Propeller hub, propeller and propeller mounting method

Abstract

The invention discloses a propeller hub, a propeller and a propeller installation method, and relates to the technical field of propellers, M installation areas used for installing first blades are evenly arranged on the propeller hub in the circumferential direction, the number of the first blades needed by navigation is N, and M is larger than or equal to N. The number of the first blades can be increased or decreased according to the navigation requirement of the propeller applying the propeller hub, and the propeller installation efficiency is improved. The first blade with the corresponding inclination angle is replaced, so that the propeller applying the propeller hub can be suitable for different working conditions; the mounting area is detachably and fixedly connected with the first blades, so that when the number of the first blades of the propeller applying the propeller hub is increased or decreased according to working conditions, the first blades can be quickly disassembled and assembled, and the maintenance cost of the propeller applying the propeller hub is reduced; the propeller hub further comprises a plugging piece, seawater can be separated from the installation area through the plugging piece, and the problems that the installation area is corroded by seawater when not used, the first propeller blade cannot be installed, and the maintenance cost is increased are solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of propellers, and in particular to a propeller hub, a propeller and a propeller installation method. Background Art

[0002] The thrusters in the existing technology cannot simultaneously meet the navigation requirements under different working conditions such as shallow-water low-speed operations and deep-sea high-speed cruising operations; moreover, once the propeller blades are damaged, the entire rotor assembly needs to be disassembled or even the entire propeller needs to be replaced, which results in high maintenance costs for the propeller.

[0003] Therefore, how to make the propeller suitable for navigation requirements under various working conditions and reduce the maintenance cost of the propeller has become a technical problem that technical personnel in this field urgently need to solve. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a propeller hub, a propeller and a propeller installation method, so that the propeller using the propeller hub of the present invention can not only be suitable for navigation requirements under various working conditions, but also reduce the maintenance cost of the propeller.

[0005] To achieve the above object, the present invention provides the following solutions: The present invention provides a propeller hub, comprising: Installation areas: a plurality of installation areas for installing first blades are evenly arranged on the circumference of the hub, the number of the installation areas being no less than the number of the first blades required for navigation, and the installation areas being detachably fixedly connected to the first blades; A blocking piece is provided in the installation area in an idle state and is used to block the installation area.

[0006] Preferably, the hub comprises a plurality of hub segments sequentially arranged and connected along the axial direction of the hub, adjacent hub segments are detachably fixedly connected, and a plurality of the installation areas are evenly arranged on the circumference of at least one hub segment; And / or, a drive assembly is provided at each of the installation areas, and the drive assembly is in transmission connection with the first blade to drive the first blade to rotate and adjust the angle between the first blade and the axis of the hub.

[0007] Preferably, the blocking member includes a first fastener, which is threadedly connected to the installation area; a thread locker is provided between the first fastener and the installation area; and / or a sealing member is provided between the blocking member and the installation area.

[0008] Preferably, the inclination angle of the first blade ranges from 5° to 40°; and the chord length of the first blade ranges from 150 mm to 400 mm.

[0009] In addition, the present invention also discloses a propeller, comprising: the aforementioned propeller hub; The catheter is provided with a stator and the propeller hub, the stator is located between the propeller hub and the catheter, the stator and the catheter are fixedly connected, and the propeller hub is rotatably connected to the stator.

[0010] Preferably, the stator includes a plurality of second blades uniformly distributed along the circumference of the duct with the hub as the center.

[0011] Preferably, the first blade and the blade edge are provided with an arc transition zone; and / or, the catheter is coated with a fish-friendly coating, wherein the surface energy of the fish-friendly coating is less than 25 mN / m; And / or, the conduit or the coating on the conduit has a plurality of grooves distributed along the circumference of the conduit and arranged in the direction of water flow, wherein the depth of the grooves is 10-50 μm and the width is 50-200 μm; And / or, a plurality of first flow channels are provided at the inlet of the conduit along the circumference of the conduit, a plurality of second flow channels are distributed on the inner wall of the conduit along the circumference of the conduit, the first flow channels and the second flow channels are both arranged along the direction of the water flow, and the first flow channels and the second flow channels are provided with breaking parts for breaking turbulent vortices into laminar flows.

[0012] Furthermore, the present invention also discloses an installation method for the above-mentioned thruster, the installation method comprising: Step S1, checking the structural components of the propeller and the installation tools used to install the propeller; Step S2, installing the stator at a set position in the hub; Step S3, installing the propeller hub and controlling the concentricity error between the propeller hub and the stator within a predetermined range; Step S4: Install the first blades, as many as are required for navigation, into the installation area, and install the blocking member into the installation area that is in an idle state.

[0013] Preferably, the step S4 further comprises determining the number of the first blades required for navigation according to factors affecting the number of the first blades to be installed before installing the first blades; Among them, factors affecting the number of first blades installed include the sailing speed of the propeller, the load of the propeller, and the thrust provided by the first blades.

[0014] Preferably, the installation method also includes step S5, when the working condition of the propeller changes, the number of the first blades required for navigation is determined based on the factors affecting the installation number of the first blades, and the number of the first blades to be replaced is determined based on the status of the first blades, and then the corresponding number of the first blades and the sealing parts are removed, and a preset number of the first blades and the sealing parts are installed.

