WO2016033678A1 - Dispositif de nettoyage de surface et de collecte de débris sous-marins - Google Patents

Dispositif de nettoyage de surface et de collecte de débris sous-marins Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2016033678A1
WO2016033678A1 PCT/CA2014/050839 CA2014050839W WO2016033678A1 WO 2016033678 A1 WO2016033678 A1 WO 2016033678A1 CA 2014050839 W CA2014050839 W CA 2014050839W WO 2016033678 A1 WO2016033678 A1 WO 2016033678A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
brush
shroud
assembly
cart
impeller
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/CA2014/050839
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Vincent M. CUMMINGS
Matthew R. BONE
Daniel W. MCINTYRE
Original Assignee
Whale Shark Environmental Technologies Ltd.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Whale Shark Environmental Technologies Ltd. filed Critical Whale Shark Environmental Technologies Ltd.
Priority to PCT/CA2014/050839 priority Critical patent/WO2016033678A1/fr
Publication of WO2016033678A1 publication Critical patent/WO2016033678A1/fr

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B08—CLEANING
    • B08B—CLEANING IN GENERAL; PREVENTION OF FOULING IN GENERAL
    • B08B1/00—Cleaning by methods involving the use of tools
    • B08B1/30—Cleaning by methods involving the use of tools by movement of cleaning members over a surface
    • B08B1/32—Cleaning by methods involving the use of tools by movement of cleaning members over a surface using rotary cleaning members
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A46—BRUSHWARE
    • A46B—BRUSHES
    • A46B13/00—Brushes with driven brush bodies or carriers
    • A46B13/02—Brushes with driven brush bodies or carriers power-driven carriers
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B08—CLEANING
    • B08B—CLEANING IN GENERAL; PREVENTION OF FOULING IN GENERAL
    • B08B15/00—Preventing escape of dirt or fumes from the area where they are produced; Collecting or removing dirt or fumes from that area
    • B08B15/04—Preventing escape of dirt or fumes from the area where they are produced; Collecting or removing dirt or fumes from that area from a small area, e.g. a tool
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING 
    • B63B59/00—Hull protection specially adapted for vessels; Cleaning devices specially adapted for vessels
    • B63B59/06—Cleaning devices for hulls
    • B63B59/10—Cleaning devices for hulls using trolleys or the like driven along the surface

Definitions

  • Some embodiments of the present invention relate to apparatus and methods for cleaning surfaces located primarily underwater, for example the hulls of ships or other floating vessels.
  • the cleaning of underwater surfaces is an important task.
  • Shipping is a major means of distributing goods for sale globally.
  • the growth of biological organisms and accumulation of debris on hulls of ships increases the drag experienced by a hull moving through water, reducing the hydrodynamic performance of a vessel and increasing the amount of fuel required to propel the vessel.
  • the biological organisms can form biomass, i.e. a mass of biological growth, whether alive or dead, attached to the hull of a ship. Examples of biomass include shell growth (e.g. barnacles, tube worms, mussels or the like), seaweed grass, algae and/or algae slime.
  • a disadvantage of using an underwater apparatus to clean underwater surfaces such as the hulls of vessels is that debris (i.e. the removed accumulated material from the underwater surface, which may include for example biomass and/or paint that is removed while cleaning) is removed from the underwater surface and distributed into the surrounding water. This can have a detrimental effect on water quality, and recent regulatory changes are aimed at preventing the release of such debris into the surrounding water of harbors and other areas where underwater cleaning may be carried out.
  • debris i.e. the removed accumulated material from the underwater surface, which may include for example biomass and/or paint that is removed while cleaning
  • the brush/shroud assembly has a brush for loosening debris on the underwater surface, a shroud at least partially enclosing the brush to contain the debris, an impeller rotatably mounted within the shroud, and an effluent outlet for removing debris from the shroud. Rotation of the impeller provides a force to drive fluid and debris through the effluent outlet.
  • the shroud can have a generally circular outer diameter.
  • the effluent outlet can be provided on an outer circumference of the shroud.
  • the shroud can have an inwardly angled peripheral portion extending between the outer circumference of the shroud and a distal portion of the shroud.
