Device for cleaning the bottom of an electrolysis cell

Abstract

Device for cleaning a floor of an electrolysis cell, comprising a chassis (1), a cleaning device (2), a conveyor device (3) and a magnetic shielding chamber (4), characterized in that that the chassis (1) comprises a chassis frame (11) and first rollers (12) mounted below the chassis frame (11); that the cleaning device (2) is firmly connected to a front end of the chassis frame (11) and serves to transport cleaned materials onto the conveyor device (3); that the conveyor device (3) is arranged in the middle of the chassis frame (11) for transporting cleaned materials and an obstacle-overcoming means is provided on the conveyor device (3); and that the magnetic shielding chamber (4) is arranged above the chassis (1) to accommodate a control system.

Description

Technical area

[0001] The invention belongs to the technical field of electrolysis and relates in particular to a device for cleaning a bottom of an electrolysis cell. State of the art

[0002] The aluminum industry, as a key basic industry in China, is closely linked to macroeconomics, energy structures, environmental policies, and so on. In recent years, the aluminum industry has made remarkable progress in production, technology, environmental protection, and other aspects, amid the global economic recovery and sustained growth of China's economy. China is the largest producer and consumer of aluminum products, with electrolytic aluminum production reaching 44 million tons by 2024.

[0003] During the production of electrolytic aluminum, it is necessary to regularly clean the aluminum slag accumulated at the bottom of the electrolytic cell to ensure normal production operations. Traditionally, this task was performed manually using shovels and brooms. This process is characterized by high labor intensity and low efficiency, and poses risks to employee safety due to the high temperatures at the bottom of the electrolytic cell and high dust levels. Therefore, replacing manual labor with automated equipment is urgently needed. Using an automatic cleaning device to remove aluminum slag from the bottom of the electrolytic cell can ensure 24-hour uninterrupted operation. The safety hazards associated with hazardous work are eliminated.Therefore, the personal safety of the worker is ensured while significantly reducing labor costs. However, an automatic cleaning device for aluminum slag at the bottom of electrolytic cells faces the following challenges.

[0004] First, the aluminum slag is large in volume and weight, ranging from particles with a minimum diameter of 5 cm to blocks as large as 15 cm × 12 cm × 10 cm, weighing approximately 3 kg. Second, strong magnetic fields exist within the electrolysis cell. Therefore, the cleaning device must not only be capable of removing large particles, but also maneuver through complex soil conditions and be magnetically shielded. Currently, there is no cleaning device in China suitable for this scenario. Description of the invention

[0005] The invention aims to solve at least one of the technical problems in the prior art or related art, namely the problem of cleaning large particles under strong magnetic fields.

[0006] In view of this, the invention provides an apparatus for cleaning a bottom of an electrolytic cell, which can move along a bottom of the electrolytic cell by means of an obstacle-overcoming means and a magnetic shielding chamber and can remove large particles.

[0007] The specific technical solutions are as follows: According to one embodiment of the invention, a device for cleaning the floor of an electrolysis cell is proposed, comprising a chassis, a cleaning device, a conveyor device, and a magnetic shielding chamber. The chassis comprises a chassis frame and first rollers mounted below the chassis frame. The cleaning device is fixedly connected to the front end of the chassis frame and serves to transport cleaned materials onto the conveyor device. The conveyor device is arranged in the center of the chassis frame for transporting cleaned materials, and an obstacle-overcoming means is provided on the conveyor device. The magnetic shielding chamber is arranged above the chassis to accommodate a control system.

[0008] The cleaning device further comprises an electric rotary machine and a disk brush. A fixed frame is fixedly connected to the front end of the chassis frame. The fixed frame is connected to a stator of an electric machine. The electric rotary machine is connected to the

[0009] Mounted on the stator of the electric machine and connected to the disc brush via a disc brush flange.

[0010] Furthermore, the cleaning device includes an adjustment means for contacting the disc brush with the floor. The adjustment means comprises a damping hinge and first springs. The fixed frame is connected to the stator of the electric machine via the damping hinge. One end of each first spring is connected to the stator of the electric machine, and another end of the first spring is connected to the stator of the electric machine. There are two first springs, each arranged above and below the damping hinge.

