A cleaning device and method for overflow weir of full-flow flotation machine

Abstract

The application provides a full-process flotation machine overflow weir cleaning device and a cleaning method, which comprises a shell, a walking device, a balancing device and a cleaning device, the walking device and the balancing device are arranged inside the shell, the cleaning device is arranged at the bottom of the shell on both sides, an auxiliary track through which the walking device passes is arranged between adjacent flotation machines, and the walking device enters the next flotation machine through the auxiliary track. The application can realize the purpose of automatically cleaning the overflow weir by driving the whole device to run through the walking device, can adapt to complex and changeable overflow weir shapes, ensures the balance of the cleaning device through the balancing device, connects the overflow weirs of the full process through the auxiliary track, takes the overflow weir as the track of the cleaning device, and realizes cleaning of the overflow weirs of the full process by one cleaning device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of flotation equipment technology, and in particular to a device and method for cleaning the overflow weir of a full-process flotation machine. Background Technology

[0002] A flotation machine is the main equipment used for mineral separation using the flotation method. Inside the flotation machine, valuable minerals are carried by froth over the overflow weir under the action of reagents and flow by gravity into the froth tank, thus achieving mineral separation. Because the pulp contains many impurities, and some pulps, such as clay minerals, have high viscosity and are prone to caking, mineral particles easily adhere to the overflow weir. The accumulation and caking of mineral particles on the overflow weir obstructs the froth, thereby reducing the recovery rate of the flotation machine.

[0003] A flotation process typically consists of multiple single-cell flotation machines and a ore box. There is an elevation difference between the flotation machines to promote pulp flow, and the cells are relatively independent and enclosed. Some cells have radial froth channels for their overflow weirs. Traditional overflow weir cleaning methods often involve high-pressure water jetting or manual cleaning, or the use of cleaning robots or tracks. However, these robotic cleaning structures have poor adaptability and cannot accommodate varying overflow weir shapes, nor can they be transferred from one flotation machine to another. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a full-process flotation machine overflow weir cleaning device and cleaning method, which can realize automatic cleaning of the overflow weir inside the flotation machine without stopping production.

[0005] According to one objective of the present invention, the present invention provides an overflow weir cleaning device for a full-process flotation machine, comprising a shell, a traveling device, a balancing device, and a cleaning device. The traveling device and the balancing device are disposed inside the shell, and the cleaning device is disposed on both sides of the bottom of the shell. An auxiliary track is provided between adjacent flotation machines for the traveling device to pass through, and the traveling device enters the next flotation machine through the auxiliary track.

[0006] Furthermore, the walking device includes rollers and steering wheels. The rollers are located at the bottom of the housing, and a baffle is fixed on each side of the rollers. The rollers are connected to a drive motor. The steering wheels are located at the top of the housing and are connected to a steering motor.

[0007] Furthermore, the diameter of the baffle is larger than the diameter of the roller.

[0008] Furthermore, the baffle has several notches in the circumferential direction.

[0009] Furthermore, multiple sensors are provided at the bottom of the housing.

[0010] Furthermore, the balancing device includes a balancing motor, a lead screw, and a balance block, wherein the lead screw is connected to the balancing motor, and the balance block is disposed on the lead screw.

[0011] Furthermore, a gyroscope is fixed inside the housing.

[0012] Furthermore, the cleaning device includes a cleaning brush, which is fixed to the bottom of the housing.

[0013] According to another objective of the present invention, the present invention provides a method for cleaning the overflow weir of a flotation machine, comprising the following steps:

[0014] The rollers of the cleaning device travel on the overflow weir, cleaning the surface of the overflow weir through the cleaning device;

[0015] When the cleaning device moves between the auxiliary track and the overflow weir, the baffle on one side of the roller rotates, and the notch on the baffle gets stuck on the overflow weir. The baffle and the steering wheel rotate in coordination, and the baffle crosses the overflow weir, completing the switching of the cleaning device from the overflow weir to the auxiliary track.

[0016] Furthermore, during operation, the balancing motor uses a lead screw to drive the balance block to move, thus achieving the balance of the cleaning device.

