A rotating power module, propulsion device and surface vehicle

Abstract

This invention provides a rotary power module, a propulsion device, and a water vehicle. The rotary power module includes a swing arm rotatably mounted at one end and a power unit mounted at the other end of the swing arm. The power unit is equipped with a propeller and has a propulsion position and a retracted position. When the power unit is in the retracted position, the propeller is at least partially in contact with the water. The propeller is driven by a motor. When the motor drives the propeller to rotate forward, the power unit rotates from the retracted position to the propulsion position or is in the propulsion position to provide propulsion power. When the motor drives the propeller to rotate in reverse, the power unit rotates from the propulsion position to the retracted position. Moreover, by using its own propeller as the power source for switching, there is no need to equip it with an additional auxiliary switching device or increase the weight of the water sports board, thereby ensuring the speed and endurance of the movement.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of water sports, and more specifically, to a rotary power module, a propulsion device, and a water surface vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] Water sports boards, such as paddleboards and surfboards, are popular in the market due to their portability. However, current water sports boards rely on human power or waves for propulsion, which is physically demanding. Therefore, self-powered water sports products have become the key to solving these problems.

[0003] However, the existing technology that proposes to add a power device to the bottom is usually fixed and exposed for a long time. The device is prone to collision and damage due to long-term exposure, and may also be scratched or cause safety hazards during use. Moreover, in manual / wave mode, the exposed device increases resistance, affects the gliding feel, and still consumes a lot of physical energy.

[0004] Of course, existing technologies also include applications that allow for the retraction and deployment of the power unit. This means that the power unit can be deployed when assistance is needed to reduce physical exertion, and retracted for pure gliding, restoring a smooth, low-resistance user experience. However, currently, the retraction and deployment of the power unit only includes two methods: one is manual operation, where after manually switching the working position, a locking mechanism is still needed to lock the power unit, which is inconvenient, especially during water sports, where operators cannot perform this; the other is to add an auxiliary automatic switching mechanism, which inevitably includes a power source, usually a motor. This method increases the overall weight of the device, especially for water sports boards. Increased weight makes starting and gliding more difficult, requiring greater thrust to reach the same speed. Under the same speed and range, water sports boards need to be equipped with larger power units and batteries, thus increasing their weight and creating a vicious cycle.

[0005] Therefore, it is necessary to improve the existing structure to overcome the above-mentioned defects. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The main objective of this application is to provide a rotary power module, propulsion device, and water vehicle. This power module can not only be deployed and retracted, but also uses its own propeller as the power for switching, without the need for additional auxiliary switching devices or increased weight of water sports boards, thereby ensuring speed and endurance.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, in a first aspect, this application provides a rotary power module, including a swing arm rotatably disposed at one end and a power unit disposed at the other end of the swing arm. The power unit is provided with a propeller and has a propulsion position and a retractable position. When the power unit is in the retractable position, the propeller is at least partially in contact with water. The propeller is driven by a motor. When the motor drives the propeller to rotate forward, the power unit rotates from the retractable position to the propulsion position or is in the propulsion position to provide propulsion power. When the motor drives the propeller to rotate in reverse, the power unit rotates from the propulsion position to the retractable position.

[0008] Optionally, it also includes a booster structure that assists in the rotation of the power unit from the propulsion position to the storage position and from the storage position to the propulsion position.

[0009] Optionally, the booster structure is disposed at the rotatable connection of the swing arm.

[0010] Optionally, the booster structure includes a rotor magnetic assembly fixedly connected to the swing arm and a stator magnetic assembly rotatably disposed relative to the rotor magnetic assembly. Both the rotor magnetic assembly and the stator magnetic assembly include a first magnetic unit and a second magnetic unit, which are alternately arranged. One side of the first magnetic unit has a first magnetic pole and the other side has a second magnetic pole. One side of the second magnetic unit has a second magnetic pole and the other side has a first magnetic pole. The polarities of the first magnetic pole and the second magnetic pole are opposite. Defined as follows: when the first magnetic unit of the rotor magnetic assembly is directly opposite the first magnetic unit of the stator magnetic assembly and the magnetic poles of the opposite sides of the rotor magnetic assembly and the stator magnetic assembly are the same, it is in a statically indeterminate state. When the first magnetic unit of the rotor magnetic assembly is directly opposite the second magnetic unit of the stator magnetic assembly and the magnetic poles of the opposite sides of the rotor magnetic assembly and the stator magnetic assembly are opposite, it is in a statically determinate state. The statically indeterminate state is within the rotation range of the swing arm, and the statically determinate state is outside the rotation range of the swing arm.

[0011] Optionally, it further includes a limiting structure that causes the static indeterminate state to be within the rotation range of the swing arm and the static stable state to be outside the rotation range of the swing arm. The limiting structure includes a first limiting part and a second limiting part, and the swing arm rotates between the first limiting part and the second limiting part.