  • the brush cart for cleaning an underwater surface.
  • the brush cart has a frame, a plurality of surface-contact points coupled to the frame for contacting the underwater surface, a brush chassis coupled to the frame, and at least one brush/shroud assembly extending from the brush chassis towards the surface contact points.
  • the brush/shroud assembly has a rotatable brush having bristles oriented generally towards the surface contact points, a rotatable impeller, a drive motor for driving the brush and/or the impeller, and a shroud enclosing the brush and the impeller to define a cavity for containing debris released as the underwater surface is cleaned.
  • the brush/shroud assembly can be joined to the frame with three degrees of freedom relative to the frame.
  • the position of the brush/shroud assembly relative to the frame in the distal and proximal directions can be adjustable.
  • the three degrees of freedom can be provided by a hinge region on an arm of the frame together with a universal swivel joint coupling the brush/shroud assembly to the arm.
  • Figure 1 shows a schematic view of an example embodiment of an underwater surface cleaning system.
  • Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a portion of an example embodiment of a brush cart assembly.
  • Figure 3 shows an exploded view of an example embodiment of a brush/shroud assembly.
  • Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of an example embodiment of a brush/shroud assembly.
  • Figure 5 shows a perspective view of an example embodiment of a brush chassis.
  • Figure 6 is a partial view showing a hinge region of an arm of a brush chassis in an open position.
  • Figure 7A shows an example embodiment of a brush cart assembly in which the relative position of the brush/shroud assemblies can be adjusted by operation of a screwjack, with the screwjack in its fully contracted position.
  • Figure 7B shows an example embodiment of a brush cart assembly in which the relative position of the brush/shroud assemblies can be adjusted by operation of a screwjack, with the screwjack in its fully extended position.
  • Figure 8 shows a partially exploded view of an example embodiment of a brush cart assembly having a float.
  • a brush cart assembly 10 is provided for removing debris from an underwater surface to be cleaned 23.
  • underwater surface 23 is the hull of a ship. Underwater surface 23 sits below the surface 35 of the water.
  • Loosened debris removed by brush cart assembly 10 is transported through an outlet hose 27 to a surface filtration unit 15 by a surface pump 11.
  • Surface pump 11 and surface filtration unit 15 can be supported above the surface 35 of the water in any suitable manner.
  • surface pump 11 and/or surface filtration unit 15 are mounted on a barge or other mobile vessel.
  • surface pump 11 and/or surface filtration unit 15 are provided on land, for example on a pier or other supporting structure, shown schematically as 37.
  • the surface pump 11 can be any suitable type of pump for moving fluid, for example a diaphragm pump, suction pump, screw pump, vane pump, or the like.
  • the surface filtration unit 15 can be any suitable type of filtration unit for removing unwanted particulate, contaminants and/or debris from water.
  • outlet hose 27 is a flexible hose having a diameter in the range of between about 2 inches to about 6 inches (i.e. about 5 cm to about 15 cm) or any value therebetween, e.g. 3 inches or 4 inches.
  • different portions of the outlet hose can have different diameters, e.g.
  • a first portion of the outlet hose can have a diameter in the range of about 3 inches and a second portion of the outlet hose can have a diameter in the range of about 4 inches.
  • use of an outlet hose with a smaller diameter provides better flexibility and/or is less susceptible to being displaced by currents.
  • Brush cart assembly 10 has a frame 12 supporting a plurality of brush/shroud assemblies 14 (three in the illustrated embodiment) and a plurality of surface contact points provided by wheels 16 (three in the illustrated embodiment) extending from legs 13 of the frame.
  • an operator moves brush cart assembly 10 along an underwater portion of a surface to be cleaned 23, so that brush/shroud assemblies 14 can be used to clean the surface.
  • wheels 16 are moved along the underwater surface to be cleaned by motors 17 so that brush cart assembly 10 can be more readily moved along the underwater surface to be cleaned.
  • an example embodiment of a brush/shroud assembly 14 has a shroud 18 partially surrounding a brush 20.
  • shroud 18 is generally circular in cross-section with a generally circular outer circumference 19 and an effluent outlet 26.