[0011] The conveyor device further comprises a drive motor, a drive wheel, a driven wheel, a conveyor frame, and a belt. The drive motor is fixedly mounted on the chassis frame and is gear-connected to the drive wheel via a synchronous belt. The drive wheel is fixedly mounted on an upper side of the chassis frame at an end facing away from the cleaning device and is rotatably connected to one end of the conveyor frame. An end of the conveyor frame facing away from the drive wheel is located near the bottom of the cleaning device and is rotatably connected to the driven wheel. The belt is wound around the conveyor frame, the drive wheel, and the driven wheel.

[0012] The obstacle-overcoming means further comprises a guide roller, a guide frame, and a second spring. The guide frame is fixedly mounted on the chassis frame near the cleaning device, and a longitudinal guide groove is formed on the guide frame. The guide roller is connected to a side of the conveyor frame near the output gear and inserted into the guide groove. A lower end of the second spring is connected to the chassis frame, and an upper end of the second spring is connected to the conveyor frame.

[0013] Furthermore, first locking edges are arranged on both sides of the belt and several locking webs are arranged between the two first locking edges.

[0014] Furthermore, a guide ramp and a transition plate are provided at one end of the belt near the cleaning device. The guide ramp is attached to the chassis frame, with one end of the guide ramp lying close to the bottom of the cleaning device and one end The other end of the guide ramp is connected to the transition plate. The transition plate is located on the belt.

[0015] The device further comprises a collection device for receiving cleaned materials conveyed by the conveyor. The collection device comprises a box and second rollers mounted below the box. The box is detachably connected to a rear end of the chassis frame and is positioned below one end of the belt near the box.

[0016] Furthermore, an infrared sensor is provided at the upper end of one of the side walls of the box.

[0017] Furthermore, an electric telescopic cylinder is provided between the disc brush and the disc brush flange.

[0018] Compared to the prior art, the invention has at least the following advantageous effects: The device according to the invention is provided with an obstacle-overcoming means on the conveyor, allowing the device to run smoothly along the bottom of the electrolysis cell without being blocked by large particles of purified materials. Additionally, according to the invention, a magnetic shielding chamber is used to accommodate a control system, allowing the device to operate safely in the electrolysis cell without being affected by strong magnetic fields. In other words, the device according to the invention can move in a strong magnetic field environment and remove large particles, promoting industrial refining in metal smelting and chemical engineering fields. Description of the drawings

[0019] Various other advantages and benefits will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the detailed description of the preferred embodiments below. The drawings are intended to illustrate the preferred embodiments only and are not to be construed as limiting their application. In the drawings: Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of an overall structure according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a structure of a cleaning device according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram of a structure of a conveyor device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Reference symbols indicate:

[0020] 1 - chassis; 11 - chassis frame; 12 - first rollers; 13 - fixed frame; 2 - cleaning device; 21 - electric rotary machine; 22 - disc brush; 23 - damping hinge; 24 - first spring; 25 - electric machine stator; 26 - disc brush flange; 3 - Conveyor device; 31 - Drive motor; 311 - Synchronous belt; 32 - Drive wheel; 33 - Output wheel; 34 - Conveyor frame; 35 - Belt; 351 - First locking edge; 352 - Locking webs; 353 - Guide ramp; 354 ​​- Transition plate; 36 - Guide roller; 37 - Guide frame; 371 - Guide groove; 38 - Second spring; 4 - magnetic shielding chamber; 5 - Collector; 51 - Box; 52 - Second rollers; 53 - Infrared sensor. Detailed description of the embodiments

[0021] To better understand the above technical solutions, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings and specific embodiments. It should be understood that the embodiments of the present invention and the specific features in the embodiments are detailed descriptions of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, and are not limitations on the technical solutions of the present invention. Where there is no conflict, the embodiments of the present invention and the technical features in the embodiments may be combined with each other.

