Retracting and releasing locking mechanism for marine propeller

Abstract

The utility model discloses a marine propeller folding and unfolding locking mechanism which comprises a support and a gear box, the gear box is connected with the support through a hinge shaft, and a driving mechanism used for driving the gear box to rotate along the hinge shaft is arranged on the support. The gear box is rotatably mounted on the support through a hinge shaft, and the driving mechanism changes the posture of the gear box through a fluted disc, so that the gear box is in a vertically-arranged working state or a horizontally-folded laying state; when being put down horizontally, the device is prevented from becoming an obstacle or being damaged due to collision, occupied space can be reduced, and carrying and storage are convenient. The folding and unfolding processes are automatic, the operation process is simplified, and the use convenience is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of small-sized marine propellers, in particular to a retractable and locking mechanism for a marine propeller. Background Art

[0002] Small marine thrusters, also known as top-flow engines, can be flexibly installed and disassembled on small ships to provide them with power during navigation. However, in some cases, such as when the ship is moored, undergoing maintenance, or passing through narrow waterways, fixed thrusters may become obstacles and may even be damaged by collisions. On the other hand, when the thruster is not in use or is being transported, it is too large to be transported and placed conveniently.

[0003] To overcome these issues, retractable propellers have been designed. These propellers can be stowed when not in use, reducing space and protecting them from damage. However, existing retractable propellers have several drawbacks, including cumbersome manual operation and a lack of stability. Furthermore, if the propeller is not properly locked in its upright position, it can wobble due to currents, wind, or waves, compromising the safety and maneuverability of the vessel. Utility Model Content

[0004] In view of this, the purpose of the present invention is to provide a marine propeller retractable and locking mechanism, which has the characteristics of being easy to deploy and retract and working stably and reliably.

[0005] The technical solution adopted by the utility model to solve its technical problems is:

[0006] A marine propeller retractable locking mechanism includes a support for fixing to a hull, a gearbox disposed on the support and capable of being erected vertically or retracted horizontally, the gearbox and the support being connected via an articulated shaft, and a drive mechanism disposed on the support for driving the gearbox to rotate along the articulated shaft;

[0007] The hinge shaft is provided with a gear disc for driving the gear box to rotate, and the support is provided with a locking mechanism capable of locking the gear box when it is rotated to a vertical position;

[0008] A locking groove is provided on the rear side of the gear box away from the hinge shaft. The locking mechanism includes a first connecting rod provided on a support and capable of moving horizontally forward and backward, and a second connecting rod capable of engaging with the locking groove. A connecting rod is provided between the first connecting rod and the second connecting rod so that the two can move horizontally forward and backward synchronously. When the gear disc rotates, the first connecting rod can be pushed and pulled to cause the second connecting rod to disengage from or engage with the locking groove.

[0009] The toothed disc is fan-shaped, and has an arc-shaped notch on its side. The arc-shaped notch includes a circular arc notch that can abut and engage with the first connecting rod, a first arc edge on one side of the circular arc notch, and a second arc edge on the other side of the circular arc notch.

[0010] When the toothed disc rotates downward, the first arc edge abuts against the first connecting rod and pulls it forward to engage with the circular arc slot. When the toothed disc rotates upward, the second arc edge pushes the first connecting rod to move backward.

[0011] The toothed disc is provided with an annular groove, and the outer wall of the gear box is connected and installed with the annular groove by means of screws.

[0012] The support includes two fixing plates symmetrically arranged along the front-to-back direction. The fixing plates are provided with straight slots. The first connecting rod and the second connecting rod can move horizontally forward and backward along the straight slots.

[0013] The hinge shaft is arranged between two fixing plates.

[0014] The driving mechanism includes a driving motor, and the driving motor drives the gear plate to rotate through a worm gear mechanism.

[0015] The toothed disc is arranged on one side of the gear box, and a linkage disc is arranged on the other symmetrical side of the gear box. The linkage disc has the same size and shape as the toothed disc.

[0016] There are two connecting rods, which are respectively arranged at the two ends of the first connecting rod and the second connecting rod.

[0017] The beneficial effects of the utility model are:

[0018] 1. The gearbox is rotatably mounted on the support via an articulated shaft. The drive mechanism, through a toothed disc, adjusts the gearbox's position, allowing it to be placed in an upright working position or in a horizontally folded and tilted position. When tilted horizontally, it avoids becoming an obstacle or being damaged by collisions. During transportation, the gearbox is arranged parallel to the support, reducing space usage and facilitating handling and storage. The folding and unfolding process is automated, simplifying operation and improving ease of use.

