A crawler-mounted mining device capable of reducing adhesion of seabed sludge

Abstract

The application discloses a caterpillar type ore collecting device capable of reducing adhesion of seabed silt, and belongs to the technical field of seabed mining. The caterpillar type ore collecting device comprises a vehicle frame, a water supply device and two caterpillar walking units. The water supply device comprises a high-pressure pump and a high-pressure hose. The caterpillar walking unit comprises synchronous pulleys, a synchronous belt and caterpillar chains. The synchronous pulleys are two in number and are connected by the synchronous belt. The caterpillar chains are arranged outside the synchronous belt. The caterpillar plates are provided with caterpillar tooth plates. The two side surfaces of the caterpillar tooth plates are provided with multiple rows of protruding portions. Each caterpillar plate is provided with a group of inter-tooth jet nozzles. The front end of the vehicle frame is provided with two groups of first jet nozzles which are symmetrically arranged. The front side of each caterpillar chain is provided with a group of second jet nozzles. The inter-tooth jet nozzles arranged on the caterpillar plates of the caterpillar chains can high-speed flush the silt on the caterpillar chains, reduce the adhesion of the silt on the caterpillar chains, avoid continuous accumulation of the silt on the caterpillar chains, keep the walking mobility, and solve the problems of slippage and subsidence.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of marine mining equipment technology, specifically to a tracked ore collection device that can reduce adhesion to seabed silt. Background Technology

[0002] Tracked mining vehicles (MTVs) traverse the deep seabed while collecting polymetallic nodules, and their mobility significantly impacts recovery rates. However, the unique geomechanical properties of deep-sea soft sediments, such as extremely small particle size and low density, lead to severe soil degradation after being disturbed by tracked MTVs. This significantly weakens the soil's bearing capacity and traction, making it highly susceptible to soil adhesion at the contact points of the track plates and track teeth. This results in dense mud clumps filling the spaces between the track plates and track teeth, severely reducing the track teeth's grip and decreasing the MTV's maneuverability. Ultimately, this leads to slippage, sinking, and other engineering problems, paralyzing the entire mining system and causing substantial economic losses. Therefore, existing technologies require further improvement and enhancement. Summary of the Invention

[0003] To address the shortcomings of the existing technology, the present invention aims to propose a tracked ore collection device that can reduce the adhesion of seabed silt, thereby solving the problem that when a tracked mining vehicle travels on seabed soil, silt continuously accumulates between the teeth of the tracks, compacting into a single mud block, reducing the mobility of the ore collection vehicle, and causing the mining vehicle to slip and sink.

[0004] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows:

[0005] A tracked ore collection device that can reduce the adhesion of seabed silt includes a frame, a water supply device and two tracked walking units. A box is installed on the top of the frame. The water supply device is installed in the box and includes a high-pressure pump and a high-pressure hose at the outlet of the high-pressure pump.

[0006] Two tracked traveling units are symmetrically arranged on the left and right sides below the box body. The tracked traveling unit includes a timing pulley, a timing belt and a track chain. There are two timing pulleys, which are arranged one in front of the other and spaced apart, and connected by the timing belt.

[0007] The track chain is fitted on the outside of the timing belt and is made up of several track plates that are hinged together end to end. The track plates are provided with track teeth, and there are multiple rows of protrusions on both sides of the track teeth.

[0008] Each track plate is equipped with a set of inter-tooth jet nozzles on one side where it connects to the track tooth plate.

[0009] The front end of the chassis has two sets of first jet nozzles arranged symmetrically on the left and right. The two sets of first jet nozzles face the two track chains respectively. Each track chain has a set of second jet nozzles on its front side. The high-pressure pump can supply high-pressure water to the first jet nozzles, the second jet nozzles and the inter-tooth jet nozzles respectively.

[0010] Furthermore, the frame is a steel frame structure made of corrosion-resistant steel, the bottom of the box is fixedly connected to the top of the frame, and a collection port is provided on the upper part of the front side wall of the box.

