Crawler-type deep sea mining operation equipment based on composite ore collecting head

Abstract

This invention provides a tracked deep-sea mining operation equipment based on a composite ore-collecting head, belonging to the field of deep-sea mineral extraction technology. It includes a vehicle frame, a collection system, a filtration system, a storage system, a drive system, and a buoyancy system. The collection system includes a collection head and a rubber corrugated pipe. The collection head is slidably mounted on the front of the vehicle frame and connected to the filtration system via the rubber corrugated pipe. The filtration system is mounted in the middle of the vehicle frame and fixedly connected to the front end of the storage system. The storage system is mounted at the rear of the vehicle frame. The drive system is mounted in the middle of the vehicle frame, below the filtration system. The buoyancy system is mounted in the middle of the vehicle frame, above the filtration system. This invention features an ingenious structural design and a feasible working mechanism. By integrating the six systems, it effectively achieves independent and stable operation of the deep-sea mining operation equipment, ensuring smooth mining operations and stably completing the entire process of deep-sea mineral collection, transportation, and storage.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of deep-sea mineral mining technology, and more particularly to a tracked deep-sea mining operation equipment based on a composite ore-gathering head. Background Technology

[0002] One of the key pieces of equipment in deep-sea mining is the subsea ore collection vehicle. Existing subsea ore collection vehicles lack operational equipment capable of independently completing the entire process from collection to storage, making it impossible to effectively verify the rationality of their structural designs. Currently, there is a lack of concepts for subsea ore collection vehicles equipped with collection heads based on a mechanical-multi-jet composite operation mode, and a lack of related technical support. Regarding deep-sea polymetallic nodule collection heads based on a mechanical-multi-jet composite operation mode, their height adjustment system (structure) currently lacks an effective and feasible implementation scheme, failing to meet the height control requirements of collection heads in complex subsea operating scenarios. Regarding the coupling connection of the filtration and storage systems of deep-sea polymetallic nodule collection vehicles, there is currently no effective and reliable practical solution to achieve the separation and stable storage of metal nodules and impurities.

[0003] Therefore, how to achieve independent movement and efficient collection of nodules under the conditions of soft seabed sediment by integrating core mechanisms such as drive, acquisition, and filtering is the key issue considered in this invention. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the aforementioned technical issues, a tracked deep-sea mining operation equipment based on a composite ore-gathering head is provided.

[0005] The technical means employed in this invention are as follows: A tracked deep-sea mining operation equipment based on a composite ore-gathering head includes: a vehicle frame, an acquisition system, a filtration system, a storage system, a drive system, and a buoyancy system. The acquisition system includes an acquisition head and a rubber bellows, the rubber bellows having a telescopic function. The acquisition head is slidably mounted on the front of the vehicle frame and connected to the filtration system via the rubber bellows, with internal communication, for guiding soft seabed sediment containing polymetallic nodules to the filtration system for screening. The filtration system is fixedly mounted in the middle of the vehicle frame and fixedly connected to the front end of the storage system, with internal communication, for conveying the screened polymetallic nodules to the storage system. The storage system is fixedly mounted at the rear of the vehicle frame for storing polymetallic nodules. The drive system is fixedly mounted in the middle of the vehicle frame and located below the filtration system for driving the entire equipment to move on the seabed. The buoyancy system is fixedly mounted in the middle of the vehicle frame and located above the filtration system for reducing the load on the drive system and reducing pressure on the soft seabed sediment.

[0006] Furthermore, the acquisition system also includes a slide rail, a slider, and an electric push rod. The front side of the vehicle frame is provided with a front ramp. The slide rail is fixedly installed on the front ramp. The slider is fixedly installed on the back of the acquisition head and slides in cooperation with the slide rail. The cylinder end of the electric push rod is hinged to the front ramp of the vehicle frame through a second connector. The telescopic rod end of the electric push rod is hinged to the back of the acquisition head through a first connector.

[0007] Furthermore, the slide rail is provided with protrusions at both ends for limiting the movement of the slider, and the protrusions on both sides are fixedly installed on the vehicle frame.

[0008] Furthermore, the collection head includes a collection housing, a water pump, a waterproof motor, and a rotating bucket wheel. The water pump is fixedly installed on the outer wall of the collection housing and is used to spray water into the collection housing. The bottom of the collection housing is provided with a downward through-feed opening. The rotating bucket wheel is rotatably installed at the feed opening. The waterproof motor is fixedly installed on the outer wall of the collection housing, and its output end is connected to the rotating bucket wheel for transmission.

[0009] Furthermore, the filtration system includes a filtration device, which includes a conveying pipe and two discharge pipes. The inlet of the conveying pipe is fixedly connected to a rubber corrugated pipe, and the outlet of the conveying pipe is inserted into the inlet of the hopper. A straight-line barrier net structure is fixedly installed inside the conveying pipe. The two discharge pipes are obliquely fixedly connected to both sides of the conveying pipe and communicate with the inside of the conveying pipe. A diffusion device is provided at the outlet of each discharge pipe, and the bottom of the diffusion device is fixedly connected to the vehicle frame.

[0010] Furthermore, the diffusion device includes a diffusion cone and multiple downward pressure guide plates located at the tail end of the diffusion cone.

[0011] Furthermore, the storage system includes a silo, the bottom of which slopes down from front to back, and multiple grid holes are opened on both sides of the silo.