[0019] 2. When the propeller is moved from the down position to the vertical position, the second connecting rod of the locking mechanism can be snapped into the locking groove on the rear side of the gearbox, which can further lock the posture of the gearbox, ensure the stability of its working state, and prevent the propeller from shaking due to water flow or wind and waves, thereby improving the safety and controllability of the ship. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] Figure 1 It is a structural diagram of the gearbox when it is vertically set up on the support;

[0021] Figure 2This is a schematic diagram of the structure when the gearbox is horizontally folded on the support;

[0022] Figure 3 It is a structural diagram of the gearbox erection process on the support;

[0023] Figure 4 This is one of the structural diagrams of the gear disc and the locking mechanism;

[0024] Figure 5 Schematic diagram of the gearbox when locked on the support;

[0025] Figure 6 This is the second structural diagram of the gear disc and locking mechanism;

[0026] Figure 7 The third is a structural diagram of the gear disc and the locking mechanism; DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] To make the technical problems solved, the technical solutions adopted, and the technical effects achieved by the present invention more clearly understood, the technical solutions of the present invention are further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and through specific embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely intended to explain the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. It should also be noted that, for ease of description, the accompanying drawings only illustrate portions relevant to the present invention, not all of it.

[0028] Reference Figure 1 The utility model proposes a marine propeller retractable locking mechanism, comprising a support 1 for fixing to a hull, a gearbox 2 arranged on the support 1 and capable of being erected vertically or retracted horizontally, the gearbox 2 being connected to the support 1 via a hinge shaft 21, and a drive mechanism 3 being provided on the support 1 for driving the gearbox 2 to rotate along the hinge shaft 21;

[0029] The hinge shaft 21 is provided with a toothed disc 20 for driving the gear box 2 to rotate, and the support 1 is provided with a locking mechanism 12 capable of locking the gear box 2 when it is rotated to a vertical position;

[0030] Specifically, the gearbox 2 is rotatably mounted on the support 1 via an articulated shaft 21. The drive mechanism 3, via a toothed disc 20, adjusts the gearbox 2's posture, placing it in an upright, working position or in a horizontally folded, collapsed position. When collapsed, it avoids becoming an obstacle or being damaged by collisions. During transportation, the gearbox 2 is arranged parallel to the support 1, reducing space usage and facilitating handling and storage. The automated folding and unfolding process simplifies operation and improves ease of use.

[0031] Reference Figure 3A locking groove 22 is provided on the rear side of the gear box 2 away from the hinge shaft 21. The locking mechanism 12 includes a first connecting rod 120 provided on the support 1 and capable of horizontally moving forward and backward, and a second connecting rod 122 capable of engaging with the locking groove 22. A connecting rod 121 is provided between the first connecting rod 120 and the second connecting rod 122 so that the two can move horizontally forward and backward synchronously. When the toothed disc 20 rotates, the first connecting rod 120 can be pushed and pulled to disengage or engage with the locking groove 22.

[0032] Furthermore, when the propeller is moved from a laid-down state to a vertically erected state, the second connecting rod 122 of the locking mechanism 12 can be snapped into the locking groove 22 on the rear side of the gear box 2, which can further lock the posture of the gear box 2, ensuring the stability of its working state and preventing the propeller from shaking due to water flow or wind and waves, thereby improving the safety and controllability of the ship.

[0033] Reference Figure 3 、 Figure 4 The toothed disc 20 is fan-shaped, and an arc-shaped notch 200 is provided on its side. The arc-shaped notch 200 includes an arc notch 2001 that can abut and engage with the first connecting rod 120, a first arc edge 2000 provided on one side of the arc notch 2001, and a second arc edge 2002 provided on the other side of the arc notch 2001;

[0034] Reference Figure 4 When the toothed disc 20 rotates downward, the first arc edge 2000 abuts against the first connecting rod 120 and pulls it forward to engage with the arc notch 2001. Figure 7 When the gear wheel 20 rotates upward, the second arc edge 2002 pushes the first connecting rod 120 to move backward.

[0035] An annular groove 201 is provided on the toothed disc 20 , and the outer wall of the gear box 2 is connected and installed to the annular groove 201 by means of screws.

[0036] Specifically, the gear box 2 moves from the horizontal folded state to the vertical working state as follows: the driving mechanism 3 drives the gear plate 20 to rotate, Figure 4 、 Figure 5 , the gear plate 20 rotates downward, and the first arc edge 2000 of the arc-shaped notch 200 on the lower side gradually abuts and pulls the first connecting rod 120 as the gear plate 20 rotates, so that it fits into the arc notch 2001. Under the linkage of the connecting rod 121, the second connecting rod 122 moves forward, so that it fits and locks with the locking groove 22 of the gear box 2; the process of the gear box 2 from the vertical working state to the folding and retracting state is as follows: Figure 7Drive mechanism 3 drives toothed disc 20 to rotate upward, and second arc edge 2002 gradually abuts and pushes first connecting rod 120 backward. Driven by connecting rod 121, second connecting rod 122 moves backward. Because gearbox 2 is screwed to annular groove 201 of toothed disc 20, when toothed disc 20 rotates upward within a certain range, toothed disc 20 does not immediately drive gearbox 2 to rotate. When second connecting rod 122 moves backward and completely disengages locking groove 22 on the rear side of gearbox 2, gearbox 2 rotates driven by toothed disc 20 and gradually collapses. This design automatically triggers locking and unlocking when toothed disc 20 rotates to a specific position, resulting in an ingenious structure and quick and convenient operation.

