Propulsion device and moving body

Abstract

A propulsion device is provided with: a tube part which is disposed so that an axis line extends in the front-rear direction under the water surface and which forms a flow path; a shaft part disposed inside the cylinder part and extending in the axial direction; a propeller having a plurality of propeller blades attached to the shaft section, extending in the radial direction of the axis line in the flow path, and arranged in the circumferential direction of the axis line, the propeller being rotatable about the axis line; and a plurality of struts that are provided in the flow path on at least one of the front side and the rear side with respect to the propeller, extend in the radial direction, are arranged in the circumferential direction, and support the shaft section, the plurality of struts being disposed in bilateral symmetry with respect to a symmetric line that extends in the vertical direction and passes through the axis. At least one of the angular intervals between the pillars is different from the angular intervals between the other pillars, and at least one pillar is disposed on both sides in the vertical direction with respect to a horizontal plane extending in the horizontal direction so as to pass through the axis.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a propulsion device and a moving body.

[0002] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-084458, filed on May 23, 2023, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Background Technology

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a nozzle-equipped propulsion device installed on ships or the like. In this propulsion device, supports for the propeller shaft are provided in front of and behind the propeller blades. Multiple supports are arranged circumferentially around the propeller shaft in a manner with equal angular intervals. The propeller shaft is firmly supported by these evenly arranged supports.

[0004] Previous technical documents

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: US Patent No. 9,821,896 Summary of the Invention

[0007] The technical problem to be solved by the invention

[0008] However, in the propulsion device of Patent Document 1, fluid resistance increases with the increase in the number of support pillars. Therefore, there is a concern about reduced efficiency of the propulsion device. Furthermore, during propeller rotation, if the area of ​​overlap between the propeller blades and the support pillars is large, the thrust variation becomes greater; therefore, the number of propeller blades must be considered when determining the number of support pillars. Moreover, the strength of the propulsion device must also be considered, thus significantly restricting design freedom.

[0009] The present invention was made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide a propulsion device and moving body that can improve design freedom.

[0010] means for solving technical problems

[0011] To address the aforementioned issues, the propulsion device of the present invention comprises: a cylindrical portion configured such that its axis extends in a longitudinal direction below the water surface, forming a flow path with the front side as the upstream side and the rear side as the downstream side; a shaft portion disposed inside the cylindrical portion and extending along the axial direction; a propeller having a plurality of propeller blades mounted on the shaft portion and extending radially within the flow path along the axial direction and arranged circumferentially along the axial direction, and capable of rotating about the axial direction; and a plurality of supports disposed within the flow path relative to at least one of the front and rear sides of the propeller, extending radially and arranged circumferentially, and supporting the shaft portion, the plurality of supports being configured symmetrical about a line of symmetry extending in a vertical direction and passing through the axial direction, at least one of the angular intervals between the supports being different from the angular intervals between the other supports, and at least one of the supports being disposed on each side in the vertical direction relative to a horizontal plane extending horizontally through the axial direction.

[0012] The mobile body according to the present invention has the above-described propulsion device and is capable of moving on water and in at least one of the water.

[0013] Invention Effects

[0014] The propulsion device and moving body according to the present invention can improve design freedom. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing the general structure of the movable body according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram showing the propulsion device according to the first embodiment of the present invention viewed from the left.

[0017] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of the propeller blades according to the first embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the front.

[0018] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the support pillars according to the first embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the front.

[0019] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram showing another example of the configuration of the support pillars according to the first embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the front.

[0020] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the support pillars according to the second embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the front.

[0021] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the support pillars according to the third embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the front.

[0022] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram showing the propulsion device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention viewed from the left.

[0023] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of the front support pillar according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of the rear support pillar according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the general structure of the movable body involved in a variation of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram showing the propulsion device involved in the modified embodiment of the present invention viewed from the left.

[0027] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram showing the propulsion device involved in the modified embodiment of the present invention viewed from the left.

[0028] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the support pillars involved in the modified example of the present invention as viewed from the front.

[0029] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the support pillars involved in the modified example of the present invention as viewed from the front. Detailed Implementation

[0030] <First Embodiment>

[0031] (Structure of the moving body)

[0032] The following is for reference. Figures 1 to 4 The movable body 1 according to the embodiments of the present invention will be described.

[0033] like Figure 1 As shown, the mobile body 1 in this embodiment is a vessel 1a capable of moving on water. The vessel 1a includes a hull 2 ​​and a propulsion device 10.

[0034] (Hull)

[0035] The hull 2 ​​is a box-shaped structure capable of floating on the water surface W. The hull 2 ​​extends along one horizontal direction. The hull 2 ​​has a bow 3, a stern 4, and a bottom 5. The bow 3 is a portion on one side of the hull 2 ​​along its length. The stern 4 is a portion on the other side of the hull 2 ​​along its length. The bottom 5 forms the lower part of the hull 2. The bottom 5 extends along the length of the hull 2 ​​and connects the bow 3 and the stern 4.

[0036] Hereinafter, the vertical direction will be referred to as "vertical direction Dv" for explanation. Furthermore, the direction along the length of hull 2 ​​will be designated as the forward / backward direction Ds, and the direction along the width of hull 2 ​​will be designated as the left / right direction Dw. The symbol "Dvu" will be marked on the top, and "Dvd" on the bottom. The symbol "Dsf" will be marked on the front, and "Dsb" on the rear. The symbol "Dwr" will be marked on the right, and "Dwl" on the left.

[0037] (Propulsion device)

[0038] The propulsion device 10 is mounted on the hull bottom 5. However, the location of the propulsion device 10 is not limited to the hull bottom 5. For example, if the vessel 1a is a motorboat, the propulsion device 10 can be integrated into an outboard motor mounted on the stern 4. Figure 2 As shown, the propulsion device 10 includes a cylindrical section 11, a fixing device 12, a shaft section 13, a propeller 20, a hub 14, and a support column 15.