  • shape of shroud 18 could be varied somewhat, for example shroud 18 could be provided with a slightly oval rather than generally circular cross-sectional shape when viewed from the proximal direction. However, such other shapes may have decreased performance as compared with a generally circular cross- sectional shape.
  • a plurality of bristles 22 are provided on brush 20, as in the illustrated embodiment.
  • bristles 22 are supported on brush 20 and oriented to project towards and/or slightly outside the distal portion 38 of shroud 18.
  • bristles 22 can be retracted so that the distal ends of bristles 22 sit inside of distal portion 38 of shroud 18.
  • bristles 22 can be retracted so that the distal ends of bristles 22 are up to approximately 2 inches (5 cm) inside of distal portion 38 of shroud 18, or any value between 0 inches and 2 inches, e.g. 0.25 inches, 0.50 inches, 0.75 inches, 1.0 inches, 1.25 inches, 1.50 inches or 1.75 inches.
  • bristles 22 can be extended to project outside a distal portion 38 of shroud 18. In some example embodiments, bristles 22 can be extended to project outside distal portion 38 of shroud 18 by a distance in the range of up to approximately 0.25 inches (0.6 cm). In some example
  • bristles 22 can be both extended and retracted relative to distal portion 38 of shroud 18 as outlined above.
  • Bristles 22 are positioned so they can be used to scrub an underwater surface 23 to be cleaned below the surface of the water 35.
  • brush/shroud assembly 14 is oriented so that bristles 22 project generally towards the surface contact points (wheels 16 in the illustrated embodiment), so that bristles 22 can be placed in contact with the surface to be cleaned where brush cart assembly 10 is in use.
  • Shroud 18 is generally made from a flexible material, so that when brush/shroud assembly 14 is in use, shroud 18 can conform to various contours of the surface to be cleaned, and so that bristles 22 can contact the surface to be cleaned even if bristles 22 are retracted slightly inside shroud 18.
  • An impeller 24 is mounted to enable rotation within shroud 18, and shroud 18 includes an effluent outlet 26 so that rotational fluid flow and/or a centrifugal pump can be created within shroud 18.
  • effluent outlet 26 is provided on an outer portion of the circumference 19 of shroud 18.
  • Impeller 24 is provided with one or more vanes 25 to apply force to the fluid contained within shroud 18.
  • Effluent outlet 26 is coupled to a surface pump, shown schematically as 11, and filtration unit, shown schematically as 15, via an outlet hose 27 ( Figure 1). The combined effect of the rotation of impeller 24 (and optionally brush 20) within shroud 18 and the removal of fluid through effluent outlet 26 provides rotational flow
  • the combined effect of the rotation of impeller 24 (and optionally brush 20) within shroud 18 and the removal of fluid through effluent outlet 26 provides a centrifugal pumping action.
  • Shroud 18 helps to contain any debris released in the cleaning process, so that such debris is directed to the surface pump and filtration unit via outlet hose 27 rather than being distributed into the surrounding environment.
  • the suction force applied by the surface pump can also assist in holding brush/shroud assembly 14 onto the surface to be cleaned 23, in addition to the suction forces produced by rotation of impeller 24 and brush 20 as described below.
  • a brush mounting plate 28 is provided for rotatably mounting brush 20 within shroud 18.
  • brush 20 is releasably coupled to brush mounting plate 28, for example by snap-fit engagement means, locking nuts, or by screws, so that brush 20 can be readily replaced as it wears.
  • brush mounting plate 28 includes features that allow the quick connection of brushes of different types.
  • the distal side of brush mounting plate 28 is provided with a plurality of projections 31 that can engage with corresponding recesses provided on the proximal side of brush 20 in a snap-fit engagement.
  • Brush mounting plate 28 also includes a central distally projecting threaded nipple 33, which can receive a threaded nut 39 to secure brush 20 to brush mounting plate 28.
  • Impeller flange 29 is provided that can be secured to impeller 24 in any suitable manner (for example, by passing a pair of bolts through a pair of aligned apertures in impeller flange 29 and impeller 24 in the illustrated embodiment).
  • Impeller flange 29 is provided with suitable features to enable it to cause rotation of impeller 24 within shroud 18.
