A podded propulsor

Abstract

The application discloses a pod type propeller, which comprises a rudder assembly and an underwater power assembly. The rudder assembly comprises a rudder base and a rudder driving device. The underwater power assembly comprises a steering shaft, a machine shell, a power motor and a speed reducer. The upper end of the steering shaft is connected with the rudder driving device and rotates under the driving of the rudder driving device. The upper end of the machine shell is fixedly connected with the lower end of the steering shaft and rotates with the steering shaft. The power motor has a rotatable power shaft. The speed reducer is arranged in the machine shell and is connected with the power shaft of the power motor. One end of a speed reduction shaft is connected with the speed reducer. The speed reducer outputs the rotation of the power shaft to the speed reduction shaft and makes the rotation speed of the speed reduction shaft smaller than the rotation speed of the power shaft. A propeller is fixedly connected with the other end of the speed reduction shaft and rotates with the speed reduction shaft. The underwater power assembly can be adjusted in direction, and the volume is small.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to marine propulsion, and more specifically to a podded propulsion. Background Technology

[0002] A ship's propulsion on water comes from a propulsion system, commonly a podded propulsion system. A podded propulsion system consists of a rudder assembly and an underwater power unit connected to the rudder assembly. The rudder assembly is fixed to the hull, while the underwater power unit is submerged in the water. The propeller of the underwater power unit rotates, propelling the ship forward. Additionally, rudder blades are used to control the ship's direction. However, in existing podded propulsion systems, the entire underwater power unit is fixed to the ship, making directional adjustment impossible.

[0003] In addition, existing underwater power assemblies for podded propulsion typically use electric motors to directly drive the propeller. Since the propeller rotation requires a large driving force, the motor needs to output a large torque, resulting in a large motor size. This makes the underwater power assembly very large, which is not only inconvenient to install but also expensive. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the technical problems of existing underwater powertrains, such as the inability to adjust direction and their large size, this invention provides a podded thruster.

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is to design a podded propulsion device, including a steering assembly and an underwater power assembly connected to the steering assembly, wherein the steering assembly includes: The rudder mount is fixed to the ship's deck. A rudder drive device is mounted on the rudder base; The underwater propulsion system includes: A steering shaft, the upper end of which is connected to the steering drive device and rotates under the drive of the steering drive device; The housing has its upper end fixedly connected to the lower end of the steering shaft and rotates with the steering shaft; A power motor is fixed inside the housing, and the power motor has a rotatable power shaft; A speed reducer is disposed inside the housing and is connected to the power shaft of the power motor; A reduction shaft, one end of which is connected to the reducer; the reducer outputs the rotation of the power shaft to the reduction shaft and makes the rotational speed of the reduction shaft less than the rotational speed of the power shaft; A propeller, which is fixedly connected to the other end of the reduction shaft and rotates with the reduction shaft.

[0006] The output end of the drive shaft is provided with drive teeth, and the reducer includes: A fixed ring is fixedly connected to the housing. A hollow reduction hole is provided in the center of the fixed ring, and fixed teeth are provided on the inner side wall of the reduction hole. The output end of the power shaft is inserted into the reduction hole. The reduction gear includes at least two gears, which are disposed on the outside of the power shaft and located in the reduction hole. The outer surface of the reduction gear is provided with reduction teeth, and the reduction teeth of the reduction gear mesh with the power teeth of the power shaft and the fixed teeth. A fixed sleeve is fixedly connected to one end of the reduction shaft; the reduction gear is disposed on the fixed sleeve and can rotate relative to the fixed sleeve, the reduction gear is disposed on the outside of the reduction shaft, and the reduction gear drives the fixed sleeve and the reduction shaft to rotate relative to the fixed ring.