[0011] The front side of the box is equipped with a toothed conveyor belt, and the rear side of the toothed conveyor belt is arranged adjacent to and below the collection port.

[0012] A high-pressure water jet shroud is provided on the front side of the toothed conveyor belt, and multiple high-pressure water jet nozzles are installed inside the water jet shroud. A first high-pressure water main pipe is provided above the toothed conveyor belt, and the high-pressure water jet nozzles are connected to the outlet of the high-pressure pump through the first high-pressure water main pipe.

[0013] Furthermore, there are multiple first high-pressure water main pipes, arranged horizontally at intervals. The rear end of each first high-pressure water main pipe is fixedly connected to the housing, and the front end is fixedly connected to the high-pressure water jet cover.

[0014] Each group of second jet nozzles includes at least one second jet nozzle, which is connected to the first high-pressure water main on the adjacent side via a high-pressure water branch pipe, and the outlet of the second jet nozzle faces the outer surface of the track plate.

[0015] Furthermore, both the track plate and the toothed plate are rectangular metal plates with the same length.

[0016] The middle part of the track plate is fixedly connected to the outer surface of the timing belt, and the front and rear ends of each track plate are rotatably connected to the corresponding ends of the adjacent track plates through a rotating shaft.

[0017] The toothed plate is located in the middle of the side of the track plate away from the timing belt, and is perpendicular to the track plate and fixedly connected to it to form a T-shaped structure. The left and right ends of the toothed plate are flush with the corresponding ends of the track plate.

[0018] Furthermore, a receiving groove is provided on the surface of the track plate connected to the track tooth plate. The receiving groove is arranged adjacent to the track tooth plate on the rear side in the direction of movement and extends laterally to the left and right ends of the track plate.

[0019] Each set of inter-tooth jet nozzles includes multiple inter-tooth jet nozzles, and the inter-tooth jet nozzles in the same set are installed sequentially and at intervals in the receiving groove.

[0020] Furthermore, there are two high-pressure hoses, one on the left and one on the right side of the housing, with one end of each hose connected to the outlet of the high-pressure pump.

[0021] Two synchronous belts are each installed with a connector on opposite sides, and the other end of the high-pressure hose is connected to the connector on the same side.

[0022] The synchronous belt has an annular main water supply channel inside, which is connected to the connector.

[0023] The main water supply channel is connected to branch water supply channels that are the same number as the toothed plates and are located in one-to-one positions. Each branch water supply channel is connected to all the inter-tooth jet nozzles on the corresponding toothed plate.

[0024] Furthermore, the protrusion is a hemispherical structure, which is an integral structure with the side of the toothed plate. Multiple rows of protrusions on the same side are arranged at equal intervals from the root to the top of the toothed plate.

[0025] Each row of protrusions includes multiple protrusions arranged horizontally at intervals, and the protrusions in any two adjacent rows are staggered.

[0026] Furthermore, both sets of first jet nozzles are located between two track chains, and each set of first jet nozzles includes at least two first jet nozzles arranged at intervals along the track chains.

[0027] Each of the first jet nozzles in the same group is connected to the outlet of the high-pressure pump through the second high-pressure water main pipe, and its outlet faces the track tooth plate of the track chain on the same side.

[0028] By adopting the above technical solution, the beneficial technical effects of the present invention are as follows: The present invention provides tooth-to-tooth jet nozzles on each track plate of the track chain to flush the silt on the track chain at high speed, thereby reducing the adhesion of silt on the track chain, preventing the continuous accumulation of silt on the track chain, maintaining the mobility of the tracked ore collection device, and solving the problems of slippage and sinking. Attached Figure Description

[0029] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a tracked ore collection device of the present invention, which can reduce the adhesion of seabed silt.

[0030] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the main body of the invention, which includes a frame, a housing, and two tracked walking units.

[0031] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 The schematic diagram shows a portion of the tracked walking unit.

[0032] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the working state of the tracked walking unit.

