An underwater apparatus having a cleaning structure

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of underwater equipment, in particular to underwater equipment with a cleaning structure, which comprises an equipment body and a first cleaning assembly, the first cleaning assembly comprises a first inner elastic body and a first outer rigid shell arranged in sequence from inside to outside; the first inner elastic body covers the surface of the equipment body; the surface of the first outer rigid shell is provided with a first through hole; the first inner elastic body comprises an original state and an inflation state; when the first inner elastic body is in the original state, the outer side wall of the first inner elastic body is located in the interior of the first outer rigid shell; when the first inner elastic body is in the inflation state, part of the first inner elastic body protrudes outward from the first through hole. The underwater equipment with the cleaning structure is beneficial to long-term protection of equipment, significantly reduces the cleaning cost and is environment-friendly, so as to overcome the defects in the prior art.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of underwater equipment technology, and more particularly to an underwater device with a cleaning structure. Background Technology

[0002] Offshore wind power, as an important development direction of renewable energy, involves underwater equipment (such as turbine foundations, towers, and cable protection devices) that are constantly exposed to the complex marine environment. Due to prolonged immersion in seawater and relative stillness, these devices are highly susceptible to the formation of a complex layer of microorganisms and inorganic salts on their surfaces. This layer not only triggers electrochemical corrosion beneath the equipment surface, accelerating material aging, but also significantly increases the structural weight and surface area exposed to currents due to the long-term accumulation of marine organisms. This leads to a substantial increase in static loads, potentially exceeding the material's rated load and causing structural failure.

[0003] To address the aforementioned adhesion problem on the surface of underwater equipment, existing technologies primarily employ the following techniques for improvement: (1) Physical cleaning: usually relies on manual diving or underwater robots (ROV) carrying high-pressure water guns, mechanical scrapers and other tools for regular cleaning. However, whether it is manual diving or underwater robot operation, mechanical cleaning requires a lot of manpower, material resources and time costs, resulting in high cleaning costs. (2) Chemical antifouling: This method mainly involves applying antifouling coatings containing antifouling agents (such as cuprous oxide, organotin compounds, etc.) to the equipment surface, which inhibits the attachment of marine organisms by releasing toxic substances. However, although chemical antifouling methods are effective in the initial stages, the toxic substances in the antifouling coatings will continue to be released, causing irreversible pollution to the marine ecological environment. Moreover, with increasingly stringent environmental regulations (such as the International Maritime Organization's ban on organotin compounds), its application is greatly limited. At the same time, antifouling coatings have a limited shelf life, and mechanical cleaning is still required after they fail, which does not fundamentally reduce the cleaning costs throughout the entire life cycle.

[0004] In summary, existing technologies generally suffer from high cleaning costs and are prone to causing pollution. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to propose an underwater device with a cleaning structure, which is beneficial for long-term protection of equipment, significantly reduces cleaning costs, and is environmentally friendly, thus overcoming the shortcomings of the prior art.

[0006] To achieve this objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: An underwater device with a cleaning structure includes a device body and a cleaning structure, wherein the cleaning structure covers the surface of the device body; The cleaning structure includes a first cleaning component, which includes a first inner elastic body and a first outer rigid shell arranged sequentially from the inside to the outside; the first inner elastic body covers the surface of the device body, and the interior of the first inner elastic body is provided with a first cavity for containing fluid; the surface of the first outer rigid shell is provided with a first through hole. The first internal elastic body includes an initial state and an expanded state; When the first internal elastic body is in its original state, the outer wall of the first internal elastic body is located inside the first outer rigid shell; When the first internal elastic body is in an expanded state, a portion of the first internal elastic body protrudes outward from the first through hole.

[0007] Furthermore, the surface of the first outer rigid shell is provided with a plurality of protrusions, which are distributed in an array on the surface of the first outer rigid shell, and a first through hole is located between four adjacent protrusions.