[0007] The reduction shaft includes: A boss is provided on the outer surface of the reduction shaft and protrudes outward; A fixing thread is provided on the outer surface of the reduction shaft and located on one side of the boss; The underwater propulsion system also includes: An angular contact ball bearing, comprising a pair, wherein the inner ring of the angular contact ball bearing is fitted onto the reduction shaft, and the outer ring is fixedly connected to the housing; A locking nut is fitted onto the reduction shaft and threadedly connected to the fixing thread; the locking nut locks the angular contact ball bearing between the boss and the locking nut; a locking groove penetrating the axis of the locking nut is provided in the middle of the side of the locking nut, and a first locking surface and a second locking surface are formed on both sides of the locking groove, and axially arranged locking holes are provided on the first locking surface and the second locking surface; A locking screw passes through the locking hole and the locking groove of the first locking surface to lock the first locking surface onto the second locking surface.

[0008] The outer surface of the reduction shaft is also provided with a fixing groove located on one side of the fixing thread; The underwater propulsion system also includes: A locking ring is engaged in the fixing groove and blocks the opposite surface of the locking nut and the contact surface of the angular contact ball bearing.

[0009] The steering drive device includes: An electric motor drive mechanism is mounted on the rudder base; A steering gear is disposed within the steering rudder base and rotates under the drive of the motor drive mechanism; the steering gear is fixedly connected to the steering shaft, and the steering shaft rotates with the steering gear; An angle detection sensor is used to detect the rotation angle of the rotating gear and send the detection result to the motor drive mechanism. The motor drive mechanism controls the rotation of the steering gear according to the detection result, and the angle detection sensor is set to the position of the steering gear when the steering shaft is installed as the initial position.

[0010] The motor drive mechanism includes a drive motor, a motor reducer connected to the drive motor, and a drive gear connected to the motor reducer, wherein the steering gear meshes with the drive gear.

[0011] The rudder mount includes: The base is fixed to the ship's deck; A seat cover is placed over the seat, and the steering gear is covered by the seat cover within the seat body; The steering drive device also includes: The installation positioning mechanism is used to position the steering gear during the installation of the underwater powertrain, so that the propeller of the underwater powertrain is located on the axis of the hull during installation.

[0012] The steering drive device also includes: A gear cover, which is fixedly connected to the steering gear; The installation positioning mechanism includes: A first positioning part is provided on the gear cover; The second positioning part is provided on the seat cover; A positioning pin is detachably connected to the first positioning part and the second positioning part, and when the positioning pin is inserted into the first positioning part and the second positioning part, the steering gear is fixed to the seat cover.

[0013] The installation positioning mechanism also includes: A positioning mark is provided on the base cover and is positioned directly opposite the second positioning part; A directional marker is placed on the seat cover and points to the axis of the hull.

[0014] The gear cover is provided with an arc-shaped steering limit groove, and the steering drive device further includes: A limiting pin is fixedly connected to the seat body. The limiting pin is inserted into the steering limiting groove and can move relative to the steering limiting groove to limit the rotation angle of the steering gear.

[0015] This invention utilizes a rudder assembly and an underwater power assembly. The rudder drive device in the rudder assembly drives the steering shaft of the underwater power assembly, thereby rotating the entire underwater power assembly and adjusting its direction. Furthermore, by incorporating a reducer and reduction shaft into the underwater power assembly, the output of the high-speed rotating motor is converted to a low-speed output. This allows for a very small motor size, resulting in a compact and lightweight underwater power assembly that increases range. The invention is not only easy to install but also cost-effective. Attached Figure Description

[0016] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the embodiments and accompanying drawings, wherein: Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of the podded propulsion device of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the podded propulsion device of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a structural diagram of the steering assembly of the podded propulsion system of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the steering assembly of the podded propulsion system of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the steering assembly of the podded propulsion system of the present invention from another perspective; Figure 6 This is a structural diagram of the gear cover of the present invention; Figure 7 This is a structural diagram of the underwater powertrain of the podded propulsion system of the present invention; Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of the underwater power assembly of the podded propulsion system of the present invention; Figure 9 This is a structural diagram of the main housing of the present invention; Figure 10 This is a structural diagram of the front housing of the present invention; Figure 11 This is a structural diagram of the front housing of the present invention from another perspective; Figure 12 This is a structural diagram of the power motor of the present invention; Figure 13 This is a structural diagram of the stator of this invention; Figure 14 This is a structural diagram of the reducer and reduction shaft of the present invention; Figure 15 This is a structural diagram of the reducer and reduction shaft of the present invention from another perspective; Figure 16 This is a structural diagram of the locking nut of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0017] The specific embodiments of the present invention are further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings: Please see also Figures 1 to 16 The podded propulsion system of the present invention includes a steering assembly 1 and an underwater power assembly 2 connected to the steering assembly. Wherein: The steering assembly includes a steering base 11 and a steering drive unit 12. Wherein: The rudder mount 11 is fixed to the ship's plate. The rudder mount is located above the ship's plate and is mainly used to house the rudder drive device.