[0033] Figure 5 yes Figure 3A partial structural diagram of the tracked walking unit.

[0034] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 Enlarged view of section A. Detailed Implementation

[0035] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings:

[0036] Implementation examples, in conjunction with Figures 1 to 6 A tracked ore collection device that can reduce the adhesion of seabed silt includes a frame 1, a water supply device and two tracked walking units 2. A box 3 is installed on the top of the frame 1. The frame 1 is a steel frame structure made of corrosion-resistant steel. The box 3 is located on the top of the frame 1, and the bottom of the box 3 is fixedly welded to the top of the frame 1.

[0037] The front side of the box 3 has an ore collection bin, and the upper part of the front side wall of the box 3 has a collection port 31. The front side of the box 3 is provided with a toothed conveyor belt 4, and the rear side of the toothed conveyor belt 4 is arranged adjacent to the lower part of the collection port 31. The toothed conveyor belt 4 transports the seabed polymetallic nodules and polymetallic sulfides to the ore collection bin for temporary storage.

[0038] A high-pressure water jet shroud 5 is installed on the front side of the toothed conveyor belt 4. Multiple high-pressure water jet nozzles are installed inside the shroud, arranged sequentially at an angle to the rear. Four first high-pressure water main pipes 51 are located above the toothed conveyor belt 4, arranged laterally at intervals. The rear end of each first high-pressure water main pipe 51 is fixedly connected to the housing 3, and the front end is fixedly connected to the high-pressure water jet shroud 5. The high-pressure water jet nozzles are connected to the outlet of the high-pressure pump through the first high-pressure water main pipes 51, and the four first high-pressure water main pipes 51 supply high-pressure water to each high-pressure water jet nozzle.

[0039] High-pressure water jet nozzles tilt downwards to spray mud from the seabed, washing away and suspending polymetallic nodules or polymetallic sulfides. During the previous movement of the toothed conveyor belt 4, the suspended polymetallic nodules or polymetallic sulfides reach the surface of the toothed conveyor belt 4. The toothed conveyor belt 4 sends the polymetallic nodules or polymetallic sulfides through the collection port 31 to the ore collection bin of the box 3 for temporary storage, and then separates, crushes and pumps them to the surface support mother ship.

[0040] Two tracked traveling units 2 are symmetrically arranged on the left and right sides below the housing 3. Each tracked traveling unit 2 includes a timing pulley 21, a timing belt 22, and a track chain. There are two timing pulleys 21, arranged one in front of the other at an interval, and connected by the timing belt 22. The timing belt 22 is made of rubber and has a toothed inner surface. The timing pulley 21 on the front side is the driving pulley, and the timing pulley 21 on the rear side is the driven pulley. The axle of the driving pulley is connected to a power unit mounted on the chassis 1. The power unit adopts the power unit of a mining vehicle of the prior art. Its output end drives the driving pulleys of the two tracked traveling units 2 to rotate. The driving pulleys drive the driven pulleys to rotate through the timing belt 22, enabling the chassis 1 to move on the seabed.

[0041] The track chain, fitted onto the outside of the timing belt 22, is formed by hinged end-to-end a plurality of track plates 23. The middle portion of each track plate 23 is fixedly connected to the outer surface of the timing belt 22, and both ends of each track plate 23 are rotatably connected to the corresponding ends of adjacent track plates 23 via pivots 26. Specifically, the outer surface of the timing belt 22 has rectangular bosses corresponding in number and position to the track plates 23. The middle surface of each track plate 23 is bonded to the surface of the corresponding rectangular boss using a thermal adhesive and fixedly connected by two rows of bolts. The portions of the timing belt 22 located on both sides of the rectangular bosses do not contact the surfaces of the corresponding rectangular bosses.