[0022] In view of the above, according to one embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus for cleaning a bottom of an electrolytic cell is provided. As in Fig. 1, the device comprises a chassis 1, a cleaning device 2, a conveyor device 3, and a magnetic shielding chamber 4. The chassis 1 comprises a chassis frame 11 and first rollers 12 mounted below the chassis frame 11. The cleaning device 2 is fixedly connected to a front end of the chassis frame 11 and serves to transport cleaned materials onto the conveyor device 3. The conveyor device 3 is arranged in the center of the chassis frame 11 for transporting cleaned materials, and an obstacle-overcoming means is provided on the conveyor device 3. The magnetic shielding chamber 4 is arranged above the chassis 1 to accommodate a controller.

[0023] In particular, the first rollers 12 can drive the chassis frame 11 and all devices arranged on the chassis frame 11 to move along the floor of the electrolysis cell. During movement, the cleaned materials are transported from the cleaning device 2 to the conveyor 3 and then conveyed by the conveyor 3 to the next station. The obstacle-overcoming means ensures that the conveyor 3 is not blocked by large particles of cleaned materials, which could prevent the device from moving.

[0024] In one embodiment, the first rollers 12 comprise drive wheels symmetrically installed on both sides of the rear end of the chassis frame 11, and omnidirectional wheels symmetrically installed on both sides of the front end of the chassis frame 11. To pass through narrow cleaning areas, the invention employs a drive mode with rear-wheel differential drive and omnidirectional front-wheel assistance. This enables full forward, backward, and turning movement. Additionally, a damping spring is provided between the drive wheels and the chassis frame 11 to adapt to various complex ground environments. It should be noted that the drive wheels and the omnidirectional wheels can be replaced with other components capable of achieving the same function, such as steering wheels or crawler tracks, all of which are within the scope of the invention.

[0025] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the magnetic shielding chamber consists of a chamber body, a chamber cover, and a protective plate. The chamber body is fixedly mounted on the top of the chassis frame 11 and is used internally to accommodate the control system. The chamber cover is mounted above the The chamber body is arranged and tightly connected to the chamber body. The protective plate is arranged on the side of the chamber body for protection. The chamber body, the chamber cover, and the protective plate are all made of magnetic shielding materials that can isolate interference from external strong magnetic fields.

[0026] Furthermore, the cleaning device 2 comprises in one embodiment, as in Fig. 2, an electric rotary machine 21 and a disc brush 22. A fixed frame 13 is fixedly connected to the front end of the chassis frame 11, and the fixed frame 13 is connected to a stator of an electric machine 25. The electric rotary machine 21 is attached to the stator of the electric machine 25 and is connected to the disc brush 22 via a disc brush flange 26.

[0027] Specifically, the disc brush 22 is arranged at an incline, that is, the front end of the disc brush 22 is lower than the rear end, so that the front end of the disc brush 22 is tightly pressed against the ground under the action of gravity. During operation, the electric rotary machine 21 drives the disc brush 22 to rotate, and the cleaned materials are carried at the rear end of the disc brush 22 by the tensile force at the front end of the disc brush 22 and transported onto the conveyor 3.

[0028] Furthermore, in one embodiment, as in Fig. 2, two cleaning devices 2 are arranged symmetrically on both sides of the front end of the chassis frame 11, thereby allowing a larger cleaning area and the corners of the electrolysis cell floor to be cleaned.

[0029] Furthermore, in one embodiment, a roller brush is arranged between the disc brush 22 and the conveyor device 3 in order to improve the cleaning efficiency.

[0030] Further, in one embodiment, a magnetic shield cover made of magnetic shielding material is disposed outside the rotary electric machine 21 to shield strong magnetic fields and enable the rotary electric machine 21 to operate normally.

[0031] Furthermore, in one embodiment, as in Fig. 2, an adjustment means is provided on the cleaning device 2 to bring the disc brush 22 into contact with the floor. The adjustment means comprises a damping hinge 23 and first springs 24. The fixed frame 13 is connected to the stator of the electric machine 25 by the damping hinge 23. One end of each first spring 24 is connected to the fixed frame 13, and another end of the first spring is connected to the stator of the electric machine 25. There are two first springs 24, each arranged above and below the damping hinge 23.