[0008] Furthermore, the cleaning structure also includes a second cleaning component, and at least two second cleaning components are provided. Both second cleaning components cover the surface of the device body, and the two second cleaning components are respectively located at both ends of the first cleaning component. The second cleaning component includes a second inner elastic body and a second outer rigid shell arranged sequentially from the inside to the outside. The second inner elastic body covers the surface of the device body and is located at the end of the first inner elastic body. The interior of the second inner elastic body is provided with a second cavity for containing fluid, and the second cavity is in communication with the first cavity. The second outer rigid shell is rotatable relative to the second inner elastic body, and the surface of the second outer rigid shell is provided with a second through hole; The second internal elastic body includes an initial state and an expanded state; When the second inner elastic body is in its original state, the outer wall of the second inner elastic body is located inside the second outer rigid shell; When the second internal elastic body is in an expanded state, a portion of the second internal elastic body protrudes outward from the second through hole and adheres to the surface of the second outer rigid shell.

[0009] Furthermore, the number of the second through holes is provided in multiples, and the multiple second through holes are distributed in an array on the surface of the second outer rigid shell.

[0010] Furthermore, the area of ​​the second through hole is larger than the area of ​​the first through hole.

[0011] Furthermore, it also includes at least two partitions located between the first cavity and the second cavity, and the partitions are provided with connecting holes, so that the first cavity, the connecting holes and the second cavity are interconnected.

[0012] Furthermore, the protrusion is shaped like a spike, and its cross-section is either circular or quadrilateral.

[0013] Furthermore, the height of the spike-shaped protrusion is 1 to 10 mm, and the distance between two adjacent spike-shaped protrusions is 2 to 15 mm.

[0014] Furthermore, both the first through hole and the second through hole are any one of the following: a circular hole, an elliptical hole, and a polygonal hole.

[0015] Furthermore, the materials of the first internal elastomer and the second internal elastomer are any one of rubber, silicone, and thermoplastic elastomer.

[0016] The technical solution provided by this invention may include the following beneficial effects: 1. In the cleaning process, this technical solution utilizes the deformable characteristics of the first internal elastic body to achieve non-contact, low-cost in-situ cleaning. The entire process does not rely on manual diving operations, underwater robots, or chemical toxins. It can be completed by fluid drive only when needed, which greatly reduces the human and material costs throughout the equipment's life cycle, thereby significantly reducing cleaning costs.

[0017] 2. The cleaning process is based entirely on physical deformation, eliminating the need to apply antifouling coatings containing antifouling agents (such as cuprous oxide, organotin compounds, etc.) to the equipment surface. It inhibits marine organism attachment by releasing toxic substances, thus achieving an environmentally friendly cleaning process.

[0018] 3. This technical solution employs a cleaning structure composed of a first inner elastomer and a first outer rigid shell. The first outer rigid shell, acting as a barrier directly exposed to the marine environment, provides stable mechanical support and can withstand daily water flow impacts and foreign object collisions. The first inner elastomer, as a regenerable active defense layer, is encapsulated inside the first outer rigid shell, preventing aging or failure caused by long-term immersion and significantly extending the overall service life of the cleaning structure, thereby achieving long-term protection for the equipment itself. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of an underwater device with a cleaning structure according to the present invention.

[0020] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of an underwater device with a cleaning structure according to the present invention.

[0021] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first cleaning component with a cleaning structure of the present invention, which changes from a restored state to an expanded state.

[0022] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a second cleaning component with a cleaning structure of the present invention, which changes from a restored state to an expanded state.

