Crawler and seabed mining vehicle

Abstract

The application provides a caterpillar and a seabed mining vehicle, wherein the caterpillar comprises a plurality of caterpillar units arranged side by side in sequence, the caterpillar unit comprises a caterpillar plate structure and a drainage structure, the caterpillar plate structure comprises a plate body and a tooth body, the plate body is provided with an inner caterpillar surface and an outer caterpillar surface which are opposite to each other, and the tooth body is protruded from the outer caterpillar surface; the drainage structure is arranged in a plate shape and is arranged on one side surface of the outer caterpillar surface or the tooth body, a drainage channel is formed in the drainage structure, and the drainage channel is used for draining water in soil to the side end of the caterpillar plate structure when the drainage structure contacts the soil. The technical scheme of the application can reduce the risk of slippage and sinking of the caterpillar and improve the walking performance of the caterpillar.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of seabed mining vehicles, and particularly to a tracked seabed mining vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] Soft soils, such as seabed sediments, are mostly loose clay with high water content and low strength. In related technologies, seabed mining vehicles often try to prevent sinking in soft seabed soil by modifying their track structure. However, because this approach does not effectively treat the soil, it fails to adequately reinforce the soil and prevent track sinking. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The main objective of this invention is to provide a track that reduces the risk of track slippage and sinking, and improves track performance.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a track comprising a plurality of track units arranged side by side in sequence, wherein the track unit comprises:

[0005] Track plate structure, the track plate structure including a plate body and teeth, the plate body having an inner track surface and an outer track surface disposed opposite to each other, the teeth protruding from the outer track surface; and

[0006] A drainage structure, which is plate-shaped and located on one side surface of the outer track surface or the tooth body, has drainage channels formed within it, which allow water in the soil to be discharged to the side end of the track plate structure when the drainage structure comes into contact with the soil.

[0007] Optionally, the drainage structure is provided in two parts, including a first drainage structure and a second drainage structure;

[0008] The first drainage structure is located on the outer track surface and is arranged side by side with the tooth body;

[0009] The second drainage structure is disposed on the side surface of the tooth body facing the first drainage structure.

[0010] Optionally, the outer track surface is provided with a first groove, and the first drainage structure is disposed in the first groove;

[0011] And / or, the tooth body has a second groove on the side facing the first drainage structure, and the second drainage structure is disposed in the second groove.

[0012] Optionally, the drainage structure includes:

[0013] The main body is plate-shaped and has a drainage channel within it; and

[0014] A filtration section is provided in the drainage channel and is used to filter soil particles in the soil.

[0015] Optionally, the track unit further includes an extension mechanism, which includes a movable extension plate for telescopic movement toward the side end of the track plate structure.

[0016] Optionally, the extended mechanism includes:

[0017] A housing, the housing being disposed on the inner track surface and located at the side end of the track plate structure, the housing having a receiving groove on the side facing the track plate structure; and

[0018] The extension plate is movably disposed in the receiving groove and is used to extend and retract along the depth direction of the receiving groove to extend or retract from the opening of the receiving groove.

[0019] Optionally, the side wall of the expansion plate is provided with one of a pin and a socket, and the inner side wall of the groove is provided with the other of a pin and a socket, wherein the pin is used to engage with the socket.

[0020] The pin is retractable relative to the socket to allow the expansion plate and the housing to lock and release.

[0021] Optionally, there are two pins, which are spaced apart along the extension direction of the expansion plate.

[0022] Optionally, two expansion mechanisms are provided, and the two expansion mechanisms are respectively located at both ends of the plate;

[0023] And / or, the side surface of the box body facing away from the track plate structure is provided with protrusions;

[0024] And / or, the drainage structure is provided on the side of the extended plate facing the track plate structure.

[0025] The present invention also proposes a seabed mining vehicle, comprising the track described in any of the preceding claims, wherein the track comprises a plurality of track units arranged side by side in sequence, and the track unit comprises:

[0026] Track plate structure, the track plate structure including a plate body and teeth, the plate body having an inner track surface and an outer track surface disposed opposite to each other, the teeth protruding from the outer track surface; and

[0027] A drainage structure, which is plate-shaped and located on one side surface of the outer track surface or the tooth body, has drainage channels formed within it, which allow water in the soil to be discharged to the side end of the track plate structure when the drainage structure comes into contact with the soil.

