A deep-sea polymetallic nodule collecting apparatus
By integrating the design of main and auxiliary dual-row jet timing coordinated disturbance, split skid high-mobility walking mechanism and height adaptive nodule sampling system, the problems of low sampling rate, high energy consumption and poor mobility of deep-sea polymetallic nodule sampling equipment in high-speed operation have been solved. It has achieved efficient sampling and flexible turning, improved the sampling rate and reduced energy consumption.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- OCEAN UNIV OF CHINA
- Filing Date
- 2026-05-18
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-16
AI Technical Summary
Existing deep-sea polymetallic nodule collection equipment suffers from low collection rates, high energy consumption, poor mobility, and ineffective recovery of missed nodules under high-speed operating conditions. The existing system lacks the ability to adapt to different travel speeds and seabed conditions, and the chassis design is rigid, making it impossible to dynamically switch between stable travel and flexible steering.
The system adopts an integrated design that combines primary and secondary dual-row jet timing-coordinated disturbance, split-type skid high-mobility walking mechanism, height-adaptive nodule leakage sampling system, and dual independent open storage bins. Combined with scanning detection device and control system, it achieves dynamic balance between data collection, transportation, and energy consumption.
It improved the collection rate and overall productivity, reduced unit energy consumption, enhanced operational adaptability in complex seabed environments, reduced missed nodules, and improved the economic feasibility and mobility of operations.
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Figure CN122215764A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention belongs to the field of deep-sea mineral resource mining technology, specifically a deep-sea polymetallic nodule collection equipment. Background Technology
[0002] Deep-sea polymetallic nodules are widely distributed on the ocean floor worldwide, rich in strategic metals such as manganese, nickel, copper, and cobalt, and possess significant economic and strategic value. With the increasing depletion of terrestrial mineral resources, deep-sea mining technology has gradually become a cutting-edge direction in international resource development. Currently, the mainstream methods for collecting deep-sea polymetallic nodules primarily employ hydraulic mining techniques, represented by wall-mounted jet, suction, and double-jet methods. Among these methods, the double-jet sampling head is widely considered to have high collection efficiency due to its ability to effectively strip and elevate nodules by synergistically disturbing seabed sediments with two rows of jets, thus becoming a focus of current research and engineering experiments.
[0003] However, despite the success of dual-jet technology in laboratory and some sea trials, it still faces several key technical bottlenecks in actual operations. First, under high-speed conditions, the disturbance time of a single dual-jet sampling head on sediments is significantly shortened, leading to insufficient nodule stripping. A large number of nodules drift and are lost horizontally because they are not effectively entrained in the sampling channel, resulting in a decreased sampling rate. This not only limits the vehicle's speed (usually difficult to exceed 1 m / s) but also directly restricts the improvement of overall mining capacity. Second, traditional tracked vehicles have poor maneuverability in complex soft seabed environments, with large turning radii and difficulty in lateral movement. They are prone to skidding or even jamming due to excessive sediment resistance, severely affecting operational continuity and path planning flexibility. Furthermore, while improving the sampling rate, existing systems often neglect energy consumption optimization, resulting in high energy consumption per unit nodule yield, reducing the overall economic feasibility of the operation. More importantly, even with a dual-head design (such as the bidirectional acquisition structure described in Chinese Patent CN 119163418 A), its main purpose is only to avoid turning around to improve operational continuity, without any adaptation optimization for the characteristics of the dual-row jet flow field. When the rear acquisition head turns to the forward direction, its jet angle, guide structure, and acquisition channel cannot be dynamically adjusted, which leads to a significant decrease in acquisition efficiency. Moreover, this solution still does not solve the problem of nodule missed acquisition.