[0023] The components include: equipment body 1, first cleaning component 2, first inner elastic body 21, first cavity 211, first outer rigid shell 22, protrusion 221, first through hole 222, second cleaning component 3, second inner elastic body 31, second cavity 311, second outer rigid shell 32, second through hole 321, partition 4, and connecting hole 41. Detailed Implementation

[0024] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0025] This technical solution provides an underwater device with a cleaning structure, including a device body 1 and a cleaning structure, wherein the cleaning structure covers the surface of the device body 1; The cleaning structure includes a first cleaning component 2, which includes a first inner elastic body 21 and a first outer rigid shell 22 arranged sequentially from the inside to the outside; the first inner elastic body 21 covers the surface of the device body 1, and the interior of the first inner elastic body 21 is provided with a first cavity 211 for containing fluid; the surface of the first outer rigid shell 22 is provided with a first through hole 222. The first internal elastic body 21 includes an initial state and an expanded state; When the first internal elastic body 21 is in its original state, the outer wall of the first internal elastic body 21 is located inside the first outer rigid shell 22. When the first internal elastic body 21 is in an expanded state, a portion of the first internal elastic body 21 protrudes outward from the first through hole 222.

[0026] To address the common technical problems of high cleaning costs and pollution associated with existing technologies, this technical solution proposes an underwater device with a cleaning structure, such as... Figure 1-4 As shown, by improving the equipment structure, under the premise of environmental friendliness, not only is long-term protection of the equipment body 1 achieved, but cleaning costs are also significantly reduced to meet actual usage needs.

[0027] Specifically, this technical solution includes a device body 1 and a cleaning structure. The cleaning structure covers the surface of the device body 1 and cleans marine organisms such as microorganisms and inorganic salts attached to the surface of the device body 1, thereby achieving long-term protection of the device body 1.

[0028] More specifically, the surface of the first outer rigid housing 22 is provided with a first through hole 222. The working principle of this technical solution is as follows: When it is necessary to clean the surface of the equipment body 1, fluid (such as liquid filling) is injected into the first cavity 211 of the first inner elastic body 21, so that the fluid pressure in the first cavity 211 of the first inner elastic body 21 increases, thereby causing the first inner elastic body 21 to be in an expanded state. At this time, part of the first inner elastic body 21 protrudes outward from the first through hole 222 to break or knock off the deposits attached to the surface of the first outer rigid housing 22; then, the fluid in the first cavity 211 of the first inner elastic body 21 is released, so that the fluid pressure in the first cavity 211 of the first inner elastic body 21 decreases, thereby causing the part of the first inner elastic body 21 that protrudes outward from the first through hole 222 to retract into the first outer rigid housing 22, so that the knocked-off deposits are removed with the water flow, and prepare for the next expansion cleaning action. During the above-mentioned cleaning process, this technical solution utilizes the deformable characteristics of the first internal elastic body 21 to achieve non-contact, low-cost in-situ cleaning. Moreover, the entire process does not rely on manual diving operations, underwater robots, or chemical toxins. It can be completed only when needed through fluid drive, which greatly reduces the human and material costs throughout the entire life cycle of the equipment, thereby significantly reducing the cleaning cost.

[0029] Furthermore, the above-mentioned cleaning process is entirely based on physical deformation, and there is no need to apply antifouling coatings containing antifouling agents (such as cuprous oxide, organotin compounds, etc.) to the equipment surface. Instead, it inhibits marine organism attachment by releasing toxic substances, thus achieving an environmentally friendly cleaning process.

[0030] Furthermore, this technical solution employs a cleaning structure composed of a first internal elastomer 21 and a first outer rigid shell 22. The first outer rigid shell 22, acting as a barrier directly exposed to the marine environment, provides stable mechanical support and can withstand daily water flow impacts and foreign object collisions. The first internal elastomer 21, as a regenerable active defense layer, is encapsulated inside the first outer rigid shell 22, preventing aging or failure caused by long-term immersion and significantly extending the overall service life of the cleaning structure, thereby achieving long-term protection for the equipment body 1.

[0031] To further explain, the surface of the first outer rigid shell 22 is provided with a plurality of protrusions 221, the plurality of protrusions 221 are distributed in an array on the surface of the first outer rigid shell 222, and a first through hole 222 is located between four adjacent protrusions 221.