[0028] The technical solution of the present invention provides that the track unit of the track includes a track plate structure and a drainage structure. By setting the drainage structure on the outer track surface or one side surface of the tooth body of the track plate, the drainage channel formed in the drainage structure can accelerate the discharge of water from the soil it contacts when the track is working. Thus, the soil can be reinforced through the principle of drainage consolidation, which is beneficial to improving the bearing capacity and shear resistance of the soil, thereby reducing the risk of track slippage and sinking, and improving the track's walking performance. Attached Figure Description

[0029] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention 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 the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.

[0030] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of an embodiment of the track of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A structural diagram of another state of the track;

[0032] Figure 3 for Figure 1 Structural diagram of the tracked unit;

[0033] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A structural diagram of another state of the tracked unit;

[0034] Figure 5 for Figure 3 Perspective view of the middle track unit;

[0035] Figure 6 for Figure 3 Front view of the tracked unit;

[0036] Figure 7 for Figure 3 A front view of another state of the tracked unit;

[0037] Figure 8 for Figure 3 Side view of the tracked unit;

[0038] Figure 9 for Figure 3 Partial structural diagram of the tracked unit;

[0039] Figure 10 for Figure 3 Partial structural diagram of another state of the tracked unit.

[0040] Explanation of icon numbers:

[0041] 100 track 121 First drainage structure 10 tracked unit 122 Second drainage structure 11 Track plate structure 13 Extended mechanism 111 plate body 131 box 1111 First groove 1311 Container slot 112 tooth body 1312 bump 1121 Second groove 132 Expansion board 12 Drainage structure 1321 plug

[0042] The realization of the objective, functional features and advantages of the present invention will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0043] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, and not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0044] It should be noted that all directional indications (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.) in the embodiments of the present invention are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of each component in a certain specific posture (as shown in the figure). If the specific posture changes, the directional indication will also change accordingly.

[0045] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connection," "fixed," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, "fixed" can mean a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; it can mean a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can mean a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can mean the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise explicitly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0046] Furthermore, in this invention, descriptions involving "first," "second," etc., are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. Additionally, the technical solutions of the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but only on the basis of being achievable by those skilled in the art. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or impossible to implement, such a combination of technical solutions should be considered non-existent and not within the scope of protection claimed by this invention.

[0047] This invention proposes a track 100.

[0048] Please refer to Figures 1 to 10 In some embodiments of the track 100, the track 100 includes a plurality of track units 10 arranged side by side in sequence, and the track unit 10 includes:

[0049] Track plate structure 11, the track plate structure 11 includes a plate body 111 and a tooth body 112, the plate body 111 has an inner track 100 surface and an outer track 100 surface arranged opposite to each other, and the tooth body 112 protrudes from the outer track 100 surface; and

[0050] The drainage structure 12 is plate-shaped and located on one side surface of the outer track 100 or the tooth body 112. The drainage structure 12 has drainage channels formed inside, which are used to discharge water in the soil to the side end of the track plate structure 11 when the drainage structure 12 contacts the soil.

[0051] The drainage channels can extend parallel to the plate 111, and both ends of the drainage channels are connected to the two side ends of the track plate structure 11. Multiple drainage channels can be provided, arranged side-by-side within the drainage structure 12. In one feasible embodiment, the drainage structure 12 can be, but is not limited to, a prefabricated horizontal drainage plate for earthmoving operations. With this configuration, during the movement of the track 100, the drainage structures 12 on each track unit 10 can contact the seabed soil beneath the track 100, thereby draining the soil and reinforcing it.

[0052] In some embodiments, the drainage structure 12 and the track plate structure 11 are detachably connected. This configuration improves the ease of assembly and disassembly of the drainage structure 12, facilitating maintenance and replacement of the drainage structure 12 of the track unit 10. The detachable connection between the drainage structure 12 and the track plate structure 11 can be achieved by bolts or by other detachable connection methods such as snap-fit ​​connections, which are not limited here.

[0053] It should be noted that soft soils, such as seabed sediments, are mostly loose clay with high water content and low strength. In related technologies, seabed mining vehicles often prevent sinking in soft seabed soil by modifying the track structure. However, because this approach does not effectively treat the soil, it cannot effectively reinforce the soil or prevent track sinking.

[0054] Therefore, it can be understood that the technical solution of the present invention, by providing a drainage structure 12 on the outer surface of the track 100 or one side surface of the tooth 112 of the track plate 111, the drainage channel formed in the drainage structure 12 can accelerate the discharge of water from the soil it contacts when the track 100 is working. Thus, it can strengthen the soil through the principle of drainage consolidation, which is beneficial to improving the bearing capacity and shear resistance of the soil, thereby reducing the risk of the track 100 slipping and sinking, and improving the walking performance of the track 100.