[0039] (Cylinder section)

[0040] The cylindrical section 11 is commonly referred to as a nozzle or conduit. In this embodiment, the cylindrical section 11 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The cylindrical section 11 is configured such that its axis O extends along the front-to-back direction Ds below the water surface W. The cylindrical section 11 forms a flow path F with the front side Dsf as the upstream side and the rear side Dsb as the downstream side.

[0041] Hereinafter, the axis O of the cylinder 11 will be referred to as "axis O", the radial direction of axis O will be referred to as "radial", and the circumferential direction of axis O will be referred to as "circumferential". Furthermore, unless otherwise stated, axis O is assumed to be aligned with the front-to-back direction Ds and orthogonal to the vertical direction Dv and the horizontal direction Dw.

[0042] (Fixed device)

[0043] The fixing device 12 secures the cylindrical portion 11 to the hull 2. The fixing device 12 has a vertical shaft 12a extending downward from the bottom 5 of the hull. The vertical shaft 12a connects the bottom 5 of the hull and the cylindrical portion 11. The vertical shaft 12a is configured to rotate relative to the hull 2. By rotating the vertical shaft 12a, the cylindrical portion 11 can rotate left and right.

[0044] In addition, the vertical axis 12a can be fixed relative to the hull 2.

[0045] (Shaft)

[0046] The shaft portion 13 is disposed inside the cylindrical portion 11. The shaft portion 13 is formed as a column extending in one direction along the axis O.

[0047] (propeller)

[0048] The propeller 20 is mounted on the shaft portion 13 and is configured to rotate about the axis O. In this embodiment, one propeller 20 is disposed within the cylindrical portion 11. The propeller 20 has a propeller hub 21 and propeller blades 22. The propeller hub 21 is an annular component through which the shaft portion 13 passes. The propeller blades 22 extend radially outward from the propeller hub 21 within the flow path F. Multiple propeller blades 22 are arranged circumferentially. For example, in this embodiment, such as Figure 3 As shown, it is equipped with 6 propeller blades 22.

[0049] (Wheel hub)

[0050] The hub 14 is located at the front end of the shaft portion 13 in the direction of axis O, Dsf. Multiple supports 15 are provided on the hub 14.

[0051] (pillar)

[0052] The strut 15 is disposed at the front side Dsf relative to the propeller 20 within the flow path F. The strut 15 extends radially from the hub 14 and connects to the cylinder 11. Multiple struts 15 are arranged circumferentially. The strut 15 supports the shaft 13 via the hub 14.

[0053] The orientation of the support column 15 can be appropriately selected. However, the support column 15 is preferably arranged at an angle relative to the longitudinal direction Ds, in a direction opposite to the rotation direction of the propeller 20. By arranging the support column 15 at such an angle, the flow within the cylinder 11 is given a swirling flow that counteracts the swirling flow generated by the propeller 20. Alternatively, the support column 15 may be arranged at an angle relative to the longitudinal direction Ds, in the same direction as the rotation of the propeller 20, or it may be arranged along the longitudinal direction Ds.

[0054] (Pillar configuration)

[0055] Multiple pillars 15 are set up according to the following 3 rules.

[0056] First, the multiple pillars 15 are configured to be symmetrical about left and right with respect to the line of symmetry L1 that extends along the vertical direction Dv and passes through the axis O (first condition).

[0057] Second, at least one of the angular intervals between the pillars 15 is different from the angular intervals between the other pillars 15 (condition 2).

[0058] Third, at least one support column 15 is arranged on both sides of the vertical direction Dv relative to the horizontal plane HS that extends horizontally through the axis O (third condition).

[0059] As long as the above rules (condition 1, condition 2, and condition 3) are met, the number and configuration of support pillar 15 can be appropriately changed.

[0060] In this embodiment, while satisfying these three rules, the configuration of the support column 15 is further determined according to the following rules as one of the design guidelines.

[0061] Here, when viewed from the front-back direction Ds, imagine multiple dividing lines L2 extending radially and equally dividing the area around axis O into an odd number of parts in the circumferential direction. One of these dividing lines L2 is positioned on the line of symmetry L1. This dividing line L2, aligned with the line of symmetry L1, becomes the reference (0 degrees) for setting the other dividing lines L2. Furthermore, these dividing lines L2 are positioned symmetrically about the line of symmetry L1.

[0062] The number of dividing lines L2 is set according to the number of pillars 15.

[0063] For example, if the number of support pillars 15 is set to N (a natural number), then the dividing lines L2 become (N×2-1) lines. Furthermore, the number of dividing lines L2 (N×2-1) is different from the number of propeller blades 22. Here, if the angular interval between the dividing lines L2 is set to θ1 degrees,

[0064] Then it becomes θ1 = 360 / (N × 2 - 1).

[0065] When viewed from the front-rear direction Ds, the N supports 15 are respectively positioned on any one of the (N×2-1) dividing lines L2. In this embodiment, when viewed from the axis O, each support 15 is positioned such that its center line extending radially along the support 15 coincides with the dividing line L2. At this time, regarding the angular interval between adjacent supports 15, for N' which is greater than or equal to 1 and less than N, the angular interval between supports 15 is set to any angle within N'×360 / (N×2-1) degrees. Thus, in this embodiment, a plurality of supports 15 are arranged in such a way that the angular intervals between supports 15 are not equal.

[0066] The following explanation will be based on the case where the angular interval N' between adjacent groups of pillars is 1, while the angular interval N' between other adjacent pillars is 2.

[0067] When viewed from the front-rear direction Ds, the N pillars 15 are respectively positioned on any one of the (N×2-1) dividing lines L2. At this time, in the angular intervals between adjacent pillars 15, only one angular interval (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as the first angular interval) is set to θ1 = 360 / (N×2-1) degrees, and the angular intervals between the remaining pillars 15 (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as the second angular interval) are set to θ2 = 2×θ1 = 2×360 / (N×2-1) degrees. Therefore, in this embodiment, multiple pillars 15 are arranged such that only one angular interval differs from the angular intervals between the other pillars 15.

