A segment transport vehicle suspension steering mechanism

Abstract

This application discloses a suspension steering mechanism for a tunnel segment transport vehicle, including a frame, a steering system, a lifting system, and a suspension system. The frame is hinged to the suspension system via a suspension frame connecting seat. The upper part of the suspension frame connecting seat is connected to the frame via a suspension pin and a suspension bushing, while the lower part is hinged to the suspension steering connecting seat via a steering pin and a steering bushing. The suspension system includes a suspension steering connecting seat and a wheel rim on which a tire is mounted. The steering system includes a rigidly connected hydraulic motor and a hydraulic reducer, both of which drive the tire to steer. Steering encoders are integrated into the hydraulic reducer housing and connected to the steering pin via a steering encoder extension mechanism. The bottom of the cylinder of the lifting system is hinged to the suspension steering connecting seat, and the end of the piston rod is connected to the frame via a ball joint. Height data is fed back via a lifting encoder. This application can reduce component wear; improve steering and height adjustment accuracy; and enhance transportation stability and safety.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of tunnel construction technology, and in particular to a suspension steering mechanism for a tunnel segment transport vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] In tunnel construction, segment transport vehicles need to perform steering and driving tasks in complex terrain (such as uneven ground and narrow spaces). The suspension and steering systems of traditional transport vehicles are limited by installation space and terrain constraints, resulting in low transportation efficiency, high failure rate and relatively simple operation methods.

[0003] Based on traditional segment transport vehicles, this application features a smaller tire sway angle, enabling a smaller entry angle when the tires re-contact the ground after being raised or lifted individually, thus ensuring low failure rate transportation under varying tunnel conditions; the independent adjustment mechanism for single-side suspension can adapt to conditions with large tunnel elevation differences and uneven road surfaces. Utility Model Content

[0004] The technical problem to be solved by this utility model is to provide a suspension steering mechanism for a tunnel segment transport vehicle. By optimizing the position of the tire steering point, rearranging the steering encoder, and enhancing the safety interlocking mechanism, it solves the problems of excessive stress on the steering part after the tire is lifted and landed, which leads to structural cracking, excessive stress on the tire rim, and short service life during actual use.

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by this utility model is achieved through the following technical solution:

[0006] A suspension and steering mechanism for a tunnel segment transport vehicle includes: a frame, a steering system, a lifting system, and a suspension system.

[0007] The vehicle frame is hinged to the suspension system on both sides via suspension frame connecting seats. The upper part of the suspension frame connecting seat is connected to the vehicle frame via a suspension pin through a suspension bushing, and the lower part is hinged to the suspension steering connecting seat via a steering pin through a steering bushing.

[0008] The suspension system includes a suspension steering connector, a tire, and a wheel rim. The suspension steering connector is rigidly connected to the wheel rim by bolts, and the tire is fitted onto the outside of the wheel rim.

[0009] The steering system includes a hydraulic motor, a hydraulic reducer, a steering encoder mount, and a steering encoder. The hydraulic motor and hydraulic reducer are rigidly connected to the wheel rim via bolts to drive the tires. The steering encoder is integrated into the frame mounting via an encoder mount and is used to monitor the steering angle of the wheel rim. The steering pin is connected to the steering encoder via a steering encoder extension mechanism to extend the encoder's transmission angle.

[0010] The lifting system includes a hydraulic cylinder and a lifting encoder. The bottom of the cylinder barrel is hinged to the suspension steering connection seat, and the end of the piston rod is connected to the vehicle frame through a ball joint. It is used to actively adjust the chassis height and to provide real-time height data through the lifting encoder.

[0011] Preferably, in the above technical solution, the inner walls of the suspension copper sleeve and the steering copper sleeve are both coated with a self-lubricating coating, and they form a clearance fit with the suspension pin and the steering pin, respectively.

[0012] Preferably, in the above technical solution, the hydraulic reducer is a planetary gear reducer, which is connected to the suspension steering connection seat by bolts, and the output shaft of the hydraulic reducer is connected to the wheel rim by splines to form a transmission structure to transmit high torque steering power.

[0013] Preferably, in the above technical solution, the steering encoder extension mechanism is an L-shaped connecting rod, one end of which is connected to the steering pin shaft and the other end is connected to the steering encoder, extending the installation position of the steering encoder to the outer space to directly monitor the rotation angle of the steering pin shaft.