[0012] Furthermore, the tail end of the hopper is provided with multiple hinges, a cover plate, and a pin. The upper end of the cover plate is rotatably connected to the lower end of the tail end of the hopper through multiple hinges, and the lower end of the cover plate is connected to the bottom end of the tail end of the hopper through a pin. The opening and closing of the cover plate is achieved by the pin.

[0013] Furthermore, the drive system includes a tracked chassis, the top of which is provided with a perforated steel plate structure, which is fixedly connected to the vehicle frame.

[0014] Furthermore, the buoyancy system includes multiple small buoyancy blocks installed at the front and large buoyancy blocks installed at the rear. Each buoyancy block consists of an outer shell and foam filling inside the outer shell, and the outer shell is fixedly connected to the vehicle frame.

[0015] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages: 1. The tracked deep-sea mining equipment based on a composite ore collection head provided by this invention integrates six core functional units: a collection system, a drive system, a filtration system, a storage system, a buoyancy system, and a vehicle frame. The structure is ingeniously designed and the working mechanism is feasible. By integrating the six systems, the independent and stable operation of the deep-sea mining equipment is effectively realized, ensuring the smooth progress of mining operations. It can independently and stably complete the entire process of deep-sea mineral collection, transportation, and storage, and can achieve deep-sea mining simulation operation without the need for external auxiliary equipment.

[0016] 2. The tracked deep-sea mining equipment based on a composite ore-gathering head provided by this invention has a compact structure, small size, and highly integrated multi-component system, making it easy to transport to different experimental environments and conduct test simulations under various working conditions.

[0017] 3. The tracked deep-sea mining equipment based on a composite ore collection head provided by this invention has a diffusion structure at the discharge port of the filter device, which can effectively reduce the disturbance of the underwater environment to the collection operation and better meet the ecological protection requirements of deep-sea mining.

[0018] 4. The tracked deep-sea mining equipment based on the composite ore head provided by this invention is powered entirely by electric power sources, has high control precision and rapid response, facilitates precise operation, and is green and environmentally friendly with no pollution.

[0019] 5. The tracked deep-sea mining equipment based on a composite ore collection head provided by this invention uses remote control for key working processes (such as tracked chassis drive and ore collection head height adjustment), which has a fast response and the wireless control method is more convenient for conducting experiments.

[0020] 6. The tracked deep-sea mining equipment based on a composite ore-collecting head provided by this invention, by setting a rotating bucket wheel inside the collection shell of the collection head and installing a water pump on the collection shell, sprays water into the collection shell to wash the polymetallic nodules excavated by the rotating bucket wheel, significantly reducing the disturbance impact of deep-sea operations on the surrounding seabed. The water pump creates a directional water flow within the collection shell, continuously and smoothly moving the nodules, preventing ore stagnation, accumulation, and blockage, ensuring continuous and smooth transport. This collection head achieves rotating scraping, jet washing, and hydraulic conveying functions without the need for additional complex auxiliary mechanisms, exhibiting high integration and a simple structure.

[0021] 7. The tracked deep-sea mining equipment based on a composite ore-gathering head provided by this invention has developed a physical prototype of a seabed ore-gathering vehicle based on a mechanical-multi-jet composite operation mode, filling a technological gap in related fields and laying the foundation for subsequent in-depth research and engineering applications.

[0022] Based on the above reasons, this invention can be widely promoted in fields such as deep-sea mineral mining. Attached Figure Description

[0023] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the tracked deep-sea mining equipment based on the composite ore-gathering head of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 2 This is a side view of the overall structure of the tracked deep-sea mining equipment based on the composite ore-gathering head of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 3 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of the tracked deep-sea mining equipment based on a composite ore-gathering head according to the present invention.

[0027] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the acquisition system of the tracked deep-sea mining equipment based on the composite ore collection head of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the filtration device and silo of the tracked deep-sea mining equipment based on the composite ore collection head of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the hopper structure of the tracked deep-sea mining equipment based on the composite ore collection head of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 7 This is a structural perspective view of the filtration device of the tracked deep-sea mining equipment based on the composite ore collection head of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the collection head of the tracked deep-sea mining equipment based on the composite ore collection head of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 9 This is a side view of the acquisition head of the tracked deep-sea mining equipment based on the composite ore-collecting head of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the acquisition head of the tracked deep-sea mining equipment based on the composite ore collection head of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 11 This is a top view of the collection section of the collection head of the tracked deep-sea mining equipment based on the composite ore collection head of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the rotating bucket wheel structure of the collection head of the tracked deep-sea mining equipment based on the composite ore collection head of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of a tracked deep-sea mining operation equipment based on a composite ore-gathering head, according to the present invention. Figure 1 .

[0037] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of a tracked deep-sea mining operation equipment based on a composite ore-gathering head, according to the present invention. Figure 2 .

[0038] In the diagram: 1. Vehicle frame; 21. Data acquisition head; 22. Rubber corrugated pipe; 23. Electric push rod; 231. First connecting piece; 232. Second connecting piece; 241. Slide rail; 242. Slider; 3. Filtering device; 4. Hopper; 41. Hinge; 42. Pin; 43. Opening cover; 5. Tracked chassis; 61. Large buoyancy block; 62. Small buoyancy block; 21.1. Collection shell; 21.11. Jet section; 21.12. Collection section; 21.13. Water flow channel; 21.14. Collection chamber; 21.15. Feed inlet; 21.16. Frame; 21.17. Quadrilateral motor mounting slot; 21.2. Waterproof motor; 21.3. Rotating bucket wheel; 21.31. Rotating shaft; 21.32. Collection teeth; 21.33. Screen holes; 21.4. First submersible pump; 21.41. First flexible water delivery hose; 21.5. Second submersible pump; 21.51. Second flexible water delivery hose; 21.6. Bearing; 21.7. Pump bracket; 21.8. Rigid bend. Detailed Implementation

[0039] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in the present invention can be combined with each other. The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0040] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, 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. The following description of at least one exemplary embodiment is merely illustrative and is in no way intended to limit the present invention or its application or use. 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.

