Propulsion equipment

By using lithium-ion battery packs and flexible couplings to drive the propulsion motor on the catamaran, the traditional propulsion shaft system is eliminated, solving the problems of low propulsion efficiency and high noise on the catamaran and achieving a highly efficient and environmentally friendly propulsion effect.

CN223618901UActive Publication Date: 2025-12-02SANDIANSHUI NEW ENERGY TECH (ANHUI) CO LTD
View PDF 0 Cites 0 Cited by

Patent Information

Application Number
CN202520271712.0
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-02-19
Publication Date
2025-12-02
Estimated Expiration
2035-02-19

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Traditional catamaran propulsion systems are inefficient and noisy, impacting the environment and passenger comfort.

Method used

The propulsion motor is driven by a lithium-ion battery pack, combined with a flexible coupling and a rudder propeller device, eliminating the traditional propulsion shaft system and improving efficiency and reducing noise through electric transmission.

Benefits of technology

It improves propulsion efficiency, reduces environmental pollution and navigation noise, and provides a more comfortable passenger environment.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

Smart Images

  • Figure CN223618901U_ABST
    Figure CN223618901U_ABST
Patent Text Reader

Abstract

The utility model relates to propelling equipment, and relates to the technical field of ships. The utility model provides propelling equipment. The propelling equipment comprises a lithium ion battery pack, a propelling motor, an elastic coupling and a steering oar device, the lithium ion battery pack is electrically connected with the propulsion motor, and the output end of the propulsion motor is connected with the steering oar device through the elastic coupler. Compared with a traditional propulsion motor using a diesel engine, the propulsion equipment adopts the lithium ion battery pack, the lithium ion battery pack drives the propulsion motor through battery discharging, a traditional propulsion shaft system does not need to be arranged, mechanical transmission loss of the propulsion shaft system and loss caused by incomplete combustion of the diesel engine are avoided, the propulsion efficiency is improved, and the energy consumption is reduced. The pollution to the environment is reduced; meanwhile, the lithium ion battery pack and the elastic coupler are arranged, so that noise during navigation is reduced, and a comfortable environment is provided for tourists.
Need to check novelty before this filing date? Find Prior Art

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of ship technology, and more specifically, to a propulsion device. Background Technology

[0002] A catamaran is a vessel consisting of two separate underwater hulls connected by a reinforcing frame. Each hull is called a hull sheet, and each sheet houses a main engine and a propeller. The strong frame connecting the two hulls is called the connecting bridge, which contains numerous compartments. Therefore, catamarans not only offer excellent maneuverability but also feature minimal drag peaks and large cargo capacity, making them widely used in military and civilian vessels worldwide.

[0003] The common propulsion system arrangement for catamarans involves housing the main engine within the hull, which transmits power to the propeller via a drive shaft system, thus propelling the ship. However, this propulsion configuration is inefficient, and the operation of the main engine results in significant engine room noise. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a propulsion device that can improve propulsion efficiency, reduce environmental pollution, reduce noise during navigation, and provide a comfortable environment for tourists.

[0005] The embodiments of this utility model can be implemented as follows:

[0006] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a propulsion device for use on a catamaran, the catamaran comprising two connected hulls, each of the two hulls being provided with a propulsion device, the propulsion device being used to drive the catamaran.

[0007] The propulsion equipment includes a lithium-ion battery pack, a propulsion motor, a flexible coupling, and a rudder propeller assembly; the lithium-ion battery pack is electrically connected to the propulsion motor, and the output end of the propulsion motor is connected to the rudder propeller assembly through the flexible coupling.

[0008] In an optional embodiment, the flexible coupling is connected to the output end of the propulsion motor via a bushing, and the flexible coupling is fixedly connected to the input end of the rudder propeller device.

[0009] In an optional embodiment, the flexible coupling is fixedly connected to the input end of the propeller device by connecting bolts.

[0010] In an optional embodiment, the propeller device includes a first gearbox, a second gearbox, and propeller blades. The input end of the first gearbox is driven to the output end of the propulsion motor via the flexible coupling. The output end of the first gearbox is driven to the input end of the second gearbox, and the output end of the second gearbox is driven to the propeller blades.