[0068] In this embodiment, such as Figure 4 As shown, there are N=3 support pillars 15. In this case, the number of dividing lines L2 becomes N×2-1=5. Furthermore, the first angular interval θ1 becomes θ1=360 / (N×2-1)=72 degrees, and the second angular interval θ2 becomes θ2=2×θ1=2×360 / (N×2-1)=144 degrees. Additionally, in Figure 4 The illustration of propeller 20 is omitted in the text.

[0069] At this point, one of the five dividing lines L2 is positioned on the symmetry line L1 extending along the vertical direction Dv. In the illustrated example, one dividing line L2 on this symmetry line L1 is located above the horizontal plane HS passing through axis O. The support column 15 is arranged on this dividing line L2 in a manner that satisfies the first angular interval θ1 and the second angular interval θ2.

[0070] Alternatively, multiple supports 15 and dividing lines L2 can be flipped vertically in the direction Dv, with axis O as a reference. In this case, one dividing line L2 on the line of symmetry L1 is located lower than the horizontal plane HS passing through axis O.

[0071] Furthermore, as described above, in this embodiment, three supports 15 are provided relative to the six propeller blades 22. That is, in this embodiment, the propulsion device 10 is designed such that the number of propeller blades 22 and the number of supports 15 have a common divisor. However, when the number of supports 15 is set to N, the propulsion device 10 is designed such that the number of propeller blades 22 and the number of dividing lines L2 (N×2-1) are coprime.

[0072] (Effects)

[0073] The propulsion device 10 of this embodiment can perform the following functions.

[0074] In this embodiment, the propulsion device 10 includes a cylindrical section 11, a shaft section 13, a propeller 20, and a plurality of support columns 15. The cylindrical section 11 is configured such that its axis O extends along the longitudinal direction Ds below the water surface W, forming a flow path F with the front side Dsf as the upstream side and the rear side Dsb as the downstream side. The shaft section 13 is disposed inside the cylindrical section 11 and extends along the axis O. The propeller 20 has a plurality of propeller blades 22 mounted on the shaft section 13, extending radially along the axis O within the flow path F, and arranged circumferentially along the axis O, and is rotatable about the axis O. The plurality of support columns 15 are disposed in the flow path F relative to the propeller 20 at the front side Dsf, extending radially and arranged circumferentially, and support the shaft section 13. Furthermore, the plurality of support columns 15 are configured to be symmetrical about a line of symmetry L1 extending along the vertical direction Dv (first condition). Moreover, at least one of the angular intervals between the support columns 15 is different from the angular intervals between the other support columns 15 (second condition). Furthermore, at least one support column 15 is arranged on both sides of the vertical direction Dv relative to the horizontal plane HS that extends horizontally along the axis O (condition 3).

[0075] In this embodiment, the plurality of supports 15 are configured to be symmetrical about the left and right with respect to the line of symmetry L1 extending along the vertical direction Dv. This suppresses the left-right deflection of the forces generated in the supports 15 during rotation. Therefore, the forces generated in the supports 15 during rotation become equal on both sides, suppressing the deflection of the water flow load to either side, thereby ensuring sufficient rotation performance.

[0076] However, during the rotation of the propeller 20, the flow velocity into the propeller blades 22 decreases due to the overlap between the support pillars 15 and the propeller blades 22, causing thrust variation. In this embodiment, at least one angular interval between the support pillars 15 differs from the angular intervals between the other support pillars 15. This reduces the area where the multiple support pillars 15 overlap with the multiple propeller blades 22. Therefore, thrust variation can be reduced, and the efficiency of the propeller 20 can be further improved.

[0077] Furthermore, at least one support column 15 is arranged on each side of the vertical direction Dv relative to the horizontal plane HS extending horizontally along the axis O. This allows the shaft portion 13 to be supported from both sides of the vertical direction Dv by the support columns 15. Therefore, the strength of the propulsion device 10 can be improved.

[0078] Therefore, according to this embodiment, the propulsion device 10 can fully perform its required functions even if the number of struts 15 is freely set. That is, the design freedom can be increased. For example, the number of struts 15 can be freely determined from the perspective of strength alone, without depending on the number of propeller blades 22 or other structures. Therefore, the configuration of struts 15 in this embodiment can be applied to any propeller 20, thus increasing the design freedom. Therefore, the number of struts 15 can be kept to a minimum while ensuring strength, and thrust variation can be suppressed. The number of struts 15 will not increase unnecessarily, thus reducing the drag caused by the struts 15 themselves.

[0079] In this embodiment, N supports 15 are respectively disposed on any one of the (N×2-1) dividing lines L2 that equally divide the region surrounding axis O in the circumferential direction. For N' which is greater than or equal to 1 and less than N, the angular interval between the supports 15 is any angle in the range of N'×360 / (N×2-1) degrees.

[0080] According to this embodiment, the support column 15 can be configured according to the dividing line L2, thus making the positioning of the support column 15 easier. Therefore, the propulsion device 10 can be designed easily.

[0081] In this embodiment, the case in which the angular intervals between the pillars 15 are different from the angular intervals between the other pillars 15 is described as representative.

[0082] This configuration easily satisfies the configuration conditions (condition 1, condition 2, and condition 3) for the support column 15. Therefore, design efficiency is improved. Furthermore, by limiting the number of sections with different angular intervals to only one, the flow rate between the support columns 15 can be easily controlled.

[0083] In this embodiment, N supports 15 are respectively disposed on any one of the (N×2-1) dividing lines L2 that equally divide the area surrounding axis O in the circumferential direction. One of the angular intervals between the supports 15 is θ1=360 / (N×2-1) degrees, and the angular interval between all other supports 15 is θ2=2×360 / (N×2-1) degrees.

