Moving body

Abstract

A mobile body (1) is provided with: a main body (2) capable of floating on a water surface (WS); a fan (6) provided on the main body (2) and capable of generating an air flow directed to the outside of the main body (2) in the width direction of the main body (2); and a guide surface (72a) that is provided on the main body (2) and receives a reaction force by guiding the air flow generated by the fan (6). The guide surface (72a) is disposed at a position offset from the center point (CP) of the main body (2) in the width direction, and is configured so as to change the direction of travel of the airflow generated by the fan (6), thereby improving the directivity of the airflow upward.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a mobile body that moves on the surface of water. Background Technology

[0002] It is known that there are mobile devices that can perform various tasks while moving on the water surface. For example, there have been proposals for mobile devices equipped with cameras, sensors, and other devices for inspecting sewer pipes, and mobile devices for dispersing seeds.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a mobile body comprising a buoyancy body capable of floating on water and multiple propellers disposed on the upper surface of the buoyancy body. Specifically, the mobile body includes four propellers having axes parallel to the longitudinal direction of the mobile body and two propellers having axes orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the mobile body. The mobile body obtains propulsion in the longitudinal direction by rotating the propellers of the former, and obtains propulsion in the width direction by rotating the propellers of the latter.

[0004] Existing technical documents

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2021-24501 Summary of the Invention

[0007] The technical problem that the invention aims to solve

[0008] The mobile body described in Patent Document 1 experiences significant resistance from water when moving along the width direction. Therefore, it suffers from time-consuming movement in the width direction and reduced operational efficiency.

[0009] Additionally, the airflow generated by the propeller's rotation spreads outwards. When this airflow reaches the water surface, it sometimes creates waves and scatters water droplets. If cameras or sensors mounted on the moving body get wet, their operation may be impaired, and the moving body may be unable to perform its tasks properly.

[0010] This invention was made to solve such a technical problem, and its purpose is to provide a moving body that can prevent the device mounted on the main body from getting wet with water while moving rapidly along the width direction.

[0011] Technical solutions for solving technical problems

[0012] To achieve the above objectives, the moving body that moves on the water surface includes: a main body capable of floating on the water surface; a fan disposed on the main body and capable of generating an airflow pointing outward from the main body in the width direction; and a guide surface disposed on the main body and subjected to a reaction force by guiding the airflow generated by the fan, wherein the guide surface is positioned offset from the center point of the main body in the width direction to change the direction of travel of the airflow generated by the fan, thereby improving the upward directionality of the airflow.

[0013] In the aforementioned moving body, the fan may have a propeller that rotates around an axis and a duct that covers the propeller.

[0014] The aforementioned movable body may also include an angle adjustment mechanism, which can adjust the angle between the width direction and the fan axis by rotating the fan relative to the main body.

[0015] The aforementioned movable body includes multiple fans and multiple angle adjustment mechanisms. The multiple fans include a first fan configured closer to the front end of the main body than the center point of the main body, and a second fan configured closer to the rear end of the main body than the center point of the main body. The multiple angle adjustment mechanisms may include a first angle adjustment mechanism that adjusts the angle formed by the width direction and the axis of the first fan, and a second angle adjustment mechanism that is independent of the first angle adjustment mechanism and adjusts the angle formed by the width direction and the axis of the second fan.

[0016] The aforementioned movable body also includes a fan housing, which includes a guide surface and fixes the fan to form a fan unit. The angle adjustment mechanism can be configured to allow the fan unit to rotate relative to the main body.

[0017] In the aforementioned moving body, the fan housing can be configured to cover the path between the fan and the guide surface.

[0018] Invention Effects

[0019] According to the present invention, a movable body is provided that can prevent the device mounted on the main body from getting wet with water while moving rapidly in the width direction. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing the movable body according to the first embodiment.

[0021] Figure 2 It is shown Figure 1 A top view of the moving object.

[0022] Figure 3 It is shown Figure 1 A side view of the moving object.

[0023] Figure 4 It is shown Figure 1 The main view of the moving object.

[0024] Figure 5 It is shown Figure 1 An exploded 3D view of the fan unit.

[0025] Figure 6 It is shown Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the VI-VI line.

[0026] Figure 7 It is shown Figure 1 A top view of the moving object.

