A deep sea mining vehicle
By designing a deep-sea mining vehicle and combining floating components, adjustment components and collection components, stable and efficient mining is achieved in complex deep-sea environments, reducing damage to the seabed ecosystem and improving collection efficiency.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202510029078.4
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-01-08
- Publication Date
- 2025-10-10
- Estimated Expiration
- 2045-01-08
AI Technical Summary
Existing deep-sea mining equipment has insufficient adaptability to high pressure, low temperature, complex terrain and high water content seabed sediment environments, resulting in great damage to the seabed ecosystem and low mining efficiency.
A deep-sea mining vehicle has been designed, which is equipped with a vehicle body, a floating component, an adjustment component and a collection component. The floating component provides buoyancy, the adjustment component maintains a stable posture, and the collection component includes a rotatable crushing part and a jet part, which can accurately excavate and collect sediments and reduce disturbance to non-target areas.
It improves collection efficiency, reduces damage to the seabed ecosystem, achieves a more environmentally friendly mining method, and ensures stable operation and efficient operation of equipment in complex environments.
Smart Images

Figure CN119664350B_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to the field of deep sea engineering technology, and in particular to a deep sea mining vehicle, which is particularly suitable for the collection and transportation of deep sea polymetallic nodules. Background Art
[0002] As demand for deep-sea resource development grows, existing deep-sea mining equipment is facing numerous limitations in its ability to adapt to high pressure, low temperatures, complex terrain, and high-water-content seabed sediments. The development of deep-sea mining equipment faces multiple challenges, particularly balancing resource acquisition with environmental protection.
[0003] In related technologies, although mining methods can achieve a certain degree of resource exploitation, they are highly destructive to the environment and have low mining efficiency. Summary of the Invention
[0004] The present invention is based on the inventor's discovery and understanding of the following facts and problems:
[0005] Among the relevant technologies, mining methods have the following major problems: They cause significant disturbance to the sediment layer. Water jet mining uses high-pressure water jets for excavation and transportation, but this process causes large amounts of sediment to be suspended, forming high-concentration turbidity zones, which have long-term impacts on the stability of the seabed ecosystem. For example, benthic organisms may gradually die out due to the loss of their habitat, thereby disrupting the ecological balance of the seabed. Poor stability: Traditional equipment lacks stability in traveling and operating on complex seabed terrain. Common problems include slipping, yaw, and capsizing, which significantly reduce mining efficiency and increase operating costs.
[0006] The present invention aims to solve one of the technical problems in the related art at least to a certain extent.
[0007] To this end, an embodiment of the present invention provides a deep-sea mining vehicle with high operating capacity, operational stability, and environmental friendliness.
[0008] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the deep-sea mining vehicle includes: a vehicle body, which is suitable for moving on the seabed; a floating component, which is arranged on the vehicle body and connected to the vehicle body, and the floating component is used to provide buoyancy to the vehicle body; an adjustment component, which is arranged on the vehicle body, and the adjustment component is used to adjust the posture and position of the vehicle body; a collection component, which includes a mounting frame, a first crushing member, an injection member and a collecting member, the mounting frame is arranged on the vehicle body and is rotatable relative to the vehicle body around the width direction of the vehicle body, the first crushing member is arranged on the mounting frame and is rotatable relative to the mounting frame around the width direction of the vehicle body, so that the first crushing member crushes the seabed sediment, the injection member and the collecting member are both arranged on the mounting frame, the collecting member is used to collect the crushed seabed sediment, and the injection member is used to inject the crushed seabed sediment so that the crushed seabed sediment is flushed into the collecting member, so that the collecting member collects the crushed seabed sediment.
[0009] The deep-sea mining vehicle of the embodiment of the present invention is provided with a vehicle body, a floating component, an adjustment component and a collection component, which ensure the operational stability of the vehicle in different deep-sea environments, reduce disturbances to non-target areas, protect the surrounding seabed ecology, improve collection efficiency, and reduce damage to the seabed ecosystem, thereby achieving a more environmentally friendly mining method.
[0010] In some embodiments, the first crushing member includes: a rotating drum, which is provided on the mounting frame and is rotatable relative to the mounting frame around the width direction of the vehicle body, and the rotating drum is detachably provided on the mounting frame so as to replace the rotating drum; a plurality of crushing units, each of which is pickaxe-shaped, and a plurality of the crushing units are provided on the rotating drum and are arranged in a plurality of rows along the axial direction of the rotating drum, and each row includes a plurality of crushing units arranged at intervals along the circumference of the rotating drum.
[0011] In some embodiments, the collecting member includes a collecting pipe, one end of which is fixed on the vehicle body and is suitable for connecting to a pump, the collecting pipe extends in a direction away from the vehicle body and is inclined from top to bottom, the other end of the collecting pipe is located between the vehicle body and the first crushing member and one end of the collecting pipe is set downward, in a projection plane perpendicular to the length direction of the vehicle body, the other end of the collecting pipe is located above the first crushing member, and the injection member is provided on the other end of the collecting pipe so that the injection member can flush the crushed seabed sediments into the collecting pipe.
[0012] In some embodiments, the injection member includes: a first injection member, the first injection member includes a first injection pipe and a first nozzle, the first injection pipe can pass high-pressure water and is connected with the first nozzle, the first nozzle is arranged on the side of the collecting pipe adjacent to the first crushing member, the first nozzle extends from top to bottom and is inclined toward the side away from the first crushing member; a second injection member, the second injection member includes a second injection pipe and a second nozzle, the second injection pipe can pass high-pressure water and is connected with the second nozzle, the second nozzle is arranged on the side of the collecting pipe away from the first crushing member, the second nozzle extends from top to bottom and is inclined toward the side adjacent to the first crushing member; a conveying pipe, one end of the conveying pipe is suitable for passing high-pressure water, the other end of the conveying pipe is arranged at one end of the collecting pipe adjacent to the first crushing member, and the other end of the conveying pipe extends in a direction away from the first crushing member, so that the conveying pipe passes high-pressure water to the collecting pipe to transport the sediment.
[0013] In some embodiments, the adjustment component includes: a first propeller and a second propeller, wherein the first propeller and the second propeller are both rotatably disposed on the vehicle body and are spaced relative to each other along the width direction of the vehicle body, and the first propeller and the second propeller are used to adjust the posture and position of the vehicle body; a first detection member, wherein the first detection member is used to detect that when the posture and position of the vehicle body deviate from a preset value, at least one of the first propeller and the second propeller is working.
[0014] In some embodiments, the floating assembly includes a floating box, which is provided on the vehicle body. The floating box is suitable for allowing air and seawater to enter so as to adjust the buoyancy of the floating box. There are multiple floating boxes, and the multiple floating boxes are all provided on the vehicle body and arranged in sequence along the width direction of the vehicle body.