[0084] According to this embodiment, by simply setting a dividing line L2 and arranging the support column 15 on the dividing line L2, the above-mentioned arrangement conditions of the support column 15 can be satisfied. That is, it is easy to arrange the support column 15 such that only one of the angular intervals between the support columns 15 is different from the angular intervals between the other support columns 15. Therefore, manufacturing efficiency can be further improved.

[0085] In this embodiment, the number of dividing lines L2 (N×2-1) is different from the number of propeller blades 22.

[0086] According to this embodiment, the area where the dividing line L2 and the propeller blade 22 overlap by one degree can be reduced. Since the support 15 is disposed on the dividing line L2, the area where the support 15 and the propeller blade 22 overlap by one degree can be reduced. Therefore, thrust variation can be further reduced. Therefore, the support 15 can be configured more effectively.

[0087] In this embodiment, it is acceptable for the number of propeller blades 22 and the number of support columns 15 to have a common divisor (wherein, when the number of support columns 15 is set to N, the propulsion device 10 is designed such that the number of propeller blades 22 and the number of dividing lines L2 (N×2-1) are coprime).

[0088] According to this embodiment, for example, compared to the case where the number of propeller blades 22 and the number of supports 15 do not have a common divisor (the case where the number of propeller blades 22 and the number of supports 15 are coprime), there are more options for the number or arrangement of propeller blades 22 and supports 15. Therefore, design freedom can be further improved.

[0089] Furthermore, the number of dividing lines L2 (N×2-1) is coprime to the number of propeller blades 22, thus the number of dividing lines L2 overlapping with propeller blades 22 can be reduced to one. The strut 15 is positioned on the dividing lines L2, thus the number of struts 15 overlapping with propeller blades 22 can be reduced to one. Therefore, thrust variation can be further reduced.

[0090] In the first embodiment described above, the case where N=3 support columns 15 are provided is described, but it is not limited to this.

[0091] For example, such as Figure 5 As shown, the support column 15 can be set with N=5 columns. In this case, the number of dividing lines L2 becomes N×2-1=9. Furthermore, the first angular interval θ1 becomes θ1=360 / (N×2-1)=40 degrees, and the second angular interval θ2 becomes θ2=2×θ1=2×360 / (N×2-1)=80 degrees.

[0092] At this point, one of the nine dividing lines L2 is positioned on the symmetry line L1 extending along the vertical direction Dv. In the illustrated example, this dividing line L2 on the symmetry line L1 is located above the horizontal plane HS passing through the axis O. The support pillar 15 is arranged on this dividing line L2 in a manner that satisfies the first angular interval θ1 and the second angular interval θ2.

[0093] Alternatively, multiple supports 15 and dividing lines L2 can be flipped vertically in the direction Dv, with axis O as a reference. In this case, one dividing line L2 on the line of symmetry L1 is located lower than the horizontal plane HS passing through axis O.

[0094] Furthermore, in this modified example, five supports 15 are provided for the six propeller blades 22. That is, in this modified example, the number of propeller blades 22 and the number of supports 15 do not have a common factor. Moreover, when the number of supports 15 is set to N, the propulsion device 10 is designed in such a way that the number of propeller blades 22 is different from the number of dividing lines L2 (N×2-1).

[0095] <Second Implementation>

[0096] Next, refer to Figure 6 The second embodiment will be described. Structures identical to those in the above embodiment will be labeled with the same symbols, names, etc., and descriptions will be omitted where appropriate. Structures not described below are the same as those in the above embodiment.

[0097] In the propulsion device 110 of this embodiment, such as Figure 6 As shown, the number of support pillars 15 is N=4. Figure 6 It is the same as the first embodiment. Figure 4 The corresponding attached diagram. Figure 6 The illustration of propeller 20 is omitted in the text.

[0098] In this embodiment, multiple dividing lines L2 are set according to the same rules as in the first embodiment, and pillars 15 are arranged on the dividing lines L2.

[0099] That is, the dividing line L2 is set to N×2-1=7. And the first angular interval θ1 becomes θ1=360 / (N×2-1)≈51.4 degrees, and the second angular interval θ2 becomes θ2=2×θ1=2×360 / (N×2-1)≈102.8 degrees.

[0100] At this point, one of the seven dividing lines L2 is positioned on the symmetry line L1 extending along the vertical direction Dv. In the illustrated example, one dividing line L2 on this symmetry line L1 is located lower than the horizontal plane HS passing through axis O. The support column 15 is arranged on this dividing line L2 in a manner that satisfies the first angular interval θ1 and the second angular interval θ2.

[0101] (Effects)

[0102] The propulsion device 110 of this embodiment can perform the following functions.

[0103] In this embodiment, the number of support pillars 15 is N=4.

[0104] In propellers 20, the number of propeller blades 22 is mostly between 3 and 6. In the most common case where the number of propeller blades 22 is between 3 and 6, as in this embodiment, setting the number of struts 15 to 4 and arranging them on the 7 dividing lines L2 helps ensure strength and thrust. Therefore, this embodiment can be applied to most propellers 20, making it versatile.

[0105] Here, for example, consider a propulsion device 110 with six propeller blades 22 evenly spaced (circumferentially spaced) in the circumferential direction. If three struts are evenly spaced in the circumferential direction, during propulsion of the propeller 20, three of the six propeller blades 22 will overlap with the struts at one point, resulting in significant thrust fluctuations. Furthermore, if four struts are evenly spaced in the circumferential direction, during propulsion of the propeller 20, two of the six propeller blades 22 will overlap with the struts at one point. However, compared to the case with three evenly spaced struts in the circumferential direction, the number of struts overlapping with the propeller blades 22 at one point can be reduced, and thrust fluctuations can be suppressed. Moreover, as in this embodiment, by unevenly arranging four struts 15 in the circumferential direction and configuring one of the angular intervals between the struts 15 to be different from the angular intervals between the other struts 15, during propulsion of the propeller 20, the number of struts 15 overlapping with the propeller blades 22 at one point can be suppressed to one. This further suppresses thrust fluctuations.