[0015] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has achieved the following technical effects: In the present invention, the hub is evenly provided with M mounting areas for mounting the first blades on the circumference. The number of first blades required for navigation is N, where N ≥ 2 and M ≥ N. This allows the propeller using the hub of the present invention to increase or decrease the number of first blades and replace the first blades with corresponding inclination angles according to navigation requirements, thereby making the propeller using the hub of the present invention applicable to different operating conditions. For example, when sailing at high speed in shallow waters, a smaller number of first blades are installed on the hub to reduce water flow resistance and increase propulsion speed. When operating at low speed in deep waters, a larger number of first blades are installed to provide greater thrust. Furthermore, the mounting area is detachably fixedly connected to the first blade, which enables the propeller using the hub of the present invention to quickly disassemble and assemble the first blades when the number of first blades is increased or decreased according to the working conditions, thereby improving disassembly and assembly efficiency. At the same time, when some of the first blades are damaged, only the damaged first blades need to be disassembled and replaced, without having to replace the first blades and the hub as a whole, thereby reducing the maintenance cost of the propeller using the hub of the present invention. Furthermore, the propeller hub of the present invention further includes a sealing member for sealing the installation area in an idle state. The sealing member can isolate seawater from the installation area, thereby preventing the installation area from being corroded by seawater when not in use, which would make it impossible to install the first propeller blade and increase maintenance costs. In summary, the present invention not only enables the propeller using the propeller hub of the present invention to be applicable to different operating conditions through the above-mentioned means, but also effectively reduces the maintenance cost of the propeller using the propeller hub of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying any creative work.

[0017] Figure 1 is a structural diagram of the propeller; Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the structure of the hub and the first blade; Figure 3It is a partial schematic diagram of the hub; Figure 4 is a schematic structural diagram of the first blade; Figure 5 This is a structural diagram when the blocking member is a second bolt and nut; Figure 6 It is a structural schematic diagram of a catheter provided with a first flow channel and a second flow channel; Figure 7 This is a partial schematic diagram of the propeller hub when the drive assembly can drive the first blade to rotate; Figure 8 This is a schematic structural diagram of the first blade when the driving assembly can drive the first blade to rotate; Among them, 1. duct; 2. stator; 3. first blade; 4. hub; 5. first mounting hole; 6. mounting area; 7. first hub section; 8. third hub section; 9. second fastener; 10. nut; 11. second bolt; 12. first flow channel; 13. second flow channel. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] The following will clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0019] In order to make the above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the present invention more obvious and easy to understand, the present invention is further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0020] Pump-jet propulsion has become a widely used propulsion device for modern underwater vehicles, such as submarines and underwater unmanned vehicles, due to its significant advantages in improving the propulsion efficiency of underwater vehicles and reducing radiated noise. However, traditional pump-jet propulsion still exposes many problems that need to be solved in the design, manufacturing and actual application process. The number of first blades in traditional pump-jet propulsion is fixed and cannot be adjusted according to actual needs, resulting in low propulsion efficiency under certain operating conditions. At the same time, once the first blade is damaged or needs to be replaced, the entire propeller may need to be disassembled, resulting in high maintenance costs.

[0021] The existing technology has the following shortcomings: Fixed number of blades: The number of blades in traditional pump-jet propulsion is typically determined during the design phase and difficult to adjust after manufacturing. From a fluid dynamics perspective, different operating conditions have different requirements for the number of blades. At high speeds, fewer blades can reduce friction between the blades and the water flow, lowering energy loss and thus increasing propulsion speed. For example, when an underwater vehicle travels at speeds exceeding 20 knots, too many blades can cause turbulence in the water flow and increase propulsion resistance. Conversely, at low speeds and high thrust, such as when an underwater vehicle is operating underwater, hovering, or navigating complex sea conditions, a larger number of blades can provide greater thrust, ensuring stability and maneuverability. However, traditional propulsion systems cannot adjust the number of blades in real time based on actual operating conditions, making it difficult to achieve optimal propulsion efficiency under different conditions. Research has shown that under certain specific operating conditions, the efficiency of propulsion systems with a fixed number of blades can be 15%-25% lower than the theoretical optimal efficiency.

[0022] The pitch is not adjustable: The pitch of traditional pump-jet propulsors is also fixed. As one of the key parameters affecting the performance of the propeller, the pitch directly determines the axial displacement generated by the propeller per rotation. Under different sailing speeds, loads and sea conditions, the right pitch can significantly improve the propulsion efficiency. When the underwater vehicle needs to sail at high speed, a smaller pitch can make the first blade rotate more circles per unit time, thereby increasing the propulsion speed; when a large thrust is required, a larger pitch can make the blade generate a greater axial force in each rotation. However, traditional propellers cannot adjust the pitch according to actual needs, resulting in poor adaptability under different working conditions. For example, under two completely different working conditions of high-speed cruising in deep sea and low-speed operation in shallow water, the same fixed-pitch propeller is difficult to meet the requirements of efficient propulsion at the same time, and energy consumption increases significantly.

