A quick disassembly and assembly mechanism for underwater vehicle battery pack with center of gravity adjustment capability

Abstract

This invention relates to underwater vehicles, specifically a quick-release and installation mechanism for an underwater vehicle battery pack with center of gravity adjustment capability. Belonging to the field of novel marine vehicles, it includes a pressure-resistant sealing structure, a support structure, a battery pack screw-in and movement mechanism, and a displacement detection device. The battery pack screw-in and movement mechanism of this invention, on the one hand, achieves linear displacement of the battery pack through a motor lead screw, thereby changing the center of gravity of the underwater vehicle and enabling attitude changes without a rudder, such as pitching up or down, thus improving maneuverability. On the other hand, the screw-in mechanism enables quick installation and removal of the battery pack, greatly simplifying and reducing the steps and time required for battery pack replacement.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to underwater vehicles, specifically a quick-release mechanism for an underwater vehicle battery pack with center of gravity adjustment capability, belonging to the field of underwater vehicles. Background Technology

[0002] As one of the most commonly used underwater mobile observation platforms, underwater vehicles have experienced rapid development in recent years with the proposal and implementation of the maritime power strategy. In terms of energy propulsion, battery packs are currently one of the main power sources for underwater vehicles.

[0003] To adapt to complex underwater environments, underwater vehicles need to consider requirements such as waterproofing, high pressure resistance, and multi-functional adaptability, which often leads to a complex structure and makes battery pack replacement cumbersome. Meanwhile, some underwater vehicles currently design movable battery packs to improve maneuverability during diving and surfacing, thereby adjusting the center of gravity and improving maneuverability. Current research on rapid battery replacement mainly focuses on the rapid replacement of fixed batteries, but lacks research on the rapid replacement of movable batteries. Furthermore, current research focuses on battery replacement in shallow water, without considering the impact and damage caused by deep-water pressure. For example, the invention patent CN114361691A, "A Quick-Disassembly and Assembly Structure for Underwater Robot Batteries," discloses a quick-disassembly and assembly structure for underwater robot batteries, including a rotating block and a battery holder. The device includes a side fixing block, a battery assembly, a bottom fixing block, a water leakage detection device, a positioning slot, and a fixing slot. The battery is secured by a rotating block that drives a rotating chuck on the battery fixing device to rotate and lock the fixing plate on the battery assembly. Other components position and limit the battery. The water leakage detection device works by detecting water entering the internal casing through a perforated plate. The highly absorbent resin expands rapidly upon contact with water, pushing the top cover to the left. The top cover pushes a push plate, disconnecting the first and second contacts. When excessive water enters, both sets of contacts disconnect, breaking the entire circuit and effectively protecting the internal structure. This patent improves the efficiency of quick battery installation and removal, but it does not consider how the battery withstands pressure and is not suitable for quick replacement of mobile batteries. Therefore, related technologies are urgently needed. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a quick-release and installation mechanism for the battery pack of an underwater vehicle with center of gravity adjustment capability. This invention can achieve quick disassembly and replacement of the battery pack while adjusting the center of gravity, and is also suitable for more complex deep-sea environments.

[0005] To address the aforementioned technical problems, the present invention employs the following technical solution: a quick-release and disassembly mechanism for an underwater vehicle battery pack with center-of-gravity adjustment capability, comprising a pressure-resistant sealing structure, a support structure, a battery pack screw-insertion and moving mechanism, and a displacement detection device; the support structure is connected to the pressure-resistant shell in the pressure-resistant sealing structure via a front baffle and a rear baffle; the battery pack screw-insertion and moving mechanism mounts a motor screw on the rear baffle via a motor mounting bracket, enabling linear displacement of the battery pack through the motor screw, thereby adjusting the center of gravity of the underwater vehicle and improving maneuverability; the screw-insertion mechanism and the moving battery pack structure in the battery pack screw-insertion mechanism are mounted on a square rail, and by rotating the moving battery pack structure in cooperation with the screw-insertion mechanism, quick disassembly and assembly of the battery pack can be achieved, greatly simplifying and reducing the steps and time required for battery pack replacement, facilitating direct retrieval and battery replacement when the underwater vehicle's power is depleted, and then re-launching, improving operational efficiency; the bracket in the displacement detection device is assembled with a hole below the rear baffle to support the displacement detection device.