[0032] In particular, the damping hinge 23 can provide a certain resistance to dissipate energy generated during rotation, while the first springs 24 can provide automatically adjustable tension. Upon encountering uneven ground during operation, the disc brush 22 drives the electric rotary machine 21 and the stator of an electric machine 25 to rotate together around the damping hinge 23, and then quickly resets under the action of the first springs 24, thereby ensuring the contact force between the disc brush 22 and the ground while also achieving a damping effect.

[0033] Furthermore, the conveyor device 3 comprises in one embodiment, as in Fig. 3, a drive motor 31, a drive wheel 32, a driven wheel 33, a conveyor frame 34, and a belt 35. The drive motor 31 is fixedly arranged on the chassis frame 11 and is gear-connected to the drive wheel 32 via a synchronous belt 311. The drive wheel 32 is fixedly arranged on an upper side of the chassis frame 11 at an end facing away from the cleaning device 2 and is rotatably connected to one end of the conveyor frame 34. An end of the conveyor frame 34 facing away from the drive wheel 32 lies near the bottom of the cleaning device 2 and is rotatably connected to the driven wheel 33. The belt 35 is wound around the conveyor frame 34, the drive wheel 32, and the driven wheel 33.

[0034] Specifically, the drive motor 31 rotates the drive wheel 32 via the synchronous belt 311, thereby driving the belt 35 to rotate around the drive wheel 32 and the driven wheel 33. At the same time, the cleaned materials transported on the belt 35 are conveyed to the other end of the belt 35 with its rotation, entering the next station.

[0035] Furthermore, in one embodiment, a magnetic shielding cover made of magnetic shielding material is also provided outside the drive motor 31 to shield strong magnetic fields and enable the drive motor 31 to operate normally.

[0036] Furthermore, in one embodiment, as in Fig. 3, the obstacle-overcoming means includes a guide roller 36, a guide frame 37, and a second spring 38. The guide frame 37 is fixedly arranged on the carriage frame 11 near the cleaning device 2, and a longitudinal guide groove 371 is formed on the guide frame 37. The guide roller 36 is connected to a side of the conveyor frame 34 near the output gear 33 and inserted into the guide groove 371. A lower end of the second spring 38 is connected to the carriage frame 11, and an upper end of the second spring is connected to the conveyor frame 34.

[0037] In particular, since the drive wheel 32 is rotatably connected to the conveyor frame 34, the conveyor frame 34 can drive the driven wheel 33 and the belt 35 to rotate as a whole around the drive wheel 32. During actual operation, when the bottom of the conveyor 3 encounters a raised obstacle, the conveyor frame 34 overcomes the pressing force of the second spring 38 and lifts the drive wheel 32 to cross the obstacle, then returns to its original position under the action of the second spring 38. At this time, the guide roller 36 slides accordingly in the guide groove 371 to limit the position of the conveyor frame 34.

[0038] Furthermore, in one embodiment, to improve the recovery capability of the obstacle-overcoming means, two second springs 38 are provided, each arranged on either side of the guide slot 371. Additionally, the lower ends of the two second springs 38 are connected to the top of the guide frame 37, thereby shortening the length of the second springs 38 to increase the clamping force.

[0039] Furthermore, in one embodiment, as in Fig. 3, first locking edges 351 are arranged on both sides of the belt 35 and a plurality of locking webs 352 are arranged between the two first locking edges 351.

[0040] In particular, the first locking edges 351 prevent cleaned materials from falling off the sides of the belt 35. The locking webs 352 prevent cleaned materials from slipping on the belt 35 when conveyed from a lower to a higher position and improve the Transport efficiency.

[0041] Furthermore, in one embodiment, as in Fig. 3, a guide ramp 353 and a transition plate 354 are provided at one end of the belt 35 near the cleaning device 2. The guide ramp 353 is attached to the chassis frame 11, with one end of the guide ramp 353 lying close to the bottom of the cleaning device 2 and the other end of the guide ramp 353 connected to the transition plate 354. The transition plate is arranged on the belt 35.