[0023] High maintenance costs: Traditional pump-jet propulsion has a complex structure, including numerous parts and a complex transmission system, which makes it difficult to maintain and the maintenance cost is high. During the maintenance process, the propeller needs to be completely disassembled to check the wear of each component, such as blade wear and bearing lubrication. Although the multi-layer shell design has improved the protection performance of the propeller to a certain extent, it is necessary to disassemble the multiple layers of shell in sequence during maintenance, which increases maintenance time and labor costs. Moreover, due to the high precision requirements of the components, precise debugging and calibration are required when replacing parts, otherwise it will affect the performance of the propeller. According to relevant data, the maintenance time of traditional pump-jet propulsion is increased by an average of 30%-50% compared to simple structure propulsion, and the maintenance cost increases by 20%-30%.

[0024] Manufacturing Challenges: The manufacturing process for traditional pump-jets is complex and costly. The blades typically feature complex three-dimensional curves, requiring high-precision machining equipment and processes to ensure hydrodynamic performance. Manufacturing methods typically utilize casting or CNC machining. While casting can produce complex blade shapes, it is prone to defects such as pores and pinholes, which can affect the strength and performance of the initial blades. While CNC machining offers higher precision, it is time-consuming and costly, especially for large pump-jets. Furthermore, components such as the propeller's stator and duct require precise manufacturing and assembly; errors in any of these steps can impact the performance of the entire propeller. Furthermore, the fixed structure of traditional propellers makes modifications and adjustments difficult if problems arise during the design or manufacturing process, often requiring remanufacturing. This not only increases costs but also prolongs production cycles. Statistics show that the manufacturing costs of traditional pump-jets are 30%-50% higher than those of simpler propellers, and the production cycle is also extended by 20%-40%.

[0025] To solve the above problems, Figures 1 to 8 As shown, the present invention discloses a hub 4, which includes: an installation area 6, M installation areas 6 for installing first blades 3 are evenly arranged on the circumference of the hub 4, each installation area 6 can be used to install one first blade 3, the number of first blades 3 required for navigation is N, and the installation area 6 is detachably fixedly connected to the first blade 3; a sealing member, which is arranged in the installation area 6 in an idle state and is used to seal the installation area 6, and the number of the sealing members is P; wherein, N≥2, M≥N, P=MN, and P≥0.

[0026] In the present invention, M mounting areas 6 for mounting the first blades 3 are evenly arranged on the circumference of the hub 4, N≥2, M≥N, so that the propeller using the hub 4 of the present invention can increase or decrease the number of the first blades 3 according to navigation requirements, and replace the first blades 3 with corresponding inclination angles, so that the propeller using the hub 4 of the present invention can be suitable for different operating conditions. For example, when sailing at high speed in shallow waters, a smaller number of first blades 3 are installed on the hub 4, thereby reducing water flow resistance and increasing propulsion speed. When operating at low speed in deep waters, a larger number of first blades 3 are installed to provide greater thrust (for example, when the propeller using the hub 4 of the present invention needs to sail at high speed, 3-4 first blades 3 are installed, and 5-6 first blades 3 are installed under low-speed and heavy-load conditions); and the mounting area 6 is detachably fixedly connected to the first blade 3, which makes the propeller using the hub 4 of the present invention suitable for different operating conditions. When the propeller of the middle hub 4 increases or decreases the number of the first blades 3 according to the working conditions, the first blades 3 can be quickly disassembled and assembled, thereby improving the disassembly and assembly efficiency. At the same time, when some of the first blades 3 are damaged, only the damaged first blades 3 need to be disassembled and replaced, without the need to replace the first blades 3 and the hub 4 as a whole, thereby reducing the maintenance cost of the propeller using the hub 4 of the present invention; furthermore, the hub 4 of the present invention also includes a sealing member for sealing the installation area 6 in an idle state, and the sealing member can isolate the seawater from the installation area 6 to prevent the installation area 6 from being corroded by seawater when not in use, resulting in the inability to install the first blade 3, thereby increasing the maintenance cost; in summary, the present invention not only makes the propeller using the hub 4 of the present invention applicable to different operating conditions through the above-mentioned means, but also effectively reduces the maintenance cost of the propeller using the hub 4 of the present invention.

[0027] Depending on the specific connection method between the first blade 3 and the mounting area 6, the mounting area 6 has different settings. For example, when the first blade 3 and the mounting area 6 are connected by threads or bolts, a plurality of first mounting holes 5 are provided in the mounting area 6, and the first mounting holes 5 are threaded holes, and / or, when the first blade 3 and the mounting area 6 are pin-connected by a pin shaft, the mounting area 6 can be a pin hole, and / or, when the first blade 3 and the mounting area 6 are clamped, the mounting area 6 can be a card slot that cooperates with the clamping block on the first blade 3.

[0028] like Figure 4As shown, when the first blade 3 is mounted on the mounting area 6 via the second fastener 9, and the second fastener 9 is a first bolt, the first bolt is made of high-strength alloy steel with a strength grade of 10.9 and is installed in the first mounting hole 5, i.e., the threaded hole, within the mounting area 6. A torque wrench can be used to tighten the bolt to the required torque, such as 150 N·m, to ensure that the first blade 3 is securely mounted. The first blade 3 and the bolt are integrally molded, and the first bolt is inserted into the threaded hole within the mounting area 6 and tightened with a wrench to secure it. The pitch of the first blade 3 can be adjusted by disassembling and assembling different parameters: when the pitch needs to be increased, the first blade 3 with a larger inclination angle and a longer chord length is replaced; when the pitch needs to be reduced, the first blade 3 with a smaller inclination angle and a shorter chord length is replaced. In the present invention, the inclination angle of the first blade 3 ranges from 5° to 40°, specifically from 10° to 30°; the chord length of the first blade 3 ranges from 150 mm to 400 mm, specifically from 200 mm to 300 mm.