[0006] The pressure-resistant sealing mechanism also includes a front pressure-resistant head, a rear pressure-resistant head, M bolts, and O-rings. The O-rings are installed in the grooves of the front and rear pressure-resistant heads, respectively. Then, the front and rear pressure-resistant heads are connected to the front and rear ends of the pressure-resistant shell, and finally fixed with M bolts. The O-rings serve a waterproof function, and the combination of the front pressure-resistant head, pressure-resistant shell, and rear pressure-resistant head serves a pressure-resistant function to adapt to the high-pressure environment of the deep sea, thereby protecting the internal structure.

[0007] The supporting structure also includes an anti-rotation rod, a cable tray, a first square rail clamp, a second square rail clamp, M-fixing bolts, a square rail connector, hole retaining rings, shaft retaining rings, and bearings. The anti-rotation rod passes through a hole above the rear baffle and is connected to it by bolts. The cable tray passes through the anti-rotation rod, with one end resting against the rear end of the anti-rotation rod and the other end resting against the front baffle. The cable tray is used to route the cables needed at the front and rear. The round shaft end of the square rail connector is assembled with the inner ring of the bearing, and then the shaft retaining ring is installed to axially fix the inner ring of the bearing. The next step is to install all three components together into the center hole of the rear baffle. Finally, the outer ring of the bearing is axially fixed by inserting a retaining ring into the hole; the slotted end of the square rail is connected to the square end of the square rail connector, and the first and second square rail clamps are further assembled so that the cylinder between them is inserted into the round hole on the square rail and the square rail connector. Finally, the first and second square rail clamps are fixed with bolts to complete the fixing of one end of the square rail; the other end of the square rail is assembled with the square boss in the center of the front baffle and fixed with M fixing bolts; the support structure is used to support the battery pack screwing and moving mechanism and the displacement detection device as a whole.

[0008] The battery pack screwing and moving mechanism includes a motor screw translation mechanism, a screwing mechanism, and a moving battery pack structure. The motor screw translation mechanism also includes a screw nut, which is assembled with the screw part of the motor screw through an internal thread. The two sides of the screw nut cooperate with the groove part of the square rail. When the motor screw rotates, the groove part of the square rail restricts the rotation of the screw nut, thereby causing the screw nut to move linearly and drive the battery pack to move and adjust the center of gravity.

[0009] The aforementioned screw-in mechanism includes a screw-in driven member, a screw-in fixed member, and a spring; the screw-in driven member is fixed to the lead screw nut by bolts; the grooved protrusion of the screw-in driven member is aligned with the notch of the protruding slide rail portion behind the screw-in fixed member; after the slide rail and the groove portion are aligned, the screw-in driven member is rotated to screw the groove into the slide rail of the screw-in fixed member; the perforated portion above the screw-in fixed member cooperates with the anti-rotation rod to prevent it from rotating.

[0010] The mobile battery pack structure also includes a screw-in active component; the screw-in active component is fixed to the battery pack by bolts; the protruding part of the screw-in active component is aligned with the concave part of the screw-in driven component, and then inserted and rotated to lock the two together, thereby fixing the mobile battery pack structure; one end of the spring abuts against the screw-in driven component and the other end abuts against the screw-in active component, eliminating the gap between the screw-in driven component, the screw-in fixed component and the screw-in active component, ensuring that the three will not wobble.