[0015] In some embodiments, the deep-sea mining vehicle further comprises a second crushing member, which comprises a shell and a crushing roller. The shell is provided on the vehicle body and is connected to the collecting member so that the sediment collected by the collecting member can be transported to the crushing roller. The crushing roller is rotatably provided in the shell so as to crush the sediment. The crushing roller is detachably provided in the shell so as to replace the crushing roller.
[0016] In some embodiments, the vehicle body comprises: a vehicle body, the floating assembly, the adjusting assembly and the collecting assembly are arranged on the vehicle body; first wheels, the first wheels are rotatably arranged on the vehicle body and are arranged in a direction of the vehicle body; second wheels, the second wheels are rotatably arranged below the first wheels and are arranged in a vertical direction with the first wheels, the second wheels are movable in the vertical direction relative to the first wheels; a buffer, the buffer is arranged between the vehicle body and the second wheels and is connected with the vehicle body and the second wheels, so that the buffer has a buffer force to drive the second wheels to move downward; a transmission belt, the transmission belt is sleeved on the first wheels and the second wheels, so that the transmission belt is rotated by the first wheels and the second wheels, an outer circumferential surface of the transmission belt has a plurality of protrusions, the plurality of protrusions are arranged in a circumferential direction of the transmission belt, cross-sectional areas of the protrusions gradually decrease away from the outer circumferential surface of the transmission belt.
[0017] In some embodiments, the deep-sea mining vehicle further comprises a control assembly, the control assembly is connected with the floating assembly, the adjusting assembly and the collecting assembly respectively, so that the control assembly controls the adjusting assembly to adjust the posture and position of the vehicle body through changes in the buoyancy of the floating assembly and the collection of the collecting assembly, or the control assembly controls the jetting strength and jetting angle of the jetting member, so as to reduce the suspension of sediments and control the diffusion range.
[0018] In some embodiments, the deep-sea mining vehicle further comprises a second detection member, the second detection member is arranged on an outer circumferential side of the vehicle body, so that the second detection member monitors the water flow speed, terrain changes and ore density around the vehicle body to adjust the floating assembly, the adjusting assembly and the collecting assembly. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0019] Figure 1 is a structural schematic diagram of a deep-sea mining vehicle according to an embodiment of the present application.
[0020] Figure 2 is a left view of a deep-sea mining vehicle according to an embodiment of the present application.
[0021] Figure 3 is a sectional view of a deep-sea mining vehicle according to an embodiment of the present application.
[0022] Figure 4 is a mounting schematic diagram of a floating assembly of a deep-sea mining vehicle according to an embodiment of the present application.
[0023] Figure 5 is a structural schematic diagram of a first crushing member and a mounting frame of a deep-sea mining vehicle according to an embodiment of the present application.
[0024] Figure 6 is Figure 5 A partial enlarged view of the .
[0025] 100. Deep-sea mining vehicle; 1. Vehicle body; 11. Vehicle body; 12. First wheel; 13. Second wheel; 14. Buffer; 15. Drive belt; 151. Protrusion; 2. Floating assembly; 21. Floating tank; 3. Adjustment assembly; 31. First propeller; 32. Second propeller; 4. Collection assembly; 41. Mounting frame; 42. First crushing component; 421. Rotating drum; 422. Crushing unit; 423. Mounting seat; 43. Injection component; 431. First injection component; 4311. First injection pipe; 4312. First nozzle; 432. Second injection component; 4321. Second injection pipe; 4322. Second nozzle; 44. Collecting component; 45. Delivery pipe; 5. Second crushing component; 51. Housing; 52. Crushing roller; 6. Searchlight. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0026] The embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below, and examples of the embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to be used to explain the present invention, but should not be understood as limiting the present invention.
[0027] The deep-sea mining vehicle 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0028] like Figure 1-6 As shown, a deep-sea mining vehicle 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a vehicle body 1 , a floating component 2 , an adjustment component 3 and a collection component 4 .
[0029] The vehicle body 1 is suitable for moving on the seabed. Figure 1 As shown, the vehicle body 1 can be made of high-strength, corrosion-resistant materials to ensure that the vehicle body 1 can operate reliably for a long time in a deep-sea environment with high pressure, low temperature and high salinity.
[0030] The floating assembly 2 is provided on the vehicle body 1 and connected to the vehicle body 1, and the floating assembly 2 is used to provide buoyancy to the vehicle body 1. Specifically, Figure 4 As shown, the floating component 2 is arranged on the vehicle body 1 and connected to the vehicle body 1. The floating component 2 can accurately control the buoyancy of the vehicle body 1 to ensure that the mining vehicle maintains an appropriate suspension state at different depths of the seabed, reduce the pressure of the vehicle body 1 on the seabed surface, and avoid damaging the seabed ecosystem.
[0031] The adjustment component 3 is provided on the vehicle body 1 and is used to adjust the posture and position of the vehicle body 1. Specifically, Figure 1As shown, the adjustment component 3 is provided on the vehicle body 1. The adjustment component 3 can adjust the posture (e.g., movement angle) and position of the vehicle body 1 to ensure that the vehicle body 1 maintains a stable working posture in complex seabed terrain, and can accurately locate the target mining point, thereby maintaining the stability of the vehicle body 1 and improving work efficiency and safety.
[0032] The collecting assembly 4 includes a mounting frame 41, a first crushing member 42, a spraying member 43 and a collecting member 44. The mounting frame 41 is provided on the vehicle body 1 and is arranged relative to the vehicle body 1 in the width direction of the vehicle body 1 (eg Figure 1 The first crushing member 42 is provided on the mounting frame 41 and is rotatable relative to the mounting frame 41 in the width direction of the vehicle body 1 so that the first crushing member 42 crushes the seabed sediment. The ejecting member 43 and the collecting member 44 are both provided on the mounting frame 41. The collecting member 44 is used to collect the crushed seabed sediment. The ejecting member 43 is used to eject the crushed seabed sediment so that the crushed seabed sediment is flushed into the collecting member 44 so that the collecting member 44 can collect the crushed seabed sediment. Specifically, as Figure 1-Figure 5 As shown, the left end of the mounting frame 41 is hinged on the vehicle body 1 and rotates in the front-rear direction on the vehicle body 1, so that the entire collection assembly 4 can adjust the angle as needed and approach the target mining point in the best posture. The first crushing member 42 is made of high-strength wear-resistant material to ensure that it can still work efficiently under high pressure and low temperature conditions. The first crushing member 42 is rotatable at the right end of the mounting frame 41. The injection member 43 and the collecting member 44 are arranged on the mounting frame 41 and on the left side of the first crushing member 42. When collecting, the mounting frame 41 drives the first crushing member 42 to move downward to contact the sediment on the seabed. The motor drives the first crushing member 42 to rotate so that the first crushing member 42 crushes the sediment. The first crushing member 42 rotates clockwise and the vehicle body 1 moves to the right. When the inlet of the collecting member 44 moves above the crushed sediment, the injection member 43 will spray high-pressure fluid (such as water or air) on the crushed sediment, so that the crushed sediment is flushed up and into the collecting member 44.