[0042] Since the end of the belt 35 has a certain thickness and cannot be inserted directly below the rear end of the disc brush 22 to receive cleaned materials, the guide ramp 353 is provided. The guide ramp 353 can be inserted directly below the rear end of the disc brush 22, so that cleaned materials can be easily transported onto the guide ramp 353 by the pulling force of the disc brush 22 and pushed onto the belt 35 via the transition plate 354.

[0043] Furthermore, in one embodiment, second locking edges are also provided on both sides of the guide ramp 353 to prevent cleaned materials from falling off the sides of the guide ramp 353.

[0044] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the device comprises Fig. 1, further includes a collecting device 5 for receiving cleaned materials conveyed by the conveyor device 3. The collecting device 5 includes a box 51 and second rollers 52 mounted below the box 51. The box 51 is detachably connected to a rear end of the chassis frame 11 and is positioned below one end of the belt 35 near the box 51.

[0045] In particular, when cleaned materials are transported to the end of the belt 35 near the box 51, they fall into the box 51 under gravity, thereby effectively increasing the storage capacity of the box 51 and further improving the cleaning range.

[0046] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the second roller 52 comprises fixed wheels mounted symmetrically on both sides of the front end of the box 51 and omni-directional wheels mounted symmetrically on both sides of the rear end of the box 51.

[0047] Preferably, in one embodiment, the chassis frame 11 A clamp is provided on the near side of the box body 51, which is connected to the rear end of the chassis frame 11 via a hook-and-loop fastener of the clamp. It should be noted that any technical solution capable of detachably connecting the box 51 to the chassis frame 11 falls within the scope of the invention.

[0048] Furthermore, in one embodiment, as in Fig. 1, an infrared sensor 53 is provided at the upper end of the side wall of the box 51. Specifically, the infrared sensor 53 is directed toward the interior of the box 51 at an inclined downward angle to determine the remaining capacity of the box 51.

[0049] Furthermore, in one embodiment, an electric telescopic cylinder is provided between the disc brush 22 and the disc brush flange 26. Specifically, the electric telescopic cylinder can drive the disc brush 22 to rise or fall. When the disc brush 22 rises to a high position, it is in a traveling state, where the device can move without cleaning; when the disc brush 22 descends to a low position, it is in a cleaning state, where the device can move and clean simultaneously.

[0050] Furthermore, in one embodiment, a magnetic shielding cover made of magnetic shielding material is provided outside the electric telescopic cylinder to shield strong magnetic fields and enable the magnetic telescopic cylinder to operate normally.

[0051] Preferably, in one embodiment, the chassis frame 11 is a square tube steel frame to ensure the overall stability of the device.

[0052] In the description of the invention, the terms "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "specific embodiments," or the like mean that specific features, structures, materials, or properties described in connection with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the invention. In this description, schematic representations of the above terms are not necessarily directed to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or properties described may combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0053] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the invention and are not intended to limit the invention. Various modifications and alterations are possible for those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and scope of the invention are intended to be included within the scope of the invention.

[0054] The invention belongs to the technical field of electrolysis and particularly relates to a device for cleaning the bottom of an electrolysis cell. The device comprises a chassis, a cleaning device, a conveyor device, and a magnetic shielding chamber. The chassis comprises a chassis frame and first rollers mounted below the chassis frame. The cleaning device is fixedly connected to a front end of the chassis frame and serves to transport cleaned materials onto the conveyor device. The conveyor device is arranged in the center of the chassis frame for transporting cleaned materials, and an obstacle-overcoming means is provided on the conveyor device. The magnetic shielding chamber is arranged above the chassis to accommodate a control system.According to the invention, an obstacle-overcoming device is provided on the conveyor, allowing the device to run smoothly along the bottom of the electrolysis cell without being blocked by large particles of purified materials. Additionally, according to the invention, a magnetic shielding chamber is used to accommodate a control system, allowing the device to operate safely in the electrolysis cell without being influenced by strong magnetic fields.