  • the impeller flange 29 may be mounted to the shaft of motor 30 with a bolt and key way (not shown) so that motor 30 can be used to rotate impeller flange 29 and therefore impeller 24.
  • a shroud support plate 34 is provided to support flexible shroud 18 and provide a point of securement for motor 30.
  • Shroud support plate 34 is generally circular in shape to correspond with the general shape of shroud 18.
  • the portion of shroud 18 that extends outwardly from the edges of shroud support plate 34 has a slight curvature in the proximal direction (best seen in Figure 4).
  • other configurations could be used for this portion of shroud 18.
  • a hydraulic motor 30 is provided to rotate impeller 24 and brush 20.
  • a brush motor housing plate 32 is provided for mounting hydraulic motor 30 to brush/shroud assembly 14.
  • Shroud support plate 34 is coupled to brush motor housing plate 32 in any suitable manner (for example, by passing bolts through corresponding apertures to secure the two components together), with shroud 18 interposing the two.
  • hydraulic motor 30 is used to rotate brush 20, impeller 24, brush mounting plate 28, and impeller flange 29.
  • Brush/shroud assembly 14 is held proximate to the underwater surface to be cleaned via rotating flow forces created by the spinning of brush bristles 22 and impeller 24 within shroud 18.
  • brush assembly 14 can also be held proximate to the underwater surface to be cleaned via suction forces produced by a surface pump connected to brush/shroud assembly 14 via the outlet hose 27.
  • Brush bristles 22 apply a mechanical brush or scrubbing force to the surface to be cleaned, to assist in loosening fouling or surface debris from the surface to be cleaned.
  • impeller 24 and brush 20 within shroud 18 provides fluid suction forces to remove water and loosened debris (for example, fouling or paint removed from the surface to be cleaned) through effluent outlet 26 and outlet hose 27 to the surface pump and filtration system.
  • Impeller 24 forces fluid towards the outside edges of a cavity 36 defined within shroud 18, thereby producing a region of low pressure near the centre of cavity 36. A portion of the fluid within cavity 36 is forced out effluent outlet 26, carrying loosened debris with it.
  • the suction force provided by the surface pump coupled with the movement of impeller 24 and brush 20 within shroud 18 creates a rotational flow having characteristics similar to that of a vortex that pulls brush/shroud assembly 14 towards the surface to be cleaned.
  • Suction forces can be obtained without the surface pump; however, in some embodiments the surface pump increases the suction flow rate to maximize suction forces and maximize collection of debris by brush/shroud assembly 14.
  • the suction forces created by the combined action of rotational fluid flow within shroud 18 and the surface pump can be in the order of approximately 0 to 600 kg when impeller 24 and brush 20 are rotated at a speed in the range of approximately 575 to 650 revolutions per minute (r.p.m).
  • brushes in brush/shroud assembly 14 may change the maximum suction force that can be created.
  • different brushes may be used, e.g. nylon bristles to remove algal growth; relatively stiffer bristles such as stainless steel bristles to remove harder materials such as growth of molluscs or crustaceans.
  • nylon bristles to remove algal growth
  • relatively stiffer bristles such as stainless steel bristles to remove harder materials such as growth of molluscs or crustaceans.
  • a person skilled in the art can select an appropriate brush for cleaning a given underwater surface given the condition of that underwater surface.
  • a distal portion 38 of shroud 18 is positioned so that bristles 22 extend slightly beyond shroud 18, i.e. so that shroud 18 does not actually make contact with or seal to the surface to be cleaned when brush cart assembly 10 is in use.
  • gap 42 ranges in size from about 0 inches to about 0.5 inches (i.e. about 0 cm to about 1.25 cm), or any value therebetween including e.g. about 0.25 inches.
  • gap 42 As the size of gap 42 is increased, the suction forces created as described above would be increased. However, when gap 42 between the distal end 38 of shroud 18 and the surface to be cleaned becomes too large, suction will be lost and brush/shroud assembly 14 will tend to fall away from the surface to be cleaned 23. In some example embodiments, it is believed that when gap 42 increases in size to between about 2.5 inches and about 5 inches (about 6 cm to about 13 cm), suction forces may be lost.