[0014] Preferably, in the above technical solution, both the lifting encoder and the steering encoder are connected to the main control system via a CAN bus to achieve real-time synchronization and calibration of steering angle and height data.

[0015] Preferably, in the above technical solution, the cylinder is a double-acting hydraulic cylinder with a fixed stroke, and can achieve mechanical locking when the lifting encoder detects that the height exceeds the limit or the steering encoder signal is abnormal.

[0016] Preferably, in the above technical solution, the installation position of the steering pin is offset towards the inner side of the tire center to reduce the tire's yaw angle during suspension lifting and reduce the lateral impact force when the tire lands.

[0017] The above-mentioned technical solution of this utility model has the following beneficial effects:

[0018] This application optimizes the steering point position, reduces the tire landing angle, lowers component side stress, and extends service life; allows independent adjustment of the single-side suspension to adapt to tunnel elevation differences and uneven road surfaces; uses self-lubricating copper bushings to reduce friction and improve durability; mechanically locks the hydraulic cylinder in case of abnormalities to enhance safety; the encoder synchronizes data in real time via the CAN bus to ensure precise control; the planetary gear reducer transmits high torque, and the double-acting hydraulic cylinder enables multi-degree-of-freedom fine adjustment, adapting to various tunnel vehicles and harsh working conditions. Attached Figure Description

[0019] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the present invention and, together with their description, serve to explain the principles of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 1 This is a front view of the overall structure of the steering mechanism suspended by the segment transport vehicle inside the tunnel.

[0021] Figure 2 A top view of the overall structure of the steering mechanism suspended by the segment transport vehicle inside the tunnel;

[0022] Figure 3 Left view of the overall structure of the steering mechanism suspended by the segment transport vehicle inside the tunnel;

[0023] Figure 4 This is a partial enlarged view of the steering section of the steering mechanism suspended by the segment transport vehicle inside the tunnel.

[0024] Figure 5 This is a partial enlarged view of the lifting section of the steering mechanism suspended by the segment transport vehicle inside the tunnel.

[0025] In the diagram: 1-Suspension steering connector, 2-Tire, 3-Wheel rim, 4-Hydraulic cylinder, 5-Suspension frame connector, 6-Frame, 7-Hydraulic motor, 8-Hydraulic reducer, 9-Steering encoder mount, 10-Lifting encoder, 11-Steering bushing, 12-Steering encoder extension mechanism, 13-Steering pin, 14-Steering encoder, 15-Suspension bushing, 16-Suspension pin. Detailed Implementation

[0026] Various exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangement, numerical expressions, and values ​​of the components and steps set forth in these embodiments do not limit the scope of the present invention.

[0027] like Figures 1-5 As shown, this utility model provides a suspension steering mechanism for a tunnel segment transport vehicle, used in the suspension part of a segment transport vehicle in underground engineering projects such as subways and highway tunnels, but not limited thereto. The suspension frame connecting seat is hinged to both sides of the frame via suspension pins and suspension bushings. The suspension steering connecting seat is fixed to the wheel rim with bolts and connected to the suspension frame connecting seat via steering pins and steering bushings.

[0028] In the original vehicle components, when the segment transport vehicle is transporting precast components in the tunnel, the vehicle body posture is adjusted by the suspension. When the slope or height is large, a single side suspension or the entire suspension will be off the ground to a certain extent. During the off-ground process, because the original segment transport vehicle is designed with a steering point that is far from the wheel center, the tire will wobble during the tire lifting process. When the tire touches the ground again, the tire, rim, steering mechanism and other components will be subjected to large lateral stress, which will lead to a shortened life of the entire vehicle suspension or even cracking.

[0029] To address the aforementioned issues with the segment transport vehicle, the specific adjustment plan is to move the overall suspension steering point inward, as close as possible to the center of the tires while ensuring the transmission, steering, and electrical monitoring are maintained.

[0030] Furthermore, based on the solution of the overall suspension steering point being recessed inward, the steering encoder extension mechanism transmits the rotation angle of the steering pin to the external steering encoder through a rigid linkage to ensure the accuracy of the overall steering.