[0032] This technical solution provides protrusions 221 on the surface of the first outer rigid shell 22. The protrusions 221 prevent marine organisms such as microorganisms and inorganic salts from attaching to the surface of the equipment body 1, thereby reducing the workload of cleaning marine organisms, reducing the cleaning frequency, and lowering the cleaning cost.

[0033] Furthermore, by setting the protrusions 221 in a regular array arrangement, by creating a discontinuous contact surface, inducing microturbulence and reducing surface energy, it makes it difficult for marine organisms to find a stable foothold. Even if they manage to attach, they are easily removed by the water flow, further reducing cleaning costs.

[0034] Furthermore, the cleaning structure also includes a second cleaning component 3, and at least two second cleaning components 3 are provided. Both second cleaning components 3 cover the surface of the device body 1, and the two second cleaning components 3 are respectively located at both ends of the first cleaning component 22. The second cleaning component 3 includes a second inner elastic body 31 and a second outer rigid shell 32 arranged sequentially from the inside to the outside. The second inner elastic body 31 covers the surface of the device body 1. The second inner elastic body 31 is located at the end of the first inner elastic body 21. The interior of the second inner elastic body 31 is provided with a second cavity 311 for containing fluid. The second cavity 311 is in communication with the first cavity 211. The second outer rigid shell 32 is rotatable relative to the second inner elastic body 31, and the surface of the second outer rigid shell 32 is provided with a second through hole 321; The second internal elastic body 31 includes an initial state and an expanded state; When the second inner elastic body 31 is in its original state, the outer wall of the second inner elastic body 31 is located inside the second outer rigid shell 32; When the second internal elastic body 31 is in an expanded state, part of the second internal elastic body 31 protrudes outward from the second through hole 321 and adheres to the surface of the second outer rigid shell 32.

[0035] This technical solution, through the aforementioned configuration, allows for the use of the first cleaning component 2 to break or remove deposits adhering to the surface of the first outer rigid housing 22, and the second cleaning component 3 to break or remove deposits adhering to the surface of the second outer rigid housing 32, when cleaning the surface of the equipment body 1 is required. Simultaneously, the second outer rigid housing 32 can rotate relative to the second inner elastic body 31, causing a portion of the second inner elastic body 31 to protrude outward from the second through hole 321 and adhere to the surface of the second outer rigid housing 32 under seawater pressure. While the second inner elastic body 31 remains stationary, its elastic deformation allows the second outer rigid housing 32 to repeatedly rotate slightly in both directions within a certain angular limit without causing any limiting obstruction. This allows the portion of the second inner elastic body 31 protruding outward through the second through hole 321 to generate lateral shear friction with the second outer rigid housing 32, thereby facilitating further removal of deposits from the surface of the second outer rigid housing 32.

[0036] It should be noted that the rotation of the second outer rigid shell 32 relative to the second inner elastic body 31 can be driven by a conventional drive mechanism (such as a motor), and this case does not limit it.

[0037] To further explain, there are multiple second through holes 321, and the multiple second through holes 321 are distributed in an array on the surface of the second outer rigid shell 32.

[0038] This technical solution, through the above-mentioned settings, can form uniformly distributed stress application points within a unit area, avoid blind spots in local cleaning, achieve full-coverage peeling and cleaning of the attached material, and significantly improve the thoroughness and consistency of the cleaning effect.

[0039] To further explain, the area of ​​the second through hole 321 is larger than the area of ​​the first through hole 222.

[0040] This technical solution, through the aforementioned configuration, enables the second internal elastic body 31 to form a larger diameter and larger volume protrusion structure at the second through hole 321 when the second internal elastic body 31 is in an expanded state. On one hand, the enlarged protrusion structure can cover and act on a larger area of ​​deposits, thereby breaking through or removing more deposited layers at once. On the other hand, due to the increased contact area between the protrusion structure and the wall of the second through hole 321, a larger area of ​​scraping and peeling action is generated between the protrusion structure and the second outer rigid shell 32 during the expansion and contraction of the protrusion structure, thereby improving the efficiency of removing deposits.