[0018] The rudder drive unit 12 is mounted on the rudder base. The rudder drive unit is mainly used to drive the underwater powertrain to rotate, thereby adjusting the ship's direction.

[0019] The underwater powertrain 2 includes a steering shaft 21, a housing 22, a power motor 23, a reducer 24, a reduction shaft 25, a propeller 26, and a rudder blade 27, wherein: The upper end of the steering shaft 21 is connected to the steering drive device and rotates under the drive of the steering drive device.

[0020] The upper end of the housing 22 is fixedly connected to the lower end of the steering shaft and rotates with the steering shaft.

[0021] The power motor 23 is fixed inside the housing, and the power motor has a rotatable power shaft 231.

[0022] The reducer 24 is located inside the housing and is connected to the power shaft of the power motor.

[0023] One end of the reduction shaft 25 is connected to the reducer; the reducer outputs the rotation of the power shaft to the reduction shaft and makes the rotational speed of the reduction shaft less than the rotational speed of the power shaft.

[0024] The propeller 26 is fixedly connected to the other end of the reduction shaft and rotates with the reduction shaft.

[0025] The rudder blade 27 is fixedly connected to the housing. The rudder blade 27 rotates together with the housing, so that the rudder blade can rotate under the drive of the rudder drive device, which plays a role in steering balance.

[0026] This invention utilizes a rudder assembly and an underwater power assembly. The rudder drive device in the rudder assembly drives the steering shaft of the underwater power assembly, thereby rotating the entire underwater power assembly and adjusting its direction. Furthermore, by incorporating a reducer and reduction shaft into the underwater power assembly, the output of the high-speed rotating motor is converted to a low-speed output. This allows for a very small motor size, resulting in a compact and lightweight underwater power assembly that increases range. The invention is not only easy to install but also cost-effective.

[0027] In this specific embodiment, the output end of the power shaft 231 is provided with power teeth 2311, and the reducer 24 includes a fixed ring 241, a reduction gear 242, and a fixed sleeve 243. Wherein: The fixing ring 241 is fixedly connected to the housing. A hollow deceleration hole 2411 is provided in the center of the fixing ring, and fixing teeth 2412 are provided on the inner side wall of the deceleration hole. The output end of the power shaft is inserted into the deceleration hole.

[0028] The reduction gear 242 includes at least two gears. The reduction gear is located on the outside of the power shaft and in the reduction hole. The outer surface of the reduction gear is provided with reduction teeth 2421. The reduction teeth of the reduction gear mesh with the power teeth of the power shaft and the fixed teeth.

[0029] The fixed sleeve 243 is fixedly connected to one end of the reduction shaft; the reduction gear is disposed on the fixed sleeve and can rotate relative to the fixed sleeve, the reduction gear is disposed on the outside of the reduction shaft, and the reduction gear drives the fixed sleeve and the reduction shaft to rotate relative to the fixed ring.

[0030] By meshing the reduction gear teeth of the reduction gear with the power gear teeth and the fixed gear teeth of the power shaft, the reduction gear can rotate relative to the fixed sleeve, thereby reducing the rotational speed of the power shaft and outputting it to the reduction shaft. Moreover, the structure with at least two reduction gears inside the fixed ring is not only more robust, simple, and compact, but also makes the rotation smoother.

[0031] In this specific embodiment, the reduction shaft 25 includes a boss 251 and a fixing thread 252. Wherein: The boss 251 is provided on the outer surface of the reduction shaft and protrudes outward.

[0032] The fixing thread 252 is provided on the outer surface of the reduction shaft and is located on one side of the boss.