[0031] The advantage of the entire device is its versatility; it can adapt to most tunnel vehicles and has strong self-adaptability, making it suitable for various harsh transportation conditions such as tunnels.

[0032] Example

[0033] A suspension and steering mechanism for a tunnel segment transport vehicle includes: a frame 6, a steering system, a lifting system, and a suspension system. The frame 6 is hinged to the suspension system on both sides via suspension frame connecting seats 5. The upper part of the suspension frame connecting seat 5 is connected to the frame 6 via a suspension pin 16 through a suspension bushing 15, and the lower part is hinged to the suspension steering connecting seat 1 via a steering pin 13 through a steering bushing 11. The suspension system includes the suspension steering connecting seat 1, a tire 2, and a wheel rim 3. The suspension steering connecting seat 1 is rigidly connected to the wheel rim 3 by bolts, and the tire 2 is fitted onto the outside of the wheel rim 3. The steering system includes a hydraulic motor 7, a hydraulic reducer 8, a steering encoder seat 9, and a steering wheel. The encoder 14, hydraulic motor 7, and hydraulic reducer 8 are rigidly connected to the wheel rim 3 and suspension steering connector 1 by bolts to drive the tire 2. The steering encoder 14 is integrated into the frame connector 5 through the steering encoder seat 9 to monitor the steering angle of the wheel rim 3. The steering pin 13 is connected to the steering encoder 14 through the steering encoder extension mechanism 12 to extend the encoder transmission angle. The lifting system includes a hydraulic cylinder 4 and a lifting encoder 10. The bottom of the cylinder of the hydraulic cylinder 4 is hinged to the suspension steering connector 1, and the end of the piston rod is connected to the frame 6 through a ball joint to actively adjust the chassis height and provide real-time height data feedback through the lifting encoder 10.

[0034] Furthermore, the inner walls of the suspension bushing 15 and the steering bushing 11 are both coated with a self-lubricating coating, and they form clearance fits with the suspension pin 16 and the steering pin 13, respectively.

[0035] Furthermore, the hydraulic reducer 8 is a planetary gear reducer, which is connected to the suspension steering connecting seat 1 by bolts. The output shaft of the hydraulic reducer 8 is connected to the wheel rim 3 by splines to form a transmission structure to transmit high torque steering power.

[0036] Furthermore, the steering encoder extension mechanism 12 is an L-shaped linkage, with one end connected to the steering pin 13 and the other end connected to the steering encoder 14, extending the installation position of the steering encoder 14 to the outer space to directly monitor the rotation angle of the steering pin 13.

[0037] Furthermore, both the lifting encoder 10 and the steering encoder 14 are connected to the main control system via a CAN bus to achieve real-time synchronization and calibration of steering angle and height data.

[0038] Furthermore, the cylinder 4 is a double-acting hydraulic cylinder with a fixed stroke. When the lifting encoder 10 detects that the height exceeds the limit or the steering encoder 14 has an abnormal signal, it can achieve mechanical locking.

[0039] Furthermore, the installation position of the steering pin 13 is offset towards the center of the tire 2 to reduce the yaw angle of the tire 2 during the suspension lifting process and reduce the lateral impact force when the tire 2 lands.

[0040] In actual operation, after the vehicle starts, the lifting encoder initializes the height detection, the hydraulic system starts, and after loading the tunnel segments, it enters the tunnel. During transportation, due to road conditions and other factors, one side of the suspension may be raised or lifted. The suspension cylinder retracts, causing one tire to lift off the ground. The lifting encoder provides real-time feedback on the height difference. During the suspension lifting process, the inward shift of the steering point ensures that the tire sway angle is reduced, so that the tire contacts the ground with a minimal angle of entry when it lands, reducing lateral impact. Simultaneously, to cope with frequent turning and small-angle adjustments in the tunnel, this design also reduces the impact on the wheel rims, thereby extending the rim's lifespan. When dealing with steep tunnel slopes, multiple suspension units adjust independently, and the chassis remains level to prevent segment slippage. In this case, the suspension adjusts its balance multiple times, and the inward shift of the steering point further reduces tire slippage.