[0041] To further explain, it also includes at least two partitions 4, which are located between the first cavity 211 and the second cavity 311. The partitions 4 are provided with connecting holes 41, and the first cavity 211, the connecting holes 41 and the second cavity 311 are interconnected.

[0042] This technical solution uses a partition 4 within the first cavity 211, and connects the first cavity 211 and the second cavity 311 via connecting holes 41 on the partition 4. Furthermore, the partition 4 with connecting holes 41 facilitates the application of differentiated pressures to different cavities. Specifically, when the number and diameter of the connecting holes 41 on the partition 4 are fixed, the outflow velocity of the fluid through the connecting holes 41 is constant. In this technical solution, the structure of the first cavity 211 is actually arranged from top to bottom as the second cavity 311, the first cavity 211, and the second cavity 311. When different pressures are applied to these three cavities, the fluid injection velocity in the topmost second cavity 311 is greater than the fluid outflow velocity through the connecting holes 41 from the partition 4, thus creating pressure differences within each cavity. Therefore, based on the structural characteristics of different parts of the shell, such as the first outer rigid shell 22 and the second outer rigid shell 32, the pressure in the corresponding cavity can be adjusted, thereby specifically improving the removal efficiency of contaminants attached to different shell areas.

[0043] To further explain, the protrusion 221 is a spike-shaped protrusion, and the cross-section of the protrusion 221 is either circular or quadrilateral.

[0044] By designing the protrusion 221 as a spike, the contact pressure between the protrusion and the attached layer (such as a hard barnacle shell or a dense biofilm) is significantly increased when it expands, creating a stress concentration effect. This makes it easier to pierce, penetrate, or pry away stubborn deposits, improving cleaning efficiency and reliability. Simultaneously, the circular cross-section of the protrusion 221 makes demolding easier during processing and ensures uniform stress distribution. It also exhibits excellent fatigue resistance during repeated expansion and contraction, reducing the likelihood of root cracks caused by stress concentration. Conversely, the quadrilateral cross-section of the protrusion 221 forms sharp edges at its tip, generating additional shear force when penetrating the deposit, further enhancing the breaking effect on the attached layer, especially suitable for hard, scale-like deposits. By selecting either a circular or quadrilateral cross-section for different operating conditions, both structural strength and deposit-breaking efficiency can be balanced, making the cleaning operation more targeted and adaptable.

[0045] To further explain, the height of the spike-shaped protrusion is 1 to 10 mm, and the distance between two adjacent spike-shaped protrusions is 2 to 15 mm.

[0046] If the height of the spiked protrusions is less than 1 mm, they will not easily form an effective physical barrier to prevent marine organisms from attaching; if the height of the spiked protrusions is greater than 10 mm, they are easily damaged by water flow and will increase water flow resistance, reducing removal efficiency. Therefore, this technical solution limits the height of the spiked protrusions to 1–10 mm (e.g., Figure 3 As shown in m), this helps ensure the effectiveness and efficiency of removing attached substances.

[0047] Furthermore, if the distance between two adjacent spike-shaped protrusions is less than 2 mm, the high density of the spike-shaped protrusions will restrict the expansion space of the inner elastomer 21 after it protrudes outward through the first through hole 222, thus affecting the effect of removing attached organisms; if the distance between two adjacent spike-shaped protrusions is greater than 15 mm, the gap between the spike-shaped protrusions is too large, failing to form a continuous physical barrier, thus reducing the effect of preventing marine organisms from attaching. Therefore, this technical solution limits the distance between two adjacent spike-shaped protrusions to 2–15 mm (e.g., Figure 3 As shown in n), this helps to improve the effectiveness of removing attached substances.

[0048] To further clarify, the first through hole 222 and the second through hole 321 are both any one of round holes, elliptical holes and polygonal holes.