[0004] This indicates that existing technologies have failed to achieve synergistic optimization among collection efficiency, mobility, and energy consumption control. On the one hand, the jet system has a simple structure and lacks adaptability to different travel speeds and seabed conditions; on the other hand, the chassis design is rigid and cannot dynamically switch between stable travel and flexible steering. Furthermore, the lack of an effective secondary recovery mechanism for missed nodules further reduces the overall resource recovery rate. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a new type of deep-sea polymetallic nodule collection equipment and its efficient operating method, which can improve travel speed and productivity while ensuring a high collection rate, reduce unit energy consumption, and enhance operational adaptability in complex seabed environments through a highly mobile chassis design. Summary of the Invention
[0005] This invention addresses the technical shortcomings of existing deep-sea polymetallic nodule collection equipment, such as low collection rate, high energy consumption, poor mobility, and ineffective recovery of missed nodules under high-speed operating conditions. It provides a structure-fluid-control synergistically optimized deep-sea polymetallic nodule collection equipment and its efficient operating method. The equipment integrates a main and auxiliary dual-row jet timing-coordinated perturbation, a split-type skid-mounted high-mobility walking mechanism, a height-adaptive nodule leakage collection system, and dual independent open storage bins. This solves the problem of insufficient nodule stripping caused by insufficient perturbation time of a single jet, overcomes the limitations of traditional tracked chassis in soft seabeds with large turning radius and difficulty in lateral movement, and establishes an active interception and negative pressure recovery mechanism for missed nodules, while simultaneously achieving a dynamic balance between collection, transportation, and energy consumption.
[0006] Specifically, the present invention proposes a deep-sea polymetallic nodule collection equipment, including a vehicle body; the vehicle body is equipped with a dual-row jet collection system and a storage bin, the dual-row jet collection system includes a main jet head and a secondary jet head, the main jet head and the secondary jet head are configured to work synchronously to jointly disturb the seabed nodule layer and cause the nodules to move in a directional manner, and the storage bin is used to store the collected nodules.
[0007] Furthermore, the main jet head and the secondary jet head are staggered along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body.
[0008] Furthermore, the main jet head and / or the secondary jet head are provided with multiple nozzles, which are arranged in a double-row array, and the spray angle of at least one row of nozzles is different from that of the other row of nozzles.
[0009] Furthermore, the dual-row jet acquisition system also includes an acquisition channel and a suction pump. The suction pump is connected to the storage silo through the acquisition channel and is used to provide negative pressure to draw the nodules into the storage silo.
[0010] Furthermore, it also includes a tuberculosis omission detection system, which is set between the main jet head and the secondary jet head, for capturing residual tubercles that were not collected by the main jet head.
[0011] Furthermore, the nodule extraction system includes a mechanical shovel and a conveying pipe. The mechanical shovel is used to scrape off residual nodules, and the conveying pipe transports the nodules to the storage bin.
[0012] Furthermore, the delivery pipe is a telescopic structure, so that the mechanical shovel can adaptively conform to the seabed surface.
[0013] Furthermore, it also includes a pry bar installed at the bottom of the vehicle body. The pry bar is a split structure, including a front pry bar and a rear pry bar connected by a hinge, and is equipped with a locking mechanism for locking or releasing the relative movement of the hinge.
[0014] Furthermore, the locking mechanism is an electromagnetic locking pin.
[0015] Furthermore, it also includes a buoyancy system installed on the vehicle body, the buoyancy system including a buoyancy module that provides fixed buoyancy and a pressure regulating chamber that can dynamically adjust the buoyancy.
[0016] Furthermore, it also includes a thruster mounted on the vehicle body to assist the vehicle body in steering or attitude adjustment.
[0017] Furthermore, it also includes a scanning detection device, which is set in front of the main jet head, for identifying the distribution of nodules before collection.
[0018] Furthermore, the storage silo has a dual-cavity structure, including a main silo and a secondary silo, and a diversion structure is provided between the main silo and the secondary silo to allow nodules to flow unidirectionally from the main silo to the secondary silo.
[0019] Furthermore, it also includes a control system, which is electrically connected to at least one of the dual-row jet acquisition system, the nodule leakage acquisition system, the buoyancy system, the propeller, and the scanning detection device, and is used to dynamically adjust its operating parameters according to the received feedback signal.
