailed Implementation
[0019] The embodiments of this application are described in detail below. Examples of the embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain this application, and should not be construed as limiting this application.
[0020] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.
[0021] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0022] Combination Figures 1-3 The present invention relates to a lifting and steering wheel assembly for a tunnel boring machine translation trolley, comprising a frame 1, a steering system, a suspension assembly and a drive axle 17, wherein the bottom of the frame is rotatably connected to the suspension assembly via the steering system, and the lifting power output end of the suspension assembly is fitted with the drive axle, which provides rotational power to the wheels 7. The suspension assembly includes a C-shaped wheel frame 5, the top of which is rotatably supported on the bottom surface of the vehicle frame via the steering system. A lifting hydraulic cylinder is connected to the middle pin of the wheel frame, and a lifting arm 13 is hinged to the bottom of the wheel frame. The free end of the lifting arm is connected to the power output end of the lifting hydraulic cylinder, and a drive axle is fixedly mounted in the middle of the lifting arm.
[0023] Preferably, the steering system includes a flange seat 4, a flange plate 2, a flange bearing 3, and a steering hydraulic cylinder 16. The flange seat is fixed to the bottom of the frame, and the flange bearing is coaxially embedded in the inner ring of the flange seat. The flange plate is coaxially embedded in the inner ring of the flange bearing. The bottom surface of the flange plate is fixedly connected to the wheel frame, and the bottom of the flange plate is provided with rotational power by the steering hydraulic cylinder. One end of the steering hydraulic cylinder is connected to the frame pin, and the other end of the steering hydraulic cylinder is connected to the flange plate pin.
[0024] Preferably, the lifting power output pin of the lifting hydraulic cylinder is supported by a main reinforcing plate 8; a secondary reinforcing plate 12 is fixedly provided on the top of the drive axle; the main reinforcing plate and the secondary reinforcing plate are joined and fixed above the assembly connection between the drive axle and the lifting arm, and a reinforcing shaft 11 is fixedly provided in the joined area.
[0025] Preferably, the lower part of the drive axle has an integrally formed axle cylinder, and the top of the axle cylinder is supported by a reinforcing shaft at a 90° angle in the horizontal direction; the lifting end of the lifting arm is fixedly provided with a light shaft 10 for mounting the positioning axle cylinder 9.
[0026] To more clearly illustrate the specific implementation of this utility model, an embodiment is provided below: The present invention relates to a lifting and steering wheel assembly for a tunnel boring machine translation trolley. The connection between the drive axle and the wheels adopts a mature technology in the prior art. The two ends of the drive axle are equipped with hydraulic motors and braking systems, and the drive axle rotates to support the wheel hub and wheels.
[0027] like Figure 1 As shown, when the lifting hydraulic cylinder extends, it drives the lifting arm to rotate clockwise, at which point the wheels move downward and the overall support height of the frame increases; while when the hydraulic cylinder retracts, it drives the lifting arm to rotate counterclockwise, at which point the wheels move upward and the overall support height of the frame decreases.
[0028] like Figure 2 As shown, in a preferred embodiment of this utility model, a steering main hinge seat 15 is laterally fixed on the frame, and a steering secondary hinge seat 14 is laterally fixed at the bottom end of the flange. The two ends of the steering hydraulic cylinder are respectively pin-connected to the steering main hinge seat and the steering secondary hinge seat. When the steering hydraulic cylinder extends, it pushes the flange, the overall suspension assembly, and the drive axle to rotate counterclockwise; when the steering hydraulic cylinder retracts, it pulls the flange, the overall suspension assembly, and the drive axle to rotate clockwise.
[0029] The present invention and its embodiments have been described above. This description is not restrictive, and the accompanying drawings are only one embodiment of the present invention; the actual structure is not limited thereto. In conclusion, if those skilled in the art are inspired by this description and design similar structures and embodiments without departing from the inventive spirit of the present invention, such designs should fall within the protection scope of the present invention.
Claims
1. A lifting and steering wheel assembly for a tunnel boring machine translation trolley, characterized in that: It includes a frame, steering system, suspension assembly and drive axle, wherein the bottom of the frame is rotatably connected to the suspension assembly via the steering system, and the lifting power output end of the suspension assembly is fitted with the drive axle, which provides rotational power to the wheels. The suspension assembly includes a C-shaped wheel frame, the top of which is rotatably supported on the bottom surface of the vehicle frame via the steering system. A lifting hydraulic cylinder is connected to the middle of the wheel frame via a pivot pin, and a lifting arm is hinged to the bottom of the wheel frame. The free end of the lifting arm is connected to the power output end of the lifting hydraulic cylinder via a pivot pin, and a drive axle is fixedly mounted in the middle of the lifting arm.
2. The lifting and steering wheel assembly of a tunnel boring machine translation trolley according to claim 1, characterized in that: The steering system includes a flange seat, a flange plate, a flange bearing, and a steering hydraulic cylinder. The flange seat is fixed to the bottom of the vehicle frame, and the flange bearing is coaxially embedded in the inner ring of the flange seat. The flange plate is coaxially embedded in the inner ring of the flange bearing. The bottom surface of the flange plate is fixedly connected to the wheel frame, and the bottom of the flange plate is powered by the steering hydraulic cylinder. One end of the steering hydraulic cylinder is connected to the vehicle frame pin, and the other end of the steering hydraulic cylinder is connected to the flange plate pin.
3. The lifting and steering wheel assembly of a tunnel boring machine translation trolley according to claim 1, characterized in that: The lifting power output pin of the lifting hydraulic cylinder is supported by a main reinforcing plate; a secondary reinforcing plate is fixed on the top of the drive axle; the main reinforcing plate and the secondary reinforcing plate are joined and fixed above the fitting connection between the drive axle and the lifting arm, and a reinforcing shaft is fixed in the joined area.
4. The lifting and steering wheel assembly of a tunnel boring machine translation trolley according to claim 3, characterized in that: The lower part of the drive axle has a shaft cylinder integrally formed, and a reinforcing shaft is mounted at the top of the shaft cylinder at a 90° angle in the horizontal direction; the lifting end of the lifting arm is fixed with a light shaft that fits the positioning shaft cylinder.