[0029] The number of mounting areas 6 being no less than the number of first blades 3 required for navigation means that even under the operating condition requiring the largest number of first blades 3 , the number of mounting areas 6 on the hub 4 is no less than the number of first blades 3 under the operating condition.

[0030] Furthermore, the hub 4 includes a plurality of hub segments arranged and connected in sequence along the axial direction of the hub 4, and two adjacent hub segments are detachably fixedly connected, and a plurality of mounting areas 6 are evenly arranged on the circumference of at least one hub segment. Figure 3 As shown, the hub 4 includes a first hub segment 7, a second hub segment and a third hub segment 8 which are arranged and connected in sequence, and the installation area 6 is evenly arranged along the circumference of the second hub segment. By configuring the hub 4 as a plurality of detachable and fixedly connected hub segments, when the hub 4 is damaged in a local area, only the damaged hub segment needs to be replaced, and there is no need to replace the hub 4 as a whole, thereby further reducing the maintenance cost of the propeller using the hub 4 in the present invention.

[0031] And / or, each installation area 6 is provided with a drive assembly, which is connected to the first blade 3 in transmission to drive the first blade 3 to rotate and adjust the angle between the axis of the first blade 3 and the hub 4. The drive assembly is arranged in an avoidance manner with the installation area 6, and the drive assembly drives the first blade 3 to rotate (the rotation axis of the first blade 3 can be arranged along the radial direction of the hub 4, or other rotation axis that can adjust the inclination angle of the first blade 3 when the first blade 3 rotates), to achieve adjustment of the inclination angle of the first blade 3, and then to achieve adjustment of the pitch of the pump-jet propeller. The pitch of the pump-jet propeller can be changed without disassembling and replacing the first blade 3, thereby reducing the complexity of adjusting the pitch of the pump-jet propeller; the avoidance setting of the drive assembly and the installation area 6 means that the two are set at different positions, and their functions do not interfere with each other, and can be achieved separately.

[0032] It should be noted that when a drive assembly is provided at the mounting area 6, in order to satisfy the two functions of the first blade 3 being detachably fixedly connected to the mounting area 6, and the drive assembly being able to drive the first blade 3 to rotate and adjust the inclination angle of the first blade 3, the mounting area 6 and the first blade 3 are detachably fixedly connected, and the mounting area 6 and the hub 4 are rotatably connected, so that the drive assembly can smoothly drive the first blade 3 to rotate and adjust the inclination angle of the first blade 3 (the angle between the axis of the first blade 3 and the hub 4); the drive assembly can specifically be a rotary drive device such as a rotary motor; Figure 7 、 Figure 8 As shown, when the mounting area 6 and the first blade 3 are detachably fixedly connected, a first mounting hole 5 is provided on the mounting area 6, and the first blade 3 is fixed to the first mounting hole 5 by a second fastener 9. The first mounting hole 5 can be set in the middle position of the side of the first blade 3 facing the hub 4.

[0033] The blocking member has various configurations. For example, the blocking member includes a first fastener, which is threadedly connected to the mounting area 6; a thread locker is provided between the first fastener and the mounting area 6. The first fastener can be a combination of a second bolt 11 and a nut 10, or a screw; when the first fastener is a second bolt 11 and a nut 10, such as Figure 5 As shown, the first fastener includes a hexagonal head bolt made of high-strength stainless steel and a matching nut 10, and at this time the installation area 6 is a threaded hole. The specifications of the hexagonal head bolt are adapted to the threaded hole to ensure that the installation area 6 and the sealing member have good corrosion resistance and structural strength under the sea. The diameter tolerance of the threaded hole is within ±0.1mm. The nut 10 prevents the bolt from loosening and prevents water from entering the interior of the hub 4; and / or, a seal is provided between the sealing member and the installation area 6, and the seal can specifically be a structure with sealing performance such as a sealing ring.

[0034] In addition, the present invention also discloses a propeller, which includes the above-mentioned hub 4; a duct 1, wherein a stator 2 and the hub 4 are provided in the duct 1, the stator 2 is located between the hub 4 and the duct 1, and the stator 2 and the duct 1 are fixedly connected.

[0035] The stator 2 and the conduit 1 can be secured together in a variety of ways, including bolting and welding. Stator 2 is welded to the conduit 1, forming a stable water flow channel. Argon arc welding is typically used for this connection, and the weld must meet flaw detection requirements to ensure a secure and leak-tight connection. The hub 4 can be rotatably connected to the stator 2 via a bearing or other structure.

[0036] like Figure 1As shown, stator 2 includes several second blades evenly distributed along the circumference of duct 1, centered around hub 4. Specifically, stator 2 and hub 4 are coaxially arranged, with their central axes within ±0.05 mm to ensure rotational stability. The optimized shape of the second blades effectively reduces swirl losses in the water flow and improves the propulsion efficiency of the propeller.