[0033] The underwater powertrain 2 also includes an angular contact ball bearing 28, a lock nut 29, and a lock screw 20. Wherein: The angular contact ball bearing 28 includes a pair, wherein the inner ring of the angular contact ball bearing is fitted onto the reduction shaft, and the outer ring is fixedly connected to the housing.

[0034] The locking nut 29 is fitted onto the reduction shaft and threadedly connected to the fixing thread 252; the locking nut locks the angular contact ball bearing between the boss and the locking nut; a locking groove 291 penetrating the axis of the locking nut is provided in the middle of the side of the locking nut 29, and a first locking surface 292 and a second locking surface 293 are formed on both sides of the locking groove, and axially arranged locking holes 294 are provided on the first locking surface and the second locking surface.

[0035] The locking screw 20 passes through the locking hole and locking groove of the first locking surface to lock the first locking surface onto the second locking surface. The locking screw locking the first locking surface onto the second locking surface causes a slight deformation of the threads of the locking nut, thereby preventing the locking nut from loosening.

[0036] By using angular contact ball bearings, the motor can withstand not only its axial weight but also the radial forces exerted during forward, backward, and steering maneuvers. The lock nut features a slotted design, and tightening the locking screw prevents it from shifting back and forth.

[0037] In this specific embodiment, a fixing groove 253 located on one side of the fixing thread is also provided on the outer side of the reduction shaft 25.

[0038] The underwater powertrain 2 also includes a locking ring 31, which is engaged in the fixing groove and blocks the opposite surface of the locking nut and the contact surface of the angular contact ball bearing. The locking ring can further prevent the locking nut from loosening.

[0039] In this specific embodiment, the steering drive device 12 includes a motor drive mechanism 121, a steering gear 122, and an angle detection sensor 123. Wherein: The motor drive mechanism 121 is mounted on the steering base. The motor drive mechanism 121 includes a drive motor 1211, a motor reducer 1212 connected to the drive motor, and a drive gear 1213 connected to the motor reducer. The steering gear meshes with the drive gear.

[0040] The steering gear 122 is disposed in the steering base and rotates under the drive of the motor drive mechanism; the steering gear is fixedly connected to the steering shaft, and the steering shaft rotates with the steering gear.

[0041] An angle detection sensor 123 is used to detect the rotation angle of the rotating gear and send the detection result to the motor drive mechanism. The motor drive mechanism controls the rotation of the steering gear according to the detection result, and the angle detection sensor sets the position of the steering gear when the steering shaft is installed as the initial position. The initial position is the zero point position of the rotation angle. The angle detection sensor can be a magnetic encoder, grating sensor, resolver sensor, Hall sensor, etc. In this specific embodiment, the angle detection sensor is a magnetic encoder.

[0042] A motor-driven mechanism drives a steering gear to rotate. The steering gear is fixedly connected to the steering shaft, and the steering shaft rotates with the steering gear. An angle detection sensor detects the rotation angle of the steering gear and sends the detection result to the motor-driven mechanism. The motor-driven mechanism controls the rotation of the steering gear based on the detection result. Thus, the steering shaft can be driven to rotate via a rudder drive device, thereby driving the underwater powertrain to rotate and achieving directional adjustment. Furthermore, the angle detection sensor can detect the rotation angle of the underwater powertrain.

[0043] In this specific embodiment, the steering wheel base 11 includes a base body 111 and a base cover 112. Wherein: The base 111 is fixed to the ship's deck.

[0044] A seat cover 112 covers the seat, and the steering gear is covered by the seat cover within the seat.

[0045] The steering drive device 12 also includes a mounting and positioning mechanism 124, which is used to position the steering gear when installing the underwater power assembly, so that the propeller of the underwater power assembly is located on the axis of the hull during installation.

[0046] By incorporating an installation positioning mechanism, the steering gear is positioned during the installation of the underwater powertrain, ensuring that the propeller of the underwater powertrain is aligned with the hull's axis during installation. This allows the steering gear to be positioned and fixed in its initial position during the installation of the steering shaft, making installation very convenient.

[0047] In this specific embodiment, the steering drive device 12 further includes a gear cover 125, which is fixedly connected to the steering gear.