[0033] The deep-sea mining vehicle 100 of an embodiment of the present invention is provided with a vehicle body 1, a floating component 2, an adjustment component 3 and a collection component 4. The floating component 2 can adjust the buoyancy in real time according to the seabed conditions to ensure the operational stability of the vehicle in different deep-sea environments. The adjustment component 3 can adjust the posture and position of the vehicle body 1 in real time to ensure the efficient operation of the vehicle body 1. The first crushing component 42 can achieve precise excavation and cleaning, reducing disturbance to non-target areas. The injection component 43 ensures that water flow impact is only carried out in necessary areas, protecting the surrounding seabed ecology, improving collection efficiency, and reducing damage to the seabed ecosystem, thereby achieving a more environmentally friendly mining method.
[0034] In some embodiments, the floating assembly 2 comprises a floating box 21 arranged on the vehicle body 1, and the floating box 21 is adapted to be filled with air and seawater so as to adjust the buoyancy of the floating box 21. Specifically, as shown in Figure 4 the floating box 21 is internally provided with an air pipe and a valve system, and air can be filled into the floating box 21 through a control system. The introduction of air can increase the buoyancy of the floating box 21, so as to make the mining vehicle rise or remain at a higher position. In addition, the floating box 21 is also provided with a water inlet and a water outlet, and seawater can be injected into or discharged from the floating box 21 according to needs. By controlling the amount of seawater entering and leaving, the weight of the floating box 21 can be accurately adjusted, and thus the size of the buoyancy can be adjusted, so as to make the mining vehicle sink or remain at a lower position. Therefore, the floating box 21 can realize accurate buoyancy adjustment by filling air and seawater, so as to ensure that the mining vehicle can maintain a stable posture and position under different depth and terrain conditions, so that the mining vehicle can move flexibly in a complex seabed environment, adapt to changing working conditions, reduce the operation risk caused by depth changes, improve the safety and reliability of the whole system, reduce unnecessary up and down floating, improve the working efficiency, and prolong the operation time of each diving.
[0035] In some embodiments, the floating box 21 is a plurality of floating boxes 21, and the plurality of floating boxes 21 are arranged on the vehicle body 1 and sequentially arranged along the width direction of the vehicle body 1. Specifically, as shown in Figure 4 the number of floating boxes 21 is two, and the two floating boxes 21 are fixed on the vehicle body 1 and symmetrically arranged along the left-right direction. The two floating boxes 21 can ensure that the distribution of buoyancy on the vehicle body 1 is more balanced, which helps to maintain the horizontal posture of the vehicle body 1, avoids the problem of center of gravity deviation caused by a single large floating box 21, and can adjust the proportion of air and seawater in the two floating boxes 21 according to actual needs, so as to flexibly adjust the overall buoyancy and ensure that the vehicle is always in the best working state. In addition, if one of the floating boxes 21 fails or is damaged, the other floating box 21 can still provide the necessary buoyancy, so as to ensure that the vehicle will not immediately lose buoyancy and sink into the seabed, thereby improving the reliability and safety of the deep-sea mining vehicle 100.
[0036] In some embodiments, the first crushing member 42 comprises a rotating cylinder 421 and a plurality of crushing units 422.
[0037] The rotating cylinder 421 is arranged on the mounting frame 41 and can rotate relative to the mounting frame 41 along the width direction of the vehicle body 1. The rotating cylinder 421 is detachably arranged on the mounting frame 41, so as to replace the rotating cylinder 421. Specifically, as shown in Figure 2 and Figure 5As shown, the rotating cylinder 421 is rotatably provided at the right end of the mounting frame 41, and a motor can be provided on the rotating cylinder 421 to drive the rotating cylinder 421 to rotate on the mounting frame 41. The rotating cylinder 421 is detachably provided on the mounting frame 41, so that the structure of the first crushing component 42 can be replaced or adjusted according to the characteristics of the target ore to adapt to the collection requirements of different types of deep-sea ores, thereby ensuring the crushing efficiency of the first crushing component 42.
[0038] The crushing unit 422 is pick-shaped, and multiple crushing units 422 are arranged on the rotating cylinder 421 and are arranged in multiple rows along the axial direction of the rotating cylinder 421. Each row includes multiple crushing units 422 arranged at intervals along the circumference of the rotating cylinder 421. Specifically, Figure 6 As shown, the crushing unit 422 is a pick-shaped tool. In other words, the crushing unit 422 has a sharp front end and a back end. The sharp front end is suitable for efficiently crushing seabed sediments. The back end of the crushing unit 422 can be fixed on the rotating cylinder 421. Multiple crushing units 422 are arranged in multiple rows along the front-to-back direction, and each row includes a number of crushing units 422 arranged at intervals along the circumference of the rotating cylinder 421, so that the crushing units 422 can be evenly distributed in the rotating cylinder 421, so that the seabed sediments can be crushed in all directions and at multiple levels to adapt to various seabed geological conditions. In addition, when the rotating cylinder 421 starts to rotate, the crushing unit 422 of the pick-shaped tool first penetrates the seabed sediment layer to separate the ore from the surrounding mud and sand, and can effectively lift the ore from the sediment layer, reducing the resistance and energy consumption during the excavation process. The continuously rotating rotating cylinder 421 can maintain an efficient working rhythm during the excavation process, so that the ore can be quickly dug out. The crushing efficiency of the first crushing member 42 is guaranteed, and both soft mud and hard rock can be effectively crushed, thereby improving the application range of the equipment.
[0039] In some embodiments, the rotating drum 421 is provided with a plurality of mounting seats 423, and the plurality of mounting seats 423 are detachably connected to the plurality of crushing units 422 in a one-to-one correspondence. Figure 6 As shown, the number of mounting seats 423 is equal to the number of crushing units 422, and a crushing unit 422 can be set on each mounting seat 423, and the crushing unit 422 is detachably mounted in the mounting seat 423 through threaded connections or fasteners. Therefore, when one of the crushing units 422 is damaged, it can be replaced or maintained, which reduces maintenance cost and time, reduces maintenance costs, and improves maintenance efficiency.