[0037] And / or, the outside of the catheter 1 is coated with a fish-friendly coating, wherein the surface energy of the fish-friendly coating is less than 25 mN / m. Since marine organisms such as barnacle larvae and algae spores adsorb on the pump-jet propeller by secreting mucus, the mucus surface energy of algae spores is about 40 mN / m, and the mucus surface energy of barnacle larvae is about 60 mN / m, after the outside of the catheter 1 is coated with a fish-friendly coating with a surface energy of less than 25 mN / m, barnacles, algae and other organisms are difficult to attach to the pump-jet propeller due to insufficient surface energy, thereby reducing the attachment of marine organisms; and in addition to having the above-mentioned anti-biological attachment properties, the fish-friendly coating must also have low toxicity and flexibility; the fish-friendly coating can specifically be silicone rubber, fluorosilicone rubber (FKM) coating or thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), and the surface energy of silicone rubber is 21-24 mN / m, resistant to seawater corrosion, and with good flexibility, it can reduce fish entanglement and mechanical damage. Fluorosilicone rubber (FKM) coatings have a surface contact angle of 110° and reduce bioattachment by 80%. Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU): When a polyurethane and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) blend film is applied to the surface of the conduit 1, the friction coefficient is reduced by 40%, making it suitable for high-speed scenarios. Alternatively, fish-friendly coatings can also be made with rubber substrates or biomimetic self-cleaning coatings. The rubber substrate serves as an elastic support layer and has a certain degree of flexibility and impact resistance (such as TPU / silicone rubber composite coatings). Alternatively, the fish-friendly coating is a bionic self-cleaning coating such as COATIME365Eco-AF (COATIME365Eco-AF is a new type of antifouling coating with self-cleaning properties that adopts nano-silicone toughening and wear-resistant technology. Through nano-modification of silicone resin and overall formula design, the toughness and wear resistance of the coating are greatly enhanced on the basis of a low surface energy interface). The surface energy of the catheter 1 is reduced by nano-silicone modification technology; the bionic self-cleaning coating as a functional coating can be specifically a fluorosilane-containing coating with low surface energy and hydrophobic / oleophobic properties to enhance the antifouling effect.

[0038] And / or, the conduit 1 or its coating (which may be a fish-friendly coating) may have a plurality of grooves distributed along the circumference of the conduit 1, arranged along the direction of water flow. The grooves have a depth of 10 to 50 μm and a width of 50 to 200 μm. The grooves increase the thickness of the laminar boundary layer, delaying turbulent separation, reducing pressure differential drag and vortex suppression. Secondary vortices may form within the grooves, weakening the energy of the primary vortex and reducing frictional resistance. The grooves also guide the water flow for uniform distribution, preventing the formation of high-speed shear zones on the surface of the conduit 1 and minimizing damage to fish tissue. As surface structures, the grooves also provide drag reduction and anti-attachment functions. Furthermore, the spacing between adjacent grooves is no greater than the size of the organism. For example, when barnacle spores are 50 to 200 μm in size, the spacing between adjacent grooves is no greater than 50 μm, making it difficult for organisms such as barnacle spores to find sufficient attachment surfaces to attach to the pump-jet propulsor.

[0039] When the fish-friendly coating is provided with the above-mentioned grooves, the low surface energy of <25mN / m inhibits the attachment of organisms such as barnacles and algae, so that fish will not be scratched by structures such as barnacles attached to the surface of the catheter 1 when swimming, thereby reducing the behavior of fish colliding with the pump-jet propulsor due to pain or stress response; and, by inhibiting the attachment of organisms such as barnacles, the phenomenon of fish attempting to prey on barnacles, algae and other organisms and violently colliding with structures of the pump-jet propulsor such as the catheter 1 is reduced, further reducing the probability of fish colliding with the pump-jet propulsor; based on the above two points, fish-friendliness is achieved, that is, fish collisions are reduced.

[0040] and / or, such as Figure 6 As shown, a plurality of first flow channels 12 are provided at the inlet of the conduit 1 along the circumference of the conduit 1, and a plurality of second flow channels 13 are distributed on the inner wall of the conduit 1 along the circumference of the conduit 1. The first flow channels 12 and the second flow channels 13 are both provided along the direction of the water flow, and the first flow channels 12 and the second flow channels 13 are provided with breaking parts for breaking the turbulent vortex into laminar flow; the first flow channels 12 and the second flow channels 13 can be shaped like gill rakers of fish gills, and the first flow channels 12 can be understood as the area formed between adjacent breaking parts, and the second flow channels 13 can be understood as the area between adjacent breaking parts inside the conduit 1; the first flow channel 12 is used to guide the water flow to enter the conduit 1 evenly, and the second flow channel 13 is used to adjust the local flow velocity of the water flow through the breaking parts, as shown in FIG. Figure 6 As shown, the breaking element can be specifically a serrated or wavy protrusion or groove provided in the first flow channel 12 and / or the second flow channel 13, which then breaks the turbulent vortex into laminar flow and reduces high-frequency pressure pulsation (experiments show that the noise can be reduced by 12~15dB); the surface micropores or grooves in the first flow channel 12 and / or the second flow channel 13 can scatter sound waves, the principle of which is similar to the acoustic black hole effect, and absorb noise in the 20-200kHz frequency band.