[0020] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: (1) By setting up a main jet head and a secondary jet head that work synchronously, the main jet head is used to break up and loosen the nodule layer in deep layers, while the secondary jet head generates a low-disturbance auxiliary jet to suppress sediment backfilling. The two form a synergistic jet field, which can extend the nodule stripping time and improve the collection rate and overall production capacity while ensuring the disturbance capability.
[0021] (2) By setting up scanning detection devices and sensors, the control system can monitor and regulate the dual-row jet acquisition system in real time, so as to improve the acquisition stability and efficiency.
[0022] (3) By setting up the nodule leakage collection system, it can be used in conjunction with the main jet head to collect nodules, thereby capturing nodules that have been loosened but not sucked in in time, reducing the loss of nodules due to changes in the flow field, and completing the collection before the nodules start to fall back to the bottom of the pit, thus improving the collection rate.
[0023] (4) Through the split-type skid structure, the skid can be dynamically locked and released according to the working state, which not only ensures rigid support and stability when traveling in a straight line, but also adjusts the attitude of the front skid relative to the rear skid when turning or turning around, so that the car body turns in a steering mode similar to fixed-point rotation, thereby reducing sediment resistance, improving maneuverability, and reducing the risk of the mine car getting stuck due to lateral movement.
[0024] (5) By setting up the diversion plate and diversion gate, when the amount of nodules delivered by the main jet head to the main material bin is large, the nodule mixture in the main material bin will impact and open the diversion plate and then enter the secondary material bin. The diversion plate can also prevent the nodules in the secondary material bin from flowing into the main material bin, thereby optimizing the distribution of nodule storage, balancing the load of the main material bin and the secondary material bin, and preventing accumulation and blockage. Attached Figure Description
[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the data acquisition device proposed in Embodiment 1 of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the dual-row jet system in Embodiment 1 of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic plan view of the main system layout of the data acquisition device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the tuberculosis under-collection system according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a partially enlarged view of the height adjustment structure of the nodule under-collection system according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the split skid structure of Embodiment 3 of the present invention; Figure 7 These are front views of the split-type skid plate before and after separation according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the thruster layout according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention; Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the storage silo structure according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention.
[0026] The attached figures are labeled as follows: 1. Vehicle body; 11. Buoyancy system; 12. Buoyancy module; 13. Pressure regulating chamber; 2. Split-type skid; 21. Front skid; 22. Rear skid; 23. Hinge; 24. Electromagnetic locking pin; 25. Electromagnetic control system; 26. Inner pusher; 27. Outer pusher; 3. Dual-row jet system; 31. Main jet head; 32. Secondary jet head; 33. Acquisition channel; 34. Suction pump; 35. Nozzle; 36. Jet pump; 4. Tuberculosis sampling system; 41. Mechanical shovel; 42. Inner conveying pipe; 43. Outer conveying pipe; 44. Slide rail; 5. Scanning and detection device; 6. Sensors; 7. Storage bin; 71. Main bin; 72. Auxiliary bin; 73. Diversion plate; 74. Diversion gate; 8. Control system. Detailed Implementation
[0027] 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 some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention. Example 1:
[0028] This invention provides a deep-sea polymetallic nodule collection device, such as... Figures 1 to 3 As shown, it includes a vehicle body 1, a skid 2, a dual-row jet acquisition system 3, a storage bin 7, and a control system 8.
[0029] Specifically, the entire equipment is supported by vehicle hull 1. Optionally, vehicle hull 1 adopts a TA15 titanium alloy welded frame structure, which has high strength and corrosion resistance, and is suitable for water depth environments of 6000 meters. Skid 2 is installed at the bottom of vehicle hull 1 to support it. Dual-row jet acquisition system 3 is installed on vehicle hull 1, including main jet head 31, secondary jet head 32 and acquisition channel 33. The main jet head 31 and secondary jet head 32 work synchronously to form a cooperative disturbance field, which loosens the nodule layer and transports it directionally to the acquisition channel 33. The storage bin 7 is located inside the vehicle body 1 and is connected to the collection channel 33 via a pipeline, and is used to temporarily store the collected nodules.