[0040] In some embodiments, the collecting member 44 includes a collecting pipe, one end of which is fixed to the vehicle body 1 and adapted to be connected to a pump. The collecting pipe extends away from the vehicle body 1 and is inclined downward. The other end of the collecting pipe is located between the vehicle body 1 and the first crushing member 42, and one end of the collecting pipe is downwardly disposed. In a projection plane orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body 1, the other end of the collecting pipe is located above the first crushing member 42. The ejection member 43 is disposed on the other end of the collecting pipe so that the ejection member 43 flushes the crushed seabed sediments into the collecting pipe. Specifically, as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the outlet of the collecting pipe is fixed on the vehicle body 1 and can be connected to the pump. The collecting pipe extends from left to right and tilts from top to bottom, and the inlet of the collecting pipe is set downward. The collecting pipe is located between the vehicle body 1 and the first crushing member 42. The inlet of the collecting pipe is located on the left side of the first crushing member 42 and above the first crushing member 42. The injection member 43 is provided at the inlet of the collecting pipe and is adjacent to the working area of the first crushing member 42. Therefore, when the first crushing member 42 (rotating cylinder 421 and pick-shaped crushing unit 422) crushes the seabed sediment, the crushed material will naturally fall to the bottom of the collecting pipe. At this time, the injection member 43 is started and the crushed materials are flushed into the collecting pipe by high-pressure water or air flow to ensure that they enter the subsequent processing system smoothly. Therefore, the design of the collecting pipe and the injection member 43 is closely matched to form an efficient collection system, so that the three steps of crushing, flushing and collection are seamlessly connected, ensuring the continuity and efficiency of the entire mining process.
[0041] It is worth noting that a collecting chamber (not shown in the figure) can be provided on the vehicle body 1 , and the collecting chamber is connected to the collecting member 44 , so that the seabed sediments are collected into the collecting chamber through the collecting member 44 .
[0042] In some embodiments, the injection member 43 includes a first injection member 431 and a second injection member 432 .
[0043] The first spraying member 431 includes a first spraying pipe 4311 and a first spray head 4312. The first spraying pipe 4311 can be fed with high-pressure water and is connected to the first spray head 4312. The first spray head 4312 is provided on a side of the collecting pipe adjacent to the first crushing member 42. The first spray head 4312 extends from top to bottom and is inclined toward a side away from the first crushing member 42. Specifically, Figure 2As shown, the first nozzle 4312 is made of high-pressure resistant and corrosion-resistant materials to ensure that it is not easily damaged during long-term use in a deep-sea environment. The inlet of the first injection pipe 4311 can be connected to a water pump. There are multiple first nozzles 4312, and multiple first nozzles 4312 are sequentially arranged on the right side of the outlet of the collection pipe along the front-to-back direction. The first nozzles 4312 extend from top to bottom and tilt to the left. The multiple first nozzles 4312 are all connected to the first injection pipe 4311, so that the injection water is ejected through the first nozzle 4312 through the first injection pipe 4311. The setting of the head 4312 can make the water flow tilted to the left, and the angle and spray force of the first nozzle 4312 can be adjusted to adapt to different types of sedimentary layers and ore densities. By adjusting the water pressure and the spraying angle, the first nozzle 4312 can accurately control the impact force, which can effectively lift the ore without causing excessive disturbance to the surrounding sedimentary layers. Therefore, through the angle and position arrangement of the first nozzle 4312, loose ore can be effectively flushed from the sedimentary layer, ensuring that the water flow can penetrate into the sedimentary layer and generate sufficient thrust to lift the ore.
[0044] The second spraying member 432 includes a second spraying pipe 4321 and a second spray head 4322. The second spraying pipe 4321 can be fed with high-pressure water and is connected to the second spray head 4322. The second spray head 4322 is arranged on the side of the collecting pipe away from the first crushing member 42. The second spray head 4322 extends from top to bottom and is inclined toward the side adjacent to the first crushing member 42. Specifically, Figure 2 As shown, the inlet of the second injection pipe 4321 can be connected to the water pump, and there are multiple second nozzles 4322. The multiple second nozzles 4322 are sequentially arranged on the left side of the outlet of the collecting pipe along the front-to-back direction. The second nozzle 4322 extends from top to bottom and tilts to the right. The multiple second nozzles 4322 are all connected to the second injection pipe 4321, so that the injection water is ejected through the second injection pipe 4321 through the second nozzle 4322. The setting of the second nozzle 4322 can make the water flow tilted to the right. The reverse water flow generated by the second nozzle 4322 forms a "water wall", which effectively prevents the ore from scattering backwards, so that the ore is concentrated near the rotating cylinder 421 for easy collection, and the confluence of the first nozzle 4312 and the second nozzle 4322 forms an upward thrust, which lifts the ore and guides it to the inlet of the collecting pipe, ensuring that the ore can be smoothly transported to the collecting pipe. Furthermore, the high-pressure water jets ejected by the first and second ejection members 431, 432 not only lift and guide the ore, but also quickly clean mud and sediment from the surface of the rotating drum 421, reducing friction between the rotating drum 421 and the ore, thereby improving work efficiency. The high-pressure water flow keeps the rotating drum 421 clean, preventing jamming and wear caused by mud and sand accumulation.
[0045] The present invention implements the deep-sea mining vehicle 100 with the following advantages through the arrangement of the first crushing member 42 and the ejection member 43:
[0046] 1. Reduced Disturbance: The first crushing element 42 primarily performs the excavation task, while the high-pressure water jet from the ejector 43 serves as an auxiliary tool, reducing the direct impact of the water jet on the sediment layer. The ore excavated by the first crushing element 42 is cleaned and directed by the water jet, which better controls the impact on the seabed sediment.
[0047] 2. Precision Operation: The coordinated operation of the mechanics (first breaker 42) and the water jet (injection element 43) enables precise excavation and cleaning, minimizing disturbance to non-target areas. The rational configuration of the front and rear jets ensures that water impact is only applied to the necessary areas, protecting the surrounding seabed ecosystem.
[0048] 3. Reduced ecological damage: Pure water jet mining systems often cause large amounts of sediment to suspend, impacting the seabed ecosystem. By combining mechanical excavation with water jetting, this design can reduce the scope of sediment suspension and dispersion, minimizing damage to the seabed ecosystem.
[0049] 4. Sediment control: The ejector 43 may be designed with multi-stage filtering and regulating functions, which can control the intensity and direction of the water flow, avoid excessive disturbance of the sediment layer, and protect the living environment of seabed organisms.
[0050] 5. Comprehensive Protection Measures: In addition to reducing physical disturbances, the present invention also considers environmental factors such as water quality and noise. The jet element 43 can be equipped with noise and vibration reduction devices to reduce noise pollution generated during the mining process. Furthermore, the water used in the jet element 43 is treated and filtered to ensure that no harmful substances are introduced, thus protecting the marine environment.
[0051] Therefore, by combining the first crushing element 42 and the jet element 43, this design achieves the dual goals of efficient mining and environmental protection. The water jet system not only improves mining efficiency but also reduces damage to the seabed sediment layer and ecosystem.