[0017] The technical solution of this invention uses a walking device to drive the entire device, which can achieve the purpose of automatically cleaning the overflow weir. It can adapt to complex and varied overflow weir shapes. The balance of the cleaning device is ensured by a balancing device. The overflow weirs of the entire process are connected by auxiliary tracks, and the overflow weirs are used as tracks for the cleaning device, so that one cleaning device can clean the overflow weirs of the entire process. Attached Figure Description

[0018] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0019] Figure 1 This is a front view of an embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 3 This is a top view of an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the baffle structure according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the annular overflow weir according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the radial foam tank overflow weir according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a two-cell horizontal flotation machine according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the two-cell stepped flotation machine according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the double-ring overflow weir according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the wireless charging device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] In the diagram, 1. Shell; 2. Overflow weir; 3. Roller; 4. Steering wheel; 5. Baffle; 6. Notch; 7. Sensor; 8. Balancing motor; 9. Lead screw; 10. Balance block; 11. Cleaning brush; 12. Radial foam tank; 13. Outer auxiliary track; 14. Inner auxiliary track; 15. Charging auxiliary plate; 16. Induction block; 17. Wireless charging transmitter; 18. Flotation machine. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The technical solution of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0031] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," and "counterclockwise," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used 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 limiting this invention.

[0032] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the stated features. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified. Furthermore, the terms "installed," "connected," and "linked" should be interpreted broadly; for example, they may refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they may refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they may refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they may refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0033] Example 1

[0034] like Figures 1-10 As shown, a full-process flotation machine overflow weir cleaning device includes a shell 1, a traveling device, a balancing device, and a cleaning device. The traveling device and the balancing device are located inside the shell 1, and the cleaning device is located on both sides of the bottom of the shell 1. The traveling device drives the shell 1 to move along the overflow weir 2. The balancing device ensures the balance of the shell 1 and the devices inside the shell 1, preventing the shell 1 and the devices from losing balance and falling from the overflow weir 2 or the track. The cleaning device cleans the overflow weir 2.

[0035] Specifically, the walking device includes rollers 3 and steering wheels 4. Rollers 3 are located at the bottom of the housing 1, and a baffle 5 is fixed to each side of the roller 3. The roller 3 is connected to a drive motor, which drives the roller 3 to rotate. The roller 3 is mounted on the overflow weir 2 and can roll along the overflow weir 2, thereby moving the entire device. In this embodiment, the diameters of the two baffles 5 are larger than the diameter of the roller 3. The roller 3 is located on the upper surface of the overflow weir 2, and the two baffles 5 can be engaged with the overflow weir 2 or the sides of the track, thus keeping the roller 3 on the overflow weir 2. Additionally, the two baffles 5 are each provided with an opening, specifically, such as... Figure 4 As shown, the type of the crossing is a number of notches 6 distributed around the baffle 5.

[0036] like Figures 7-9 As shown, the track inevitably forms a herringbone pattern. When the cleaning device moves onto this pattern, the baffle interferes with the track. When it needs to cross the track, the notch 6 aligns with the track, allowing the cleaning device to smoothly cross the herringbone pattern via the notch 6.

[0037] Steering wheel 4 is located on top of housing 1 and is connected to a steering motor. The steering motor drives steering wheel 4 to rotate. When turning is needed, the gyroscope determines the aircraft's attitude, and the acceleration of steering wheel 4's rotation is used to adjust the direction. The specific principle is the conservation of angular momentum. The principle of conservation of angular momentum is applied in helicopters. When the main rotor of a helicopter rotates, it causes the fuselage to rotate in another direction. Therefore, an auxiliary rotor is installed on the tail of the helicopter to maintain stability.

[0038] In this embodiment, multiple sensors 7 are also provided at the bottom of the housing 1, which can detect the position of the cleaning device in real time. Specifically, in this embodiment, a total of ten sensors 7 are provided, such as... Figure 3 As shown, the ten sensors 7 are distributed in a 2+6+2 pattern. The six sensors 7 in the middle are divided into two groups of three, which are relatively close together and can determine whether the cleaning device deviates from the track. The remaining four sensors 7 are distributed on both sides of the cleaning device and are combined with the six sensors in the middle to detect the position of the cleaning device, so as to ensure that the outer auxiliary track 13 and the overflow weir 2 can be correctly identified.

[0039] The balancing device includes a balancing motor 8, a lead screw 9, and a balance block 10. The lead screw 9 is connected to the balancing motor 8, which drives the lead screw 9 to rotate. The balance block 10 is mounted on the lead screw 9, and its movement along the lead screw 9 causes the balance block 10 to move, thereby adjusting the balance of the entire mechanism. The invention also includes a gyroscope fixed inside the housing 1. The gyroscope senses the position and orientation of the cleaning device, facilitating the control of the balancing and walking mechanisms to adjust the overall position and orientation of the cleaning device.

[0040] The cleaning device includes a cleaning brush 11 or a roller brush, which is fixed inside or outside the housing 1. When the roller 3 travels on the overflow weir 2, the overflow weir 2 can be cleaned by the cleaning brush 11 or the roller brush.