[0027] Figure 8 It is shown Figure 1 A top view of the moving object.

[0028] Figure 9 It indicates moving to the right. Figure 1 An explanatory diagram of the moving body.

[0029] Figure 10 This is a perspective view showing the movable body according to the second embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0030] [First Implementation Method]

[0031] The following reference Figures 1-4 The structure of the movable body 1 in the first embodiment will be described. Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the moving body 1 from the front. Figures 2-4 These are the top view, side view, and front view of the moving body 1, respectively.

[0032] In this specification, the left and right sides of the moving body 1 positioned on the water surface when facing forward are referred to as "left" and "right," respectively. The left-right direction is consistent with the width direction of the main body 2, which will be described later. In addition, the vertical direction upward is referred to as "up," and the vertical direction downward is referred to as "down."

[0033] The movable body 1 is used to acquire information related to a drain pipe (not shown). The movable body 1 has an elongated shape to facilitate easy movement along the direction in which the drain pipe extends. Specifically, as... Figure 2 As shown, the distance between the left end 2c and the right end 2d of the main body 2, i.e., the width W, is smaller than the distance between the front end 2e and the rear end 2f of the main body 2, i.e., the total length L. The center point CP is located at the center of the main body 2 in both the left-right and front-back directions.

[0034] The mobile body 1 includes a main body 2, an information acquisition device 3, a forward-moving fan 4, and four fan units 5.

[0035] The main body 2 is formed of a lightweight and highly rigid material (e.g., carbon fiber reinforced plastic). A raised portion 21, protruding upwards, is formed at the center of the upper surface 2a of the main body 2. (See attached image.) Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the side 2b of the main body 2 extends downward from the end of the upper surface 2a, and its front-to-back and left-to-right dimensions gradually decrease downward. An accommodating space (not shown) is formed inside the main body 2, which houses electrical components such as a battery, control device, and wireless communication device. The main body 2 can float on the water surface WS while housing the electrical components and equipped with the information acquisition device 3 (described later), the forward fan 4, and the fan unit 5.

[0036] The information acquisition device 3 is provided to acquire information related to objects surrounding the moving body 1. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the information acquisition device 3 has a front camera 31, an upper camera 32, two FPV cameras 33, two ToF sensors 34, and four lights 35.

[0037] Both the front camera 31 and the top camera 32 are mounted on the raised portion 21 of the main body 2. The front camera 31 is configured to have its shooting range facing forward, and the top camera 32 is configured to have its shooting range facing upward.

[0038] One FPV camera 33 is disposed on the front and one on the back of the raised portion 21. The FPV camera 33 disposed on the front of the raised portion 21 is configured so that its field of view faces forward, while the FPV camera 33 disposed on the back of the raised portion 21 is configured so that its field of view faces backward. One ToF sensor 34 is disposed on the left and one on the right side of the raised portion 21. The ToF sensor 34 disposed on the left side of the raised portion 21 is configured so that its detection range faces left, while the ToF sensor 34 disposed on the right side of the raised portion 21 is configured so that its detection range faces right.

[0039] The lamp 35 is a lighting device containing light-emitting diodes and is disposed on the upper surface 2a of the main body 2. Two lamps 35 are arranged near the front end 2e of the main body 2 to illuminate forward. In addition, two lamps 35 are also arranged near the rear end 2f of the main body 2 to illuminate backward.

[0040] The forward-moving fan 4 is located near the rear end 2f of the main body 2 on the upper surface 2a of the main body 2. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the forward fan 4 has a propeller 61 and a duct 62. The forward fan 4 is configured to receive control signals and drive them to blow air.

[0041] Four fan units 5 are mounted on the upper surface 2a of the main body 2. Specifically, as follows... Figure 2As shown, fan units 51 and 52 are configured on the front 2e side of the center point CP, and fan units 53 and 54 are configured on the rear 2f side of the center point CP. In addition, fan units 51 and 53 are configured on the left 2c side of the center point CP, and fan units 52 and 54 are configured on the right 2d side of the center point CP.