  • shroud 18 has an inwardly angled peripheral portion 21 that extends between outer circumference 19 and distal portion 38 of shroud 18. Inwardly angled peripheral portion 21 helps to redirect fluid and debris inwardly towards the centre of shroud 18, as illustrated by arrow 40B.
  • inwardly angled peripheral portion 21 has been illustrated as being generally straight, inwardly angled peripheral portion 21 could be provided with other shapes, so long as such shape results in redirection of fluid and debris inwardly, e.g. inwardly angled peripheral portion 21 could be provided with a slightly curved shape.
  • a brush chassis 50 is provided to support brush/shroud assemblies 14 on brush cart assembly 10.
  • brush chassis 50 is provided with features (described in more detail below) that provide brush/shroud assemblies 14 with a range of motion to allow brush cart assembly 10 to be used to clean uneven surfaces and/or curved surfaces, as well as generally flat surfaces.
  • each one of the brush/shroud assemblies 14 on a brush cart assembly 10 is provided with individual freedom of movement relative to the other brush/shroud assemblies 14 on the brush cart assembly 10.
  • each one of the brush/shroud assemblies 14 on brush cart assembly 10 is provided with three degrees of freedom.
  • brush chassis 50 has a base 49 with three support arms 52 extending from base 49.
  • Each support arm 52 has a central hinge region 54, which will be described in greater detail below, and a universal swivel joint 56 at its distal end.
  • Each universal swivel joint 56 is coupled to one of the brush/shroud assemblies 14.
  • each universal swivel joint includes a base 55 and a pair of arms 57 that project distally from either end of base 55.
  • each universal swivel joint 56 includes a pair of opposed receptacles 58 provided on the inside surfaces of arms 57. Each receptacle 58 receives a corresponding pin 60 provided on the proximate portion of brush/shroud assembly 14, so that each brush/shroud assembly 14 is rotatably engaged with a universal swivel joint 56.
  • This rotational engagement of brush/shroud assembly 14 with universal swivel joint 56 provides brush/shroud assembly 14 with a first degree of freedom relative to frame 12.
  • Brush/shroud assembly 14 can rotate about axis 62 by virtue of this rotational engagement, as illustrated by arrow 64.
  • rotation about axis 62 is constrained to maintain reasonable anticipated operating orientations of brush shroud assembly 14. In one example embodiment, rotation about axis 62 is constrained to a maximum angle of approximately 45° proximally towards base 49 of brush chassis 50 and up to approximately 90° distally away from base 49 of brush chassis 50, for a total possible range of motion about axis 62 of approximately 135°.
  • Each universal swivel joint 56 is in turn rotatably coupled to a distal end of a
  • This rotatable coupling provides brush assembly 14 with a second degree of freedom relative to frame 12.
  • an aperture 66 is provided through base 55 so that base 55 (and therefore arms 57, which are integrally formed with or affixed to base 55) can rotate about a securing pin 68 provided at the distal end of support arm 52.
  • This rotatable connection allows universal swivel joint 56 to rotate about an axis 70, as indicated by arrow 72.
  • This provides brush/shroud assembly 14 with a second degree of freedom relative to frame 12.
  • universal swivel joint 56 is free to rotate at any angle about axis 70, constrained only by the physical positioning of elements of brush cart assembly 10 (i.e.
  • brush/shroud assembly 14 may make physical contact with some element of brush cart assembly 10, for example arms 13, hydraulic lines or the like, and thereby be prevented from further rotation).
  • brush/shroud assembly 14 can rotate up to about 30° in either direction about axis 70.
  • Each support arm 52 includes a hinge region 54.
  • Hinge region 54 allows first and second portions 52A, 52B of support arm 52 to rotate relative to one another about a hinge 74.
  • first and second portions 52A, 52B can rotate relative to one another about axis 76, as indicated by arrow 78.
  • This connection provides brush/shroud assembly 14 with a third degree of freedom relative to frame 12.
  • Figure 6 shows hinge region 54 in an open configuration, i.e. wherein first and second portions 52A, 52B of support arm 52 have rotated away from one another about pin 74.