[0041] like Figure 5 As shown, in a typical single-cell flotation machine, the overflow weir inside the cylindrical cell is circular. The cleaning device can directly move on the overflow weir 2 to clean it. When the cleaning device of this invention is applied to a single-cell flotation machine, the roller 3 uses the overflow weir 2 as its track. The roller 3 rolls on the overflow weir 2, driving the entire cleaning device to move on the overflow weir 2. The overflow weir 2 can be cleaned by the cleaning brush 11 or roller brush.

[0042] like Figure 6As shown, some flotation machines have radial foam channels 12 to increase the length of the overflow weir 2. For this type of flotation machine with radial foam channels 12, the corner of the radial foam channel 12 is a transition rounded corner with a radius greater than 50mm. At this time, the roller 3 uses the overflow weir 2 as a track. The roller 3 rolls on the overflow weir 2, driving the entire cleaning device to move on the overflow weir 2. The transition rounded corner can enable the roller 3 to turn naturally at the corner of the radial foam channel 12, solving the turning problem of the cleaning device, thereby realizing the operation of the entire overflow weir 2 as a track.

[0043] When the cleaning device of this invention is applied to a multi-cell flotation machine, an additional external auxiliary track 13 needs to be built between the flotation machines. After cleaning one flotation machine, the cleaning device enters the next flotation machine via the external auxiliary track 13. The rollers 3 of the cleaning device switch between two flotation machines 18 by running on the external auxiliary track 13, thereby achieving cleaning of the overflow weir throughout the entire process. When the cleaning device of this invention is applied between two horizontal flotation machines, the external auxiliary track 13 is set as follows: Figure 7 As shown, a hole is made in the tank of the single-cell flotation machine, and the external auxiliary track 13 passes through the hole to enter the interior of the flotation machine. A gap is left between the external auxiliary track 13 and the hole to facilitate the cleaning device to pass through the middle.

[0044] When this invention is applied between two-tank stepped flotation machines, the external auxiliary track 13 is configured as follows: Figure 8 As shown, a hole is made in the tank of the single-cell flotation machine, and the external auxiliary track 13 passes through the hole to enter the interior of the flotation machine 18. A gap is left between the external auxiliary track 13 and the hole to facilitate the cleaning device to pass through the middle, thereby solving the problem of transferring the cleaning device from one flotation machine to another due to the height difference between the flotation machines.

[0045] like Figure 9 As shown, for a double-ring overflow weir, an inner auxiliary track 14 is set in the middle of the inner overflow weir and the outer overflow weir, so that the inner and outer circular overflow weirs are connected through the inner auxiliary track 14, thereby solving the transfer problem between the inner overflow weir and the outer overflow weir.

[0046] like Figure 10As shown, in this embodiment, the cleaning device is wirelessly charged when not in operation via a wireless charging device. A lithium battery is housed within the casing 1 of the cleaning device, powering the motor. The lithium battery also includes a wireless charging module, which can work with the wireless charging device for wireless charging. Specifically, the wireless charging device includes a charging auxiliary plate 15, a wireless charging transmitter 17, and sensing blocks. The charging auxiliary plate 15 and the wireless charging transmitter 17 are correspondingly arranged, and both the charging auxiliary plate 15 and the wireless charging transmitter 17 have guide openings at their ends to guide the cleaning device into the wireless charging position. Sensing blocks 16 are respectively provided on the inner sides of the ends of the charging auxiliary plate 15 and the wireless charging transmitter 17, which can sense whether the cleaning device has entered the charging position. The distance between the charging auxiliary plate 15 and the wireless charging transmitter 17 is slightly wider than the cleaning device to ensure sufficient spacing for wireless charging when the cleaning device is in the wireless charging position.

[0047] The working principle of the cleaning device of this invention is as follows:

[0048] 1. Non-working state: The cleaning device runs along the track. When it needs to be charged, it stops at this position and cuts off power to all motors once all sensors 7 can receive the signal from the sensing block 16. Under the action of the charging auxiliary board 15 and the wireless charging transmitter 17, the cleaning device remains stable at this position and performs wireless charging.

[0049] 2. The cleaning device is in normal operating condition at the overflow weir:

[0050] When the cleaning device switches from a non-operating state to a normal operating state, the roller 3 of the cleaning device moves. During this process, the balance motor 8 drives the balance block 10 to move via the lead screw 9 to achieve left-right balance of the cleaning device. Regardless of whether the cleaning device is climbing a slope, it achieves front-to-back balance by driving the roller 3 to move back and forth via the drive motor. The cleaning device has a built-in gyroscope to sense the position and posture of the cleaning device, which facilitates the control system to adjust the position and posture of the cleaning device.