[0106] Furthermore, it becomes easier to symmetrically arrange multiple support columns 15 relative to the line of symmetry L1 extending along the vertical direction Dv. Therefore, it becomes easier to design to suppress the lateral deflection of forces generated in the support columns 15 during rotation, making this embodiment suitable from a structural design perspective.

[0107] <Third Implementation>

[0108] Next, refer to Figure 7 The third embodiment will be described. Structures identical to those in the above embodiments will be labeled with the same symbols, names, etc., and descriptions will be omitted where appropriate. Structures not described below are the same as those in the above embodiments.

[0109] In the propulsion device 210 of this embodiment, such as Figure 7 As shown, for N supports 15, assuming M ≥ N (M is a natural number), there are (M × 2 - 1) dividing lines L2. Similar to the first embodiment described above, these (M × 2 - 1) dividing lines L2 circumferentially divide the region surrounding axis O. The angular interval θ1 between the dividing lines L2 is θ1 = 360 / (M × 2 - 1) degrees. The N supports 15 are each positioned on one of the (M × 2 - 1) dividing lines L2.

[0110] exist Figure 7 In the example, N=4 and M=6, it shows the case where there are N=4 pillars 15 and (M×2-1)=11 dividing lines L2. The 4 pillars 15 are arranged on the 11 dividing lines L2 in a manner that satisfies the first, second, and third conditions, respectively.

[0111] In the illustrated example, only the top two supports 15 are configured with a dividing line L2 between them, while the other supports 15 are configured with two dividing lines L2 between them. Therefore, the angular interval (third angular interval) θ3 between the top two supports 15 is θ3 = 2 × 360 / (M × 2 - 1) = 2 × θ1 ≈ 2 × 32.7 ≈ 65.4 degrees, and the angular interval (fourth angular interval) θ4 between the other supports 15 is θ4 = 3 × 360 / (M × 2 - 1) = 3 × θ1 ≈ 3 × 32.7 ≈ 98.1 degrees.

[0112] (Effects)

[0113] The propulsion device 210 of this embodiment can perform the following effects.

[0114] In this embodiment, M ≥ N, and N pillars 15 are respectively arranged on any one of the (M×2-1) dividing lines L2 that equally divide the area around axis O in the circumferential direction.

[0115] According to this embodiment, the number and arrangement options of the support pillars 15 are increased, thus further improving the flexibility in the arrangement of the support pillars 15. For example, if the strength of the propulsion device 10 is insufficient, the number of support pillars 15 can be increased to improve the strength of the propulsion device 10. In addition, in this case, an even number of support pillars 15 are added based on the line of symmetry L1 along the vertical direction Dv and passing through the axis O, so the left-right symmetry of the support pillars 15 is not disrupted.

[0116] <Fourth Implementation>

[0117] Next, refer to Figures 8 to 10 The fourth embodiment will be described. Structures identical to those in the embodiments described above will be labeled with the same symbols, names, etc., and descriptions will be omitted where appropriate. Structures not described below are the same as those in the embodiments described above.

[0118] In the propulsion device 310 of this embodiment, such as Figure 8 As shown, the propulsion device 310 is designed with a dual structure having two propellers 20 arranged in the longitudinal direction Ds. The two propellers 20 are configured to rotate in opposite directions.

[0119] The number of propeller blades 22 of the two propellers 20 can be appropriately selected. For example, if the number of propeller blades 22 of the front propeller 20 (Dsf) is set to X, and the number of propeller blades 22 of the rear propeller 20 (Dsb) is set to Y, then as a combination of (X, Y), eight patterns can be envisioned, such as (X, Y) = (3, 4), (3, 5), (4, 5), (5, 6), (4, 3), (5, 3), (5, 4), (6, 5). By setting the number of propeller blades 22 of each propeller in this way, the number of overlapping propeller blades 22 between the front and rear propellers is reduced, which is effective in reducing thrust variation.

[0120] For the two propellers 20 designed in this way, support pillars 15 are provided as follows.

[0121] Support 15 is positioned relative to the two propellers on the front side Dsf and the rear side Dsb. For example... Figure 9 , Figure 10 As shown, the configuration of the multiple struts 15 of the rear Dsb is such that the configuration of the multiple struts 15 of the front Dsf is flipped upside down.

[0122] Hereinafter, in the support column 15, the support column 15 that is further forward of the propeller 20 (Dsf) will be referred to as the front support column 15a, and the support column 15 that is further forward of the propeller 20 (Dsb) will be referred to as the rear support column 15b.

[0123] First, the configuration of the front support column 15a will be explained.

[0124] For example, such as Figure 9 As shown, four front support pillars 15a are provided. In this embodiment, multiple dividing lines L2 are also set according to the same rules as in the first embodiment, and the front support pillars 15a are arranged on the dividing lines L2.

[0125] That is, the dividing line L2 is set to N×2-1=7. And the first angular interval θ1 becomes θ1=360 / (N×2-1)≈51.4 degrees, and the second angular interval θ2 becomes θ2=2×θ1=2×360 / (N×2-1)≈102.8 degrees.

[0126] At this point, one of the seven dividing lines L2 is positioned on the symmetry line L1 extending along the vertical direction Dv. In the illustrated example, one dividing line L2 on this symmetry line L1 is located lower than the horizontal plane HS passing through the axis O. The front support 15a is arranged on the dividing line L2 thus positioned to satisfy the first angular interval θ1 and the second angular interval θ2.

[0127] The orientation of the front support 15a can be appropriately selected. For example, the front support 15a can be configured at an angle relative to the longitudinal direction Ds. Due to the angle of the front support 15a, the swirling flow flows into the propeller 20.