[0012] Optionally, the booster structure has two components, which are respectively disposed on both sides of the swing arm.

[0013] To achieve the above objectives, in a second aspect, this application provides a propulsion device, including a housing, a battery, and a power module, wherein the power module includes the aforementioned rotary power module, and the housing has a storage compartment for housing the power unit.

[0014] Optionally, the power module further includes a mounting part, the upper end of the swing arm is rotatably connected to the mounting part via a rotating shaft, and the stator magnetic assembly is fixedly mounted on the mounting part.

[0015] Optionally, the housing also has a battery compartment for installing the battery and a power module mounting compartment for installing the mounting part, the battery compartment, the power module mounting compartment and the storage compartment being distributed along the forward direction of the propulsion device.

[0016] Optionally, the storage compartment includes a vertically continuous storage space and a detachable top cover positioned above the storage space.

[0017] To achieve the above objectives, in a third aspect, this application provides a surface vehicle including the aforementioned propulsion device and a buoyancy module disposed around the hull.

[0018] Optionally, the buoyancy module is an inflatable ring or a rotational molding process.

[0019] Optionally, the upper and lower surfaces of both the buoyancy module and the shell are flush or nearly flush.

[0020] This invention provides a rotary power module, propulsion device, and water surface vehicle. Compared with existing technologies, its advantages include ensuring that the propeller of the power unit is always in contact with water when in the retracted position. This allows the propulsion of the power module and the switching between the propulsion and retracted positions to be achieved by controlling the propeller's forward or reverse rotation using a motor. This eliminates the need for a dedicated switching actuator, reduces the number of parts, lowers structural complexity, and improves overall stability and durability. Furthermore, the deployment and retraction of the power module can be achieved simply by controlling the forward and reverse rotation of the propeller. The control logic is simple, the action is direct, and there is no need for complex transmission and synchronization control, making it more convenient to use. Moreover, the propeller's continuous contact with water in the retracted position allows for self-lubrication and self-cooling during switching and operation, effectively reducing wear and heat generation of the shaft and transmission components, and extending their service life. Finally, the propeller is always in a water environment, allowing it to immediately enter a high-efficiency working state after deployment, resulting in more continuous and stable power output. Attached Figure Description

[0021] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this application, are used to provide a further understanding of the application and to make other features, objects, and advantages of the application more apparent. The illustrative embodiments and descriptions of this application are used to explain the application and do not constitute an undue limitation of the application. In the drawings: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a surface vehicle; Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the propulsion device; Figure 3 It is a 3D view of a rotary power module; Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of a rotary power module; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the propulsion position of the rotary power module; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram showing the storage location of the rotary power module; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the propulsion position of the rotary power module after part of its housing has been removed; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the booster structure. Figure 1 ; Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the booster structure. Figure 2 ; Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of a dual-booster structure.

[0022] The components are: 1. Swing arm; 2. Power unit; 3. Propeller; 4. Motor; 5. First magnetic unit; 6. Second magnetic unit; 7. Mounting unit; 8. Shaft; 9. Housing; 10. Battery; 11. Battery compartment; 12. Power module mounting compartment; 13. Storage compartment; 14. Top cover; 15. Buoyancy module. Detailed Implementation

[0023] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present application, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort should fall within the scope of protection of the present application.

[0024] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," etc., 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 for the embodiments of this application described herein. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion; for example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that comprises a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units not explicitly listed or inherent to such processes, methods, products, or apparatus.

[0025] In this application, the terms "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "front," "rear," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "middle," "vertical," "horizontal," "lateral," and "longitudinal" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. These terms are primarily for the purpose of better describing this application and its embodiments, and are not intended to limit the indicated device, element, or component to having a specific orientation, or to be constructed and operated in a specific orientation.

[0026] Furthermore, in addition to indicating location or positional relationship, some of the aforementioned terms may also have other meanings. For example, the term "above" may also be used in some cases to indicate a certain dependency or connection relationship. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of these terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0027] In addition, the term "multiple" should mean two or more.

[0028] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in this application can be combined with each other. This application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0029] like Figures 3-7 As shown, a rotary power module includes a swing arm 1 rotatably mounted at one end and a power unit 2 mounted at the other end of the swing arm 1. The power unit 2 is equipped with a propeller. When the power unit 2 is in the propulsion position, the propeller is located at the front end of the power unit 2 along the forward direction. The power unit 2 has a propulsion position and a retractable position. When the power unit 2 is in the retractable position, the propeller is at least partially in contact with water. The propeller is driven by a motor 4, which is located inside the cavity of the power unit 2. When the motor 4 drives the propeller to rotate forward, the power unit 2 rotates from the retractable position to the propulsion position or is in the propulsion position to provide propulsion power. When the motor 4 drives the propeller to rotate in reverse, the power unit 2 rotates from the propulsion position to the retractable position.