[0051] If the two middle sensors 7 are not triggered, it indicates that the cleaning device has deviated from the track. At this time, at least one of the four sensors 7 outside the two middle sensors 7 will be triggered, which can determine the direction in which the cleaning device has deviated from the track. By adjusting the steering wheel 4, the cleaning device can be adjusted back to the correct track direction.

[0052] 3. Switching between overflow weir and auxiliary track:

[0053] Overflow weir 2, outer auxiliary track 13 and inner auxiliary track 14 all serve as tracks for the cleaning device. When the cleaning device reaches the junction of overflow weir 2 and outer auxiliary track 13 or inner auxiliary track 14, at least one of the eight sensors 7, excluding the two middle sensors 7, is triggered. At this time, the cleaning device runs slowly and the position of outer auxiliary track 13 or inner auxiliary track 14 is fully determined by the eight sensors 7.

[0054] When the cleaning device moves between the outer auxiliary track 13 (or inner auxiliary track 14) and the overflow weir 2, the left or right baffle 5 rotates, causing the notch 6 to engage with the overflow weir 2. Then, the baffle 5 and the steering wheel 4 rotate in coordination, and the baffle 5 crosses the overflow weir 2, completing the switch of the cleaning device from the overflow weir 2 to the outer auxiliary track 13 (or inner auxiliary track 14). The switch from the outer auxiliary track 13 (or inner auxiliary track 14) to the overflow weir 2 is similar, and will not be described further here.

[0055] This invention utilizes a walking mechanism to drive the entire device, enabling automatic cleaning of the overflow weir. The cleaning device can adapt to complex and varied overflow weir shapes, including annular, radial foam tank overflow weirs, and double-annular overflow weirs, among other flotation equipment. It requires minimal modification to existing overflow weirs and is easy to install. It can clean the entire flotation process, meaning multiple flotation machines can be cleaned with a single device, saving costs. The cleaning device employs a single-wheel drive structure with one roller, allowing it to pass smoothly even with slight buildup on the overflow weir.

[0056] This invention connects the overflow weirs throughout the entire process using an outer auxiliary track 13 or an inner auxiliary track 14, and uses the overflow weirs as the track for the cleaning device, enabling one cleaning device to clean the overflow weirs for the entire process. The overflow weir cleaning device of this invention moves along the overflow weir, contacting foreign objects through friction, thereby removing the foreign objects from the overflow weir.

[0057] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and not to limit them; although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A device for cleaning the overflow weir of a full-process flotation machine, characterized in that, It includes a shell, a walking device, a balancing device, and a cleaning device. The walking device and the balancing device are disposed inside the shell. The cleaning device is disposed on both sides of the bottom of the shell. An auxiliary track is provided between adjacent flotation machines for the walking device to pass through, and the walking device enters the next flotation machine through the auxiliary track. The walking device includes rollers and steering wheels. The rollers are located at the bottom of the housing, and a baffle is fixed on each side of the rollers. The rollers are connected to a drive motor. The steering wheels are located at the top of the housing and are connected to a steering motor. The baffles have several notches in the circumferential direction. The balancing device includes a balancing motor, a lead screw, and a balance block. The lead screw is connected to the balancing motor, and the balance block is mounted on the lead screw.

2. The overflow weir cleaning device for the whole-process flotation machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The diameter of the baffle is larger than the diameter of the roller.

3. The overflow weir cleaning device for the whole-process flotation machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom of the housing is equipped with multiple sensors.

4. The overflow weir cleaning device for the whole-process flotation machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, A gyroscope is fixed inside the housing.

5. The overflow weir cleaning device for the whole-process flotation machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cleaning device includes a cleaning brush, which is fixed to the bottom of the housing.

6. A method for cleaning the overflow weir of a flotation machine using the full-process flotation machine overflow weir cleaning device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: The rollers of the cleaning device travel on the overflow weir, cleaning the surface of the overflow weir through the cleaning device; When the cleaning device moves between the auxiliary track and the overflow weir, the baffle on one side of the roller rotates, and the notch on the baffle gets stuck on the overflow weir. The baffle and the steering wheel rotate in coordination, and the baffle crosses the overflow weir, completing the switching of the cleaning device from the overflow weir to the auxiliary track.

7. The method for cleaning the overflow weir of a flotation machine according to claim 6, characterized in that, During operation, the cleaning device is balanced by a balance motor that uses a lead screw to move a balance block.

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