[0030] The control system 8 is located inside the vehicle body 1 and is used to control the coordinated operation of various subsystems.
[0031] Preferably, the main jet head 31 and the secondary jet head 32 are staggered along the longitudinal axis of the vehicle body, with the main jet head 31 located below the front 1 / 3 of the vehicle body and the secondary jet head 32 located below the rear 1 / 3 of the vehicle body, and the distance between the two is 40% of the vehicle length.
[0032] Furthermore, the jet pressure of the main jet head 31 is greater than that of the secondary jet head 32.
[0033] Multiple nozzles 35 are provided on both the front and rear sides of the main jet head 31 and the auxiliary jet head 32. The nozzles 35 are connected to the jet pump 36 via pipes. The multiple nozzles 35 are arranged in a double-row array, and each row of the nozzles 35 is set at a different angle relative to the horizontal plane. Specifically, for example... Figure 2 Taking the main jet head 31 as an example, in its front-end double-row nozzles, the first row of nozzles at the front has an inclination angle of 15°, and the second row at the rear has an inclination angle of 30°; similarly, in its rear-end double-row nozzles, the first row of nozzles at the front has an inclination angle of 30°, and the second row at the rear has an inclination angle of 15°. All these angles are absolute values of acute angles to the horizontal. This differentiated inclination angle design allows the jet to form a dynamic pressure gradient on the nodule layer surface, enabling the coordinated operation of deep-layer disturbance and surface suspension, thus improving acquisition efficiency.
[0034] The dual-row jet acquisition system 3 also includes a suction pump 34, which is connected to the acquisition channel 33 through a pipeline. The suction pump 34 provides negative pressure suction power. Through the negative pressure generated by the suction pump 34, the disturbed nodules and seawater mixture are sucked into the storage bin 7 through the acquisition channel 33.
[0035] By setting up a main jet head 31 and a secondary jet head 32 that work synchronously, the main jet head 31 is used for deep fracturing and loosening of nodule layers, while the secondary jet head 32 simultaneously generates a low-disturbance auxiliary jet to suppress sediment backfilling. The two form a synergistic jet field, which can extend the nodule stripping time while ensuring disturbance capability, thereby improving the collection rate and overall productivity. Furthermore, since the energy consumption of the collection head is much lower than the overall energy consumption of the mining system, although adding a secondary collection head increases local energy consumption, the overall collection productivity is increased simultaneously, resulting in a relative reduction in unit energy consumption and improved operational economy.
[0036] Furthermore, in order to improve the working efficiency of the main jet head 31 and the auxiliary jet head 32, such as Figure 3As shown, a scanning detection device 5 is also provided in front of the main jet head 31. The scanning detection device 5 is used to identify the distribution of nodules before collection and feed it back to the control system 8 in real time. The control system 8 dynamically adjusts the pressure and other parameters of the main and auxiliary jet heads accordingly. The main jet head 31 and the auxiliary jet head 32 are equipped with flow control devices, which are flow regulating valves and nozzle angle adjustment mechanisms that are matched with the nozzle 35. The nozzle angle adjustment mechanism is a conventional structure in the field, such as a worm gear assembly driven by a servo motor or a linkage mechanism driven by a hydraulic cylinder, which will not be described in detail here. Preferably, the scanning detection device 5 adopts multi-beam sonar and hyperspectral imaging fusion technology, which can construct a three-dimensional distribution map of seabed nodule density, particle size and sand cover thickness in real time, and transmit the data synchronously to the control system 8. The control system 8 dynamically adjusts the pressure gradient of the main and auxiliary jet heads, the nozzle tilt angle and the negative pressure intensity of the suction pump 34 accordingly.
[0037] Preferably, a sensor 6 is also installed inside the storage bin 7. The sensor 6 acquires the amount of nodules collected by the main jet head 31 in real time and feeds the data back to the control system 8. By setting up the sensor 6 inside the storage bin 7, the acquisition efficiency of the main jet head 31 can be monitored. Combined with the distribution of the scanning detection device 5, the parameters of the secondary jet head 32 can be adjusted to ensure the coordinated working efficiency of the main and secondary jet heads (31, 32).