[0052] In some embodiments, the collecting member 44 further includes a delivery pipe 45, one end of which is suitable for passing high-pressure water, and the other end of the delivery pipe 45 is disposed at an end of the collecting pipe adjacent to the first crushing member 42, and the other end of the delivery pipe 45 extends in a direction away from the first crushing member 42, so that the delivery pipe 45 can pass high-pressure water into the collecting pipe to transport the sediment. Specifically, Figure 3 As shown, the inlet of the delivery pipe 45 can be connected to the water pump, and the outlet of the delivery pipe 45 is arranged at the right end of the collecting pipe and is located inside the delivery pipe 45. The outlet of the collecting pipe is set to the left, so that the high-pressure water flow ejected from the collecting pipe flows to the outlet of the collecting pipe. The high-pressure water flow not only helps to push the sediment, but also ensures that the water flow can effectively push the sediment, prevents the sediment from being blocked in the pipeline, and improves the transportation efficiency.
[0053] In some embodiments, the adjustment assembly 3 includes a first propeller 31 , a second propeller 32 and a first detection member (not shown in the figures).
[0054] The first propeller 31 and the second propeller 32 are both rotatably mounted on the vehicle body 1 and are spaced apart from each other along the width direction of the vehicle body 1. The first propeller 31 and the second propeller 32 are used to adjust the posture and position of the vehicle body 1. Specifically, Figure 3 As shown, the first propeller 31 and the second propeller 32 are fixed to the vehicle body 1 through a sturdy bracket or shaft connection member, and the first propeller 31 and the second propeller 32 are spaced relative to each other in the front-to-back direction to ensure that they remain stably connected under high-pressure conditions. The first propeller 31 and the second propeller 32 can be driven by a motor, so that by adjusting the speed and rotation direction of the first propeller 31 and the second propeller 32, the vehicle body 1 can be fine-tuned in the horizontal and vertical directions to ensure that the vehicle can accurately reach the predetermined position and maintain stability, or adjust the posture of the vehicle body 1 ( Such as pitch angle, roll angle and yaw angle), to ensure that the vehicle maintains stability and the correct direction of travel in a complex seabed environment. In addition, the first propeller 31 and the second propeller 32 can work individually or simultaneously as needed to achieve more precise attitude and position adjustment. For example, when the roll angle needs to be adjusted, the propeller on one side (for example, the first propeller 31) may increase the thrust, while the propeller on the other side (for example, the second propeller 32) reduces the thrust; when the yaw angle needs to be adjusted, the first propeller 31 and the second propeller 32 can rotate in opposite directions to generate a steering torque.
[0055] In some embodiments, the first detection member is used to detect that when the posture and position of the vehicle body 1 deviate from a preset value, at least one of the first propeller 31 and the second propeller 32 is in operation. Specifically, the first detection member can be a sensor, and the first detection member includes but is not limited to an attitude angle sensor, a position sensor, and an acceleration sensor. The first detection member continuously monitors the posture and position data of the vehicle body 1 and sends it to the control system. If a deviation is detected, the control system will calculate the required adjustment amount according to the algorithm, and instruct the corresponding first propeller 31 and the second propeller 32 to start or change the speed to correct the deviation. By turning on at least one of the first propeller 31 and the second propeller 32, the posture and position of the vehicle body 1 are adjusted. For example, when the vehicle body 1 tilts forward, the thrust of the first propeller 31 on the front side is increased or the thrust of the second propeller 32 on the rear side is reduced to restore the balance of the vehicle body 1.
[0056] In some embodiments, the deep-sea mining vehicle 100 further includes a second crushing member 5, which includes a housing 51 and a crushing roller 52. The housing 51 is provided on the vehicle body 1 and is connected to the collecting member 44 so that the sediment collected by the collecting member 44 can be transported to the crushing roller 52. The crushing roller 52 is rotatably provided in the housing 51 to crush the sediment. Specifically, Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, a housing 51 is positioned above the vehicle body 1 and defines a crushing chamber within the housing 51. A crushing roller 52 is rotatably positioned within the housing 51 and driven by a motor. The crushing roller 52 is provided with protrusions and teeth to enhance the crushing effect. During rotation, the crushing roller 52 applies shear and impact forces to the sediment, breaking it into smaller particles. The housing 51 is connected to the outlet of the collection pipe and the inlet of the collection bin, enabling the crushing roller 52 to crush the sediment. Thus, the second crushing element 5 performs preliminary crushing and refinement of the collected seabed sediment, breaking larger pieces of sediment into smaller, more uniform particles for easier subsequent processing and transportation. Furthermore, the crushed sediment is more easily processed (e.g., screening, separation, etc.), improving the efficiency of the entire mining process. Smaller particles are also easier to transport and store, reducing the risk of equipment clogging.
[0057] In some embodiments, the crushing roller 52 is detachably mounted within the housing 51 to facilitate replacement of the crushing roller 52. Thus, the crushing roller 52 can be replaced or adjusted according to the characteristics of the target ore to meet the collection requirements of different types of deep-sea ores, thereby ensuring the crushing efficiency of the crushing roller 52.
[0058] In some embodiments, the vehicle body 1 includes a vehicle body 11, a first wheel 12, a second wheel 13, a buffer 14, and a transmission belt 15.
[0059] The floating component 2, the adjusting component 3 and the collecting component 4 are all arranged on the vehicle body 11. Specifically, Figure 1 As shown, the vehicle body 11 is made of high-strength, corrosion-resistant materials, has good pressure resistance, and can be used for a long time in a deep-sea environment. The floating component 2, the adjustment component 3 and the collection component 4 are all installed on the vehicle body 11, providing an installation basis for the floating component 2, the adjustment component 3 and the collection component 4.
[0060] The first wheels 12 are rotatably mounted on the vehicle body 11 and are spaced apart along the direction of the vehicle body 11. Figure 2 As shown, the first wheel 12 is a driving wheel and there are multiple first wheels. A part of the multiple first wheels 12 is arranged on the front side of the vehicle body 11 and is spaced apart along the left-right direction, and another part of the multiple first wheels 12 is arranged on the rear side of the vehicle body 11 and is spaced apart along the left-right direction.
[0061] The second wheel 13 is rotatably arranged below the first wheel 12 and is spaced apart from the first wheel 12 in the vertical direction. The second wheel 13 is movable in the vertical direction relative to the first wheel 12. Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, there are multiple second wheels 13, a portion of the multiple second wheels 13 is arranged on the front side of the vehicle body 11 and is spaced apart in the left-right direction and is located below the first wheel 12, and the first wheel 12 and the second wheel 13 are spaced apart in the up-down direction, and another portion of the multiple first wheels 12 is arranged on the rear side of the vehicle body 11 and is spaced apart in the left-right direction, and the first wheel 12 and the second wheel 13 are spaced apart in the up-down direction.
[0062] The buffer member 14 is provided between the vehicle body 1 and the second wheel 13 and is connected to the vehicle body 1 and the second wheel 13 so that the buffer member 14 has a buffering force to drive the second wheel 13 to move downward. Figure 2 As shown, the buffer 14 is a spring, a hydraulic shock absorber, etc. The upper end of the buffer 14 is connected to the vehicle body 11, and the lower end of the buffer 14 is connected to the second wheel 13. Therefore, when the second wheel 13 encounters a bump or other obstacle, the buffer 14 can absorb the impact energy and make the second wheel 13 move downward, thereby protecting the safety of the vehicle body 11 and various components, as well as the stability of the vehicle body 1 when it is running.