[0048] The installation positioning mechanism 124 includes a first positioning part 1241, a second positioning part 1242, a positioning pin (not shown in the figure), a positioning mark 1244, and a pointing mark 1245. Wherein: A first positioning part 1241 is provided on the gear cover. In this specific embodiment, the first positioning part is a first positioning hole provided on the gear cover.

[0049] The second positioning part 1242 is provided on the seat cover. In this specific embodiment, the second positioning part is a second positioning hole provided on the seat cover.

[0050] The positioning pin is detachably connected to the first positioning part and the second positioning part, and when the positioning pin is inserted into the first positioning part and the second positioning part, it fixes the steering gear to the seat cover. When the underwater power assembly is installed on the steering assembly, the positioning pin is inserted into the first positioning part and the second positioning part to fix the steering gear and prevent it from rotating. After installation, the positioning pin is removed to release the fixation of the steering gear.

[0051] In this specific embodiment, the gear cover 125 includes a cover body 1251, a cap 1252, and a cover body hole 1253. Wherein: The cover 1251 is fixedly connected to the steering gear.

[0052] The cap 1252 is detachably and fixedly connected to the upper end of the cover.

[0053] The cover hole 1253 penetrates the cover and cap in the vertical direction.

[0054] The seat cover 112 is provided with a seat cover hole (not shown in the figure) and a positioning protrusion ring 1122 that is provided around the seat cover hole and protrudes upward; the second positioning hole is provided on the side of the positioning protrusion ring; the upper end of the cap is inserted into the seat cover hole; the first positioning hole is provided on the cap; the positioning pin is inserted from the outside of the positioning protrusion ring into the second positioning hole and the first positioning hole in sequence to fix the steering gear to the seat cover, and the positioning pin is removed after the steering shaft is installed.

[0055] Positioning mark 1244 is affixed to the base cover and is positioned directly opposite the second positioning part. The positioning mark is primarily used to mark the installation location, facilitating quick positioning and alignment during installation.

[0056] A pointing mark 1245 is provided on the seat cover and points to the axis of the hull. A pointing mark 1235 is used to indicate the axis, thereby facilitating the installation of the seat cover, and in conjunction with the positioning mark, can better achieve the positioning and installation of the underwater powertrain.

[0057] In this specific embodiment, the mounting and positioning mechanism 124 further includes a first mark and a second mark. The first mark is located on the gear cover and corresponds to the positioning mark. The second mark is located on the gear cover and corresponds to the pointing mark. The placement of the first and second marks facilitates the quick rotation of the steering gear to the positioning position when the steering shaft is mounted on the steering gear, thus simplifying the installation process.

[0058] In this specific embodiment, the gear cover 125 is provided with an arc-shaped steering limiting groove 1259, and the steering drive device 12 further includes a limiting pin 126. The limiting pin 126 is fixedly connected to the seat body, and the limiting pin is inserted into the steering limiting groove and can move relative to the steering limiting groove to limit the rotation angle of the steering gear. By setting the limiting pin and the steering limiting groove, the rotation angle of the steering gear can be further limited, preventing the steering gear from rotating 360 degrees and causing the circuit cable to become tangled.

[0059] In this specific embodiment, the seat body 111 has a downwardly recessed seat cavity 1111 in the center, and a steering shaft hole (not shown in the figure) penetrating the lower surface of the seat body is provided in the seat cavity; an upwardly protruding seat platform 1113 is provided around the steering shaft hole; the steering shaft is inserted into the steering shaft hole.

[0060] In this specific embodiment, the limiting pin 126 is fixed to the base, and the steering limiting groove 1259 is provided on the lower surface of the gear cover.

[0061] In this specific embodiment, the base 1113 is recessed downward in the steering shaft hole to form a rotating shaft positioning platform 1114.

[0062] The steering assembly 1 also includes a slewing support bearing 14 and an upper end cover 15. Wherein: The outer ring of the slewing support bearing 14 is fixed in the steering shaft hole, and the inner ring is fitted on the steering shaft; the slewing support bearing is located above the seat seal ring.