[0055] In addition, chemical reinforcement methods can also be used to reinforce weak soils in related technologies, such as by injecting special slurries or injecting critical carbon dioxide to reinforce seabed sediments. However, this method can cause pollution to marine soil and water, adversely affecting the marine environment and ecology. In contrast, the technical solution of this invention uses the principle of drainage consolidation to reinforce soil, which does not change the chemical properties of the soil and its surrounding environment, thus avoiding pollution and facilitating environmentally friendly design.

[0056] Please refer to Figures 3 to 8 In some embodiments of the track 100, two drainage structures 12 are provided, including a first drainage structure 121 and a second drainage structure 122.

[0057] The first drainage structure 121 is disposed on the outer track 100 surface and is arranged side by side with the tooth body 112;

[0058] The second drainage structure 122 is disposed on the side surface of the tooth body 112 facing the first drainage structure 121.

[0059] In this embodiment, by placing the first drainage structure 121 on the surface of the outer track 100 and arranging it alongside the toothed body 112, and positioning it in front of the toothed body 112, when the track 100 moves forward, the plate 111 of the track plate structure 11 can drive the first drainage structure 121 to contact the soil, thereby achieving drainage and consolidation of the soil through the first drainage structure 121. Of course, the technical solution of the present invention is not limited to this. In some embodiments, two first drainage structures 121 may be provided, both of which are located on the surface of the outer track 100 and respectively on the front and rear sides of the toothed body 112; this is not limited here.

[0060] Similarly, by placing the second drainage structure 122 on the side surface of the tooth 112 facing the first drainage structure 121, i.e., on the front side of the tooth 112, the tooth 112 of the track plate structure 11 can drive the second drainage structure 122 into the soil when the track 100 moves forward, thereby achieving drainage and consolidation of the soil through the second drainage structure 122. Of course, the technical solution of the present invention is not limited to this. In some embodiments, there may be two second drainage structures 122, with the two second drainage structures 122 respectively disposed on the front and rear sides of the tooth 112, which is not limited here.

[0061] Please refer to Figures 3 to 5In some embodiments of the track 100, the outer track 100 surface is provided with a first groove 1111, and the first drainage structure 121 is disposed in the first groove 1111.

[0062] And / or, the tooth body 112 has a second groove 1121 on the side facing the first drainage structure 121, and the second drainage structure 122 is disposed in the second groove 1121.

[0063] In this embodiment, a first groove 1111 is formed on the surface of the outer track 100, and the first drainage structure 121 is housed within the first groove 1111, with the outer surface of the first drainage structure 121 not lower than the opening of the first groove 1111. Thus, the first groove 1111's limiting effect on the first drainage structure 121 improves the installation stability of the first drainage structure 121 and helps reduce the volume occupied by the track unit 10. Furthermore, using the first groove 1111 to house the first drainage structure 121 reduces frictional wear on the first drainage structure 121 during track 100 movement, thus extending the service life of the first drainage structure 121.

[0064] Similarly, by opening a second groove 1121 on the outer side of the tooth body 112, the second drainage structure 122 can be limited, thereby improving the installation stability of the second drainage structure 122, reducing the volume occupied by the track unit 10, and reducing the frictional loss of the second drainage structure 122 caused by the movement of the track 100. This will not be elaborated here.

[0065] In some embodiments, both ends of the first groove 1111 and the second groove 1121 extend to both sides of the track plate structure 11. In this way, the two ends of the first drainage structure 121 and the second drainage structure 122 can be exposed at both sides of the track plate structure 11, so that the drainage structure 12 can discharge water in the soil to the side of the track plate structure 11.

[0066] In some embodiments of the track 100, the drainage structure 12 includes:

[0067] The main body is plate-shaped and has a drainage channel within it; and

[0068] A filtration section is provided in the drainage channel and is used to filter soil particles in the soil.

[0069] In this embodiment, the drainage structure 12 may be, but is not limited to, a prefabricated horizontal drainage board. Specifically, the main body of the prefabricated horizontal drainage board is provided with multiple drainage grooves made of plastic to form the drainage channel; the filter part may be made of non-woven fabric, which has good water permeability. By covering the outside of the drainage grooves of the main body with non-woven fabric, the drainage structure 12 can filter soil particles in the soil while draining the water in contact with the soil. In this way, soil particles can be prevented from entering the drainage channel and causing blockage, thereby helping to ensure the drainage performance of the drainage structure 12.

[0070] Please refer to Figures 1 to 10 In some embodiments of the track 100, the track unit 10 further includes an extension mechanism 13, which includes a movable extension plate 132 for telescopic movement toward the side end of the track plate structure 11.