[0038] By setting up the scanning detection device 5 and the sensor 6, parameters such as nodule density and particle size, sediment state, and collection rate of the dual-row jet collection system 3 can be monitored in real time. This enables the control system 8 to monitor and regulate the dual-row jet collection system 3 in real time. After the main jet head 31 collects data, the collection parameters of the secondary jet head 32 can be adjusted according to the actual collection situation to optimize the collection efficiency, improve the equipment's adaptability to complex environments, and enhance the stability and efficiency of the collection. Example 2:
[0039] Based on Example 1, in order to further improve the data acquisition efficiency, such as... Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, in this embodiment, a nodule sampling system 4 is also provided on the vehicle body 1. Specifically, the nodule sampling system 4 is located in the area between the main jet head 31 and the secondary jet head 32, that is, behind the nozzle 35 of the main jet head 31, covering a continuous capture zone from the trailing edge of the main disturbance area to the leading edge of the secondary disturbance area.
[0040] Specifically, the nodule extraction system 4 includes a mechanical shovel 41, an inner conveying pipe 42, and an outer conveying pipe 43. The mechanical shovel 41 has an arc-shaped curved surface structure, specifically an arc-shaped thin plate structure. The bottom end of the mechanical shovel 41 is in contact with the seabed surface. The mechanical shovel 41 is fixedly connected to the outer conveying pipe 43. The inner conveying pipe 42 is nested inside the outer conveying pipe 43. The outer conveying pipe 43 is connected to the storage bin 7 inside the vehicle body 1 through the inner conveying pipe 42. The suction pump 34 is connected to the inner conveying pipe 42 through a pipeline. The mechanical shovel 41 can scrape off the residual nodules from the main jet head 31, and under the negative pressure generated by the suction pump 34, the nodules are transported to the storage bin 7 through the outer conveying pipe 43 and the inner conveying pipe 42.
[0041] Preferably, to improve the scraping efficiency of the mechanical shovel 41, the nodule extraction system 4 also includes a slide rail 44 and a hydraulic cylinder. The inner conveying pipe 42 and the outer conveying pipe 43 form a telescopic structure through the slide rail 44, allowing the mechanical shovel 41 to adaptively adjust its fit according to the seabed undulations. Specifically, for different seabed surface heights, the hydraulic cylinder can be used to move the outer conveying pipe 4, correspondingly adjusting the relative telescopic length of the inner conveying pipe 42 and the outer conveying pipe 43, ensuring that the bottom of the mechanical shovel 41 always remains close to the seabed. Furthermore, when the jet from nozzle 35 creates a scouring pit, the mechanical shovel 41 can further penetrate into the scouring pit, adapting to different seabed environments and operational needs while reducing the omission of nodules due to changes in the flow field.
[0042] By setting up the nodule miss collection system 4, it can work with the main jet head 31 to collect nodules, thereby capturing nodules that have been loosened but not sucked in in time, reducing the loss of nodules due to changes in the flow field, and completing the collection before the nodules start to fall back to the bottom of the pit, thus improving the collection rate. Example 3:
[0043] Based on Embodiment 1 and / or Embodiment 2, this embodiment addresses the problem of the vehicle body easily getting stuck or sinking, and makes corresponding improvements to enhance the mobility and operational stability of the data collection equipment.
[0044] Specifically, such as Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, two pry bars 2 are symmetrically installed at the bottom of the vehicle body 1. The pry bar 2 is a split structure, including a front pry bar 21, a rear pry bar 22 and a hinge 23. The front pry bar 21 and the rear pry bar 22 are also equipped with electromagnetic locking pins 24 and electromagnetic control systems 25. The front pry bar 21 and the rear pry bar 22 of each pry bar 2 are connected by hinges 23 and electromagnetic locking pins 24. The electromagnetic control system 25 is installed in the front pry bar 21 and the rear pry bar 22. The electromagnetic control system 25 includes a circuit connected to a power source, which is used to control the electromagnetic locking pin 24 to be engaged and disengaged by controlling the energization or de-energization of the electromagnetic locking pin 24, so that the pry bar 2 is kept in a fixed state as a whole or in a free-moving state as a split piece.