[0042] <Structure of the fan unit>

[0043] Next, refer to Figures 5-8 The structure of fan unit 5 will be described. Figure 5 This is an exploded perspective view showing fan unit 5. Figure 6 It is shown Figure 1 The cross-sectional view of the VI-VI line is shown, with only the fan housing 7 described later being observed in cross-section. Figure 7 and Figure 8 This is a top view showing the moving body 1.

[0044] like Figure 5 As shown, the fan unit 5 has a fan 6 and a fan housing 7.

[0045] Fan 6 has a propeller 61 and a duct 62. The propeller 61 has multiple blades extending radially about a central axis 61a, configured to rotate about the central axis 61a. The duct 62 is a cylindrical shape extending in a generally straight line between an inlet 62a and an outlet 62b. The duct 62 is configured to cover the propeller 61, and its central axis is along the axis 61a of the propeller 61. The aforementioned forward fan 4 has the same structure as this fan 6. The fan 6 of fan units 51 and 52 is an example of the "first fan" of the present invention, and the fan 6 of fan units 53 and 54 is an example of the "second fan" of the present invention.

[0046] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the fan housing 7 has a base plate 71, a curved plate 72, and a pair of side plates 73. The base plate 71 is rectangular in plan view. The curved plate 72 extends upward from one end of the base plate 71 while bending, and has a guide surface 72a. Figure 2 As shown, the guide surface 72a is positioned offset from the center point CP of the main body 2 in the left-right direction. In other words, the guide surface 72a does not exist on a straight line (not shown) extending in the front-back direction through the center point CP. Figure 5 As shown, a pair of side plates 73 are configured to sandwich the base plate 71 and the curved plate 72 and are positioned opposite each other.

[0047] Holes 711 to 713 are formed through the base plate 71. Hole 711 is formed in the center of the base plate 71. Holes 712 and 713 are elongated holes that extend in an arc shape with the hole 711 as the center when viewed from above. Specifically, hole 712 extends from one side of hole 711 toward the curved plate 72, and hole 713 extends from the other side of hole 711 in the opposite direction to the curved plate 72. The two elongated holes (not shown) of the fan housing 7 of fan units 52 and 54 extend in the opposite direction to holes 712 and 713 of the fan housing 7 of fan units 51 and 53, respectively.

[0048] The fan 6 is fixed relative to the fan housing 7. Specifically, the fan 6 is disposed between a pair of side plates 73 and fixed relative to the side plates 73. Figure 6 As shown, the fan 6 is configured to be separated from the guide surface 72a of the curved plate 72, and the outlet 62b of the duct 62 is configured to face the guide surface 72a. Thus, the path P between the fan 6 and the guide surface 72a is surrounded by a pair of side plates 73.

[0049] Fan unit 5 through Figure 5 Screws 81 to 83 are mounted on the upper surface 2a of the main body 2. Screw 81 is inserted into and passes through hole 711 in fan housing 7, and screws 82 and 83 are inserted into and pass through holes 712 and 713, respectively.

[0050] Holes 711-713 and screws 81-83 are an example of the "angle adjustment mechanism" of the present invention. By providing this angle adjustment mechanism, the fan unit 5 can rotate relative to the main body 2 within a specified range. Specifically, the fan unit 5 can rotate about the axis 81a of screw 81 within the range where holes 712 and 713 can slide relative to screws 82 and 83. Thus, it can rotate at 0° (refer to...) Figure 2 ) and θ (reference) Figure 7 The angle between the shaft 61a of the propeller 61 and the left-right direction is adjusted to a range of θ (e.g., 45°). This angle can be adjusted by an inspector rotating the fan unit 5 with their finger. Alternatively, a structure can be adopted in which a motor (not shown) for the drive angle adjustment mechanism is mounted on the moving body 1, and the motor is driven according to the movement of the moving body 1 and the water flow in the drain pipe to adjust the angle.

[0051] Angle adjustment mechanisms are respectively provided on fan units 51 to 54. Therefore, fan units 51 to 54 can adjust their angles independently. Thus, for example... Figure 8As shown, fan units 51 and 52 can be configured such that axis 61a is parallel to the left-right direction, while fan units 53 and 54 can be configured such that axis 61a is at an angle θ to the left-right direction. The angle adjustment mechanism provided on fan units 51 and 52 is an example of the "first angle adjustment mechanism" of the present invention, and the angle adjustment mechanism provided on fan units 53 and 54 is an example of the "second angle adjustment mechanism" of the present invention.