[0030] Thus, the propeller 3 is controlled by motor 4 to rotate forward or backward to propel the power module and switch between the propulsion and retraction positions. This eliminates the need for a dedicated switching actuator, reduces the number of parts, lowers structural complexity, and improves overall stability and durability. Furthermore, the deployment and retraction of the power module can be achieved simply by controlling the forward and reverse rotation of the propeller. The control logic is simple, the action is direct, and there is no need for complex transmission and synchronization control, making it more convenient to use. Moreover, the propeller is in continuous contact with water in the retraction position, and the water flow can achieve self-lubrication and self-cooling during switching and operation, effectively reducing the wear and heat generation of the shaft 8 and transmission components, and extending service life. Finally, the propeller is always in a water environment, and can immediately enter a high-efficiency working state after deployment, resulting in more continuous and stable power output.

[0031] In addition, to make switching between the two work positions more convenient, such as Figure 4 As shown, it also includes a propulsion structure that assists the power unit 2 in rotating from the propulsion position to the storage position and from the storage position to the propulsion position. Preferably, the propulsion structure is disposed at the rotational connection of the swing arm 1, and its specific structure is as follows: Figures 8-9 As shown, the booster structure includes a rotor magnetic assembly fixedly connected to the swing arm 1 and a stator magnetic assembly rotatably disposed relative to the rotor magnetic assembly. Both the rotor magnetic assembly and the stator magnetic assembly include two first magnetic units 5 and two second magnetic units 6. The first magnetic units 5 and the second magnetic units 6 are alternately arranged. One side of the first magnetic unit 5 has a first magnetic pole, and the other side has a second magnetic pole. One side of the second magnetic unit 6 has a second magnetic pole, and the other side has a first magnetic pole. The polarities of the first and second magnetic poles are opposite. Defined as follows: when the first magnetic unit 5 of the rotor magnetic assembly is directly opposite the first magnetic unit 5 of the stator magnetic assembly and the magnetic poles of the opposite sides of the rotor magnetic assembly and the stator magnetic assembly are the same, it is in a statically indeterminate state; when the first magnetic unit 5 of the rotor magnetic assembly is directly opposite the second magnetic unit 6 of the stator magnetic assembly and the magnetic poles of the opposite sides of the rotor magnetic assembly and the stator magnetic assembly are opposite, it is in a statically determinate state. Figure 4 , Figure 7 As shown, the static indeterminate state is within the rotation range of the swing arm 1, and the statically stable state is outside the rotation range of the swing arm 1.

[0032] Regarding the principle of the booster, when both the stator magnetic assembly and the rotor magnetic assembly are in a statically indeterminate state, the rotor rotates relative to the stator. Whether it rotates forward or backward, there is a booster effect during this process. That is, the magnetic poles of the magnetic assembly help it rotate in the direction of motion. Thus, when the power module switches working positions, the power generated by the propeller itself is the main power, while the booster structure generates a booster force at the same time, making the switching smoother.

[0033] Furthermore, it should be noted that, conversely, if in a static state, the structure acts as a resistance regardless of whether it rotates clockwise or counterclockwise. Therefore, it is necessary for the static indeterminate state to be within the rotation range of the swing arm 1 and the static state to be outside the rotation range of the swing arm 1.

[0034] In addition, it includes a limiting structure that keeps the static indeterminate state within the rotation range of the swing arm 1 and the static stable state outside the rotation range of the swing arm 1. The limiting structure includes a first limiting part and a second limiting part. The swing arm 1 rotates between the first limiting part and the second limiting part. Specifically, the first limiting part and the second limiting part are provided in the mounting part 7 of the power module. The mounting part 7 has a cavity. The upper end of the swing arm 1 is rotatably disposed in the cavity, and the booster structure is also disposed in the cavity. The housing of the mounting part 7 has an opening for the swing arm 1 to pass through. The first limiting part and the second limiting part are essentially the two side walls of the opening. That is, the size of the opening limits the rotation range of the swing arm 1.

[0035] like Figure 10 As shown, in order to ensure the stability of the structure, there are two booster structures, which are respectively arranged on both sides of the swing arm 1.

[0036] like Figure 2 As shown, a propulsion device includes a housing 9, a battery 10, and a power module. The power module includes the aforementioned rotary power module. The housing 9 has a storage compartment 13 for housing the power unit 2.

[0037] The power module also includes a mounting part 7, the upper end of the swing arm 1 is rotatably connected to the mounting part 7 via a rotating shaft 8, and the stator magnetic assembly is fixedly mounted on the mounting part 7.