[0063] The transmission belt 15 is sleeved on the first wheel 12 and the second wheel 13 so that the transmission belt 15 rotates through the first wheel 12 and the second wheel 13. The outer circumference of the transmission belt 15 has a plurality of protrusions 151, which are arranged at intervals along the circumference of the transmission belt 15. The cross-sectional area of the protrusions 151 gradually decreases away from the outer circumference of the transmission belt 15. Specifically, Figure 2 As shown, the transmission belt 15 is annular and is sleeved on the first wheel 12 and the second wheel 13. The transmission belt 15 is driven to move by the coordinated rotation of the first wheel 12 and the second wheel 13, and the outer peripheral surface of the transmission belt 15 has a plurality of protrusions 151 arranged at intervals along the circumference of the transmission belt 15, and its cross-sectional area gradually decreases along the outer peripheral surface away from the transmission belt 15, thereby increasing the friction between the transmission belt 15 and the seabed surface through the protrusions 151, ensuring that the vehicle can still maintain good traction on a wet or soft seabed surface, and the shape design of the protrusions 151 helps to discharge sediments mixed in the transmission belt 15, prevent blockage, and ensure the smooth operation of the transmission belt 15. At the same time, the design of the first wheel 12 and the second wheel 13 and the function of the buffer 14 enhance the grip and stability of the vehicle, adapting to the complex and changeable seabed environment.
[0064] The deep-sea mining vehicle 100 also includes a control assembly (not shown), which is connected to the float assembly 2, the adjustment assembly 3, and the collection assembly 4. The control assembly controls the adjustment assembly 3 to adjust the posture and position of the vehicle body 1 based on the buoyancy changes of the float assembly 2 and the collection status of the collection assembly 4, or controls the jet intensity and injection angle of the injection element 43 to reduce sediment suspension and control the diffusion range. Specifically, the control assembly is a controller, which is closely connected to the float assembly 2, the adjustment assembly 3, and the collection assembly 4 via connecting lines, forming a closed-loop control system. This allows the control assembly to receive real-time feedback from the float assembly 2, the adjustment assembly 3, and the collection assembly 4, and respond quickly and accurately based on this information. For example, the control assembly comprehensively determines the current operating status of the deep-sea mining vehicle 100 based on the buoyancy change data provided by the float assembly 2 and the collection status feedback from the collection assembly 4. When a deviation or adjustment is detected, the control assembly immediately activates the adjustment assembly 3 to optimize the posture and position of the vehicle body 1 through precise adjustments, ensuring that the vehicle can perform its mining tasks stably and efficiently.
[0065] The control assembly also provides precise control over the jet element 43, flexibly adjusting the jet intensity and angle of the jet element 43 according to actual needs. Through precise jet control, the deep-sea mining vehicle 100 can achieve efficient and environmentally friendly mining operations without damaging the seabed ecosystem.
[0066] The deep-sea mining vehicle 100 also includes a second detection element (illustrated in the figure). This second detection element is located on the outer periphery of the vehicle body. This second detection element monitors the water flow velocity, terrain changes, and ore density around the vehicle body to adjust the flotation assembly 2, adjustment assembly 3, and collection assembly 4. Specifically, the second detection element includes a flow rate sensor, a terrain sensor, and a rock density sensor. These sensors are all located on the outer periphery of the vehicle body, enabling real-time monitoring of key data such as water flow velocity, terrain changes, and ore density. This second detection element provides real-time information on the speed and direction of the water flow around the vehicle body 1, enabling timely adjustments to the buoyancy output of the flotation assembly 2. This ensures that the vehicle body 1 maintains a stable posture and position in complex water flow environments, helping to reduce operational interruptions caused by water flow impacts and improving the continuity and stability of mining operations.
[0067] In addition, the second detection component can accurately identify the ups and downs and changes in the seabed terrain, providing accurate terrain data for the adjustment component 3, so that the vehicle body 1 can flexibly adjust its route and operating posture to adapt to mining needs under different terrain conditions, helping to reduce the difficulty of operation and improve mining efficiency and safety.
[0068] Finally, the second detection component provides precise collection guidance to the collection component 4 by monitoring ore density in real time. When a high-density ore area is detected, the vehicle 1 automatically adjusts the operating state of the collection component 4, improving collection efficiency and ore recovery. Furthermore, by monitoring changes in ore density, the vehicle 1 can promptly identify potential mineral resources, providing strong support for subsequent mining operations.
[0069] The following is based on Figures 1-6 The deep-sea mining vehicle 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention is described in detail.
[0070] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown, this specification provides a new multifunctional deep-sea environment-friendly mining vehicle including: a body 11, a crawler system (the crawler system includes a first wheel 12, a second wheel 13, a buffer 14, a transmission belt 15 and a protrusion 151), an adjustment component, a collection component 4 and a floating component 2.
[0071] The body 11 is made of high-strength aluminum alloy material, which can provide sufficient strength and stability in the deep-sea high-pressure environment. The aluminum alloy material has excellent corrosion resistance and can resist seawater corrosion, thereby improving the durability of the equipment. The structural design of the body 11 takes into account the influence of underwater high pressure and depth, and adopts a closed frame structure to increase the overall strength, reduce deformation, and improve the operating stability of the equipment.
[0072] The body 11 is the supporting structure of the entire mining vehicle, on which the hydraulic motor track system and other functional modules are arranged. The body 11 has a high-strength structural design and is suitable for stable operation in the high-pressure environment of deep sea.
[0073] The body 11 supports all structural components of the mining vehicle and ensures the mechanical connection between the functional modules. The hydraulic motor and crawler system are fixed to the body 11, providing power and stable support for the vehicle's movement. The protrusion 151 of the transmission belt 15 is designed to disperse the ground pressure, preventing it from sinking in soft mud terrain. It is also equipped with an automatic adjustment function to adapt to different seabed terrain changes.
[0074] The crawler system consists of a first wheel 12, a second wheel 13, a buffer 14, and a drive belt 15. A hydraulic motor drives the first wheel 12, enabling efficient obstacle crossing and flexible movement. The drive belt 15 is designed to effectively disperse ground pressure, reducing the risk of the equipment sinking into soft mud. It also features automatic adjustment to adapt to varying seabed topography.
[0075] The drive belt 15 is made of a highly wear-resistant rubber and steel blend, offering corrosion resistance and excellent flexibility. The steel first and second wheels 12 and 13, along with the buffer 14, enable the track system to adapt to complex seabed topography. The buffer 14 absorbs vibrations caused by the undulating terrain during movement, reducing stress on the track and ensuring a more stable and reliable track system.