[0041] The first and second flow channels 12, 13 slow down the change in flow velocity gradient, raising the local pressure within the duct 1 above the cavitation threshold (e.g., increasing the cavitation onset pressure by 30%). Furthermore, the vortices formed within the first and / or second flow channels 12, 13 envelop cavitation bubbles, slowing their collapse and reducing shock wave intensity (cavitation volume is reduced by 50%). This in turn suppresses cavitation and reduces damage to the pump-jet propulsor. The edges of the first and second blades 3 and 13 are each designed with a circular arc transition zone. This prevents cumulative shape changes, reduces the impact of the water flow on the first and second blades, and reduces both water flow noise and cavitation.

[0042] Alternatively, a sensor such as an underwater infrared sensor can be set at the entrance of the conduit 1 to detect whether there are fish approaching the pump-jet propeller. When the sensor detects that the fish are approaching, the component is started to increase the space between adjacent first blades 3 to allow small fish to pass through.

[0043] In addition, the present invention also discloses an installation method for the above-mentioned propeller, which includes: step S1, checking the structural components of the propeller and the installation tool for installing the propeller; step S2, installing the stator at a set position in the hub; step S3, installing the hub and controlling the concentricity error between the hub and the stator within a predetermined range; step S4, installing the first number of blades required for navigation to the installation area, and installing the sealing member to the installation area in an idle state. Step S4 also includes determining the number of first blades required for navigation based on factors affecting the number of first blades to be installed before installing the first blades; Among them, factors affecting the number of first blades installed include the propeller's sailing speed, the propeller's load, and the thrust provided by the first blades.

[0044] The installation method also includes step S5: when the working condition of the propeller changes, the number of first blades required for navigation is determined based on factors affecting the number of first blades installed, and the number of first blades to be replaced is determined based on the status of the first blades, and then a corresponding number of damaged first blades and sealing parts are removed, and a preset number of first blades and sealing parts are installed.

[0045] The specific installation method is discussed in detail below.

[0046] 1. Thruster Installation Steps 1) Preparation: Before installing the propeller, carefully inspect the condition of all components. Inspect each component individually, including the duct 1, stator 2, hub 4, first blade 3, plugging piece, and second fastener 9, to ensure they are free of damage, defects, or deformation. Prepare the necessary installation tools, such as an argon arc welder, torque wrench, and various wrenches. Verify the accuracy of these tools to ensure they meet installation requirements.

[0047] 2) Precisely install stator 2 into duct 1, ensuring that the second blade fits snugly against the inner wall of duct 1 and is evenly distributed around its circumference. Use an argon arc welder according to standard welding procedures, strictly controlling parameters such as welding current, voltage, and speed to ensure weld quality. After welding, thoroughly inspect the weld using ultrasonic testing or magnetic particle testing to ensure it is free of defects such as cracks and pores, and that the joint strength meets design standards.

[0048] 3) Installing the propeller hub 4: Install the propeller hub 4 in the center of the stator 2 through the bearing. Use a dial indicator or other professional measuring tool to adjust the concentricity of the propeller hub 4 so that the deviation with the center axis of the stator 2 is within ±0.05mm. After installation, promptly install the bearing end cap to ensure that the bearing is properly sealed, prevent impurities from entering, and ensure stable bearing operation.

[0049] 4) Installing the First Propeller Blades 3: Select the appropriate number and specifications of first propeller blades 3 based on operating conditions, such as sailing speed, water depth, and load. Align the mounting position of the first propeller blades 3 accurately with the mounting position of the hub 4. Insert the second fasteners 9 and tighten them to a torque of 150 N·m using a torque wrench to ensure that the first propeller blades 3 are securely installed to prevent loosening during operation.

[0050] 2. Steps for adjusting the number of first blades 1) Determine the operating conditions: Taking into account factors such as the vehicle's mission requirements, navigation area (shallow or deep sea), navigation speed (real-time speed obtained using a GPS speedometer), and load weight (load pressure measured using a pressure sensor and converted to weight), the required number of first blades is determined based on a pre-established propulsion performance database (which contains the corresponding relationships between the number of first blades and parameters such as propulsion efficiency and thrust under different operating conditions). For example, when the vehicle is operating in shallow waters at speeds exceeding 25 knots and with a light load, the database recommends installing three first blades. For deep-sea operations involving low-speed, heavy-load operations (less than 5 knots and a load exceeding 5 tons), six first blades are recommended. The required number of first blades can be determined through numerical simulations using Ansys Fluent software or engineering experience.

[0051] The first principle of blade installation quantity: Determine according to the sailing speed: According to the momentum theorem, the thrust F is equal to the change in fluid momentum per unit time, that is, ,in is the fluid density, Q is the flow rate, is the change in fluid velocity. As the cruising speed V increases, the flow rate Q must increase accordingly to achieve sufficient thrust. If the size of the first blades 3 remains unchanged, the number n of first blades 3 must be increased to increase the flow rate. Assuming other conditions remain unchanged, Q and n are approximately proportional, so as the cruising speed increases, the number of first blades 3 generally also needs to be increased.

[0052] Determined by load: When the load W increases, the required thrust F also increases, F=W (ignoring other resistances). It can be seen that in Under the condition of no change, to increase F, it can be achieved by increasing Q, and then the number of first blades n needs to be increased. That is, the greater the load, the more first blades there are.