[0128] Next, the configuration of the rear support 15b will be explained.

[0129] For example, such as Figure 10 As shown, the rear support column 15b has the same number of four columns as the front support column 15a. In this embodiment, multiple dividing lines L2 are also set according to the same rules as in the first embodiment, and the rear support column 15b is arranged on the dividing lines L2.

[0130] That is, the dividing line L2 is set to N×2-1=7. And the first angular interval θ1 becomes θ1=360 / (N×2-1)≈51.4 degrees, and the second angular interval θ2 becomes θ2=2×θ1=2×360 / (N×2-1)≈102.8 degrees.

[0131] At this point, one of the seven dividing lines L2 is positioned on the symmetry line L1 extending along the vertical direction Dv. In the illustrated example, one dividing line L2 on this symmetry line L1 is located above the horizontal plane HS passing through axis O. The rear support 15b is configured on the dividing line L2 thus positioned to satisfy the first angular interval θ1 and the second angular interval θ2.

[0132] The orientation of the rear support 15b can be appropriately selected. For example, the rear support 15b is configured along the longitudinal direction Ds. As a result, the swirling flow discharged from the propeller 20 is redirected to a direct current in the longitudinal direction Ds.

[0133] (Effects)

[0134] The propulsion device 310 of this embodiment can perform the following functions.

[0135] In this embodiment, two propellers 20 are arranged in the longitudinal direction Ds. The two propellers 20 are configured to rotate in opposite directions. Supports 15 are provided on the front side Dsf and the rear side Dsb relative to the two propellers 20, and the multiple supports 15 on the rear side Dsb are configured to flip the configuration of the multiple supports 15 on the front side Dsf.

[0136] The two propellers 20 rotate in opposite directions, thus the propeller 20 on the rear side Dsb can be used to counteract the swirling flow discharged from the propeller 20 on the front side Dsf. Therefore, by tilting the support 15 (front support 15a) on the front side Dsf in the forward-backward direction Ds, there is no need to impart a swirling flow to the water flow, and the configuration of the support 15 can be designed with only the required strength in mind. Therefore, the design freedom can be further increased.

[0137] Furthermore, typically, when two propellers 20 arranged in the front-to-back direction Ds are positioned with struts 15 in front and behind, to fully realize the required function of the propulsion device 10, the structure of the two propellers 20 must be considered to determine the number or arrangement of struts 15, thus complicating the study of the number or arrangement of struts 15. However, in this embodiment, simply flipping the arrangement of the propeller 20 on the front side Dsf to arrange the propeller 20 on the rear side Dsb easily satisfies the arrangement conditions of each strut 15 in front of and behind the propeller 20. Therefore, manufacturing efficiency can be improved.

[0138] (Other implementation methods)

[0139] The embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the specific structure is not limited to these embodiments and may include design changes that do not depart from the spirit of the present invention.

[0140] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the moving body 1 is assumed to be a vessel 1a moving on water, but it is not limited to this. For example, such as Figure 11 As shown, the mobile body 1 can be a marine survey vessel 1b capable of moving in water. Furthermore, the mobile body 1, which is mounted on the propulsion device 10, can be designed to move both on and in water.

[0141] In the above embodiment, the case where six propeller blades 22 are provided for one propeller 20 has been described, but it is not limited to this. The number of propeller blades 22 can be appropriately changed, and for example, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8... propeller blades 22 can be provided.

[0142] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the number of support pillars 15 was described as 3 or 5, and the number of dividing lines L2 was described as 5 or 9. In the second embodiment, the number of support pillars 15 was described as 4, and the number of dividing lines L2 was described as 7. In the third embodiment, the number of support pillars 15 was described as 4, and the number of dividing lines L2 was described as 11, but the embodiments are not limited to these. The number of support pillars 15 and the number of dividing lines L2 can be appropriately changed.

[0143] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the case where the support column 15 is disposed at the front side Dsf relative to the propeller 20 within the flow path F has been described, but it is not limited to this. For example... Figure 12As shown, the support column 15 can be disposed on the rear side Dsb relative to the propeller 20 within the flow path F. When the support column 15 is disposed on the rear side Dsb of the propeller 20, the support column 15 is configured along the longitudinal direction Ds, and redirects the swirling flow from the propeller 20 into a direct current in the longitudinal direction Ds. As a result, thrust is also generated in the support column 15 on the rear side Dsb, and the thrust is increased as a whole in the propulsion devices 10, 110, and 210.

[0144] And, as Figure 13 As shown, the support column 15 can be disposed on both sides of the propeller 20, at the front side Dsf and the rear side Dsb, within the flow path F.

[0145] In the above embodiment, each support column 15 is configured such that its center line extending radially along the axis O coincides with the dividing line L2, but this is not a limitation. The support column 15 has a circumferential thickness; therefore, if at least a portion of the support column 15 lies on the dividing line L2 when viewed from the axis O, it can be considered that "the support column 15 is configured on the dividing line L2". That is, the angular spacing between the support columns 15 can be slightly offset relative to the angular spacing between the corresponding dividing lines L2.

[0146] In the above embodiment, the case where the support column 15 is arranged on the dividing line L2 has been described, but it is not limited thereto. If the arrangement of the support column 15 satisfies the first, second, and third conditions, then the support column 15 may not be arranged on the dividing line L2. For example, as Figure 14 As shown, when viewed from the front-rear direction Ds, a portion of the multiple support pillars 15 can be positioned offset from the dividing line L2. Figure 14 In the example, for the dividing line L2 of 0 degrees, 72 degrees, 144 degrees, 216 degrees, 288 degrees, and 360 degrees, the support 15 is positioned at 0 degrees, approximately 135 degrees, and approximately 225 degrees.