  • a pair of springs 80 is operatively connected between first and second portions 52A, 52B of support arm 52, one on either side of support arm 52.
  • Springs 80 apply a force to retain first and second portions 52A, 52B adjacent to one another when there is no counteracting force exerted on brush/shroud assembly 14.
  • suction generated by brush/shroud assembly 14 pulls brush/shroud assembly 14 (and therefore second region 52B of support arm 52) in the distal direction towards the surface to be cleaned 23, so that first and second portions 52A, 52B are pivoted apart from one another around hinge 74.
  • Springs 80 apply a counteracting force that tends to pull first and second portions 52A, 52B of support arm 52 towards each other about hinge 74.
  • Springs 80 should be selected to have a sufficient size and stiffness to counteract the expected suction forces generated by brush/shroud assembly 14, but still allow some pivoting of first and second portions 52A, 52B under a range of reasonable expected operating conditions.
  • Springs 80 can be made from any suitable corrosion resistant material. In some example embodiments, spring 80 has a stiffness of under about 500 pounds per inch per spring. In some embodiments, only a single spring 80 could be used.
  • a hinge region 54 in support arms 52 allows some movement of individual brush shroud assemblies independently of one another on a single brush cart assembly 10, e.g. distally or proximally towards or away from the surface to be cleaned. This may enhance cleaning of surfaces such as curved surfaces by the brush cart assembly 10.
  • the three degrees of freedom of brush/shroud assembly 14 relative to frame 12 provide brush/shroud assembly 14 with a good range of motion so that brush/shroud assembly 14 can move relative to frame 12 as the contours of the surface to be cleaned 23 change, including on curved surfaces such as ship hulls.
  • ships hulls are often uneven in shape, and it can be difficult for the operator of a hull cleaning apparatus to ensure consistent positioning of the brushes relative to the hull of the ship, particularly when multiple brushes are present on a single brush cart.
  • brush cart assembly 10 has been illustrated as having three brush/shroud assemblies 14, any suitable number of brush/shroud assemblies could be used. For example, in some embodiments, anywhere between 2 and 7 brush/shroud assemblies or more may be used, including any value therebetween, e.g. 4, 5 or 6. In some embodiments, three brush/shroud assemblies are used to increase the cleaning width provided by a given brush cart assembly as compared with using only two brush/shroud assemblies, while not rendering the construction of such brush cart assembly unreasonably complex.
  • the force of brush bristles 22 on surface to be cleaned 23 and/or the distance of brush/shroud assemblies 14 from surface to be cleaned 23 can be adjusted by lifting brush/shroud assembly 14 away from the surface to be cleaned and/or allowing brush/shroud assembly 14 to move towards the surface to be cleaned.
  • Any suitable mechanism can be used to adjust the position of brush/shroud assemblies 14 relative to the surface to be cleaned 23, for example, hydraulic cylinders, gears, mechanical means such as a screwjack, or the like.
  • brush/shroud assembly 14 is lifted by the use of a mechanical screwjack 44 that is operatively coupled to adjust the position of brush chassis 50 relative to frame 12.
  • the positions of the surface contact points of brush cart assembly 10 (wheels 16 in the illustrated embodiment) relative to frame 12 are fixed.
  • the position of brush shroud assemblies 14 relative to wheels 16, and therefore the surface to be cleaned 23 can be changed by adjusting the position of screwjack 44.
  • an operator can feel when holding brush cart assembly 10 whether brush/shroud assemblies 14 are moving toward or away from the operator (i.e. moving toward or away from frame 12), and can adjust the positioning of screwjack 44 accordingly to maintain a desired distance between the surface to be cleaned 23 and brush/shroud assemblies 14, even when the contours of the surface to be cleaned 23 are somewhat uneven.
  • Figure 7 A shows an example embodiment of a brush cart assembly 10 with screwjack 44 in its fully contracted position. In this position, brush/shroud assemblies 14 are located as far in the proximal direction as possible from wheels 16, i.e. as close to frame 12 as possible.
  • Figure 7B shows the example brush cart assembly 10 with screwjack 44 in its fully extended position. In this position, brush/shroud assemblies 14 are forced in the distal direction away from frame 12, and are as close to wheels 16 as possible.