[0053] Comprehensive determination principle: When determining the number of first blades, it is necessary to establish the relationship between thrust and the number of first blades, navigation speed, and load. Assuming that the thrust provided by each first blade is f, the total thrust F = nf. f is related to the shape, size, and speed of the first blade. Assuming that under certain conditions, the relationship between f and navigation speed v and load W is ,but In practical applications, It needs to be determined through experiments or empirical data, and then the number of the first blades 3 is calculated according to the specific sailing speed and load, and it needs to be adjusted and optimized in combination with other factors.

[0054] 2) Removing Excess First Blades 3: To reduce the number of first blades 3, use an appropriate wrench to gradually loosen the second fasteners 9 in a diagonally symmetrical sequence, maintaining a torque of 10-15 N·m each time. After the bolts are loosened sufficiently, use a dedicated first blade 3 removal tool, such as a hydraulic puller, to assist in removal. Avoid damaging the first blades 3 or the mounting area 6 due to excessive force. Properly place the removed first blades 3 on a dedicated storage rack and take protective measures to prevent scratches or deformation.

[0055] 3) Lock the unused mounting hole: Select a high-strength stainless steel hexagonal head bolt (e.g., M10×40, made of 316L stainless steel, with a strength grade of at least 8.8) that fits the first mounting hole 5. Evenly apply anti-loosening adhesive (e.g., Loctite 243 thread locker) to the threaded portion of the second bolt 11. Insert the second bolt 11 through the unused first mounting hole 5. Thread the matching nut 10 onto the other side of the hole. Use a torque wrench to tighten the nut 10 to a torque of 40-45 N·m. During the tightening process, use an angle wrench to monitor the tightening angle of the nut 10 and ensure that it reaches the specified value (e.g., 90°-100°). This prevents the second bolt 11 from loosening and prevents seawater from entering the propeller hub 4.

[0056] 4) Increase the number of first blades 3: If you need to increase the number of first blades 3, first use a wrench to remove the second bolts 11 and nuts 10 that lock the unused mounting holes in the correct order. Save the removed parts and inspect the second bolts 11 and nuts 10 for wear, deformation, etc. If any problems are found, replace them promptly. Install the new first blade 3 in the mounting area 6 of the hub 4 and repeat the steps for installing the first blade 3 to ensure that the newly installed first blade 3 is securely installed. After installation, recheck the installation of the first blade 3, including the installation angle, bolt tightening torque, etc., to ensure that it meets the requirements.

[0057] 3. Pitch adjustment steps 1) Assess operational requirements: Consider the actual operational situation of the vehicle, such as whether rapid acceleration or precise position adjustment is required, and consider the propeller's performance characteristics to determine whether pitch adjustment is necessary. For example, if the vehicle needs to accelerate from low to high speed in a short period of time, the pitch may need to be reduced to improve propulsion efficiency. If the vehicle is performing high-thrust operations such as underwater excavation, the pitch may need to be increased.

[0058] 2) Disassembling the original first blade 3: Use a wrench to loosen the second fasteners 9 of the original rotor's first blade 3 in a diagonally symmetrical sequence. Follow the same steps as for removing the extra first blade 3, taking care to protect the first blade 3 and mounting area 6. After the bolts are completely loosened, carefully remove the original first blade 3 from the hub 4 and place it in a safe place. Clean and inspect the first blade 3, and record its wear to provide a basis for subsequent repair or replacement.

[0059] 3) Selecting a Suitable First Blade 3: Based on the desired pitch change, select a suitable first blade 3 according to the range of variation of the first blade 3's pitch angle and chord length parameters. If the pitch needs to be increased, select a first blade 3 with a larger pitch angle (e.g., 25°-30°) and a longer chord length (e.g., 280-300mm). If the pitch needs to be reduced, select a first blade 3 with a smaller pitch angle (e.g., 10°-15°) and a shorter chord length (e.g., 200-220mm). During the selection process, refer to the hydrodynamic performance curve of the first blade 3 (obtained through CFD simulation or actual testing) and historical operating data to ensure that the selected first blade 3 can achieve the optimal propulsion effect under the current operating conditions.

[0060] 4) Install the new first blade 3: Install the selected rotor first blade 3 on the mounting area 6 of the hub 4, ensuring that the mounting area 6 and the corresponding area of the first blade 3 are precisely aligned. Use a positioning tool to assist in positioning during installation to ensure that the installation error is within the allowable range. Insert the second fastener 9 and tighten it symmetrically and crosswise using a torque wrench to a torque of 150 N·m. After installation, use an angle measuring instrument to check the installation angle of the first blade 3 to ensure that the inclination angle of the first blade 3 meets the design requirements of the selected first blade 3, with a deviation of no more than ±1°, to ensure the stable operation of the new first blade 3 during propeller operation.

[0061] In summary, the beneficial effects of the present invention are: 1. Improving propulsion efficiency: Through the above-mentioned arrangement of the hub 4, the number and pitch of the first blades 3 installed on the hub 4 can be flexibly adjusted, so that the propeller using the hub 4 of the present invention can achieve optimal propulsion performance matching according to different operating conditions (such as high-speed navigation in shallow waters, low-speed operation in deep waters, etc.). For example, when sailing at high speed in shallow waters, reducing the number of first blades 3 installed on the hub 4 and appropriately reducing the pitch can effectively reduce water flow resistance and significantly increase propulsion speed; when operating at low speed in deep waters, increasing the number of first blades 3 installed on the hub 4 and increasing the pitch can provide greater thrust. Compared with traditional propellers with fixed number and pitch of first blades 3, under the same operating conditions, the propulsion efficiency of the propeller using the hub 4 of the present invention can be significantly improved.