[0041] It should be noted that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of exemplary embodiments according to the invention. As used herein, the singular form is intended to include the plural form as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, it should be understood that when the terms "comprising" and / or "including" are used in this specification, they indicate the presence of features, steps, operations, devices, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0042] Unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangement, numerical expressions, and values ​​of the components and steps described in these embodiments do not limit the scope of the invention. It should also be understood that, for ease of description, the dimensions of the various parts shown in the drawings are not drawn to actual scale. Techniques, methods, and devices known to those skilled in the art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, such techniques, methods, and devices should be considered part of the specification. In all examples shown and discussed herein, any specific values ​​should be interpreted as merely exemplary and not as limitations. Therefore, other examples of exemplary embodiments may have different values. It should be noted that similar reference numerals and letters in the following figures denote similar items; therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it need not be further discussed in subsequent figures.

[0043] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the orientation or positional relationship indicated by directional terms such as "front, back, up, down, left, right", "horizontal, vertical, horizontal" and "top, bottom" is generally based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and is only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description. Unless otherwise stated, these directional terms do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation on the scope of protection of this invention. The directional terms "inner" and "outer" refer to the inner and outer contours relative to the outline of each component itself.

[0044] For ease of description, spatial relative terms such as "above," "over," "on the upper surface of," "above," etc., are used herein to describe the spatial positional relationship of a device or feature as shown in the figures to other devices or features. It should be understood that spatial relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations in use or operation besides the orientation of the device as described in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is inverted, a device described as "above" or "above" other devices or structures would subsequently be positioned as "below" or "under" other devices or structures. Thus, the exemplary term "above" can include both "above" and "below." The device may also be positioned in other different ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relative descriptions used herein will be interpreted accordingly.

[0045] Furthermore, it should be noted that the use of terms such as "first" and "second" to define components is merely for the purpose of distinguishing the corresponding components. Unless otherwise stated, the above terms have no special meaning and therefore should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this invention.

[0046] Example 1 This invention provides a tracked deep-sea mining operation equipment based on a composite ore-gathering head. The entire operation equipment integrates six core functional units: a collection system, a drive system, a filtration system, a storage system, a buoyancy system, and a vehicle frame. The invention features an ingenious structural design and a feasible working mechanism. By integrating the six systems of the deep-sea mining operation equipment, it effectively achieves independent and stable operation, ensuring smooth mining operations and reliably completing the entire process of deep-sea mineral collection, transportation, and storage.

[0047] The collection system includes a collection head 21 and a rubber bellows 22. The rubber bellows 22 has a telescopic function. The collection head 21 is slidably mounted on the front of the vehicle frame 1 and is connected to the filtration system through the rubber bellows 22. The collection head 21, the rubber bellows 22, and the filtration system are internally connected. The collection head 21 is used to guide the soft seabed containing polymetallic nodules to the filtration system for screening. The filtration system is fixedly mounted in the middle of the vehicle frame 1 and is fixedly connected to the front end of the storage system, and the two are internally connected. The filtration system is used to transport the screened polymetallic nodules to the storage system. The storage system is fixedly mounted at the rear of the vehicle frame 1 and is used to store polymetallic nodules. The drive system is fixedly mounted in the middle of the vehicle frame 1 and located below the filtration system, and is used to drive the entire equipment to move on the seabed. The buoyancy system is fixedly mounted in the middle of the vehicle frame 1 and located above the filtration system, and is used to reduce the load on the drive system and reduce the pressure on the soft seabed.

[0048] The vehicle frame 1 is assembled from aluminum profiles and connectors, forming the overall frame of the deep-sea mining equipment. It is a multi-layered, three-dimensional frame that wraps around the entire vehicle body, comprising four main parts: a front ramp, a rear support structure, a middle platform, and an upper extension structure. The front ramp features a triangular support structure for connecting and securing the data collection system; the rear support structure secures and supports the material storage system; the middle platform connects the drive system and supports the material storage and filtration systems; and the upper extension secures the buoyancy system. The vehicle frame 1 connects the remaining five systems into a unified whole, forming an independent and complete assembly of the deep-sea mining equipment.

[0049] Example 2 like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, a tracked deep-sea mining operation equipment based on a composite ore collection head has the following main components: vehicle frame 1, collection head 21, filtration device 3, hopper 4, tracked chassis 5, large buoyancy block 61, and small buoyancy block 62.

[0050] The entire vehicle frame 1 is constructed from aluminum profiles, connected via corner brackets and drilled holes, and secured with hexagonal bolts and sliding nuts. All aluminum profiles have grooves, which are then fastened to the connection holes of other components using hexagonal bolts and sliding nuts.