[0038] Optionally, the housing 9 also has a battery compartment 11 for installing the battery 10 and a power module mounting compartment 12 for installing the mounting part 7. The battery compartment 11, the power module mounting compartment 12 and the storage compartment 13 are distributed along the forward direction of the propulsion device. It should be noted that the battery 10 is detached and installed in the battery compartment 11, while the mounting part 7 can be integrated and fixed in the power module mounting compartment 12, or it can be detached and installed in the power module mounting compartment 12.

[0039] like Figure 2 As shown, the storage compartment 13 includes a vertically connected storage space and a detachable top cover 14 located above the storage space. When the power unit 2 is entangled with debris during use on the water surface, the debris can be cleared by opening the top cover 14.

[0040] like Figure 1As shown, a water surface vehicle includes the aforementioned propulsion device and buoyancy modules 15 disposed around the shell 9. The buoyancy modules 15 can be paddleboards, surfboards, kayak-shaped inflatable rings, or rotomolded structures with high buoyancy. Furthermore, the upper and lower surfaces of the buoyancy modules 15 and the shell 9 are flush or close to each other, facilitating operations such as replacing the battery 10 at any time.

[0041] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit this application. Various modifications and variations can be made to this application by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A rotary power module, characterized in that, The device includes a swing arm that rotates at one end and a power unit located at the other end of the swing arm. The power unit is equipped with a propeller and has a propulsion position and a retracted position. When the power unit is in the retracted position, the propeller is at least partially in contact with water. The propeller is driven by a motor. When the motor drives the propeller to rotate forward, the power unit rotates from the retracted position to the propulsion position or is in the propulsion position to provide propulsion power. When the motor drives the propeller to rotate in reverse, the power unit rotates from the propulsion position to the retracted position.

2. The rotary power module as described in claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a booster structure that provides propulsion during the rotation of the power unit from the propulsion position to the storage position and from the storage position to the propulsion position.

3. A rotary power module as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The booster structure is located at the rotational connection of the swing arm.

4. A rotary power module as described in claim 3, characterized in that: The booster structure includes a rotor magnetic assembly fixedly connected to the swing arm and a stator magnetic assembly rotatably disposed relative to the rotor magnetic assembly. Both the rotor magnetic assembly and the stator magnetic assembly include a first magnetic unit and a second magnetic unit, which are alternately arranged. One side of the first magnetic unit has a first magnetic pole and the other side has a second magnetic pole. One side of the second magnetic unit has a second magnetic pole and the other side has a first magnetic pole. The polarities of the first magnetic pole and the second magnetic pole are opposite. Defined as follows: when the first magnetic unit of the rotor magnetic assembly is directly opposite the first magnetic unit of the stator magnetic assembly and the magnetic poles of the opposite sides of the rotor magnetic assembly and the stator magnetic assembly are the same, it is in a statically indeterminate state. When the first magnetic unit of the rotor magnetic assembly is directly opposite the second magnetic unit of the stator magnetic assembly and the magnetic poles of the opposite sides of the rotor magnetic assembly and the stator magnetic assembly are opposite, it is in a statically determinate state. The statically indeterminate state is within the rotation range of the swing arm, and the statically determinate state is outside the rotation range of the swing arm.

5. A rotary power module as described in claim 4, characterized in that: It also includes a limiting structure that causes the static indeterminate state to be within the rotation range of the swing arm and the static stable state to be outside the rotation range of the swing arm. The limiting structure includes a first limiting part and a second limiting part, and the swing arm rotates between the first limiting part and the second limiting part.

6. A rotary power module as described in claim 4, characterized in that: The push-up structure has two components, which are respectively disposed on both sides of the swing arm.

7. A propulsion device, characterized in that: The device includes a housing, a battery, and a power module. The power module includes a rotary power module as described in any one of claims 1-6. The housing has a storage compartment for housing the power unit.

8. A propulsion device as described in claim 7, characterized in that: The power module also includes a mounting part, the upper end of the swing arm is rotatably connected to the mounting part via a rotating shaft, and the stator magnetic assembly is fixedly mounted on the mounting part.

9. A propulsion device as described in claim 8, characterized in that: The housing also has a battery compartment for installing the battery and a power module mounting compartment for installing the mounting part. The battery compartment, the power module mounting compartment, and the storage compartment are distributed along the forward direction of the propulsion device.

10. A propulsion device as described in claim 7, characterized in that: The storage compartment includes a vertically continuous storage space and a detachable top cover located above the storage space.

11. A water surface vehicle, characterized in that: Includes a propulsion device as described in any one of claims 7-10, and a buoyancy module disposed around the perimeter of the housing.

12. A water surface vehicle as described in claim 11, characterized in that: The buoyancy module is an inflatable ring or a rotational molding process.

13. A surface vehicle as described in claim 11, characterized in that: The upper and lower surfaces of the buoyancy module and the shell are level or nearly level.

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