[0076] Adjustment components ( Figure 3 The first and second propellers 31, 32 enable precise positioning and attitude adjustment in complex seabed environments. The first and second propellers 31, 32 are integrated with the vehicle body 1. An electro-hydraulic control system adjusts the propeller thrust and direction in real time, ensuring operational stability in strong ocean currents.
[0077] The first and second propellers 31, 32 are primarily constructed from high-strength alloy steel, offering excellent corrosion resistance and durability. Their compact design enables precise positioning even in strong ocean currents. The electro-hydraulic control system allows for real-time adjustment of the thrust and direction of the propellers 31, 32, ensuring the stability of the vehicle in complex submarine environments.
[0078] The first and second propellers 31, 32 precisely control the positioning and attitude of the vehicle, enabling it to operate stably in high-velocity and highly volatile seabed environments. The electro-hydraulic control system allows for real-time adjustment of the thrust and direction of the first and second propellers 31, 32, ensuring that the vehicle can still accurately control its operating position and reduce drift even in the presence of significant currents and water disturbances.
[0079] The first crushing unit 42 and the injection unit 43 are the main operating modules of the mining vehicle. They include a rotating drum 421, a crushing unit 422, a first nozzle 4312, a first injection pipe 4311, a second injection pipe 4321, a second nozzle 4322, and a high-pressure water pump. The first crushing unit 42 efficiently crushes seabed sediments, while the injection unit 43 sprays high-pressure water into the crushing area, helping to loosen and transport the sediment. The jet system is designed to be low-disturbance and highly efficient, effectively reducing the dispersion of suspended particles in the sediment layer.
[0080] The rotating drum 421 is made of high-strength steel and corrosion-resistant alloys, with a special surface treatment for enhanced wear resistance. The first nozzle 4312, first spray pipe 4311, second spray pipe 4321, and second nozzle 4322 are all made of corrosion-resistant stainless steel, resistant to seawater corrosion. The high-pressure water pump is constructed from a special rubber material, offering high strength and high-pressure resistance.
[0081] The first crushing element 42 rotates to scrape and crush the seabed sediment, ensuring that hardened sediment can be effectively broken up and loosened in complex terrain. A delivery pipe 45 transports the crushed material to the vehicle's ore pump system. The ejector 43 assists in loosening the sediment under low-disturbance conditions, preventing further damage to the seabed ecosystem.
[0082] The flotation tank 21 provides additional buoyancy, reducing the pressure exerted by the drive belt 15 on the mud surface. The buoyancy tank 42 also provides additional buoyancy, reducing the pressure exerted by the trolley on the seabed, helping to prevent it from sinking into the mud while maintaining operational stability. A ore pump connects the ore riser to the collection assembly 4, allowing the ore and sediment mixture to be transported to the surface via a high-efficiency pumping system. The ore pump and ore riser are constructed of high-strength stainless steel, offering excellent corrosion resistance and compressive strength. The buoyancy tank is constructed from a lightweight, high-strength alloy, providing additional buoyancy and reducing the pressure exerted by the track system on the mud surface.
[0083] The mining vehicle is also equipped with multifunctional auxiliary devices, including a searchlight 6 for illumination during deep-sea operations, an electrical control cabinet for centralized control of various systems, and a secondary crushing unit 5 for further pulverization of bulky sediments. The coordinated operation of these functional modules ensures the mining vehicle's efficient operation and environmental friendliness.
[0084] The searchlight 6 utilizes a high-intensity LED light source, offering low power consumption and high brightness, providing stable illumination for deep-sea operations. The electrical control cabinet, constructed of corrosion-resistant materials, integrates the control units of various systems, ensuring coordinated operation of the mining vehicle. The second crushing element 5 is constructed of high-strength steel, offering excellent wear and pressure resistance, enabling further crushing of larger sediments.
[0085] The coordinated operation of these auxiliary devices enables the mining vehicle to operate efficiently in the complex deep-sea environment while minimizing environmental damage. A searchlight 6 ensures visibility in the dark seabed, while the electrical control cabinet provides coordinated control between systems, ensuring smooth operation of all functional modules. The secondary crushing unit 5 further processes large sediments, minimizing their impact on the environment.
[0086] The deep-sea mining vehicle 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention has the following beneficial effects:
[0087] Efficient Mining: This invention utilizes a mining method that combines a first crushing element 42 with an ejector 43. The first crushing element 42 is responsible for crushing hard ore, while the ejector 43 cleans the mining area and directs the ore to the collector 44. This combination significantly improves mining efficiency, especially in seabed environments with alternating soft and hard surfaces. It can effectively cope with changes in ore properties and achieve continuous and efficient mining operations.
[0088] Strong Stability: This invention utilizes a coordinated design of the crawler system and the floating assembly 2. The drive belt 15 utilizes a near-involute high-tooth rubber material. Combined with a dual-floating suspension and a transverse swing beam structure, this effectively enhances the vehicle's grip and obstacle-crossing capabilities. The floating assembly 2 can adjust its buoyancy in real time based on seabed conditions, ensuring operational stability in diverse deep-sea environments. It exhibits significant resistance to slippage and overturning on steep slopes, soft mud, and irregular terrain.
[0089] Environmental Protection: This invention's design prioritizes minimizing disturbance to the seabed ecosystem. By optimizing the flow rate and velocity of the water jet, it reduces disturbance of the sediment layer and minimizes the impact of suspended sediment on the surrounding environment. Furthermore, the overall structural design of the equipment avoids excessive disruption to the native seabed morphology, minimizing damage to the seabed ecosystem and achieving a more environmentally friendly mining method.
[0090] Easy Operation: The vehicle system integrates multiple functional modules, including a data transmission and remote control system and an electro-hydraulic proportional control system. Operators can precisely control the vehicle through real-time communication modules. Furthermore, the addition of automatic adjustment functions significantly reduces the need for manual intervention, making the equipment easier and more efficient to operate. High-precision operation is easily achieved even in complex deep-sea conditions.
[0091] Operational Reliability: This invention incorporates multiple redundant safeguards, including automatic thrust direction adjustment in the dynamic positioning propeller system, overload protection in the electro-hydraulic proportional control system, and dual-system switching between the track system and the mining pump. These features significantly enhance the system's reliability in extreme deep-sea environments, ensuring stable and efficient operation under high pressure, low temperature, and long-term operating conditions.
[0092] In summary, the new deep-sea mining vehicle 100 provided in this application can not only meet the operational needs in the complex deep-sea environment, but also take into account the operational characteristics of high efficiency, stability and environmental protection, and has broad application prospects and significant technical advantages.
[0093] In the description of the present invention, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential" and the like to indicate orientations or positional relationships based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be understood as limiting the present invention.
[0094] 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 the technical features being referred to. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one such feature. In the description of the present invention, "plurality" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise specifically defined.