[0051] The data acquisition system includes a data acquisition head 21, a slide rail 241, a slider 242, a rubber corrugated tube 22, and an electric push rod 23. The rubber corrugated tube 22 is used to connect the data acquisition head 21 and the filter device 3. Its core function is flexible expansion and contraction adaptation. One end of the rubber corrugated tube 22 is fixedly connected to the outlet of the data acquisition head 21, and the other end is fixedly connected to the inlet of the filter device 3. They are tightly connected by a metal clamp, so that the rubber corrugated tube 22 can expand and contract synchronously with the height adjustment of the data acquisition head 21, always ensuring that the conveying channel between the data acquisition head 21 and the filter device 3 is in a connected state.

[0052] The drive system mainly consists of a tracked chassis 5. In this embodiment, the tracked chassis 5 adopts an existing dual-track self-propelled chassis. Its chassis part adopts a symmetrically arranged dual-track structure, consisting of a drive system, track frame, drive wheel, tension wheel, and high-tooth track assembly. The track assembly is equipped with height-increased lateral anti-slip ribs (or high track teeth), which increase the shear contact area with the seabed strata. This structure ensures that the deep-sea mining equipment can maintain sufficient traction output under load operation without serious slippage or sinking. The top of the tracked chassis 5 is assembled using a perforated steel plate structure. The steel plate on the top of the tracked chassis 5 is tightly connected to the middle platform of the vehicle frame 1 through preset standardized mounting holes (connecting to the vehicle frame 1 of the deep-sea mining equipment) using hexagonal bolts and slider nuts. The steel plate serves as a platform on the tracked chassis 5 to fix the vehicle frame 1, while also providing a flat placement space for the hopper 4.

[0053] Two small buoyancy blocks 62 are provided, both installed at the front; a large buoyancy block 61 is installed at the rear. The two small buoyancy blocks 62 and the large buoyancy block 61 combine to form a buoyancy system. This buoyancy system can reduce the load on the tracked chassis 5 underwater, while reducing the pressure on the soft seabed, allowing the deep-sea mining equipment to move and work smoothly on the seabed. Each buoyancy block consists of an outer shell and an inner foam filling. The cover of the outer shell is sealed with waterproof adhesive to ensure airtightness. The large buoyancy block 61 and the small buoyancy block 62 are connected to the upper extension of the vehicle frame 1 through connection holes on both sides of the bottom, using hexagonal bolts and sliding nuts. That is, each buoyancy block has an extension on each side of the bottom of the outer shell, and each extension has a row of connection holes, which are connected to the corresponding positions of the vehicle frame 1 through hexagonal bolts and sliding nuts.

[0054] like Figure 3 As shown, slide rail 241 and slider 242 are slidably engaged. Two sets of slide rail 241 and slider 242 are provided, distributed on the left and right sides of the front ramp of the vehicle frame 1. Slide rail 241 connects the vehicle frame 1 to the acquisition head 21. The acquisition head 1 is connected and fixed to the two sliders 242 via two connecting seats on both sides. Each connecting seat of the acquisition head 1 has four connecting holes, and the four connecting holes corresponding to the sliders 242 are connected and tightened (tightly connected) by bolts and nuts. The bottom of each slide rail 241 is connected and fixed to the vehicle frame 1 at the front ramp via connecting holes at the bottom (tightly connected to the slider nut via hexagonal bolts), fixing the slide rail 241 at the front end of the vehicle frame 1. The sliding engagement of slide rail 241 and slider 242 provides guiding support for the lifting and lowering displacement of the acquisition head 21. Two small protrusions are provided at each end of each slide rail 241 to limit the movement of each slider 242.

[0055] like Figure 4 As shown, the cylinder end of the electric push rod 23 is connected to the front ramp crossbeam of the vehicle frame 1 via the second connector 232, and the telescopic rod end is connected to the corresponding position on the back of the acquisition head 21 via the first connector 231. Both connections are hinged, forming two rotating pairs. By remotely controlling the extension and retraction of the electric push rod 23, the telescopic rod drives the acquisition head 21 to move along the slide rail 241. The electric push rod 23 is the drive, and the slide rail 241 is the directional guide, enabling the up-and-down movement of the acquisition head 21. Specifically, the telescopic rod end of the electric push rod 23 is connected to the first connector 231, and the cylinder end is connected to the second connector 232. Both connections are hinged, meaning they are fixed by the pins of the connectors passing through the connection holes at both ends of the electric push rod 23. The first connector 231 is connected and fixed to the four connection holes corresponding to the back of the acquisition head 21 using bolts and nuts. The second connector 232 is connected and fixed to the protruding short beam on the crossbeam at the front ramp of the vehicle frame 1 using hexagonal bolts and slider nuts.

[0056] like Figure 5 As shown, the filtration system mainly consists of a filter device 3, which is the core functional component. The filter device 3 is clamped and fixed by the groove at the front end of the hopper 4, ensuring that the two components are tightly connected. The discharge port at the tail end of the filter device 3 is inserted into the inlet of the hopper 4. Specifically, the filter device 3 includes a conveying pipe and two discharge pipes. The inlet of the conveying pipe is fixedly connected to the rubber corrugated pipe 22, and the outlet of the conveying pipe is inserted into the inlet of the hopper 4. The conveying pipe has a feeding channel inside, and a straight-line barrier structure (located inside the feeding channel) is fixedly installed inside the conveying pipe. The section of the conveying pipe connected to the hopper 4 is inclined, and the straight-line barrier structure is also inclined. The two discharge pipes are inclined and fixedly connected to both sides of the conveying pipe and communicate with the inside of the conveying pipe. The discharge pipes have a discharge channel inside, and a diffusion device is provided at the outlet of each discharge pipe. The bottom of the two diffusion devices has a vertically oriented flat plate protrusion, and the connection hole on it is connected and fastened to the outside of the middle platform of the vehicle frame 1 by internal hex bolts and slider nuts.