[0045] During operation, specifically during normal movement, the electromagnetic control system 25 energizes the electromagnetic locking pins 24, causing the electromagnetic locking pins 24 on the front skid 21 and rear skid 22 to engage, thus keeping the skids 2 in a fixed state and improving the overall operational stability of the data collection equipment. When turning or making a U-turn, the electromagnetic control system 25 de-energizes the electromagnetic locking pins 24, releasing the electromagnetic locking pins 24 on the front skid 21 and rear skid 22. The hinge 23 then allows the front skid 21 and rear skid 22 to rotate relative to each other. At this time, under the action of the vehicle body and the seabed surface, the inner front skid 21 is pressed down and the outer front skid 21 is raised when turning, forming a "fixed-point rotation" similar to a fixed fulcrum, thereby reducing the risk of the vehicle getting stuck due to excessive sediment resistance when moving laterally.
[0046] The split-type skid plate 2 structure allows for dynamic locking and releasing based on the working state. This ensures rigid support and stability during straight-line travel, while also allowing for adjustment of the attitude of the front skid plate 21 relative to the rear skid plate 22 when turning or making a U-turn. This enables the vehicle to turn in a manner similar to a fixed-point rotation, thereby reducing sediment resistance, improving maneuverability, and lowering the risk of the mine car getting stuck due to lateral obstruction.
[0047] Furthermore, such as Figure 1 As shown, a buoyancy system 11 is installed on the top of the vehicle body 1. The buoyancy system 11 includes a buoyancy module 12 and a pressure regulating chamber 13. The buoyancy module 12 is a sealed chamber filled with a high-strength, low-density buoyancy-providing material, such as aluminum foam, polypropylene foam, or glass microsphere composite material. The buoyancy module 12 can provide stable positive buoyancy, offsetting part of the vehicle body weight and reducing the effective weight of the mining car in water. The pressure regulating chamber 13 is a rigid, sealed shell, preferably made of titanium alloy, but other high-strength composite materials can also be selected to ensure that the pressure regulating chamber 13 will not be crushed in the high-pressure environment of the deep sea. The pressure regulating chamber 13 is equipped with liquid valves and gas valves. By controlling the opening and closing of the liquid valves, the amount of seawater entering and leaving the chamber is regulated, thereby dynamically balancing the buoyancy and gravity of the vehicle body. By extracting or injecting seawater, the gas-liquid ratio inside the pressure regulating chamber 13 is adjusted to dynamically balance buoyancy. When the vehicle body needs to reduce the pressure on the skid plate 2, the pressure regulating chamber 13 is drained, and the gas volume inside the chamber can be increased, thereby increasing buoyancy and preventing the vehicle body 1 from sinking excessively in the soft sediment layer. When the vehicle body 1 needs to be stabilized or the downforce increased, water can be injected into the pressure regulating chamber to reduce buoyancy and make the mining car fit more closely to the seabed.
[0048] Furthermore, to further improve mobility by accommodating the split-type skid 2, such as... Figure 9As shown, inner thrusters 26 and outer thrusters 27 are respectively provided on the left and right sides of the vehicle body 1 in the direction of travel. The inner thrusters 26 and outer thrusters 27 are used to assist the vehicle body 1 in turning or U-turns. Preferably, there are two inner thrusters 26 and two outer thrusters 27. When turning or U-turning, the four thrusters (26, 27) provide forward or reverse thrust, while the split skid plate 2 provides a pivot point for rotation, thereby driving the vehicle body 1 to rotate at a fixed point and minimizing the tendency of the vehicle body 1 to sideslip.