  • a handle 92 coupled to a steering pipe can be used by an operator to control the movement and steering of brush cart assembly 10.
  • Figure 8 shows a partially exploded view of an example embodiment of a brush cart assembly with a float 98.
  • float 98 partially encases portions of brush cart assembly 10.
  • Float 98 is provided to give brush cart assembly 10 a desired level of buoyancy, to make it easier for an operator to use brush cart assembly 10 underwater.
  • the buoyancy of float 98 is selected to provide brush cart assembly 10 with a relatively neutral buoyancy.
  • FIG. 8 The view of Figure 8 also shows hydraulic connections 94 for the connection of hydraulic lines (omitted from the figures for clarity), and a suction hose manifold 96.
  • wheels 16 are driven by motors 17 to move brush cart assembly 10 along surface to be cleaned 23.
  • all wheels 16 of brush cart assembly 10 are driven to provide all-wheel drive.
  • wheels 16 are operated with traction control providing for limited slip. For example, at some times, one wheel 16 may rotate at a faster speed than the other wheels 16, for example to allow brush cart assembly 10 to turn a comer.
  • brush 20 is rotated at an approximately constant speed.
  • rotation of brush 20 and impeller 24 at an approximately constant speed helps to ensure a consistent suction force.
  • the speed of rotation of brush 20 will tend to be slower in areas where there is a relatively heavy amount of debris to be removed, and faster in areas where there is a relatively lighter amount of debris to be removed.
  • adjustments are made to the speed of rotation of brush 20 as it moves along the surface to be cleaned, to compensate for such variations and maintain an approximately constant speed of rotation.
  • any suitable materials can be used for the construction of brush/shroud assembly 14 and brush cart assembly 10.
  • components of the brush cart such as brush chassis 50 and support arms 52 can be made from a suitable metal such as aluminum or stainless steel.
  • Some components of brush cart assembly 10 such as shroud 18 and float 98 can be made from any suitable plastic, for example polyurethane.
  • shroud 18 is made from a flexible, abrasion-resistant plastic.
  • shroud 18 is made from a suitable nonflexible material, which may be plastic.
  • float 98 is made from polyurethane with a protective coating.
  • float 98 is made from closed-cell high density high strength foam, e.g. to withstand compressive forces caused by water depth.
  • Example embodiments of brush bristles 22 can be made from any suitable material, for example, polypropylene, nylon, stainless steel, or the like.
  • a hydraulic control block 90 is provided ( Figure 2) to operate a hydraulic control system.
  • the hydraulic control block can be used to operate the screw jack 44 to adjust the position of the brush chassis 50 with respect to the surface to be cleaned.
  • the hydraulic control block can also be used to control the motors that rotate brush 20 and impeller 24, and the motors that move wheels 16.

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  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Ocean & Marine Engineering (AREA)
  • Cleaning In General (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention concerne un appareil de nettoyage d'une surface sous-marine qui comporte un ensemble de brosse/enveloppe pour nettoyer la contamination de la surface sous-marine. Un ou plusieurs ensembles de brosse/enveloppe peuvent être soutenus sur un chariot à brosse avec trois degrés de liberté de mouvement par rapport à un cadre du chariot à brosse. Les débris libérés par nettoyage sont capturés à l'intérieur de l'enveloppe et retirés par l'intermédiaire d'une sortie par des forces d'écoulement rotatif générées par la brosse et une hélice tournant à l'intérieur de l'enveloppe. La sortie est couplée à une pompe de surface pour transférer le fluide et les débris éliminés vers une unité de filtration superficielle.