[0057] Filter device 3 structural perspective view Figure 7As shown, a straight-line barrier net structure is used to achieve the screening operation: the mud and sand impurities conveyed by the collection head 21 are guided to the screening area in the middle of the filter device 3 by the jet movement. The barrier net installed in the screening area can intercept the multi-metal nodules that enter with the flow, so that they continue to be conveyed to the silo 4 along the feeding channel to complete the collection; the muddy and turbid water body passes downward through the barrier net (the barrier net is provided with multiple rows of long strip screen holes, the width of the screen holes is set to be smaller than the approximate diameter of the metal nodules to prevent the metal nodules from falling down), enters the discharge channels on the left and right sides, is guided diagonally downward along both sides of the vehicle body, and is finally discharged after being decelerated and discharged through the two end diffusers of the filter device 3, reducing the disturbance and pollution to the environmental water body. The diffusion device, as part of the filtration device 3, is located at the outlet of the two discharge channels of the filtration device 3. This device mainly consists of a diffusion cone and two downward-pressing guide plates fixedly installed inside the tail of the diffusion cone. The two downward-pressing guide plates are inclined downwards and spaced apart vertically. The diffusion cone causes the water flow to gradually diffuse from the smaller end to the larger end (the end of the diffusion cone connected to the discharge channel is the smaller end, and the end away from the discharge channel is the larger end; the internal diameter of the smaller end is smaller than that of the larger end), effectively reducing the pressure and velocity of the outflowing water. The downward-pressing guide plates further dissipate the energy of the water flow, guiding the water flow to a downward direction for discharge. Both diffusion devices have vertically oriented flat protrusions at their bottoms, and the connecting holes on these protrusions are connected to the corresponding positions on the vehicle frame 1 using hexagonal bolts and slider nuts.

[0058] like Figure 5 and Figure 6As shown, the storage system consists of a silo 4. The silo 4 is structurally adapted to the overall shape of the deep-sea mining equipment, with a rear-end extension storage section that covers the rear of the equipment while increasing storage capacity. The silo 4 is placed on a platform formed by the connection between the tracked chassis 5 and the middle platform of the vehicle frame 1. The front and sides of the silo 4 each have a pair of horizontally oriented flat protrusions, with connecting holes on them securely connected to the middle platform of the vehicle frame 1 via hexagonal bolts and sliding nuts. The rear of the silo 4 is supported by the rear support structure of the vehicle frame 1. The left and right side walls of the silo 4 have a row of grid holes (long, hollowed-out strips) responsible for discharging silt that has not been fully filtered in the filter device 3 at the location where metal nodules are stored, simultaneously playing an auxiliary filtration role and further achieving deep separation of silt and wastewater. The filter device 3 is fixed in the protruding groove at the front end of the hopper 4 and is tightly connected to the hopper 4. The inlet design at the front of the hopper 4 features a hollowed-out and slotted structure, tightly connecting to the feed channel outlet at the rear of the filter device 3. The filtered polymetallic nodules can flow directly into the hopper 4 for storage. The bottom surface of the hopper 4 slopes downwards from front to back, allowing the polymetallic nodules to preferentially collect at the rear due to gravity, facilitating material retrieval at the rear opening. The rear opening is equipped with an end cap and a pin 42 for flexible opening and closing and reliable locking. Specifically, the rear outlet of the hopper 4 has two hinges 41, an opening plate 43 (i.e., an end cap), and a pin 42. The upper and lower flaps of the hinges 41 are fixedly connected to the lower end of the rear of the hopper 4 and the upper end of the opening plate 43, respectively, forming an opening and closing structure. The connection method is bolt and nut fastening. The insertion hole of the pin 42 is connected to the bottom end of the tail of the hopper 4, and the body of the pin 42 is connected to the lower end of the cover plate 43 to form a pin structure. The connection method is welding.

[0059] The working principle of the equipment of this invention: The slide rail 241 is mounted on the slider 242, and the two sliders 242 are connected to the two protrusions on the back of the collection head 21, respectively. When the deep-sea mining equipment is in operation, the height of the collection head 21 is adjusted according to the elevation of the soft seabed, ensuring that the collection end of the collection head 21 can contact the soft seabed, allowing the rotating bucket wheel 21.3 to smoothly excavate metal nodules for successful collection. Adjustment is achieved via a remote-controlled electric push rod 23. The extension and retraction of the electric push rod 23 moves the collection head 21 up and down along the track of the slide rail 241. Extending the electric push rod 23 lowers the height, and retracting it raises the height. During the movement of the deep-sea mining equipment, the collection head 21 maintains a relatively high height to ensure a certain distance from the soft seabed and prevent friction. When the height of the collection head 21 remains constant, the extension and retraction of the electric push rod 23 maintains a relatively stationary position relative to the cylinder body, thus fixing the height of the collection head 21.

[0060] During the height adjustment of the collecting head 21, all components except the rubber bellows 22 will not move. The rubber bellows 22 will extend and retract in accordance with the height change of the collecting head 21 to maintain the channel connection between the outlet of the collecting head 21 and the inlet of the filter device 3.