[0063] The upper end cover 15 is fixed to the upper end of the base, and the upper end cover positions the slewing support bearing between the upper end cover and the rotating shaft positioning table.

[0064] The slewing bearing not only solves the problem of driving the underwater powertrain to rotate, but also withstands the axial and radial forces generated by the underwater powertrain.

[0065] In this specific embodiment, the housing 22 includes a main housing 221, a front housing 222, and a front end cover 223. Wherein: The main housing 221 is the main part of the casing, and the power motor 12 is located inside the main housing.

[0066] The front housing 222 is located at the front end of the main housing and is fixedly and sealed to the main housing; a front housing cavity 2221 is provided in the center of the front housing, penetrating the front and rear sides of the front housing; the front end of the power shaft is inserted into the front housing cavity.

[0067] The front cover 223 is located at the front end of the front housing and seals the front end of the front housing cavity from the front end of the front housing.

[0068] In this specific embodiment, the front housing is welded to the main housing, and the front end cover is welded to the front housing. The various parts of the housing 22 are welded using laser welding technology, resulting in a more robust connection and better sealing. The housing 22 is made of 316 stainless steel to prevent seawater corrosion.

[0069] The underwater powertrain 2 also includes a front support bearing 32. The inner ring of the front support bearing 32 is fitted around the front end of the power shaft, and the outer ring is secured in the front cavity of the front housing; the front support bearing is inserted into the front cavity from the front end of the front housing to install the front support bearing on the power shaft.

[0070] By configuring the housing to include a main housing, a front housing, and a front cover, the power motor and drive shaft can be installed inside the main housing first. Then, the front housing is fixed to the front end of the main housing, and the front end of the drive shaft is inserted into the front housing cavity. Next, the front support bearing is inserted into the front housing cavity from the front end and installed onto the drive shaft. Finally, the front cover is installed onto the front end of the front housing, making installation very convenient. Furthermore, because the drive shaft and the front support bearing are installed with a tight fit, using the front support bearing inserted into the front housing cavity from the front end to install the front support bearing onto the drive shaft reduces the impact on the drive shaft during installation.

[0071] In this specific embodiment, the rear end of the front housing cavity 2221 is provided with an inwardly protruding bearing support platform 2222 and an inwardly recessed positioning groove 2223 located in front of the bearing support platform.

[0072] The underwater powertrain 2 also includes a positioning ring 33, which is inserted from the front end of the front housing cavity and locked in the positioning groove, clamping and positioning the front support bearing between the bearing support platform and the positioning ring.

[0073] The front support bearing can be easily positioned by using the bearing support platform, positioning groove, and positioning ring.

[0074] In this specific embodiment, the lower end of the steering shaft 21 is fixedly connected to the housing; the lower end of the steering shaft has an inwardly recessed insertion groove 211 on its side. The upper end of the steering shaft is fixedly connected to the steering gear of the rudder assembly 1, and the steering shaft is driven to rotate through the rudder assembly, thereby driving the entire underwater power assembly to rotate.

[0075] The upper end of the main housing 221 is provided with an upwardly protruding connecting part 2211, and the upper end face of the connecting part is provided with a vertically arranged connecting hole 2212, into which the steering shaft is inserted; the side of the connecting part is provided with a plugging hole 2213 that is directly opposite to the plugging groove and communicates with the connecting hole.

[0076] The underwater powertrain also includes a limiting force pin 34, which is inserted from the side of the connecting part into the insertion hole and the insertion groove to fix the steering shaft to the housing.

[0077] The limit pin not only fixes the steering shaft, but also bears the force on the steering shaft, making the steering shaft connection more secure and better stressed.

[0078] In this specific embodiment, in order to make the connection more secure and also to make it waterproof, after the limiting force pin is inserted into the insertion hole and the insertion groove, the limiting force pin and the housing are welded and fixed, so that the limiting force pin and the housing are completely integrated.

[0079] In this specific embodiment, there are at least two of each of the insertion slots, insertion holes, and limiting force pins, and the two insertion slots are arranged opposite each other on both sides of the steering shaft. By symmetrically arranging the insertion slots, insertion holes, and limiting force pins in pairs, the connection effect and force-bearing capacity can be further enhanced.