[0011] The displacement detection device also includes a displacement sensor and a locking nut; the displacement sensor passes through the bracket and is fixed to the main body of the displacement sensor by the locking nut; the movable push rod of the displacement sensor rests on the support leg extending below the screw-in fixing component; when the lead screw nut moves linearly, driving the screw-in driven component, the screw-in fixing component, the screw-in driving component and the battery pack to move together, the length of the extended part of the displacement sensor push rod also changes accordingly, thereby detecting the displacement.

[0012] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the underwater vehicle battery pack quick-release and disassembly mechanism with center of gravity adjustment capability of the present invention are as follows: The present invention combines linear movement of the battery pack with quick disassembly and disassembly of the battery pack; it can not only realize the adjustment of the center of gravity of the underwater vehicle and improve maneuverability, but also perform quick disassembly and disassembly of the battery pack and improve replacement efficiency; at the same time, it takes into account the pressure resistance requirements of the battery pack and increases the applicable depth of the battery pack. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the present invention;

[0014] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the pressure-resistant sealing structure of the present invention;

[0015] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the pressure-resistant sealing structure of the present invention;

[0016] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the support structure of the present invention. Figure 1 ;

[0017] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the support structure of the present invention. Figure 2 ;

[0018] Figure 6 A is a partially enlarged schematic diagram of the support structure of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 7 This is a partially enlarged schematic diagram (B) of the support structure of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the square rail clamp of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the battery pack screw-in and moving mechanism of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the motor lead screw translation mechanism of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the screw insertion mechanism of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the mobile battery pack structure of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 13 An assembly sectional view of the screw-in mechanism and the movable battery pack structure;

[0026] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of a displacement detection device;

[0027] Figure 15 This is a diagram illustrating the assembly and disassembly of the battery pack.

[0028] In the above diagram: 1-Pressure-resistant sealing structure; 2-Support structure; 3-Battery pack screwing and moving mechanism; 4-Displacement detection device; 101-Front pressure-resistant end cap; 102-Pressure-resistant shell; 103-Rear pressure-resistant end cap; 104-M4 bolt; 105-O-ring; 201-Front baffle; 202-Square rail; 203-Rear baffle; 204-Anti-rotation rod; 205-Cable conduit; 206-First square rail clamp; 207-Second square rail clamp; 208-M5 fixing bolt; 209-Square rail connector; 210-Hole clamp Spring; 211-Shaft snap ring; 212-Bearing; 301-Motor lead screw translation mechanism; 302-Screw insertion mechanism; 303-Moving battery pack structure; 30101-Motor lead screw; 30102-Motor mounting base; 30103-Lead screw nut; 30201-Screw insertion driven component; 30202-Screw insertion fixing component; 30203-Spring; 30301-Screw insertion driving component; 30302-Battery pack; 401-Displacement sensor; 402-Bracket; 403-Locking nut; C-Battery pack disassembly and assembly tool. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The technical solution of the present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0030] The accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are schematic diagrams, not actual images. They should not be construed as limiting the scope of this patent. To better illustrate the embodiments of the present invention, some parts in the drawings may be omitted, enlarged, or reduced, and do not represent the actual dimensions of the product. It is understandable to those skilled in the art that some well-known structures and their descriptions may be omitted in the drawings.

[0031] like Figures 1-14 As shown, a quick-release mechanism for an underwater vehicle battery pack with center of gravity adjustment capability includes a pressure-resistant sealing structure 1, a support structure 2, a battery pack screwing and moving mechanism 3, and a displacement detection device 4. The support structure 2 is connected to the pressure-resistant housing 102 in the pressure-resistant sealing structure 1 via a front baffle 201 and a rear baffle 203. The battery pack screwing and moving mechanism 3 mounts a motor screw 30101 onto the rear baffle 203 via a motor mounting base 30102. The motor screw 30101 enables linear displacement of the battery pack, thereby adjusting the center of gravity of the underwater vehicle. Adjustments are made to improve maneuverability; the screw-in mechanism 302 and the movable battery pack structure 303 in the battery pack screw-in mechanism 3 are fitted onto the square rail 202. By rotating the movable battery pack structure 303 in cooperation with the screw-in mechanism, the battery pack 30302 can be quickly disassembled and assembled, which greatly simplifies and reduces the steps and time required to replace the battery pack. This helps to directly retrieve and replace the battery when the underwater vehicle runs out of power, and then launch it again, improving the efficiency of the operation; the bracket 402 in the displacement detection device 4 is assembled with the lower hole of the rear baffle 203 to support the displacement detection device 4.