[0095] In the present invention, unless otherwise specified or limited, the terms "installed," "connected," "connect," "fixed," etc. should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they can refer to fixed connection, detachable connection, or integration; mechanical connection, electrical connection, or communication; direct connection or indirect connection through an intermediate medium; internal communication between two elements or interaction between two elements, unless otherwise specified. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention based on specific circumstances.
[0096] In the present invention, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, when a first feature is "above" or "below" a second feature, it may mean that the first and second features are in direct contact, or that the first and second features are in indirect contact through an intermediary. Furthermore, when a first feature is "above," "above," or "above" a second feature, it may mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply means that the first feature is at a higher level than the second feature. When a first feature is "below," "below," or "below" a second feature, it may mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply means that the first feature is at a lower level than the second feature.
[0097] In the present invention, the terms "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "examples," "specific examples," or "some examples" mean that the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in conjunction with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the schematic representations of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described can be combined in any appropriate manner in any one or more embodiments or examples. In addition, those skilled in the art can combine and combine different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as features of different embodiments or examples, unless they are mutually inconsistent.
[0098] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described above, it will be understood that the above embodiments are illustrative and are not to be construed as limitations on the present invention. A person skilled in the art may change, modify, replace and modify the above embodiments within the scope of the present invention.
Claims
1. A deep-sea mining vehicle, characterized in that: include: a vehicle body adapted to move within the seabed; a floating assembly, the floating assembly being arranged on and connected to the vehicle body, the floating assembly being used to provide buoyancy to the vehicle body; an adjustment component, the adjustment component being provided on the vehicle body and being used to adjust the posture and position of the vehicle body; The collecting assembly includes a mounting frame, a first crushing member, an ejecting member, and a collecting member, the mounting frame being mounted on the vehicle body and rotatable relative to the vehicle body in the width direction of the vehicle body, the first crushing member being mounted on the mounting frame and rotatable relative to the mounting frame in the width direction of the vehicle body so that the first crushing member crushes seabed sediments, the ejecting member and the collecting member being both mounted on the mounting frame, the collecting member being used to collect the crushed seabed sediments, the ejecting member being used to eject the crushed seabed sediments so that the crushed seabed sediments are flushed into the collecting member so that the collecting member collects the crushed seabed sediments, the first crushing member including: a rotating drum, the rotating drum being mounted on the mounting frame and rotatable relative to the mounting frame in the width direction of the vehicle body, the rotating drum being detachably mounted on the mounting frame so as to be replaced; a plurality of crushing units, the crushing units being pick-shaped, the plurality of crushing units being mounted on the rotating drum and arranged in a plurality of rows along the axial direction of the rotating drum, each row including a plurality of crushing units arranged at intervals along the circumference of the rotating drum, The collecting member includes a collecting pipe, one end of which is fixed to the vehicle body and is adapted to be connected to a pump. The collecting pipe extends in a direction away from the vehicle body and is inclined downward. The other end of the collecting pipe is located between the vehicle body and the first crushing member, and one end of the collecting pipe is arranged downward. In a projection plane orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body, the other end of the collecting pipe is located above the first crushing member. The ejecting member is provided on the other end of the collecting pipe so that the ejecting member flushes the crushed seabed sediment into the collecting pipe. The injection member includes: a first injection member, the first injection member includes a first injection pipe and a first nozzle, the first injection pipe can pass high-pressure water and is connected with the first nozzle, the first nozzle is arranged on a side of the collecting pipe adjacent to the first crushing member, the first nozzle extends from top to bottom and is inclined toward a side away from the first crushing member; a second injection member, the second injection member includes a second injection pipe and a second nozzle, the second injection pipe can pass high-pressure water and is connected with the second nozzle, the second nozzle is arranged on a side of the collecting pipe away from the first crushing member, the second nozzle extends from top to bottom and is inclined toward a side adjacent to the first crushing member; a conveying pipe, one end of the conveying pipe is suitable for passing high-pressure water, the other end of the conveying pipe is arranged at one end of the collecting pipe adjacent to the first crushing member, and the other end of the conveying pipe extends in a direction away from the first crushing member, so that the conveying pipe passes high-pressure water to the collecting pipe to transport the sediment.
2. The deep-sea mining vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that: The adjustment component includes: a first propeller and a second propeller, each of the first propeller and the second propeller being rotatably mounted on the vehicle body and spaced apart from each other in a width direction of the vehicle body, the first propeller and the second propeller being used to adjust the posture and position of the vehicle body; The first detection member is used to detect that when the posture and position of the vehicle body deviate from a preset value, at least one of the first propeller and the second propeller is in operation.
3. The deep-sea mining vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that: The floating assembly includes a floating box, which is arranged on the vehicle body. The floating box is suitable for introducing air and seawater to adjust the buoyancy of the floating box. There are multiple floating boxes, and the multiple floating boxes are all arranged on the vehicle body and arranged in sequence along the width direction of the vehicle body.
4. The deep-sea mining vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that: The vehicle further comprises a second crushing member, which comprises a shell and a crushing roller. The shell is arranged on the vehicle body and is connected to the collecting member so that the sediment collected by the collecting member can be transported to the crushing roller. The crushing roller is rotatably arranged in the shell so as to crush the sediment. The crushing roller is detachably arranged in the shell so as to replace the crushing roller.
5. The deep-sea mining vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that: The vehicle body comprises: A vehicle body, wherein the floating component, the adjusting component and the collecting component are all arranged on the vehicle body; first wheels, the first wheels are rotatably mounted on the vehicle body and spaced apart along the direction of the vehicle body; a second wheel rotatably disposed below the first wheel and spaced apart from the first wheel in a vertical direction, the second wheel being movable in a vertical direction relative to the first wheel; a buffer member disposed between the vehicle body and the second wheel and connected to the vehicle body and the second wheel so that the buffer member has a buffering force for driving the second wheel to move downward; A transmission belt is sleeved on the first wheel and the second wheel so that the transmission belt rotates through the first wheel and the second wheel. The outer peripheral surface of the transmission belt has a plurality of protrusions, and the plurality of protrusions are arranged at intervals along the circumference of the transmission belt. The cross-sectional area of the protrusions gradually decreases away from the outer peripheral surface of the transmission belt.
6. The deep-sea mining vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that: The vehicle further includes a control component, which is respectively connected to the floating component, the adjustment component and the collection component, so that the control component controls the adjustment component to adjust the posture and position of the vehicle body through the buoyancy change of the floating component and the collection situation of the collection component, or the control component controls the jet intensity and injection angle of the injection component to reduce sediment suspension and control the diffusion range.
7. The deep-sea mining vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a second detection component, which is arranged on the outer peripheral side of the vehicle body so that the second detection component monitors the water flow speed, terrain changes and ore density around the vehicle body to adjust the floating component, the adjustment component and the collection component.
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