[0147] In the above embodiment, the case where only one angular interval between the supports 15 differs from the angular intervals between the other supports 15 has been described, but it is not limited to this. If the configuration of the supports 15 satisfies the first condition, the second condition, and the third condition, then, for example, as Figure 15 As shown, when viewed from the front-rear direction Ds, the angular intervals (θ1×2 degrees) between the pillars 15 can be different from the angular intervals (θ1 degrees) between the other pillars 15.

[0148] <Postscript>

[0149] The propulsion devices 10, 110, 210, 310 and the moving body 1 described in each embodiment can be understood, for example, as follows.

[0150] (1) The propulsion devices 10, 110, 210, and 310 according to the first method include: a cylindrical portion 11, configured such that its axis O extends along the longitudinal direction Ds below the water surface W, forming a flow path F with the front side Dsf as the upstream side and the rear side Dsb as the downstream side; a shaft portion 13, disposed inside the cylindrical portion 11 and extending along the axis O; a propeller 20 having a plurality of propeller blades 22 mounted on the shaft portion 13 and extending radially along the axis O within the flow path F and arranged circumferentially on the axis O, and capable of rotating about the axis O; and a plurality of support columns 15, in The flow path F is disposed on at least one side of the front side Dsf and the rear side Dsb relative to the propeller 20, and extends radially and is arranged in the circumferential direction, supporting the shaft portion 13. The plurality of support columns 15 are configured to be symmetrical about the left and right with respect to the line of symmetry L1 extending along the vertical direction Dv and passing through the axis O. At least one of the angular intervals between the support columns 15 is different from the angular intervals between the other support columns 15. At least one support column 15 is disposed on each side of the vertical direction Dv relative to the horizontal plane HS extending horizontally in a manner passing through the axis O.

[0151] In this configuration, the multiple supports 15 are arranged symmetrically with respect to a line of symmetry L1 extending along the vertical direction Dv. This helps to suppress the lateral deflection of forces generated in the supports 15 during rotation.

[0152] However, during the rotation of the propeller 20, the flow velocity into the propeller blades 22 decreases due to the overlap between the support pillars 15 and the propeller blades 22, causing thrust variation. In this configuration, at least one angular interval between the support pillars 15 differs from the angular intervals between the other support pillars 15. This reduces the area where multiple support pillars 15 overlap with multiple propeller blades 22. Therefore, thrust variation can be reduced, and the efficiency of the propeller 20 can be further improved.

[0153] Furthermore, at least one support column 15 is arranged on each side of the vertical direction Dv relative to the horizontal plane HS extending horizontally along the axis O. This allows the shaft portion 13 to be supported from both sides of the vertical direction Dv by the support columns 15. Therefore, the strength of the propulsion devices 10, 110, 210, and 310 can be improved.

[0154] Therefore, according to this method, even if the number of support columns 15 is freely set, the propulsion devices 10, 110, 210, and 310 can fully perform the required functions. That is, it can increase the degree of design freedom. For example, regardless of the number of propeller blades 22 or other structural elements, the number of support columns 15 can be freely determined from the perspective of strength alone.

[0155] (2) The propulsion devices 10, 110, 210, and 310 of the second method are the propulsion devices 10, 110, 210, and 310 of the first method. The propulsion devices 10, 110, 210, and 310 of the second method can be as follows: only one of the angle intervals between the pillars 15 is different from the angle intervals between the other pillars 15.

[0156] According to this method, the configuration conditions of the support column 15 in the first method described above can be easily met. Furthermore, it is possible to suppress parts with different angular intervals to only one, thus making it easy to control the flow rate between the support columns 15.

[0157] (3) The propulsion devices 10 and 110 of the third type are the propulsion devices 10, 110 and 210 of the first or second type, wherein the N pillars 15 are respectively arranged on any one of the (N×2-1) dividing lines L2 that equally divide the area around the axis O in the circumferential direction, and for N' which is more than 1 and less than N, the angular interval between the pillars 15 is any angle in N'×360 / (N×2-1) degrees.

[0158] According to this method, the support column 15 can be configured according to the dividing line L2, thus making the positioning of the support column 15 easy.

[0159] (4) The propulsion devices 10 and 110 of the fourth type are the same as those of the third type, wherein the number of the dividing lines L2 (N×2-1) and the number of the propeller blades 22 are coprime.

[0160] According to this method, the number of dividing lines L2 overlapping with the propeller blade 22 can be reduced to one. Since the strut 15 is positioned on the dividing line L2, the number of struts 15 that once overlap with the propeller blade 22 can be reduced to one. Therefore, thrust variation can be further reduced.

[0161] (5) The propulsion devices 10 and 110 of the fifth type are the propulsion devices 10, 110 and 210 of the third or fourth type, wherein the number of the dividing lines L2 (N×2-1) is different from the number of the propeller blades 22.

[0162] According to this method, the area where the dividing line L2 and the propeller blade 22 overlap by one degree can be reduced. The support 15 is positioned on the dividing line L2, thus reducing the area where the support 15 and the propeller blade 22 overlap by one degree. Therefore, thrust variation can be further reduced.

[0163] (6) The propulsion device 110 of the sixth method is any propulsion device 110 of the third to the fifth method, wherein the number of the support columns 15 is N=4.

[0164] In propellers 20, the number of propeller blades 22 is most commonly between 3 and 6. In the most common case of 3 to 6 propeller blades 22, as in this embodiment, setting the number of struts 15 to 4 and arranging them on the 7 dividing lines L2 helps ensure strength and thrust. Therefore, this method can be applied to most propellers 20, making it versatile. Furthermore, it becomes easier to arrange multiple struts 15 symmetrically from left to right relative to the symmetry line L1 extending along the vertical direction Dv. Therefore, it becomes easier to design to suppress the lateral deflection of forces generated in the struts 15 during rotation, making this method suitable from a structural design perspective.

[0165] (7) The propulsion device 210 of the seventh type is the propulsion device 210 of the first type or the second type, wherein it can be as follows, that is, let M≥N, and N of the support columns 15 are respectively arranged on any one of the (M×2-1) dividing lines L2 that equally divide the area around the axis O in the circumferential direction.