[0032] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the pressure-resistant sealing mechanism 1 also includes a front pressure-resistant head 101, a rear pressure-resistant head 103, an M4 bolt 104, and an O-ring 105. The O-ring 105 is installed in the grooves of the front pressure-resistant head 101 and the rear pressure-resistant head 103, and then the front pressure-resistant head 101 and the rear pressure-resistant head 103 are connected to the front and rear ends of the pressure-resistant housing 102, and finally fixed with the M4 bolt 104. The O-ring 105 plays a waterproof role, and the front pressure-resistant head 101, the pressure-resistant housing 102, and the rear pressure-resistant head 103 together play a pressure-resistant role to adapt to the high-pressure environment of the deep sea, thereby protecting the internal structure.

[0033] like Figures 4-8 As shown, the support structure 2 also includes an anti-rotation rod 204, a cable tray 205, a first square rail clamp 206, a second square rail clamp 207, an M5 fixing bolt 208, a square rail connector 209, a hole retaining ring 210, a shaft retaining ring 211, and a bearing 212. The anti-rotation rod 204 passes through a hole above the rear baffle 203 and is connected to it by bolts. The cable tray 205 passes through the anti-rotation rod 204, with one end abutting the rear end of the anti-rotation rod 201 and the other end abutting the front baffle 201. The function of the cable tray 205 is to arrange the cables needed at the front and rear. The round shaft end of the square rail connector 209 is assembled with the inner ring of the bearing 212, and then the shaft retaining ring 211 is installed to axially fix the inner ring of the bearing 212. The next step is to install all three together. The bearing 212 outer ring is axially fixed by inserting a retaining ring 210 into the center hole of the rear baffle 203; the slotted end of the square rail 202 is connected to the square end of the square rail connector 209, and the first square rail clamp 206 and the second square rail clamp 207 are further assembled so that the cylinder between them is inserted into the round hole on the square rail 202 and the square rail connector 209. Finally, the first square rail clamp 206 and the second square rail clamp 207 are fixed with bolts to complete the fixing of one end of the square rail 202; the other end of the square rail 202 is assembled with the square boss in the center of the front baffle 201 and fixed with M5 fixing bolts 208; the support structure 2 is used to support the battery pack screwing and moving mechanism 3 and the displacement detection device 4 as a whole.

[0034] like Figure 9 , Figure 10 , Figure 11 , Figure 12 , Figure 13As shown, the battery pack screwing and moving mechanism 3 includes a motor screw translation mechanism 301, a screwing mechanism 302, and a moving battery pack structure 303. The motor screw translation mechanism 301 also includes a screw nut 30103, which is assembled with the screw part of the motor screw 30101 through an internal thread. The two sides of the screw nut 30103 cooperate with the groove part of the square rail 202. When the motor screw 30101 rotates, the groove part of the square rail 202 restricts the rotation of the screw nut 30103, thereby causing the screw nut 30103 to move linearly, driving the battery pack 30302 to move and adjust the center of gravity.

[0035] like Figure 11 As shown, the screw-insertion mechanism 302 includes a screw-insertion follower 30201, a screw-insertion fixing member 30202, and a spring 30203. The screw-insertion follower 30201 is fixed to the lead screw nut 30103 by bolts. The grooved protrusion of the screw-insertion follower 30201 is aligned with the notch of the slide rail portion protruding behind the screw-insertion fixing member 30202. After the slide rail and the groove portion are aligned, the screw-insertion follower 30201 is rotated to screw the groove into the slide rail of the screw-insertion fixing member 30202. The perforated portion above the screw-insertion fixing member 30202 cooperates with the anti-rotation rod 204 to prevent it from rotating.