[0080] In this specific embodiment, the steering shaft 21 is provided with a hollow steering shaft cavity 2119 that is vertically arranged along the axis of the steering shaft and penetrates the upper and lower surfaces of the steering shaft; the steering shaft cavity communicates with one end of the power motor inside the housing. Thus, the cable of the underwater powertrain's power motor can be routed through the steering shaft cavity to connect to external control devices and power sources, preventing the cable from being exposed and enhancing safety.

[0081] In this specific embodiment, the power motor is a permanent magnet synchronous motor. The power motor 23 includes a stator 232 and a rotor 233, wherein: The stator 232 is fixed inside the housing. The stator 232 is composed of multiple evenly distributed sub-stators 2321 spliced ​​together. This allows for convenient winding of wires, which can be spliced ​​together after winding.

[0082] The rotor 233 is located inside the stator and is fixedly connected to the power shaft.

[0083] This invention utilizes a rudder assembly and an underwater power assembly. The rudder drive device in the rudder assembly drives the steering shaft of the underwater power assembly, thereby rotating the entire underwater power assembly and adjusting its direction. Furthermore, by incorporating a reducer and reduction shaft into the underwater power assembly, the output of the high-speed rotating motor is converted to a low-speed output. This allows for a very small motor size, resulting in a compact and lightweight underwater power assembly that increases range. The invention is not only easy to install but also cost-effective.

[0084] This invention has the following characteristics: 1. Utilizing the high efficiency of permanent magnet synchronous motors at low speeds ensures effective energy utilization, resulting in energy saving and environmental protection. Furthermore, its small size and light weight contribute to increased range.

[0085] 2. Easy to install, convenient to debug, simple to operate, and cost-effective.

[0086] 3. It solves the problem that traditional podded propulsion systems lack steering capabilities, enabling vessels to adjust in all directions.

[0087] 4. The locking nut is slotted, and locking the screw can prevent the locking nut from moving back and forth.

[0088] 5. The slewing bearing can not only solve the problem of driving the underwater powertrain to rotate, but also withstand the axial and radial forces of the underwater powertrain.

[0089] 6. The housing and output shaft are made of 316 stainless steel to prevent seawater corrosion.

[0090] 7. The casing adopts laser welding technology, which effectively solves the sealing problem and avoids the water leakage problem that occurs over time with the traditional screw and sealing ring installation method.

[0091] 8. The front cover has an opening to facilitate the installation and adjustment of the front support bearing.

[0092] 9. An angle detection sensor is used for accurate positioning, so that the steering angle can be known at any time.

[0093] 10. Equipped with a mechanical limit mechanism to prevent wire tangling.

[0094] 11. Fish fins play a role in steering and balance.

[0095] 12. The addition of a reducer to the power motor, with the power shaft, reducer, and reduction shaft integrated into one unit, greatly reduces the size of the underwater power assembly and increases the output torque by 5 times.

[0096] 13. The underwater powertrain incorporates a pair of angular contact ball bearings, which can not only withstand the axial weight of the power motor, but also the radial forces of the power motor during forward, backward, and rudder movements.