[0042] Track plates 23 are provided with toothed plates 24. Both track plates 23 and toothed plates 24 are rectangular metal plates with the same length. The toothed plates 24 are located in the middle of the side of the track plate 23 away from the timing belt 22, and are perpendicular to the track plate 23 and fixedly connected to it in a T-shape. The left and right ends of the toothed plates 24 are flush with the corresponding ends of the track plates 23. During the movement of the chassis 1, the timing belt 22 rotates under the drive of the timing pulley 21, and the track chain moves together with the timing belt 22 on its inner side. The lower part of the track chain is in contact with the seabed and its surface soil.

[0043] Both sides of the toothed plate 24 have multiple rows of protrusions 241. The protrusions 241 are hemispherical and integral with the side surface of the toothed plate 24. The multiple rows of protrusions 241 on the same side are arranged at equal intervals from the root to the top of the toothed plate 24. Each row of protrusions 241 includes multiple protrusions 241 arranged laterally at intervals, and the protrusions 241 in any two adjacent rows are staggered.

[0044] The water supply device is installed inside the housing 3, and includes a high-pressure pump and a high-pressure hose 7 located at the outlet of the high-pressure pump. The high-pressure hose 7 is made of stainless steel high-pressure corrugated pipe. There are two high-pressure hoses 7, which are respectively located on the left and right sides of the housing 3. One end of the high-pressure hose 7 is fixed to the side wall of the housing 3 and connected to the outlet of the high-pressure pump.

[0045] Specifically, each of the two synchronous belts 22 has a connector 71 installed on its sidewall facing away from each other, and the other end of the high-pressure hose 7 is connected to the connector 71 on the same side. The synchronous belt 22 has an annular main water supply channel 81 inside, and one side of the main water supply channel 81 has a connecting channel that communicates with it. The connector 71 is connected to the main water supply channel 81 through the connecting channel. The high-pressure pump can deliver high-pressure water into the main water supply channel 81 through the high-pressure hose 7, the connector 71 and the connecting channel.

[0046] Each track plate 23 is provided with a set of inter-tooth jet nozzles 25 on one side where it is connected to the toothed plate 24. Each set of inter-tooth jet nozzles 25 includes multiple inter-tooth jet nozzles 25 arranged laterally at intervals. The interior of each inter-tooth jet nozzle 25 is connected to the main water supply channel 81, which supplies high-pressure water to each inter-tooth jet nozzle 25.

[0047] Specifically, a receiving groove 231 is provided on the surface of the track plate 23 connected to the toothed track plate 24. The receiving groove 231 is arranged adjacent to the rear side of the toothed track plate 24 in the direction of movement and extends laterally to the left and right ends of the track plate 23.

[0048] Each tooth-mounted jet nozzle 25 in the same group is sequentially and spaced within the receiving groove 231. A connector body 251 is fixed to the side of the tooth-mounted jet nozzle 25 opposite to the outlet. The main water supply channel 81 is connected to a water supply branch channel 82, which is the same number as the track tooth plates 24 and corresponds to their positions. The water supply branch channel 82 is located at the position of the rectangular boss. The bottom of the receiving groove 231 has an installation groove corresponding to the position of the tooth-mounted jet nozzle 25. The side wall of the installation groove has an internal thread, and an O-ring seal 232 is configured at its bottom. The connector body 251 is inserted into the corresponding installation groove and is fixedly and sealed to the corresponding water supply branch channel 82. The outer circumference of the tooth-mounted jet nozzle 25 is threaded to the side wall of the installation groove, and the tooth-mounted jet nozzle 25 is fixedly and sealed to the track plate 23 through the O-ring seal 232. Each water supply branch channel 82 is connected to all the tooth-mounted jet nozzles 25 on the corresponding track tooth plate 24.

[0049] Each track chain is provided with a set of second jet nozzles 62 on the front side. Each set of second jet nozzles 62 includes one second jet nozzle 62. The second jet nozzle 62 is connected to the first high-pressure water main pipe 51 on the adjacent side through a high-pressure water branch pipe 63. The outlet of the second jet nozzle 62 faces the outer surface of the track plate 23.