[0052] <Inspection of sewer pipes using a mobile device>

[0053] The following describes the inspection of the drainpipe using mobile unit 1. The inspector using mobile unit 1 operates it with a remote control (not shown). Upon receiving the inspector's operation, the remote control wirelessly transmits the corresponding operation signal externally. Within mobile unit 1, a wireless communication device receives this operation signal, and a control device sends control signals to information acquisition device 3, forward fan 4, and fan unit 5.

[0054] The forward-moving fan 4 receives control signals and drives the propeller 61 (see reference) at a speed corresponding to the control signals. Figure 1 The propeller 61 rotates. It draws in air through the inlet 62a of the pipe 62 and blows the air out through the outlet 62b of the pipe 62. Figure 2 , 7 Figure 8 shows the airflow B that the forward fan 4 can generate. The moving body 1 can use the reaction force acting on the forward fan 4 as a propulsive force to move forward.

[0055] As the moving body 1 moves, the light 35 emits light, and simultaneously the front camera 31 and the top camera 32 take pictures. The front camera 31 captures an image of the front of the moving body 1, and the top camera 32 captures an image of the top surface of the drain pipe. These images are used to confirm the condition of the drain pipe.

[0056] Additionally, an FPV camera 33 is installed on both the front and back of the raised portion 21 of the main body 2 to capture dynamic images of the front and rear of the moving body 1. These dynamic images are converted into signals in real time and transmitted to the inspector via a wireless communication device. The inspector operates the remote control while reviewing the images displayed on the monitor based on these signals.

[0057] Additionally, a ToF sensor 34 is installed on each of the left and right sides of the raised portion 21 of the main body 2, emitting a laser beam towards the inner wall surface of the drain pipe, and causing the laser beam reflected from the inner wall surface to be incident. Information regarding the emission and incidence of this laser beam is transmitted as a signal from the ToF sensor 34 to a control device inside the main body 2. Based on this signal, the control device performs a predetermined calculation to determine the distance between the inner wall surface of the drain pipe and the moving body 1. This calculated distance is used for the control of the moving body 1.

[0058] When the moving body 1 moves to the left or right, it is driven by either the forward fan 4 or, in addition to the forward fan 4, by a fan unit 5. As described above, the fan unit 5 can adjust the angle of the shaft 61a relative to the left and right directions. The inspector can appropriately set its angle according to the condition of the drain pipe being inspected, the water flow in the drain pipe, etc.

[0059] For example, when the moving body 1 needs to move rapidly in the left and right directions, such as Figure 2 As shown, inspectors can configure all fan units 5 so that the axis 61a is parallel to the left and right directions. Figure 2 The diagram illustrates the airflows L1 and L3 generated by fan units 51 and 53, and the airflows R2 and R4 generated by fan units 52 and 54 in this configuration. Airflows L1 and L3 point to the left, and airflows R2 and R4 point to the right. By generating airflows L1 and L3, the moving body 1 can rapidly move to the right using the reaction forces acting on fan units 51 and 53. Similarly, by generating airflows R2 and R4, the moving body 1 can rapidly move to the left using the reaction forces acting on fan units 52 and 54.

[0060] Additionally, when it is necessary to move body 1 in a left-right direction while moving against the faster water flow in the drain pipe, such as Figure 7 As shown, the inspector can configure all fan units 5 so that the axis 61a is at an angle θ relative to the left and right directions. Figure 7 The diagram illustrates the airflows BL1 and BL3 generated by fan units 51 and 53, and the airflows BR2 and BR4 generated by fan units 52 and 54 in this configuration. Airflows BL1 and BL3 point rearward and to the left, while airflows BR2 and BR4 point rearward and to the right. By generating airflows BL1 and BL3, the moving body 1 can move to the right while moving against the water flow using the reaction forces acting on fan units 51 and 53. Similarly, by generating airflows BR2 and BR4, the moving body 1 can move to the left while moving against the water flow using the reaction forces acting on fan units 52 and 54.