[0036] like Figure 12 , Figure 13 As shown, the mobile battery pack structure 303 also includes a screw-in active member 30301; the screw-in active member 30301 is fixed to the battery pack 30302 by bolts; the protruding part of the screw-in active member 30301 is aligned with the concave part of the screw-in driven member 30201, and then inserted and rotated to lock the two together, thereby fixing the mobile battery pack structure 303; one end of the spring 30203 abuts against the screw-in driven member 30201 and the other end abuts against the screw-in active member 30301, eliminating the gap between the screw-in driven member 30201, the screw-in fixed member 30202 and the screw-in active member 30301, ensuring that the three will not wobble.

[0037] like Figure 14 As shown, the displacement detection device 4 also includes a displacement sensor 401 and a locking nut 403; the displacement sensor 401 passes through the bracket 402 and is fixed to the main body of the displacement sensor 401 by the locking nut 403; the movable push rod part of the displacement sensor 401 rests on the support leg extending below the screw-in fixing member 30202; when the lead screw nut 30103 moves linearly, driving the screw-in driven member 30201, the screw-in fixing member 30202, the screw-in driving member 30301 and the battery pack 30302 to move together, the length of the extended part of the displacement sensor 401 push rod part also changes accordingly, thereby detecting displacement;

[0038] The working principle of this invention is as follows: When replacing, only the front pressure-resistant end cap 101, front baffle 201, M4 bolt 104, M5 fixing bolt 208 and mobile battery pack structure 303 need to be disassembled and assembled; other parts do not need to be disassembled and assembled.

[0039] When removing the battery pack, first remove the M4 bolt 104 that secures the front pressure-resistant end cap 101 to the pressure-resistant housing 102, then remove the front pressure-resistant end cap 101. Next, remove the M5 fixing bolt 208, take out the front baffle 201, and finally use the dedicated battery pack disassembly and assembly tool C to hold the battery pack 30302 in place, causing the entire movable battery pack structure 303 to rotate counterclockwise by 45 degrees. Figure 15 As shown, when the protruding part of the insertion drive member 30301 is aligned with the recessed part of the insertion driven member 30201, the insertion drive member 30301 is held in place by the spring 30203. Finally, the battery pack removal tool C is used to pull the movable battery pack structure 303 completely out of the square rail 202, completing the entire removal process. The process of installing the battery pack is the reverse of the process of removing the battery pack.

[0040] This invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described above. Any modifications made by those skilled in the art based on the above concept without creative effort are within the protection scope of this invention.