[0050] The front end of the frame 1 has two sets of first jet nozzles 61 arranged symmetrically on the left and right. The high-pressure pump can supply high-pressure water to the first jet nozzles 61, the second jet nozzles 62 and the inter-tooth jet nozzles 25 respectively.

[0051] Both sets of first jet nozzles 61 are located between two track chains, and each set faces one of the two track chains. Each set of first jet nozzles 61 includes two first jet nozzles 61 arranged at intervals along the track chains. Each first jet nozzle 61 in the same set is connected to the outlet of a high-pressure pump through a second high-pressure water main pipe 64, and its outlet faces the track tooth plate 24 on the same side of the track chain.

[0052] The general working process of the tracked ore collection device of the present invention, which can reduce the adhesion of seabed silt, is as follows: During seabed movement, the high-pressure pump remains operational, supplying high-pressure water to the first jet nozzle 61, the second jet nozzle 62, and the toothed jet nozzle 25, respectively, and jetting the water at high speed outwards through each nozzle. The ore collection device moves using tracked walking units 2 on both sides of its bottom. The synchronous pulley 21 located at the front is driven to rotate by the synchronous belt 22. The track chain fixed to the outside of the synchronous belt 22 rotates around the two synchronous pulleys 21 along with the synchronous belt.

[0053] When any two adjacent track plates 23 and their outer track tooth plates 24 pass around the synchronous pulley 21 located at the front and reach the lower layer of the track chain, they come into contact with the silt on the seabed surface. The top of the track tooth plate 24 inserts into the silt, and the silt enters the space between the two adjacent track tooth plates 24 and the track plate 23. As the track chain sinks downward, the surface of the silt moves closer to the track plate 23, and the cavity is further compressed. The inter-tooth jet nozzles 25 on the surface of the track plate 23 spray high-pressure water outward at high speed. According to the Coanda effect, the sprayed high-pressure water washes against the surface of the track tooth plate 24 and the surface of the track plate 23, reducing the adhesion of silt on the track tooth plate 24. After the pressure in the cavity continues to increase to a certain level, it can force the silt at both ends of the cavity to be discharged. The cavity maintains a certain pressure. The protrusions 241 on the side of the track tooth plate 24 can reduce the contact area between the silt and the track tooth plate 24, which is more conducive to the high-pressure water separating the silt from the track tooth plate 24.

[0054] When any two adjacent track plates 23 move upward away from the mud surface and around the timing pulley 21 located at the rear, moving upward to the upper layer of the track chain, the inter-tooth jet nozzles 25 continuously jet and wash away the silt adhering to the track tooth plates 24. Upon reaching the timing pulley 21 located at the rear, the first jet nozzle 61 and the second jet nozzle 62 respectively wash the track tooth plates 24 from two mutually perpendicular directions, which can clean the residual silt adhering to the track plates 23 and track tooth plates 24, preventing them from re-entering the silt and continuing to accumulate.

[0055] For any parts not mentioned in this invention, existing technologies can be used or referenced.

[0056] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0057] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0058] Of course, the above description is not intended to limit the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the examples given above. Any changes, modifications, additions or substitutions made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the present invention should also fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A tracked ore collection device capable of reducing adhesion to seabed silt, characterized in that, It includes a chassis, a water supply device and two tracked walking units. A box is installed on the top of the chassis. The water supply device is installed inside the box and includes a high-pressure pump and a high-pressure hose at the outlet of the high-pressure pump. Two tracked traveling units are symmetrically arranged on the left and right sides below the box body. The tracked traveling unit includes a timing pulley, a timing belt and a track chain. There are two timing pulleys, which are arranged one in front of the other and spaced apart, and connected by the timing belt. The track chain is sleeved on the outside of the timing belt and is made up of several track plates that are hinged together end to end. The track plates are provided with track teeth plates, and there are multiple rows of protrusions on both sides of the track teeth plates. Each track plate is equipped with a set of inter-tooth jet nozzles on one side where it connects to the track tooth plate; The front end of the chassis has two sets of first jet nozzles arranged symmetrically on the left and right. The two sets of first jet nozzles are respectively facing two track chains. Each track chain has a set of second jet nozzles on its front side. The high-pressure pump can supply high-pressure water to the first jet nozzles, the second jet nozzles and the inter-tooth jet nozzles respectively. A receiving groove is provided on the surface of the track plate connected to the track tooth plate. The receiving groove is arranged adjacent to the track tooth plate on the rear side in the direction of movement and extends laterally to the left and right ends of the track plate. Each set of inter-tooth jet nozzles includes multiple inter-tooth jet nozzles, and the inter-tooth jet nozzles in the same set are installed sequentially and at intervals in the receiving groove.