[0061] Additionally, when the moving body 1 needs to move against the slower water flow in the drainpipe while moving left or right or rapidly rotating, such as Figure 8 As shown, the inspector can configure fan units 51 and 52 so that the shaft 61a is parallel to the left and right directions, and configure fan units 53 and 54 so that the shaft 61a is at an angle θ to the left and right directions. Figure 8 The diagram illustrates the airflows L1 and BL3 generated by fan units 51 and 53, and the airflows R2 and BR4 generated by fan units 52 and 54 in this configuration. By generating airflows L1 and BL3, the moving body 1 can move to the right or rapidly rotate to the right while moving against the water flow, utilizing the reaction forces acting on fan units 51 and 53. Furthermore, by generating airflows R2 and BR4, the moving body 1 can move to the left or rapidly rotate to the left while moving against the water flow, utilizing the reaction forces acting on fan units 52 and 54.

[0062] <Movement of the moving object in the left and right directions>

[0063] Next, refer to Figure 6 and Figure 9 The movement of the moving body 1 in the left and right directions is described in detail. Figure 9 This is an explanatory diagram showing the moving body 1 moving to the right. In Figure 9 In the moving body 1 shown, all fan units 5 are configured such that axis 61a is parallel to the left-right direction (see reference). Figure 2 ).

[0064] like Figure 6 As shown, the fan 6 of the fan unit 5 is configured to be separated from the guide surface 72a of the curved plate 72, and the outlet 62b of the duct 62 is configured to face the guide surface 72a of the fan housing 7. Therefore, the airflow L11 generated by the fan 6 is directed along the axis 61a when near the fan 6, but then flows along the guide surface 72a, thus increasing its upward directionality. At this time, as a reaction force, as indicated by arrow F1, the guide surface 72a is subjected to a force directed downward and outward from the body 2.

[0065] Therefore, when fan units 51 and 53 are driven, the area near the left end 2c of the main body 2 is subjected to a force in the direction of arrow F1 through the fan housing 7. As a result, as... Figure 9 As shown, the moving body 1 tilts with the left end 2c of the main body 2 descending and the right end 2d rising. After the moving body 1 tilts, the airflow L12 flowing along the guide surface 72a points in a direction that is more... Figure 6 The airflow L11 shown is closer to the horizontal direction. As a result, the moving body 1 can use the reaction force acting on the fan units 51 and 53 as a propulsive force to move to the right.

[0066] On the other hand, when the moving body 1 moves to the left, the fan units 52 and 54 are driven. At this time, due to the force on the guide surface 72a of the fan units 52 and 54, the moving body 1 tilts in such a way that the right end 2d of the main body 2 descends and the left end 2c rises.

[0067] <Effects>

[0068] The effects of the structure based on the moving body 1 will be explained next.

[0069] As described above, the guide surface 72a is positioned offset from the center point CP of the main body 2 in the left-right direction (i.e., the width direction of the main body 2), thereby changing the direction of airflow generated by the fan 6 and improving the upward directionality of the airflow. This structure allows the moving body 1 to tilt, reducing the area of ​​the portion of the main body 2 located in the water. Consequently, the water resistance experienced by the main body 2 when the moving body 1 moves in the left-right direction can be reduced.

[0070] Furthermore, the guiding surface 72a enhances the upward directionality of the airflow, directing it away from the water surface WS. This suppresses fluctuations in the water surface WS and splashing of water droplets caused by the airflow.

[0071] That is, through the structure of the moving body 1, it is possible to prevent the equipment set on the main body 2 from getting wet while moving rapidly in the left and right directions.

[0072] In addition, the fan 6 has a propeller 61 that rotates around a shaft 61a and a duct 62 that covers the propeller 61.

[0073] This structure allows for the suppression of airflow diffusion generated by propeller 61 through pipe 62, effectively directing the airflow towards guide surface 72a. As a result, the moving body 1 can be firmly tilted and moved rapidly in the left and right directions.

[0074] In addition, the moving body 1 also includes an angle adjustment mechanism, which can adjust the angle between the left and right directions and the axis 61a of the fan 6 by rotating the fan 6 relative to the main body 2.

[0075] This structure allows for adjustment of the directionality of the airflow generated by fan 6 and the direction of the reaction force received by fan 6. As a result, the direction of the propulsion force can be appropriately adjusted according to conditions such as water flow around the moving body 1.