Claims

1. A quick-release mechanism for an underwater vehicle battery pack with center of gravity adjustment capability, characterized in that: The device includes a pressure-resistant sealing structure (1), a support structure (2), a battery pack screw-in and moving mechanism (3), and a displacement detection device (4). The support structure (2) is connected to the pressure-resistant shell (102) in the pressure-resistant sealing structure (1) through a front baffle (201) and a rear baffle (203). The battery pack screw-in and moving mechanism (3) installs a motor screw (30101) on the rear baffle (203) through a motor mounting base (30102). The motor screw (30101) enables linear displacement of the battery pack and adjustment of the center of gravity of the underwater vehicle. The screw-in mechanism (302) and the moving battery pack structure (303) in the battery pack screw-in and moving mechanism (3) are fitted on a square rail (202). By rotating the moving battery pack structure (303) in cooperation with the screw-in mechanism (302), the battery pack (30302) can be disassembled and assembled. The battery pack screwing and moving mechanism (3) includes a motor screw translation mechanism (301), a screwing mechanism (302), and a moving battery pack structure (303); the motor screw translation mechanism (301) also includes a screw nut (30103), which is assembled with the screw part of the motor screw (30101) through an internal thread. The two sides of the screw nut (30103) are engaged with the groove part of the square rail (202). When the motor screw (30101) rotates, the groove part of the square rail (202) restricts the rotation of the screw nut (30103), thereby causing the screw nut (30103) to move linearly, driving the battery pack (30302) to move and adjust the center of gravity; The aforementioned screw-insertion mechanism (302) includes a screw-insertion driven member (30201), a screw-insertion fixing member (30202), and a spring (30203); the screw-insertion driven member (30201) is fixed to the lead screw nut (30103) by bolts; the grooved protrusion of the screw-insertion driven member (30201) is aligned with the notch of the slide rail portion protruding behind the screw-insertion fixing member (30202); after the slide rail and the groove portion are aligned, the screw-insertion driven member (30201) is rotated to screw the groove into the slide rail of the screw-insertion fixing member (30202); the perforated portion above the screw-insertion fixing member (30202) cooperates with the anti-rotation rod (204) to prevent it from rotating; The mobile battery pack structure (303) further includes a screw-in active member (30301); the screw-in active member (30301) is fixed to the battery pack (30302) by bolts; the protruding part of the screw-in active member (30301) is aligned with the concave part of the screw-in driven member (30201), and the two are locked together by insertion and rotation, thereby fixing the mobile battery pack structure (303); one end of the spring (30203) abuts against the screw-in driven member (30201), and the other end abuts against the screw-in active member (30301), eliminating the gap between the screw-in driven member (30201), the screw-in fixing member (30202), and the screw-in active member (30301).

2. The underwater vehicle battery pack quick-release mechanism with center of gravity adjustment capability according to claim 1, characterized in that: The pressure-resistant sealing structure (1) further includes a front pressure-resistant head (101), a rear pressure-resistant head (103), bolts (104) and O-rings (105); the O-rings (105) are installed in the grooves of the front pressure-resistant head (101) and the rear pressure-resistant head (103) respectively, connecting the front pressure-resistant head (101) and the rear pressure-resistant head (103) to the front end and the rear end of the pressure-resistant shell (102) and fixing them with bolts (104).

3. The quick-release mechanism for the battery pack of an underwater vehicle with center of gravity adjustment capability according to claim 1, characterized in that: The supporting structure (2) also includes an anti-rotation rod (204), a cable tray (205), a first square rail clamp (206), a second square rail clamp (207), an M5 fixing bolt (208), a square rail connector (209), a hole retainer (210), a shaft retainer (211), and a bearing (212). The anti-rotation rod (204) passes through a hole above the rear baffle (203) and is connected to the rear baffle by bolts. The cable tray (205) passes through the anti-rotation rod (204), with one end abutting the rear end of the anti-rotation rod (204) and the other end abutting the front baffle (201). The cable tray (205) is used to arrange the cables required at the front and rear. The round shaft end of the square rail connector (209) is assembled with the inner ring of the bearing (212) and the shaft retainer (211) is installed to axially fix the inner ring of the bearing (212). The bearing (212) outer ring is axially fixed by a snap ring (210) and inserted into the center hole of the rear baffle (203). The slotted end of the square rail (202) is connected to the square end of the square rail connector (209). The first square rail clamp (206) and the second square rail clamp (207) are assembled so that the cylinder between the two is inserted into the round hole on the square rail (202) and the square rail connector (209). The first square rail clamp (206) and the second square rail clamp (207) are fixed with bolts to complete the fixing of one end of the square rail (202). The other end of the square rail (202) is assembled with the square boss in the center of the front baffle (201) and fixed with fixing bolts (208). The support structure (2) is used to support the battery pack screw-in moving mechanism (3) and the displacement detection device (4).

4. The underwater vehicle battery pack quick-release mechanism with center of gravity adjustment capability according to claim 3, characterized in that: The displacement detection device (4) further includes a displacement sensor (401) and a locking nut (403); the displacement sensor (401) passes through the bracket (402) and is fixed in place by the locking nut (403); the movable top rod of the displacement sensor (401) rests on the support leg extending below the screw-in fixing piece (30202).

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