[0062] 2. Reduced Maintenance Costs: The hub 4 of the present invention utilizes a modular design and standardized mounting components, resulting in a relatively simple structure and faster and more convenient maintenance. For example, replacing the first blade 3 requires only disassembly and installation of the first blade 3, eliminating the need for extensive disassembly of the entire propeller. Compared to traditional propellers, maintenance time can be significantly shortened, requiring significantly less tools and manpower, thereby effectively reducing maintenance costs.

[0063] 3. High adaptability: The propeller can adapt to a variety of operating conditions. Whether it is an oceanographic research vessel operating at different depths or an underwater vehicle sailing at different speeds, the propulsion requirements can be met by adjusting the number and pitch of the first blades 3. This high adaptability increases the versatility of the propeller using the hub 4 of the present invention, enabling its wide application in various underwater vehicles.

[0064] 4. Reduced manufacturing costs: Because the thruster of this invention utilizes an adjustable design, the manufacturing process eliminates the need to design and manufacture multiple fixed-structure thrusters for different operating conditions. Standardized components can be used for assembly and adjustment based on actual needs, reducing manufacturing complexity and costs. Furthermore, problematic components can be easily replaced or modified, eliminating the need for complete remanufacturing and significantly shortening production cycles.

[0065] The present invention discloses multiple technical solutions, but does not provide any contrary technical inspiration.

[0066] The present invention uses specific examples to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of the present invention. The above examples are only intended to help understand the method and core concept of the present invention. At the same time, those skilled in the art will find that the specific implementation methods and application scopes may vary based on the concept of the present invention. In summary, the contents of this specification should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

Claims

1. A propeller hub, characterized in that: The hub comprises: Mounting areas, wherein M mounting areas for mounting the first blade are evenly arranged on the circumference of the hub, and the mounting areas are detachably fixedly connected to the first blade; a blocking member, the blocking member being disposed in the installation area in an idle state and used to block the installation area, the number of the blocking members being P; The number of the first blades required for navigation is N; Among them, N≥2, M≥N, P=MN, P≥0.

2. The hub according to claim 1, characterized in that The hub comprises a plurality of hub segments sequentially arranged and connected along the axial direction of the hub, adjacent hub segments are detachably fixedly connected, and a plurality of mounting areas are evenly arranged on the circumference of at least one hub segment; And / or, a drive assembly is provided at each of the installation areas, and the drive assembly is in transmission connection with the first blade to drive the first blade to rotate and adjust the angle between the first blade and the axis of the hub.

3. The hub according to claim 1, characterized in that The blocking member includes a first fastener, which is threadedly connected to the installation area; a thread locker is provided between the first fastener and the installation area; and / or a sealing member is provided between the blocking member and the installation area.

4. The hub according to claim 1, characterized in that The inclination angle of the first blade ranges from 5° to 40°; the chord length of the first blade ranges from 150mm to 400mm.

5. A propeller, characterized in that: The propeller comprises: The hub according to any one of claims 1 to 4; The catheter is provided with a stator and the propeller hub, the stator is located between the propeller hub and the catheter, the stator and the catheter are fixedly connected, and the propeller hub is rotatably connected to the stator.

6. The propeller according to claim 5, characterized in that The stator includes a plurality of second blades which are uniformly distributed along the circumference of the duct with the hub as the center.

7. The propeller according to claim 6, characterized in that The edges of the first blade and the second blade are both provided with arc transition areas; and / or, the catheter is coated with a fish-friendly coating, wherein the surface energy of the fish-friendly coating is less than 25 mN / m; And / or, the conduit or the coating on the conduit has a plurality of grooves distributed along the circumference of the conduit and arranged in the direction of water flow, wherein the depth of the grooves is 10-50 μm and the width is 50-200 μm; And / or, a plurality of first flow channels are provided at the inlet of the conduit along the circumference of the conduit, a plurality of second flow channels are distributed on the inner wall of the conduit along the circumference of the conduit, the first flow channels and the second flow channels are both arranged along the direction of the water flow, and the first flow channels and the second flow channels are provided with breaking parts for breaking turbulent vortices into laminar flows.

8. A method for installing a propeller according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that: The installation method includes: Step S1, checking the structural components of the propeller and the installation tools used to install the propeller; Step S2, installing the stator at a set position in the hub; Step S3, installing the propeller hub and controlling the concentricity error between the propeller hub and the stator within a predetermined range; Step S4: Install the first blades, as many as required for navigation, to the installation area, and install the blocking member to the installation area in an idle state.

9. The installation method according to claim 8, characterized in that: The step S4 further includes determining the number of the first blades required for navigation according to factors affecting the number of the first blades to be installed before installing the first blades; Among them, factors affecting the number of first blades installed include the sailing speed of the propeller, the load of the propeller, and the thrust provided by the first blades.

10. The installation method according to claim 9, characterized in that: The installation method also includes step S5: when the working condition of the propeller changes, the number of the first blades required for navigation is determined based on factors affecting the number of first blades installed, and the number of the first blades to be replaced is determined based on the status of the first blades, and then the corresponding number of the first blades and the blocking parts are removed, and a preset number of the first blades and the blocking parts are installed.

Images