[0049] By combining sensors and an intelligent control system, the system monitors nodule density, sediment condition, and collection rate in real time, and dynamically adjusts the jet intensity and bottom clearance of the secondary collection head, as well as the overall suction flow rate distribution and propeller thrust, to adapt to different seabed environments. Example 4:
[0050] Based on Examples 1 to 3, in order to further improve the mining efficiency of the mining truck, such as... Figure 9 As shown, this embodiment further adjusts the storage silo 7. In this embodiment, the storage silo 7 adopts a dual-chamber partition structure. Specifically, the storage silo 7 has an open structure, including a main silo 71, a secondary silo 72, a diversion plate 73, and a diversion gate 74. The main silo 71 is used to store the main nodule collection material, and the secondary silo 72 is used to temporarily store nodules that cannot be processed immediately. A diversion gate 74 is provided below each side of the main silo 71 and the secondary silo 72. The diversion gates 74 of the main silo 71 and the secondary silo 72 are connected by pipes. A diversion plate 73 is also provided in the pipes, which can rotate around an axis. Figure 9 (The direction of the middle arrow) is used to regulate the unidirectional flow of the nodule mixture from the main silo to the auxiliary silo.
[0051] With the diversion plate 73 and diversion gate 74, when the amount of nodules delivered by the main jet head 31 to the main material bin 71 is large, the nodule mixture in the main material bin 71 will impact and open the diversion plate 73 and then enter the auxiliary material bin 72. The diversion plate 73 can also prevent the nodules in the auxiliary material bin 72 from flowing into the main material bin 71, thereby optimizing the distribution of nodule storage, balancing the load of the main material bin 71 and the auxiliary material bin 72, and preventing accumulation and blockage.
Claims
1. A deep-sea polymetallic nodule collection device, comprising a vehicle body; characterized in that, The vehicle body is equipped with a dual-row jet acquisition system and a storage bin. The dual-row jet acquisition system includes a main jet head and a secondary jet head, which are configured to work synchronously to disturb the seabed nodule layer and cause the nodules to move in a specific direction. The storage bin is used to store the collected nodules.
2. The deep-sea polymetallic nodule collection equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The main jet head and the secondary jet head are staggered along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body.
3. The deep-sea polymetallic nodule collection equipment according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The main jet head and / or the secondary jet head are provided with multiple nozzles, which are arranged in a double-row array, and the spray angle of at least one row of nozzles is different from that of the other row of nozzles.
4. The deep-sea polymetallic nodule collection equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The dual-row jet acquisition system also includes an acquisition channel and a suction pump. The suction pump is connected to the storage silo through the acquisition channel and is used to provide negative pressure to draw nodules into the storage silo.
5. The deep-sea polymetallic nodule collection equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a tuberculosis omission detection system, which is located between the main jet head and the secondary jet head, for capturing residual tubers that were not collected by the main jet head.
6. The deep-sea polymetallic nodule collection equipment according to claim 5, characterized in that, The nodule extraction system includes a mechanical shovel and a conveying pipe. The mechanical shovel is used to scrape off residual nodules, and the conveying pipe transports the nodules to the storage bin.
7. The deep-sea polymetallic nodule collection equipment according to claim 6, characterized in that, The delivery pipe is a telescopic structure, allowing the mechanical shovel to adaptively conform to the seabed surface.
8. The deep-sea polymetallic nodule collection equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a pry bar installed at the bottom of the vehicle body. The pry bar is a split structure, including a front pry bar and a rear pry bar connected by a hinge, and is equipped with a locking mechanism for locking or releasing the relative movement of the hinge.
9. The deep-sea polymetallic nodule collection equipment according to claim 8, characterized in that, The locking mechanism is an electromagnetic locking pin.
10. The deep-sea polymetallic nodule collection equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a buoyancy system installed on the vehicle body, the buoyancy system including a buoyancy module that provides fixed buoyancy and a pressure regulating chamber that can dynamically adjust buoyancy.
Citation Information
Patent Citations
Bidirectional mining deep-sea mining vehicle and mining method
CN119163418A