[0049] By setting the first through hole 222 and the second through hole 321 to different geometric shapes, the morphology and mechanical action of the inner elastomer protrusions can be optimized for different deposit characteristics: round holes have the simplest and most mature processing technology and no stress concentration points, effectively protecting the inner elastomer from scratches or tears during long-term repeated expansion; elliptical holes can guide the inner elastomer to form long strip-shaped protrusions, increasing the sweeping area of ​​a single expansion and improving the peeling efficiency of strip-shaped or sheet-like deposits; polygonal holes (such as triangles, quadrilaterals, and hexagons) can form sharp edges on the protrusion edges, and when the first inner elastomer 21 expands through, the edges can generate additional shearing and prying action on the deposits, which is especially suitable for breaking barnacles and other deposits with hard bases. In addition, through holes of different shapes can be arranged in sections as needed (such as using round holes in the upper part for gentle kneading and polygonal holes in the middle part for powerful breaking), so that the cleaning structure can have multiple cleaning modes on a single device, thereby achieving directional and efficient removal of different types of deposits while ensuring the structural strength of the first outer rigid shell 22.

[0050] To further clarify, the materials of the first internal elastomer 21 and the second internal elastomer 31 are any one of rubber, silicone, and thermoplastic elastomer.

[0051] The internal elastomer, made of rubber, silicone, or thermoplastic elastomers, possesses excellent flexibility and high elastic recovery, enabling reversible expansion and contraction deformation in response to changes in internal fluid pressure. This ensures stable reciprocating ejection of the protrusion during long-term service. Rubber materials are inexpensive and exhibit outstanding wear resistance, making them suitable for large-scale, high-frequency cleaning operations. Silicone materials possess excellent seawater corrosion resistance, aging resistance, and wide temperature range adaptability, maintaining elasticity without embrittlement or permanent deformation in marine environments with high salt spray and drastic temperature differences. Thermoplastic elastomers combine the elasticity of rubber with the processability of plastics, allowing for integrated manufacturing with the sealing structure through injection molding, simplifying the assembly process and improving the sealing reliability of the joints. This technical solution limits the materials of the first internal elastomer 21 and the second internal elastomer 31 to any one of rubber, silicone, and thermoplastic elastomers. This allows for the selection of suitable materials based on different water depths, temperatures, and deposit characteristics. It ensures both deformation capability and structural durability and environmental adaptability, thereby significantly extending the service life of the cleaning structure and reducing the frequency of cleaning.

[0052] It should be noted that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments according to this application. As used herein, the singular form is intended to include the plural form as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, it should be understood that when the terms "comprising" and / or "including" are used in this specification, they indicate the presence of features, steps, operations, devices, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0053] Unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangement, numerical expressions, and values ​​of the components and steps set forth in these embodiments do not limit the scope of the invention. It should also be understood that, for ease of description, the dimensions of the various parts shown in the drawings are not drawn to actual scale. Techniques, methods, and devices known to those skilled in the art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, such techniques, methods, and devices should be considered part of the specification. In all examples shown and discussed herein, any specific values ​​should be interpreted as merely exemplary and not as limitations. Therefore, other examples of exemplary embodiments may have different values. It should be noted that similar reference numerals and letters in the following figures denote similar items; therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it need not be further discussed in subsequent figures.

[0054] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the orientation or positional relationship indicated by directional terms such as "front, back, up, down, left, right", "horizontal, vertical, horizontal" and "top, bottom" is generally based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and is only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description. Unless otherwise stated, these directional terms do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation on the scope of protection of this invention; the directional terms "inner" and "outer" refer to the inner and outer contours relative to the outline of each component itself.

[0055] For ease of description, spatial relative terms such as "above," "on top of," "on the upper surface of," "above," etc., are used herein to describe the spatial positional relationship of a device or feature as shown in the figures to other devices or features. It should be understood that spatial relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations in use or operation beyond the orientation of the device as described in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures were inverted, a device described as "above" or "on top of" other devices or structures would subsequently be positioned as "below" or "under" other devices or structures. Thus, the exemplary term "above" can include both "above" and "below." The device may also be positioned in other different ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relative descriptions used herein will be interpreted accordingly.