[0061] After collecting metal nodules at the collection end of the collection head 21, the collected mud and sand mixture with metal nodules is ejected upwards and transported along the jet channel and rubber corrugated pipe 22 to the feed inlet of the filter device 3 by two water pumps.

[0062] After the mud and sand mixture enters the filter device 3, it is guided to the screening area in the middle of the filter device 3. The barrier net installed in the screening area can intercept the polymetallic nodules that enter with the flow, so that they continue to be transported to the silo 4 along the feeding channel to complete the collection. The muddy and turbid water body passes through the barrier net downward under the force of gravity and enters the discharge channels on the left and right sides. It is guided diagonally downward along both sides of the vehicle body and finally discharged after being decelerated and discharged through the two end diffusers of the filter device 3.

[0063] Metal nodules are discharged from the outlet of filter device 3 by gravity and directly enter silo 4, accumulating along the slope of silo 4 at its rear for storage. The rear of silo 4 is supported by the rear support structure of the vehicle frame 1. A row of grid holes (long, openwork) is provided on the left and right side walls of silo 4 to discharge any silt or sand that was not completely filtered in filter device 3 at the location where the metal nodules are stored, simultaneously providing auxiliary filtration and further achieving deep separation of silt and wastewater.

[0064] The deep-sea mining equipment includes a hopper (part 4). A hinge (41) serves as a rotating connector between the tail end of the hopper (4) and the cover plate (43). Upper and lower flaps are fixed to the lower end of the tail end of the hopper (4) and the upper end of the cover plate (43), respectively, providing a pivot point for the cover plate (43). When the discharge port at the tail end of the hopper (4) needs to be opened, the hinge (41) allows the cover plate (43) to freely rotate upwards around its axis, thus opening the discharge port. In the closed state, the hinge (41) maintains the relative position of the cover plate (43) and the hopper (4), ensuring that the cover plate (43) can close accurately.

[0065] The cover plate 43 is a sealing component for the discharge port at the tail of the hopper 4. When closed, the cover plate 43 covers and seals the discharge port at the tail of the hopper 4 to prevent the nodules inside the hopper 4 from leaking or scattering. When it is necessary to remove the metal nodules accumulated at the tail of the hopper 4, the cover plate 43 is lifted upward by releasing the locking pin 42, so that the discharge port at the tail of the hopper 4 is open, making it easy to remove the metal nodules.

[0066] The pin 42 is the locking component of the cover plate 43. In the non-discharging state, such as during storage, the pin 42 reliably connects the lower end of the cover plate 43 to the bottom end of the tail of the hopper 4, restricting the rotation of the cover plate 43 and keeping it in a tightly closed state, thus achieving a secure lock. When it is necessary to remove the metal nodules, the pin 42 is disengaged, releasing the constraint on the cover plate 43, and the cover plate 43 can then be opened for discharging operations.

[0067] The tracked chassis 5 serves as the load-bearing foundation for the entire machine and is fixedly connected to the overall frame to form a stable integrated structure, enabling the deep-sea mining equipment to move and adjust its collection position.

[0068] The buoyancy system consists of two small buoyancy blocks 62 and one large buoyancy block 61, which are fixedly installed on the top of the vehicle frame 1. Each buoyancy block is filled with foam material to reduce its density, which can provide upward buoyancy for deep-sea mining equipment underwater, thereby reducing the load on the tracked chassis 5 and reducing the indentation and damage to the soft bottom.

[0069] The present invention has the following advantages: 1. The deep-sea mining equipment of the present invention has a compact structure and small size, and the multi-component system is highly integrated, making it easy to transport to different experimental environments and conduct test simulations under various working conditions.

[0070] 2. The key working processes of the deep-sea mining equipment of this invention (such as tracked chassis drive and head height adjustment) are all remotely operated, with a fast response and wireless control method that makes it easier to conduct experiments.

[0071] 3. The deep-sea mining operation equipment of this invention integrates all the core functions of the deep-sea ore collection vehicle, and can independently complete the entire process of metal nodule collection and storage, and can realize deep-sea mining simulation operation without external auxiliary equipment.

[0072] To verify the effectiveness of the overall structure and ore-gathering function of this invention, this embodiment constructs a scaled-down experimental prototype, such as... Figures 13-14 As shown. This prototype strictly follows the design logic of various systems in this invention and can fully realize all the operational functions described in this invention under laboratory simulation. The experimental data of the prototype proves the feasibility and reliability of this large-scale physical equipment in complex seabed terrain.

[0073] Example 3 Developing deep-sea mineral resources is a major strategic requirement for ensuring national energy security and building a maritime power. As the core equipment of deep-sea mining systems, the performance of the seabed ore collection vehicle directly determines the efficiency, purity, and degree of sediment disturbance in nodule collection. Existing deep-sea nodule collection devices mostly use jet collection modes, which cause significant disturbance to the deep-sea sediment during collection, easily damaging the marine ecological environment and failing to meet the environmental protection requirements of deep-sea mining. Furthermore, the connection between nodule collection and transportation in existing collection devices is not smooth, resulting in nodules easily mixed with large amounts of sediment and impurities, leading to high subsequent sorting costs and frequent transport blockages, resulting in low collection efficiency. Existing deep-sea nodule transportation often uses a single transportation method, which suffers from insufficient power and discontinuous transportation when used in deep-sea pipeline operations. Some deep-sea collection devices have complex structures with numerous underwater power components, making assembly difficult, resulting in low reliability in adapting to high-pressure, waterproof conditions in the deep sea, and high maintenance costs.