[0076] Additionally, the movable body 1 includes multiple fans 6 and multiple angle adjustment mechanisms. The multiple fans 6 include fan 6 (first fans) of fan units 51 and 52 located closer to the front end 2e of the main body 2 than its center point CP, and fan 6 (second fans) of fan units 53 and 54 located closer to the rear end 2f of the main body 2 than its center point CP. The multiple angle adjustment mechanisms include a first angle adjustment mechanism that adjusts the angle formed by the left and right directions with respect to the axis 61a of the fan 6 of fan units 51 and 52, and a second angle adjustment mechanism, independent of the first angle adjustment mechanism, that adjusts the angle formed by the left and right directions with respect to the axis 61a of the fan 6 of fan units 53 and 54.

[0077] This structure allows for more precise adjustment of the directionality of the airflow generated by fan 6 and the direction of the reaction force received by fan 6. As a result, the direction of the propulsion force can be adjusted more appropriately based on factors such as water flow around the moving body 1.

[0078] Additionally, the movable body 1 also includes a fan housing 7, which, while including a guide surface 72a, fixes the fan 6 to form a fan unit 5. The angle adjustment mechanism is configured to allow the fan unit 5 to rotate relative to the main body 2.

[0079] This structure allows the fan unit 5 to rotate via an angle adjustment mechanism without altering the relative position of the fan 6 and the guide surface 72a. Consequently, regardless of the angle between the left and right directions and the axis 61a of the fan 6, the airflow generated by the fan 6 can be effectively directed towards the guide surface 72a.

[0080] In addition, the fan housing 7 is configured to cover the path P between the fan 6 and the guide surface 72a.

[0081] This structure allows the fan housing 7 to suppress the diffusion of airflow generated by the fan 6, thereby effectively directing the airflow towards the guide surface 72a. As a result, the moving body 1 can be firmly tilted and moved rapidly in the left and right directions.

[0082] [Second Implementation]

[0083] Next, refer to Figure 10 The movable body 1A of the second embodiment will be described. Figure 10 This is a perspective view of the movable body 1A from the front. Similar to the first embodiment, the movable body 1A is used to move within a drain pipe (not shown) to obtain information related to the drain pipe. The structure of the movable body 1A differs from that of the first embodiment in aspects such as its guide plates 91 and 92. Structures in the movable body 1A that are the same as those in the first embodiment are labeled with the same symbols, and descriptions are omitted where appropriate.

[0084] The fan 6 of the movable body 1A is mounted on the upper surface 2a of the main body 2 without using the fan housing 7. An angle adjustment mechanism (not shown) is provided between the four fans 6 (excluding the forward fan 4) and the upper surface 2a. Thus, as in the first embodiment, the angle between the shaft 61a of the four fans 6 and the left-right direction can be adjusted.

[0085] Additionally, at the left end 2c and right end 2d of the main body 2 of the moving body 1A (see reference) Figure 1 Guide plates 91 and 92 are provided near each of the two fans. Guide plate 91 extends upward and to the left from near the left end 2c and has a guide surface 91a. Guide plate 92 extends upward and to the right from near the right end 2d and has a guide surface 92a. The four fans 6 other than the forward fan 4 are separated from the guide surface 91a or guide surface 92a and are configured such that the outlet 62b of the duct 62 faces the guide surface 91a or guide surface 92a.

[0086] As the airflows L1A, L3A, R2A, and R4A generated by the four fans 6 (excluding the forward fan 4) flow along the guide surface 91a or guide surface 92a, the upward directionality is improved. At this time, as a reaction force, as shown by arrows F21 or F22, the guide surface 91a or guide surface 92a is subjected to a force pointing downward and outward from the main body 2.

[0087] Therefore, the portion near the left end 2c or right end 2d of the main body 2 is subjected to a force in the direction of arrow F21 or arrow F22 via guide plate 91 or guide plate 92. As a result, the moving body 1 tilts in such a way that one of the left end 2c or the right end 2d of the main body 2 descends while the other rises. After the moving body 1 tilts, the airflow flowing along guide surface 91a or guide surface 92a points in a direction close to the horizontal. Thus, the moving body 1 can use the reaction force acting on the fan 6 as a propulsive force to move to the right or left.