[0041] The core working principle is: Traditional designs have the steering point far from the tire center, resulting in a large sway angle when the tire is suspended in the air. This leads to a greater impact force and lateral shear force upon landing, causing rim deformation or structural damage. This new design moves the steering pin mounting position inwards, closer to the tire center. Figure 2 (As shown in the top view), geometric optimization minimizes the tire's yaw angle during suspension. The landing angle is approximately equal to the tire's yaw angle during suspension. This reduction in the landing angle weakens the lateral force, thus mitigating tire deformation and preventing damage to the structure caused by prolonged lateral forces.

[0042] This design achieves a transformation from "high failure rate to low damage adaptive" through mechanical geometry optimization, electronic monitoring and reconstruction, and safety redundancy, making it particularly suitable for narrow and variable environments such as subway shield tunnels.

[0043] Although the present invention has been disclosed above with reference to embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Any person skilled in the art can make various different choices and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A segment transporter suspension and steering mechanism for use in a tunnel, characterized in that include: The frame (6), steering system, lifting system, and suspension system, The frame (6) is hinged to the suspension system on both sides through the suspension frame connecting seat (5). The upper part of the suspension frame connecting seat (5) is connected to the frame (6) through the suspension pin (16) and the suspension copper sleeve (15). The lower part is hinged to the suspension steering connecting seat (1) through the steering pin (13) and the steering copper sleeve (11). The suspension system includes a suspension steering connector (1), a tire (2) and a wheel rim (3). The suspension steering connector (1) is rigidly connected to the wheel rim (3) by bolts, and the tire (2) is fitted on the outside of the wheel rim (3). The steering system includes a hydraulic motor (7), a hydraulic reducer (8), a steering encoder mount (9), and a steering encoder (14). The hydraulic motor (7) and the hydraulic reducer (8) are rigidly connected to the wheel rim (3) by bolts to drive the tire (2) to move. The steering encoder mount (9) is rigidly connected to the frame connecting seat (5). The steering encoder (14) is fixed to the steering encoder mount (9) by bolts and is used to monitor the steering angle of the wheel rim (3). The steering pin (13) is connected to the steering encoder (14) through the steering encoder extension mechanism (12) to extend the encoder transmission angle. The lifting system includes a hydraulic cylinder (4) and a lifting encoder (10). The bottom of the cylinder of the hydraulic cylinder (4) is hinged to the suspension steering connecting seat (1), and the end of the piston rod is connected to the frame (6) through a ball joint. It is used to actively adjust the chassis height and to provide real-time feedback of height data through the lifting encoder (10).

2. The segment carrier suspension and steering mechanism for use in a tunnel according to claim 1, characterized in that The inner walls of the suspension copper sleeve (15) and the steering copper sleeve (11) are both coated with a self-lubricating coating and form a clearance fit with the suspension pin (16) and the steering pin (13), respectively.

3. The segment carrier suspension and steering mechanism for use in a tunnel according to claim 1, characterized in that The hydraulic reducer (8) is a planetary gear reducer, which is connected to the suspension steering connector (1) by bolts. The output shaft of the hydraulic reducer (8) is connected to the wheel rim (3) by splines to form a transmission structure to transmit high torque steering power.

4. The segment carrier suspension and steering mechanism for use in a tunnel according to claim 1, characterized in that The steering encoder extension mechanism (12) is an L-shaped link, one end of which is connected to the steering pin (13) and the other end is connected to the steering encoder (14), extending the installation position of the steering encoder (14) to the outer space so as to directly monitor the rotation angle of the steering pin (13).

5. The tunnel segment transport vehicle suspension steering mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lifting encoder (10) and the steering encoder (14) are both connected to the main control system via CAN bus to achieve real-time synchronization and calibration of steering angle and height data.

6. The segment carrier suspension and steering mechanism for use in a tunnel according to claim 1, characterized in that The cylinder (4) is a double-acting hydraulic cylinder with a fixed stroke. When the lifting encoder (10) detects that the height exceeds the limit or the steering encoder (14) signal is abnormal, mechanical locking can be achieved.

7. The segment carrier suspension and steering mechanism for use in a tunnel according to claim 1, characterized in that The installation position of the steering pin (13) is offset to the inside of the center of the tire (2) to reduce the yaw angle of the tire (2) during the suspension lifting process and reduce the lateral impact force when the tire (2) lands.

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