[0074] To address the technical challenges of existing deep-sea nodule collection devices, such as significant environmental disturbances, numerous impurities, poor transport, and complex device structures, etc. Figure 8-10 As shown, based on Embodiment 2, the present invention also provides a collection head 21, which is a deep-sea polymetallic nodule collection head based on a mechanical multi-jet composite mode, including a collection shell 21.1, a water pump, a waterproof motor 21.2, and a rotating bucket wheel 21.3.

[0075] The collection housing 21.1 includes a jet section 21.11 and a collection section 21.12. A water flow channel 21.13 is formed inside the jet section 21.11, and a collection cavity 21.14 is formed inside the collection section 21.12. The bottom of the collection cavity 21.14 is provided with a downward through-feed opening 21.15. The water flow channel 21.13 and the collection cavity 21.14 are interconnected.

[0076] A quadrilateral motor mounting slot 21.17 is provided on the outer wall of the collecting section 21.12 of the collecting housing 21.1, and a waterproof motor 21.2 is fixedly installed in the quadrilateral motor mounting slot 21.17. A rotating bucket wheel 21.3 is rotatably installed in the collecting cavity 21.14. The rotating bucket wheel 21.3 includes a rotating shaft 21.31 and collecting teeth 21.32, as shown... Figure 11-12 As shown, a frame 21.16 is fixedly installed at the feed opening 21.15 at the bottom of the collection chamber 21.14. The rotating shaft 21.31 is rotatably mounted on the frame 21.16 via a bearing 21.6. Collection teeth 21.32 are evenly arranged circumferentially on the outside of the rotating shaft 21.31, and sieve holes 21.33 are opened on the collection teeth 21.32. The rotating shaft 21.31 of the rotating bucket wheel 21.3 is connected to the output end of the waterproof motor 21.2.

[0077] like Figure 8-10As shown, the water pump includes a first submersible pump 21.4 and a second submersible pump 21.5. The first submersible pump 21.4 is fixedly installed on the outer wall of the collection section 21.12 of the collection housing 21.1 via a water pump bracket 21.7, and the outlet end of the first submersible pump 21.4 is connected to the first flexible water delivery hose 21.41. The second submersible pump 21.5 is fixedly installed on the outer wall of the jet section 21.11 of the collection housing 21.1 via a water pump bracket 21.7, and the outlet end of the second submersible pump 21.5 is connected to the second flexible water delivery hose 21.51. A rigid bend 21.8 is integrally formed on the collection housing 21.1. The outlet ends of the first and second flexible water delivery hoses are respectively connected to one end of the corresponding rigid bend 21.8, and the other end of the rigid bend 21.8 extends into the interior of the collection housing 21.1. Each rigid bend 21.8 is bent towards the top of the collection section 21.12.

[0078] The outlet end of the first flexible water supply hose 21.41 is located directly above the axial center of the rotating shaft 21.31; the collection teeth 21.32 are symmetrically distributed along the axial direction of the rotating shaft 21.31 on both sides of the rigid bend 21.8 connected to the outlet end of the first flexible water supply hose 21.41.

[0079] Both the first and second flexible water supply hoses are rubber water pipes.

[0080] Working principle of acquisition head 21: During operation, the feed opening 21.15 at the bottom of the collection shell 21.1 is aligned with the soft seabed containing polymetallic nodules, the collection chamber 21.14 is directly connected to the seabed mineral layer, and the water flow channel 21.13 inside the jet section 21.11 is interconnected with the collection chamber 21.14 to form a complete mineral guide and transport channel.

[0081] The waterproof motor 21.2 starts and outputs power, driving the rotating bucket wheel 21.3 inside the collection chamber 21.14 to rotate stably around the shaft 21.31. The circumferentially distributed collection teeth 21.32 rotate synchronously with the shaft 21.31, scraping and peeling off the polymetallic nodules buried in the soft mud from the bottom opening 21.15, realizing active material feeding. The sieve holes 21.33 on the collection teeth 21.32 can screen mud and silt in real time, filtering out fine sediments on-site, reducing mud and sand mixing, improving the purity of nodule collection, and reducing the risk of internal blockage.

[0082] The first submersible pump 21.4 and the second submersible pump 21.5 are started. The first submersible pump 21.4 sprays water into the collection chamber 21.14 through the first flexible water delivery hose 21.41. The water flow washes away impurities on the surface of the polymetallic nodules. The detached impurities leave the collection chamber 21.14 through the sieve holes 21.33 on the collection teeth 21.32. Through the rigid bend 21.8, water flows towards the top of the water flow channel 21.13 within the collection chamber 21.14, and the polymetallic nodules enter the water flow channel 21.13 along with the water flow. The second submersible pump 21.5 sprays water into the water flow channel 21.13 through the second flexible water delivery hose 21.51. The combined force of the first submersible pump 21.4 and the second submersible pump 21.5 increases the water flow velocity, thereby carrying the polymetallic nodules into the subsequent processing device, thus realizing the collection of polymetallic nodules.