[0071] This configuration allows the extension plate 132 to extend out of the side of the track plate structure 11 when the track 100 slips, thereby increasing the ground contact area of ​​the track unit 10 and improving the running performance of the track 100.

[0072] The extension mechanism 13 can be directly connected to the opposite sides of the track plate structure 11, or it can be set on the outer track 100 surface of the track plate structure 11, or it can be set on the inner track 100 surface of the track plate structure 11 in the following embodiment. The specific implementation can be set according to actual needs and is not limited here.

[0073] Please refer to Figure 9 and Figure 10 In some embodiments of the inventive track 100, the extension mechanism 13 includes:

[0074] A housing 131 is disposed on the inner track 100 surface and located at the side end of the track plate structure 11. The housing 131 has a receiving groove 1311 opening on its side facing the track plate structure 11.

[0075] The expansion plate 132 is movably disposed in the receiving groove 1311 and is used to extend and retract along the depth direction of the receiving groove 1311 to extend or retract the opening of the receiving groove 1311.

[0076] In this embodiment, the expansion mechanism 13 includes a housing 131 and an expansion plate 132. The housing 131 is disposed on the inner track 100 surface and can be connected to the side end of the track plate structure 11 by means of, but not limited to, bolts or welding. The housing 131 has a receiving groove 1311 on the side facing the track plate structure 11, that is, the opening of the receiving groove 1311 is disposed on the side facing the track plate structure 11. The expansion plate 132 is movably disposed in the receiving groove 1311 and can extend out of the opening of the receiving groove 1311 and be exposed on the side of the track plate structure 11 to increase the ground contact area of ​​the track unit 10, or retract into the opening of the receiving groove 1311 and be received in the receiving groove 1311.

[0077] The expansion mechanism 13 may include a driving member, which may be a linear driving mechanism. The linear driving mechanism may be disposed at the bottom or wall of the receiving groove 1311 and connected to the outer wall of the expansion plate 132 to drive the expansion plate 132 to move toward or away from the bottom of the receiving groove 1311. In some embodiments, the expansion mechanism 13 may also include an elastic member, which can elastically deform and accumulate elastic potential energy when the expansion plate 132 retracts, and can drive the expansion plate 132 to extend outward by releasing the elastic potential energy, and can also buffer the expansion plate 132 during its extension and retraction.

[0078] Please refer to Figure 9 and Figure 10 In some embodiments of the track 100, the side wall of the extension plate 132 is provided with one of a pin 1321 and a socket, and the inner side wall of the receiving groove 1311 is provided with the other of a pin 1321 and a socket, wherein the pin 1321 is used to engage with the socket.

[0079] The pin 1321 is retractable relative to the socket so that the expansion plate 132 and the housing 131 are locked together.

[0080] Specifically, when the expansion plate 132 moves to the point where the pin 1321 and the socket are aligned and the pin 1321 extends and engages with the socket, the expansion plate 132 is locked in the receiving groove 1311. When the pin 1321 retracts, the expansion plate 132 can be released from the receiving groove 1311 and extend or retract relative to the receiving groove 1311. In this way, the extension or retraction position of the expansion plate 132 can be controlled by the cooperation of the pin 1321 and the socket, thereby improving the positional stability of the expansion plate 132.

[0081] Please refer to Figure 9 and Figure 10 In some embodiments of the track 100, two pins 1321 are provided, and the two pins 1321 are spaced apart along the extension and retraction direction of the extension plate 132.

[0082] In this embodiment, the expansion plate 132 is telescopically disposed within the receiving groove 1311 and has an extended state and a retracted state. There is one insertion hole, which is fixedly disposed. There are two pins 1321, both of which are disposed on the expansion plate 132 and are spaced apart along the telescopic direction of the expansion plate 132. In this way, one pin 1321 can be inserted into the insertion hole when the expansion plate 132 is in the extended state, and the other pin 1321 can be inserted into the insertion hole when the expansion plate 132 is in the retracted state, thereby improving the positional stability of the expansion plate 132 in different states.

[0083] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the expansion plate 132 has multiple extension degrees, and multiple pins 1321 are provided. The multiple pins 1321 are spaced apart along the extension direction of the expansion plate 132. Each pin 1321 is used to engage with the socket after the expansion plate 132 extends to the corresponding extension degree. In this way, the adjustment flexibility of the expansion plate 132 can be improved.

[0084] Of course, the technical solution of the present invention is not limited to this. In some embodiments, multiple sockets may be provided, one pin 1321 may be provided, and multiple plugs may be provided to correspond to different extension degrees of the expansion plate 132. Specific implementation methods can be set according to actual needs and are not limited here.