[0097] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A podded propulsion system, comprising a steering assembly and an underwater power system connected to the steering assembly, characterized in that: The steering assembly includes: The rudder mount is fixed to the ship's deck. A rudder drive device is mounted on the rudder base; The underwater propulsion system includes: A steering shaft, the upper end of which is connected to the steering drive device and rotates under the drive of the steering drive device; The housing has its upper end fixedly connected to the lower end of the steering shaft and rotates with the steering shaft; A power motor is fixed inside the housing, and the power motor has a rotatable power shaft; A speed reducer is disposed inside the housing and is connected to the power shaft of the power motor; A reduction shaft, one end of which is connected to the reducer; the reducer outputs the rotation of the power shaft to the reduction shaft and makes the rotational speed of the reduction shaft less than the rotational speed of the power shaft; A propeller, which is fixedly connected to the other end of the reduction shaft and rotates with the reduction shaft; The output end of the drive shaft is provided with drive teeth, and the reducer includes: A fixed ring is fixedly connected to the housing. A hollow reduction hole is provided in the center of the fixed ring, and fixed teeth are provided on the inner side wall of the reduction hole. The output end of the power shaft is inserted into the reduction hole. The reduction gear includes at least two gears, which are disposed on the outside of the power shaft and located in the reduction hole. The outer surface of the reduction gear is provided with reduction teeth, and the reduction teeth of the reduction gear mesh with the power teeth of the power shaft and the fixed teeth. A fixed sleeve is fixedly connected to one end of the reduction shaft; the reduction gear is disposed on the fixed sleeve and can rotate relative to the fixed sleeve, the reduction gear is disposed on the outside of the reduction shaft, and the reduction gear drives the fixed sleeve and the reduction shaft to rotate relative to the fixed ring; The reduction shaft includes: A boss is provided on the outer surface of the reduction shaft and protrudes outward; A fixing thread is provided on the outer surface of the reduction shaft and located on one side of the boss; The underwater propulsion system also includes: An angular contact ball bearing, comprising a pair, wherein the inner ring of the angular contact ball bearing is fitted onto the reduction shaft, and the outer ring is fixedly connected to the housing; A locking nut is fitted onto the reduction shaft and threadedly connected to the fixing thread; the locking nut locks the angular contact ball bearing between the boss and the locking nut; a locking groove penetrating the axis of the locking nut is provided in the middle of the side of the locking nut, and a first locking surface and a second locking surface are formed on both sides of the locking groove, and axially arranged locking holes are provided on the first locking surface and the second locking surface; A locking screw passes through the locking hole and the locking groove of the first locking surface to lock the first locking surface onto the second locking surface.

2. The podded thruster according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outer surface of the reduction shaft is also provided with a fixing groove located on one side of the fixing thread; The underwater propulsion system also includes: A locking ring is engaged in the fixing groove and blocks the opposite surface of the locking nut and the contact surface of the angular contact ball bearing.

3. The podded thruster according to claim 1, characterized in that: The steering drive device includes: An electric motor drive mechanism is mounted on the rudder base; A steering gear is disposed within the steering rudder base and rotates under the drive of the motor drive mechanism; the steering gear is fixedly connected to the steering shaft, and the steering shaft rotates with the steering gear; An angle detection sensor is used to detect the rotation angle of the steering gear and send the detection result to the motor drive mechanism. The motor drive mechanism controls the rotation of the steering gear according to the detection result, and the angle detection sensor is set to the position of the steering gear when the steering shaft is installed as the initial position.

4. The podded thruster according to claim 3, characterized in that: The motor drive mechanism includes a drive motor, a motor reducer connected to the drive motor, and a drive gear connected to the motor reducer, wherein the steering gear meshes with the drive gear.

5. The podded thruster according to claim 3, characterized in that: The rudder mount includes: The base is fixed to the ship's deck; A seat cover is placed over the seat, and the steering gear is covered by the seat cover within the seat body; The steering drive device also includes: The installation positioning mechanism is used to position the steering gear during the installation of the underwater powertrain, so that the propeller of the underwater powertrain is located on the axis of the hull during installation.

6. The podded thruster according to claim 5, characterized in that: The steering drive device also includes: A gear cover, which is fixedly connected to the steering gear; The installation positioning mechanism includes: A first positioning part is provided on the gear cover; The second positioning part is provided on the seat cover; A positioning pin is detachably connected to the first positioning part and the second positioning part, and when the positioning pin is inserted into the first positioning part and the second positioning part, the steering gear is fixed to the seat cover.

7. The podded thruster according to claim 6, characterized in that: The installation positioning mechanism also includes: A positioning mark is provided on the base cover and is positioned directly opposite the second positioning part; A directional marker is placed on the seat cover and points to the axis of the hull.

8. The podded thruster according to claim 6, characterized in that: The gear cover is provided with an arc-shaped steering limit groove, and the steering drive device further includes: A limiting pin is fixedly connected to the seat body. The limiting pin is inserted into the steering limiting groove and can move relative to the steering limiting groove to limit the rotation angle of the steering gear.

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