[0056] Furthermore, it should be noted that the use of terms such as "first" and "second" to define components is merely for the purpose of distinguishing the corresponding components. Unless otherwise stated, the above terms have no special meaning and therefore should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this invention.

[0057] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," etc., used in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate so that the embodiments of this application described herein can be implemented in sequences other than those illustrated or described herein.

[0058] The technical principles of the present invention have been described above with reference to specific embodiments. These descriptions are merely for explaining the principles of the invention and should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of the invention in any way. Based on this explanation, those skilled in the art can readily conceive of other specific embodiments of the invention without inventive effort, and these embodiments will all fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. An underwater device with a cleaning structure, characterized in that: It includes a device body and a cleaning structure, wherein the cleaning structure covers the surface of the device body; The cleaning structure includes a first cleaning component, which includes a first inner elastic body and a first outer rigid shell arranged sequentially from the inside to the outside; the first inner elastic body covers the surface of the device body, and the interior of the first inner elastic body is provided with a first cavity for containing fluid; the surface of the first outer rigid shell is provided with a first through hole. The first internal elastic body includes an initial state and an expanded state; When the first internal elastic body is in its original state, the outer wall of the first internal elastic body is located inside the first outer rigid shell; When the first internal elastic body is in an expanded state, a portion of the first internal elastic body protrudes outward from the first through hole.

2. An underwater device with a cleaning structure, characterized in that: The surface of the first outer rigid shell is provided with a plurality of protrusions, which are distributed in an array on the surface of the first outer rigid shell, and a first through hole is located between four adjacent protrusions.

3. The underwater device with a cleaning structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cleaning structure further includes a second cleaning component, and at least two second cleaning components are provided. Both second cleaning components cover the surface of the device body, and the two second cleaning components are respectively located at both ends of the first cleaning component. The second cleaning component includes a second inner elastic body and a second outer rigid shell arranged sequentially from the inside to the outside. The second inner elastic body covers the surface of the device body and is located at the end of the first inner elastic body. The interior of the second inner elastic body is provided with a second cavity for containing fluid, and the second cavity is in communication with the first cavity. The second outer rigid shell is rotatable relative to the second inner elastic body, and the surface of the second outer rigid shell is provided with a second through hole; The second internal elastic body includes an initial state and an expanded state; When the second inner elastic body is in its original state, the outer wall of the second inner elastic body is located inside the second outer rigid shell; When the second internal elastic body is in an expanded state, a portion of the second internal elastic body protrudes outward from the second through hole and adheres to the surface of the second outer rigid shell.

4. An underwater device with a cleaning structure according to claim 3, characterized in that: The number of the second through holes is multiple, and the multiple second through holes are distributed in an array on the surface of the second outer rigid shell.

5. An underwater device with a cleaning structure according to claim 3, characterized in that: The area of ​​the second through hole is larger than the area of ​​the first through hole.

6. An underwater device with a cleaning structure according to claim 3, characterized in that: It also includes at least two partitions located between the first cavity and the second cavity, and the partitions have connecting holes, so that the first cavity, the connecting holes and the second cavity are interconnected.

7. An underwater device with a cleaning structure according to claim 2, characterized in that: The protrusion is shaped like a spike, and its cross-section is either circular or quadrilateral.

8. An underwater device with a cleaning structure according to claim 7, characterized in that: The height of the spike-shaped protrusion is 1 to 10 mm, and the distance between two adjacent spike-shaped protrusions is 2 to 15 mm.

9. An underwater device with a cleaning structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: Both the first through hole and the second through hole are any one of the following: a circular hole, an elliptical hole, and a polygonal hole.

10. An underwater device with a cleaning structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The materials of the first internal elastomer and the second internal elastomer are any one of rubber, silicone, and thermoplastic elastomer.

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