[0083] This invention features interconnected collection chambers and water flow channels within a collection shell. A rotating bucket wheel is installed within the collection chamber, and a water pump is mounted on the shell. The pump's outlet is connected to a flexible water delivery hose, whose outlet is located inside the shell. The water flow does not act on the seabed surface, but only washes the polymetallic nodules excavated by the rotating bucket wheel, significantly reducing the disturbance to the surrounding seabed during deep-sea operations. The water flow from the flexible water delivery hose washes away sediment on the surface of the polymetallic nodules, reducing sediment contamination with the ore and significantly improving the purity of the collected nodules. The pump creates a directional water flow within the collection shell, continuously and smoothly transporting the nodules, preventing ore stagnation, accumulation, and blockage, ensuring continuous and smooth delivery. This collection device achieves rotating scraping, jet washing, and hydraulic conveying functions without the need for additional complex auxiliary mechanisms, exhibiting high integration and a simple structure.

[0084] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and not to limit them; although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A tracked deep-sea mining operation equipment based on a composite ore-gathering head, characterized in that, include: The vehicle frame (1), collection system, filtration system, storage system, drive system, and buoyancy system are provided. The collection system includes a collection head (21) and a rubber bellows (22). The rubber bellows (22) has a telescopic function. The collection head (21) is slidably installed at the front of the vehicle frame (1) and is connected to the filtration system through the rubber bellows (22) and is internally connected. It is used to guide the soft bottom sediment containing polymetallic nodules to the filtration system for screening. The filtration system is fixedly installed in the middle of the vehicle frame (1) and is fixedly connected to the front end of the storage system and is internally connected. It is used to transport the screened polymetallic nodules to the storage system. The storage system is fixedly installed at the rear of the vehicle frame (1) and is used to store polymetallic nodules. The drive system is fixedly installed in the middle of the vehicle frame (1) and is located below the filtration system. It is used to drive the entire equipment to move on the seabed. The buoyancy system is fixedly installed in the middle of the vehicle frame (1) and is located above the filtration system. It is used to reduce the load on the drive system and reduce the pressure on the soft bottom sediment.

2. The tracked deep-sea mining equipment based on a composite ore-gathering head as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The acquisition system also includes a slide rail (241), a slider (242), and an electric push rod (23). The front side of the vehicle frame (1) is provided with a front ramp. The slide rail (241) is fixedly installed on the front ramp. The slider (242) is fixedly installed on the back of the acquisition head (21) and slides in cooperation with the slide rail (241). The cylinder end of the electric push rod (23) is hinged to the front ramp of the vehicle frame (1) through a second connector (232). The telescopic rod end of the electric push rod (23) is hinged to the back of the acquisition head (21) through a first connector (231).

3. The tracked deep-sea mining equipment based on a composite ore-gathering head according to claim 2, characterized in that, The slide rail (241) has protrusions at both ends for limiting the movement of the slider (242), and the protrusions on both sides are fixedly installed on the vehicle frame 1.

4. The tracked deep-sea mining equipment based on a composite ore-gathering head according to claim 1, characterized in that, The collection head (21) includes a collection housing (21.1), a water pump, a waterproof motor (21.2), and a rotating bucket wheel (21.3). The water pump is fixedly installed on the outer wall of the collection housing (21.1) and is used to spray water into the collection housing (21.1). The bottom of the collection housing (21.1) is provided with a downward through-hole feed opening (21.15). The rotating bucket wheel (21.3) is rotatably installed at the feed opening (21.15). The waterproof motor (21.2) is fixedly installed on the outer wall of the collection housing (21.1) and its output end is connected to the rotating bucket wheel (21.3) for transmission.

5. The tracked deep-sea mining equipment based on a composite ore-gathering head according to claim 1, characterized in that, The filtration system includes a filtration device (3), which includes a conveying pipe and two discharge pipes. The inlet of the conveying pipe is fixedly connected to a rubber corrugated pipe (22), and the outlet of the conveying pipe is inserted into the inlet of the hopper (4). A straight-line barrier net structure is fixedly installed inside the conveying pipe. The two discharge pipes are inclined and fixedly connected to both sides of the conveying pipe and communicate with the inside of the conveying pipe. A diffusion device is provided at the outlet of each discharge pipe. The bottom of the diffusion device is fixedly connected to the vehicle frame (1).

6. The tracked deep-sea mining equipment based on a composite ore-gathering head according to claim 5, characterized in that, The diffusion device includes a diffusion cone and multiple downward pressure guide plates located at the tail of the diffusion cone.

7. The tracked deep-sea mining equipment based on a composite ore-gathering head according to claim 1, characterized in that, The storage system includes a silo (4), the bottom of which slopes down from front to back, and multiple grid holes are opened on both sides of the silo (4).

8. The tracked deep-sea mining equipment based on a composite ore-gathering head according to claim 7, characterized in that, The tail of the hopper (4) is provided with multiple hinges (41), a cover plate (43) and a pin (42). The upper end of the cover plate (43) is rotatably connected to the lower end of the tail of the hopper (4) through multiple hinges (41), and the lower end of the cover plate (43) is connected to the bottom end of the tail of the hopper (4) through the pin (42). The opening and closing of the cover plate (43) is realized by the pin (42).

9. The tracked deep-sea mining equipment based on a composite ore-gathering head according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drive system includes a tracked chassis (5), and the top of the tracked chassis (5) is provided with a perforated steel plate structure, which is fixedly connected to the vehicle frame (1).

10. The tracked deep-sea mining equipment based on a composite ore-gathering head according to claim 1, characterized in that, The buoyancy system includes multiple small buoyancy blocks (62) installed at the front and large buoyancy blocks (61) installed at the rear. Each buoyancy block consists of an outer shell and foam filling inside the outer shell, which is fixedly connected to the vehicle frame (1).

Images