[0085] Please refer to Figures 1 to 8 In some embodiments of the track 100, two extension mechanisms 13 are provided, and the two extension mechanisms 13 are respectively located at both ends of the track plate structure 11.

[0086] In this embodiment, by increasing the number of extension mechanisms 13, the ground contact area of ​​the track unit 10 is further increased when the track 100 slips, thereby further improving the operating performance of the track 100. Furthermore, by distributing the two extension mechanisms 13 at opposite ends of the track plate structure 11 and spacing them apart, an installation space can be formed between the two extension mechanisms 13, without affecting the connection between the middle of the track plate structure 11 and the transmission device of the track 100.

[0087] Please refer to Figure 9 and Figure 10 In some embodiments of the track 100, the box 131 has a protrusion 1312 on the side surface opposite to the track plate structure 11.

[0088] The protrusion 1312 extends along the telescoping direction of the extension plate 132. By providing the protrusion 1312, the structural strength of the box 131 is improved.

[0089] Please refer to Figures 1 to 10In some embodiments of the track 100, the drainage structure 12 is provided on the side of the extension plate 132 facing the track plate structure 11.

[0090] With this configuration, when the extension plate 132 extends to the side of the track plate structure 11, the drainage structure 12 on the extension plate 132 can drain and consolidate the soil. In this way, when the track 100 slips, the extension plate 132 increases the ground contact area of ​​the track unit 10, and the drainage structure 12 on the extension plate 132 drains and consolidates the soil, thereby improving the bearing capacity and shear resistance of the soil. This further reduces the risk of the track 100 slipping and sinking, and improves the walking performance of the track 100.

[0091] The present invention also proposes a seabed mining vehicle, which includes the track 100 described in any of the foregoing embodiments, the specific structure of which refers to any of the foregoing embodiments. Since the seabed mining vehicle proposed in this application can apply all the technical solutions in all the foregoing embodiments, it possesses at least all the beneficial effects brought by the foregoing technical solutions, which will not be elaborated upon here.

[0092] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and does not limit the patent scope of the present invention. Any equivalent structural transformations made using the contents of the present invention's specification and drawings under the inventive concept of the present invention, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the patent protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A track characterized in that, It includes several track units arranged side by side in sequence, wherein the track unit includes: Track plate structure, the track plate structure including a plate body and teeth, the plate body having an inner track surface and an outer track surface disposed opposite to each other, the teeth protruding from the outer track surface; and A drainage structure, which is plate-shaped and located on one side surface of the outer track surface or the tooth body, includes a main body and a filter part. The main body is plate-shaped and has a drainage channel inside, which allows water in the soil to be discharged to the side end of the track plate structure when the drainage structure comes into contact with the soil. The filter part is located in the drainage channel and is used to filter soil particles in the soil.

2. The track of claim 1, wherein, The drainage structure is provided in two parts, including a first drainage structure and a second drainage structure. The first drainage structure is located on the outer track surface and is arranged side by side with the tooth body; The second drainage structure is disposed on the side surface of the tooth body facing the first drainage structure.

3. The track as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The outer track surface is provided with a first groove, and the first drainage structure is disposed in the first groove; And / or, the tooth body has a second groove on the side facing the first drainage structure, and the second drainage structure is disposed in the second groove.

4. The track as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The track unit also includes an extension mechanism, which includes a movable extension plate for telescopic movement toward the side end of the track plate structure.

5. The track as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The extended mechanism includes: A housing, the housing being disposed on the inner track surface and located at the side end of the track plate structure, the housing having a receiving groove on the side facing the track plate structure; and The extension plate is movably disposed in the receiving groove and is used to extend and retract along the depth direction of the receiving groove to extend or retract from the opening of the receiving groove.

6. The track as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The side wall of the expansion plate is provided with one of a pin and a socket, and the inner side wall of the receiving groove is provided with the other of a pin and a socket. The pin is used to engage with the socket. The pin is retractable relative to the socket to allow the expansion plate and the housing to lock and release.

7. The track as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The plate has two pins, which are spaced apart along the extension and retraction direction of the expansion plate.

8. The track as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The expansion mechanism is provided in two parts, which are respectively located at both ends of the plate. And / or, the side surface of the box body facing away from the track plate structure is provided with protrusions; And / or, the drainage structure is provided on the side of the extended plate facing the track plate structure.

9. A subsea mining vehicle, characterized in that, Includes the track as described in any one of claims 1 to 8.

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