[0088] The embodiments described above are intended to facilitate understanding of the present invention and are not intended to limit or interpret the invention. The elements, configurations, materials, conditions, shapes, and dimensions included in the embodiments are not limited to the examples shown and may be modified as appropriate.

[0089] Symbol Explanation

[0090] 1...moving body

[0091] 2……Main Body

[0092] 5, 51-55... Fan units

[0093] 6... Fan

[0094] 61...propeller

[0095] 61a... axis

[0096] 62……pipeline

[0097] 7……Fan housing

[0098] 711~713…… Holes (Angle Adjustment Mechanism)

[0099] 72a, 91a, 92a... Guide surfaces

[0100] 81~83…… Screws (angle adjustment mechanism)

[0101] CP...center point

[0102] WS...water surface. Claims (as amended under Article 19 of the Treaty) 1. A mobile body that moves on a water surface, comprising: The main body is capable of floating on the water surface; A fan, mounted on the main body, capable of generating airflow directed outwards from the main body in the width direction; and A guiding surface, which is disposed on the main body, is subjected to a reaction force by guiding the airflow generated by the fan. The guide surface is positioned offset from the center point of the main body in the width direction, and the guide surface is configured to increase the upward directionality of the airflow generated by the fan, thereby receiving a downward force. 2. The mobile body according to claim 1, wherein the fan has a propeller that rotates about an axis and a duct surrounding the propeller. 3. The movable body according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the movable body further includes an angle adjustment mechanism, the angle adjustment mechanism being capable of adjusting the angle between the width direction and the axis of the fan by rotating the fan relative to the main body. 4. The mobile body according to claim 3, comprising: The plurality of said fans and the plurality of said angle adjustment mechanisms, The plurality of fans includes a first fan disposed on the front end side of the body closer to the center point of the body, and a second fan disposed on the rear end side of the body closer to the center point of the body. The plurality of angle adjustment mechanisms include a first angle adjustment mechanism for adjusting the angle between the width direction and the axis of the first fan, and a second angle adjustment mechanism, independent of the first angle adjustment mechanism, for adjusting the angle between the width direction and the axis of the second fan. 5. The mobile body according to claim 4, wherein the mobile body further comprises: A fan housing that includes the guide surface and secures the fan, thereby forming a fan unit. The angle adjustment mechanism is configured to allow the fan unit to rotate relative to the main body. 6. The mobile body according to claim 5, wherein, The fan housing is configured to cover the area surrounding the path between the fan and the guide surface.

Claims

1. A mobile body that moves on a water surface, comprising: a main body that is capable of floating on a water surface; a fan that is provided on the main body and is capable of generating an air current that is directed outward from the main body in a width direction of the main body; and a guide surface that is provided on the main body and is subjected to a reaction force by guiding the air current generated by the fan, wherein the guide surface is disposed at a position that is offset from a center point of the main body in the width direction, and the guide surface is configured to change a traveling direction of the air current generated by the fan, thereby improving directivity of the air current upward. The fan has a propeller that rotates around a shaft, and a duct that covers around the propeller.

2. The moving body according to claim 1, wherein The mobile body further includes an angle adjustment mechanism that is capable of adjusting an angle that the width direction makes with the shaft of the fan by rotating the fan with respect to the main body.

3. The moving body according to claim 1 or 2, wherein 4. The mobile body according to claim 3, comprising: a plurality of the fans and a plurality of the angle adjustment mechanisms, wherein the plurality of fans has a first fan that is disposed closer to a front end side of the main body than the center point of the main body, and a second fan that is disposed closer to a rear end side of the main body than the center point of the main body, the plurality of angle adjustment mechanisms has a first angle adjustment mechanism that adjusts the angle that the width direction makes with the shaft of the first fan, and a second angle adjustment mechanism that adjusts the angle that the width direction makes with the shaft of the second fan independently of the first angle adjustment mechanism. The mobile body further includes:

5. The moving body according to claim 4, wherein a fan housing that fixes the fan while containing the guide surface, thereby constituting a fan unit, the angle adjustment mechanism is configured to rotate the fan unit with respect to the main body.

6. The mobile body according to claim 5, wherein the fan housing is configured to cover around a path between the fan and the guide surface. ​

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