[0037] Reference Figure 2 、 Figure 3 The support 1 includes two symmetrically arranged fixing plates 10 along the front-to-back direction. Each fixing plate 10 is provided with a straight slot 11, along which the first and second connecting rods 120 and 122 can move laterally. A hinge shaft 21 is disposed between the two fixing plates 10. Furthermore, the symmetrical arrangement of the fixing plates 10 not only strengthens the overall structural strength of the support 1, but the straight slots 11 provided thereon provide a smooth movement path for the first and second connecting rods 120 and 122, further ensuring the proper functioning of the locking mechanism.

[0038] The drive mechanism 3 includes a drive motor, which drives the toothed disc 20 to rotate via a worm gear mechanism 30. The drive motor, in conjunction with the worm gear mechanism 30, drives the toothed disc 20 to rotate, providing a power source for retracting and extending the propeller. This transmission method is stable and reliable, capable of withstanding a certain load, ensuring stable execution of the propeller retraction and extension action.

[0039] The toothed disc 20 is arranged on one side of the gear box 2, and a linkage disc 23 is arranged on the other symmetrical side of the gear box 2. The linkage disc 23 has the same size and shape as the toothed disc 20, ensuring balanced force on both sides, enhancing the symmetry and stability of the overall device, and helping to improve the working efficiency of the propeller.

[0040] Preferably, there are two connecting rods 121 , which are respectively provided at the two ends of the first connecting rod 120 and the second connecting rod 122 .

[0041] In summary, this marine propeller retractable and locking mechanism has the advantages of compact structure, high degree of automation, and good safety. It effectively solves the problems existing in existing retractable propellers and is particularly suitable for use on small ships.

Claims

1. A marine propeller retractable locking mechanism, characterized in that: The invention comprises a support (1) for fixing on a hull, a gear box (2) arranged on the support (1) and capable of being erected vertically or retracted horizontally, the gear box (2) being connected to the support (1) via a hinge shaft (21), and a driving mechanism (3) for driving the gear box (2) to rotate along the hinge shaft (21) being arranged on the support (1); The hinge shaft (21) is provided with a toothed disc (20) for driving the gear box (2) to rotate, and the support (1) is provided with a locking mechanism (12) capable of locking the gear box (2) when it is rotated to a vertical position; A locking groove (22) is provided on the rear side of the gear box (2) away from the hinge shaft (21); the locking mechanism (12) includes a first connecting rod (120) provided on the support (1) and capable of horizontally moving forward and backward, and a second connecting rod (122) capable of engaging with the locking groove (22); a connecting rod (121) is provided between the first connecting rod (120) and the second connecting rod (122) so that the two can move horizontally forward and backward synchronously; when the toothed disc (20) rotates, the first connecting rod (120) can be pushed and pulled to disengage the second connecting rod (122) from or engage with the locking groove (22).

2. A marine propeller retracting and locking mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The toothed disc (20) is fan-shaped, and an arc-shaped notch (200) is provided on its side. The arc-shaped notch (200) includes a circular arc notch (2001) capable of abutting and engaging with the first connecting rod (120), a first arc edge (2000) provided on one side of the circular arc notch (2001), and a second arc edge (2002) provided on the other side of the circular arc notch (2001); When the toothed disc (20) rotates downward, the first arc edge (2000) abuts against the first connecting rod (120) and pulls it forward to engage with the circular arc notch (2001); when the toothed disc (20) rotates upward, the second arc edge (2002) pushes the first connecting rod (120) to move backward.

3. A marine propeller retracting and locking mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that: An annular groove (201) is provided on the toothed disc (20), and the outer wall of the gear box (2) is connected and installed with the annular groove (201) by means of screws.

4. A marine propeller retracting and locking mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The support (1) comprises two fixed plates (10) symmetrically arranged along the front-back direction, wherein a straight slot (11) is provided on the fixed plates (10), and the first connecting rod (120) and the second connecting rod (122) can move horizontally forward and backward along the straight slot (11).

5. A marine propeller retracting and locking mechanism according to claim 4, characterized in that: The hinge shaft (21) is arranged between two fixing plates (10).

6. A marine propeller retracting and locking mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The driving mechanism (3) comprises a driving motor, and the driving motor drives the gear disc (20) to rotate via a worm gear mechanism (30).

7. A marine propeller retracting and locking mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The toothed disc (20) is arranged on one side of the gear box (2), and a linkage disc (23) is arranged on the other symmetrical side of the gear box (2). The linkage disc (23) has the same size and shape as the toothed disc (20).

8. A marine propeller retracting and locking mechanism according to claim 4, characterized in that: There are two connecting rods (121), which are respectively arranged at the two ends of the first connecting rod (120) and the second connecting rod (122).

Images