[0166] According to this method, the number of supports 15 and the configuration options increase, thus further improving the configuration freedom of supports 15.

[0167] (8) The propulsion device 310 of the eighth method is any one of the propulsion devices 310 of the first to the seventh method, wherein it can be as follows, that is, two propellers 20 are arranged in the front-rear direction Ds, the two propellers 20 are arranged to rotate in opposite directions, and multiple support pillars 15 are respectively arranged on the front side Dsf and the rear side Dsb relative to the two propellers 20, and the configuration of the multiple support pillars 15 on the rear side Dsb is such that the configuration of the multiple support pillars 15 on the front side Dsf is flipped upside down.

[0168] The two propellers 20 rotate in opposite directions, thus the propeller 20 on the rear side Dsb can be used to counteract the swirling flow discharged from the propeller 20 on the front side Dsf. Therefore, by tilting the support 15 on the front side Dsf forward and backward in the Ds direction, there is no need to introduce swirling flow into the water flow, and the configuration of the support 15 can be designed with only the required strength in mind. Thus, the design freedom can be further increased.

[0169] Furthermore, typically, when two propellers 20 arranged in the front-to-back direction Ds are supported by struts 15, the number or arrangement of struts 15 must be determined by considering the structure of the two propellers 20, thus complicating the study of the number or arrangement of struts 15. However, in this method, simply flipping the arrangement of the propeller 20 on the front side Dsf to arrange the propeller 20 on the rear side Dsb easily satisfies the arrangement conditions of the struts 15 before and after the propellers 20.

[0170] (9) The propulsion devices 10, 110, 210, and 310 of the ninth method are any propulsion devices 10, 110, 210, and 310 of any of the first to eighth methods, wherein the number of propeller blades 22 and the number of support columns 15 have a common divisor.

[0171] According to this method, for example, compared to the case where the number of propeller blades 22 and the number of struts 15 do not have a common factor, there are more options for the number or configuration of propeller blades 22 and struts 15.

[0172] (10) The mobile body 1 of the 10th type has a propulsion device 10, 110, 210, 310 of any of the 1st to 9th types, and is capable of moving on water and at least one of the water.

[0173] Examples of mobile bodies 1 include the aforementioned ship 1a and oceanographic survey vessel 1b.

[0174] Industrial availability

[0175] The propulsion device and moving body according to the present invention can improve design freedom.

[0176] Symbol Explanation

[0177] 1-Moving body, 1a-Ships, 2-Hull, 3-Bow, 4-Stern, 5-Bottom, 10-Propulsion device, 11-Cylinder, 12-Fixed device, 12a-Vertical shaft, 13-Shaft, 20-Propeller, 21-Propeller hub, 22-Propeller blade, 14-Hub, 15-Support, Dv-Up / Down, Dvu-Upper side, Dvd-Lower side, Ds-Forward / Backward, Dsf-Front side, Dsb-Rear side, Dw-Left / Right side, Dwr-Right Side, Dwl - left side, F - flow path, HS - horizontal plane, L1 - line of symmetry, L2 - dividing line, O - axis, W - water surface, θ1 - angular interval (first angular interval), θ2 - angular interval (second angular interval), 110 - propulsion device, 210 - propulsion device, θ3 - angular interval (third angular interval), θ4 - angular interval (fourth angular interval), 310 - propulsion device, 15a - front support, 15b - rear support, 1b - oceanographic survey vessel.

Claims

1. A propulsion device, comprising: a cylinder portion configured to extend along a front-rear direction with an axis below a water surface, and to form a flow path with an upstream side on a front side and a downstream side on a rear side; a shaft portion configured inside the cylinder portion and extending along the axis direction; a propeller having a plurality of propeller blades mounted to the shaft portion and extending in a radial direction of the axis within the flow path and arranged in a circumferential direction of the axis, and rotatable around the axis; and a plurality of struts arranged on at least either one of the front side and the rear side with respect to the propeller within the flow path, extending in the radial direction and arranged in the circumferential direction, and supporting the shaft portion, the plurality of struts being configured to be left-right symmetrical with respect to a line of symmetry extending along an up-down direction and passing through the axis, at least one of angular intervals of the struts from each other being different from angular intervals of other struts from each other, and at least one of the struts being arranged on both sides in the up-down direction with respect to a horizontal plane extending along a horizontal direction in a manner passing through the axis.

2. The propulsion device according to claim 1, wherein only one of the angular intervals of the struts from each other is different from the angular intervals of the other struts from each other.

3. The propulsion device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein N struts are respectively arranged on any one of (N x 2 - 1) division lines equally dividing a region around the axis in the circumferential direction, and for N' being more than or equal to 1 and less than N, the angular intervals of the struts from each other are any one of N' x 360 / (N x 2 - 1) degrees.

4. The propulsion device according to claim 3, wherein a number of the division lines (N x 2 - 1) and a number of the propeller blades are co-prime.

5. The propulsion device according to claim 3, wherein the number of the division lines (N x 2 - 1) and the number of the propeller blades are different.

6. The propulsion device according to claim 3, wherein the number of the struts is N = 4.

7. The propulsion device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein M is set to be more than or equal to N, and N struts are respectively arranged on any one of (M x 2 - 1) division lines equally dividing a region around the axis in the circumferential direction.

8. The propulsion device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the propeller is arranged with two in the front-rear direction, the two propellers are arranged to rotate in opposite directions to each other, the struts are respectively arranged with a plurality of struts on the front side and the rear side with respect to the two propellers, and the plurality of struts on the rear side are arranged in a manner that the plurality of struts on the front side are upside down.

9. The propulsion device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a number of the propeller blades and a number of the struts have a common divisor.

10. A moving body, comprising the propulsion device according to claim 1 or 2, and being movable in at least either one of on water and in water. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

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