PCT/CA2014/050839 2014-09-04 2014-09-04 Dispositif de nettoyage de surface et de collecte de débris sous-marins WO2016033678A1 (fr)

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PCT/CA2014/050839 WO2016033678A1 (fr) 2014-09-04 2014-09-04 Dispositif de nettoyage de surface et de collecte de débris sous-marins

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Cited By (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN106143842A (zh) * 2016-07-07 2016-11-23 淄博职业学院 一种六推进器水下机器人
WO2019210382A1 (fr) * 2018-05-03 2019-11-07 Petróleo Brasileiro S.A. - Petrobras Dispositif de nettoyage et de polissage de raccords d'équipements sous-marins comprenant un mécanisme de dispersion de fluide de nettoyage
WO2019210383A1 (fr) * 2018-05-03 2019-11-07 Petróleo Brasileiro S.A. - Petrobras Dispositif de nettoyage et de polissage de connexions d'équipement sous-marin
CN112141289A (zh) * 2020-09-16 2020-12-29 哈尔滨工程大学 一种用于船底附着物清洁开架式全自动水下机器人
CN112172749A (zh) * 2020-08-18 2021-01-05 杭州龙皓工程咨询有限公司 一种渣土车清洁设备
CN112427352A (zh) * 2020-11-29 2021-03-02 河南基兆建筑工程有限公司 一种水利工程用浮力升降式水塔内壁清洁设备
CN114633849A (zh) * 2022-04-07 2022-06-17 昆明海威机电技术研究所(有限公司) 适应各种工作面的多自由度水下空化清洗装置
DE102021102621A1 (de) 2021-02-04 2022-08-04 Bernd Christof Abreinigungssystem zum Abreinigen von Partikeln von einer äußeren Oberfläche eines Wasserfahrzeuges oder eines Wasserbauwerkes und mobile Transportvorrichtung
US11445809B2 (en) * 2014-09-04 2022-09-20 Florida Institute of Technology, Inc. Vertically rotating grooming attachment brush and method of use
WO2023194183A1 (fr) 2022-04-05 2023-10-12 Environtec Aqua As Dispositif de nettoyage de surface et véhicule

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US5469596A (en) * 1993-11-03 1995-11-28 Sta-Rite Industries, Inc. Dual-use and manual pool cleaning apparatus
US5842243A (en) * 1997-04-24 1998-12-01 Aqua Products Inc. Manually propelled pool cleaner
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Cited By (13)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US11445809B2 (en) * 2014-09-04 2022-09-20 Florida Institute of Technology, Inc. Vertically rotating grooming attachment brush and method of use
CN106143842B (zh) * 2016-07-07 2018-02-23 淄博职业学院 一种六推进器水下机器人
CN106143842A (zh) * 2016-07-07 2016-11-23 淄博职业学院 一种六推进器水下机器人
WO2019210382A1 (fr) * 2018-05-03 2019-11-07 Petróleo Brasileiro S.A. - Petrobras Dispositif de nettoyage et de polissage de raccords d'équipements sous-marins comprenant un mécanisme de dispersion de fluide de nettoyage
WO2019210383A1 (fr) * 2018-05-03 2019-11-07 Petróleo Brasileiro S.A. - Petrobras Dispositif de nettoyage et de polissage de connexions d'équipement sous-marin
CN112172749A (zh) * 2020-08-18 2021-01-05 杭州龙皓工程咨询有限公司 一种渣土车清洁设备
CN112141289A (zh) * 2020-09-16 2020-12-29 哈尔滨工程大学 一种用于船底附着物清洁开架式全自动水下机器人
CN112141289B (zh) * 2020-09-16 2022-04-05 哈尔滨工程大学 一种用于船底附着物清洁开架式全自动水下机器人
CN112427352A (zh) * 2020-11-29 2021-03-02 河南基兆建筑工程有限公司 一种水利工程用浮力升降式水塔内壁清洁设备
DE102021102621A1 (de) 2021-02-04 2022-08-04 Bernd Christof Abreinigungssystem zum Abreinigen von Partikeln von einer äußeren Oberfläche eines Wasserfahrzeuges oder eines Wasserbauwerkes und mobile Transportvorrichtung
WO2023194183A1 (fr) 2022-04-05 2023-10-12 Environtec Aqua As Dispositif de nettoyage de surface et véhicule
NO347393B1 (en) * 2022-04-05 2023-10-16 Environtec Aqua As A surface-cleaning device and vehicle
CN114633849A (zh) * 2022-04-07 2022-06-17 昆明海威机电技术研究所(有限公司) 适应各种工作面的多自由度水下空化清洗装置

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