Claims

[1] Device for cleaning a bottom of an electrolytic cell, comprising a chassis (1), a cleaning device (2), a conveyor device (3) and a magnetic shielding chamber (4), characterized by , that the chassis (1) comprises a chassis frame (11) and first rollers (12) mounted below the chassis frame (11); that the cleaning device (2) is firmly connected to a front end of the chassis frame (11) and serves to transport cleaned materials onto the conveyor device (3); that the conveyor device (3) is arranged in the middle of the chassis frame (11) for transporting cleaned materials and an obstacle-overcoming means is provided on the conveyor device (3); and that the magnetic shielding chamber (4) is arranged above the chassis (1) to accommodate a control system. [2] Device for cleaning a bottom of an electrolytic cell according to claim 1, characterized by , that the cleaning device (2) comprises an electric rotary machine (21) and a disc brush (22); that a fixed frame (13) is fixedly connected to the front end of the chassis frame (11); that the fixed frame (13) is connected to a stator of an electrical machine (25); that the electric rotary machine (21) is fastened to the stator of the electric machine (25) and is connected to the disc brush (22) via a disc brush flange (26). [3] The device for cleaning a bottom of an electrolytic cell according to claim 2, characterized by , that an adjusting means for contacting the disc brush (22) with the floor is provided on the cleaning device (2); that the adjusting means comprises a damping hinge (23) and first springs (24); that the fixed frame (13) is connected to the stator of the electrical machine (25) via the damping hinge (23); that an end j each first spring (24) is connected to the fixed frame (13), and another end of the first spring is connected to the stator of the electrical machine (25) and two first springs (24) are located, each arranged above and below the damping hinge (23). [4] Device for cleaning a bottom of an electrolytic cell according to claim 1, characterized by , that the conveyor device (3) comprises a drive motor (31), a drive wheel (32), an output wheel (33), a conveyor frame (34) and a belt (35); that the drive motor (31) is fixedly arranged on the chassis frame (11) and is connected to the drive wheel (32) via a synchronous belt (311); that the drive wheel (32) is fixedly arranged on an upper side of the chassis frame (11) at an end facing away from the cleaning device (2) and is rotatably connected to one end of the conveyor frame (34); that an end of the conveyor frame (34) facing away from the drive wheel (32) is located near the bottom of the cleaning device (2) and is rotatably connected to the driven wheel (33); and that the belt (35) is wound around the conveyor frame (34), the drive wheel (32) and the driven wheel (33). [5] Device for cleaning a bottom of an electrolytic cell according to claim 4, characterized by , that the obstacle-overcoming means comprises a guide roller (36), a guide frame (37) and a second spring (38); that the guide frame (37) is fixedly arranged on the chassis frame (11) in the vicinity of the cleaning device (2) and a longitudinal guide groove (371) is formed on the guide frame (37); that the guide roller (36) is connected to a side of the conveyor frame (34) close to the driven wheel (33) and inserted into the guide groove (371); and that a lower end of the second spring (38) is connected to the chassis frame (11), and an upper end of the second spring is connected to the conveyor frame (34). [6] Device for cleaning a bottom of an electrolytic cell according to claim 4, characterized by , that on both sides of the belt (35) there are first locking edges (351) and between the two first locking edges (351) there are several locking webs (352) are arranged. [7] Device for cleaning a bottom of an electrolytic cell according to claim 4, characterized by , that a guide ramp (353) and a transition tab (354) are further provided at one end of the belt (35) near the cleaning device (2); that the guide ramp (353) is attached to the chassis frame (11), one end of the guide ramp (353) being in close contact with the floor of the cleaning device (2) and another end of the guide ramp (353) being connected to the transition plate (354); and that the transition plate (354) is arranged on the belt (35). [8] An apparatus for cleaning a bottom of an electrolytic cell according to claim 1, further comprising a collecting device (5) for receiving cleaned materials conveyed by the conveying device (3); characterized by , that the collecting device (5) comprises a box (51) and second rollers (52) mounted below the box (51); and that the box (51) is detachably connected to a rear end of the chassis frame (11) and is positioned below one end of the belt (35) near the box (51). [9] Device for cleaning a bottom of an electrolytic cell according to claim 8, characterized by that an infrared sensor (53) is further provided at the upper end of a side wall of the box (51). [10] Device for cleaning a bottom of an electrolytic cell according to claim 2, characterized by that an electric telescopic cylinder is further provided between the disc brush (22) and the disc brush flange (26).

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