2. The tracked ore collection device for reducing adhesion of seabed silt as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The frame is a steel frame structure made of corrosion-resistant steel. The bottom of the box is fixedly connected to the top of the frame, and a collection port is provided on the upper part of the front side wall of the box. The front side of the box is provided with a toothed conveyor belt, and the rear side of the toothed conveyor belt is arranged adjacent to the bottom of the collection port. A high-pressure water jet shroud is provided on the front side of the toothed conveyor belt, and multiple high-pressure water jet nozzles are installed inside the water jet shroud. A first high-pressure water main pipe is provided above the toothed conveyor belt, and the high-pressure water jet nozzles are connected to the outlet of the high-pressure pump through the first high-pressure water main pipe.

3. The tracked ore collection device for reducing adhesion of seabed silt as described in claim 2, characterized in that, There are multiple first high-pressure water main pipes, arranged horizontally at intervals. The rear end of each first high-pressure water main pipe is fixedly connected to the box body, and the front end is fixedly connected to the high-pressure water jet cover. Each group of second jet nozzles includes at least one second jet nozzle, which is connected to the first high-pressure water main on the adjacent side via a high-pressure water branch pipe, and the outlet of the second jet nozzle faces the outer surface of the track plate.

4. The tracked ore collection device for reducing adhesion of seabed silt as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Both the track plates and the toothed plates are rectangular metal plates with the same length; The middle part of the track plate is fixedly connected to the outer surface of the timing belt, and the front and rear ends of each track plate are rotatably connected to the corresponding ends of the adjacent track plates through a rotating shaft. The toothed plate is located in the middle of the side of the track plate away from the timing belt, and is perpendicular to the track plate and fixedly connected to it to form a T-shaped structure. The left and right ends of the toothed plate are flush with the corresponding ends of the track plate.

5. The tracked ore collection device for reducing adhesion of seabed silt as described in claim 1, characterized in that, There are two high-pressure hoses, which are respectively located on the left and right sides of the tank. One end of the high-pressure hose is connected to the outlet of the high-pressure pump. Two synchronous belts are each installed with a connector on one side that is opposite to each other, and the other end of the high-pressure hose is connected to the connector on the same side. The synchronous belt has an annular main water supply channel inside, which is connected to the connector; The main water supply channel is connected to branch water supply channels that are the same number as the toothed plates and are located in one-to-one positions. Each branch water supply channel is connected to all the inter-tooth jet nozzles on the corresponding toothed plate.

6. The tracked ore collection device for reducing adhesion of seabed silt as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The protrusion is a hemispherical structure and is an integral structure with the side of the toothed plate. Multiple rows of protrusions on the same side are arranged at equal intervals from the root to the top of the toothed plate. Each row of protrusions includes multiple protrusions arranged horizontally at intervals, and the protrusions in any two adjacent rows are staggered.

7. The tracked ore collection device for reducing adhesion of seabed silt as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Both sets of first jet nozzles are located between two track chains, and each set of first jet nozzles includes at least two first jet nozzles arranged at intervals along the track chains. Each of the first jet nozzles in the same group is connected to the outlet of the high-pressure pump through the second high-pressure water main pipe, and its outlet faces the track tooth plate of the track chain on the same side.

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