[0011] In an optional embodiment, the blade includes a first blade and a second blade, the first blade and the second blade being drivenly connected to the output end of the second gearbox, and the first blade and the second blade being located on the front and rear sides of the second gearbox, respectively.

[0012] In an optional embodiment, the input end of the first gearbox is provided with an input shaft, the input shaft is connected to the flexible coupling, and the output end of the first gearbox is connected to the input end of the second gearbox via a transmission shaft.

[0013] The output end of the second gearbox is provided with an output shaft, which is connected to the propeller drive.

[0014] In an optional embodiment, the plate body is provided with a servo compartment, the lithium-ion battery pack, the propulsion motor and the first gearbox are disposed in the servo compartment, the second gearbox and the propeller are disposed outside the servo compartment, and the second gearbox is disposed directly below the first gearbox.

[0015] In an optional embodiment, the servo compartment of the plate is further provided with a propulsion local control box, a propeller control box, and a propeller hydraulic pump control box.

[0016] In an optional embodiment, the reduction ratio of the rudder propeller device is 2.2, the blade rotation speed of the rudder propeller device is 454.5 rpm, and the slewing speed of the rudder propeller device is 180° / 12~15S.

[0017] In an optional embodiment, the lithium-ion battery pack includes a lithium iron phosphate battery pack with a rated capacity of at least 710 kWh.

[0018] The beneficial effects of the propulsion device provided in this embodiment of the utility model include:

[0019] Compared to traditional diesel engine-based propulsion motors, the propulsion device of this application uses a lithium-ion battery pack. The lithium-ion battery pack drives the propulsion motor through battery discharge, eliminating the need for a traditional propulsion shaft system. This avoids mechanical transmission losses from the propulsion shaft system and losses from incomplete combustion of the diesel engine, improving propulsion efficiency and reducing environmental pollution. At the same time, by incorporating a lithium-ion battery pack and a flexible coupling, noise during navigation is reduced, providing a comfortable environment for tourists. Attached Figure Description

[0020] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of this utility model and should not be regarded as a limitation on the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the propulsion device mounted on the sheet body according to this embodiment;

[0022] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the propulsion device located on the left plate in this embodiment;

[0023] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the propulsion device located on the right side of the body, as provided in this embodiment.

[0024] Icons: 010 - Catamaran; 012 - Single hull; 0121 - Left hull; 0122 - Right hull; 0123 - Steering gear compartment; 013 - Propulsion equipment; 100 - Propulsion motor; 200 - Flexible coupling; 300 - Connecting bolt; 400 - Steering propeller assembly; 410 - First gearbox; 420 - Second gearbox; 430 - Propeller blade; 431 - First propeller blade; 432 - Second propeller blade; 500 - Propulsion local control box; 600 - Steering propeller control box; 700 - Steering propeller hydraulic pump control box. Detailed Implementation

[0025] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of this utility model described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0026] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0027] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.

[0028] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that if terms such as "upper," "lower," "inner," or "outer" are used to indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship in which the utility model product is usually placed during use, they are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and 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 of this utility model.

[0029] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish descriptions and should not be interpreted as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0030] It should be noted that, where there is no conflict, the features in the embodiments of this utility model can be combined with each other.

[0031] The following describes in detail the overall structure, working principle, and technical effects of the propulsion device 013 provided by this utility model through embodiments and in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0032] Please refer to Figures 1-3 The propulsion device 013 provided by this utility model is applied to the catamaran 010 that requires new energy.

[0033] Among them, propulsion equipment 013 can be applied to new energy catamarans that require short-distance, high-frequency transportation, such as ferries and harbor vessels; propulsion equipment 013 can also be applied to new energy catamarans that need to operate in environmentally sensitive areas, such as environmentally sensitive areas requiring zero emissions in inland rivers / lakes / ecological protection zones; propulsion equipment 013 can also be applied to new energy catamarans that require dynamic load requirements, such as tugboats and icebreakers, which require rapid torque response from motors.

[0034] Please refer to Figures 1-3 This embodiment proposes a propulsion device 013, which is used on a catamaran 010. The catamaran 010 includes two connected hulls 012, and each of the two hulls 012 is equipped with a propulsion device 013. The propulsion device 013 is used to drive the catamaran 010. The propulsion device 013 includes a lithium-ion battery pack, a propulsion motor 100, a flexible coupling 200, and a rudder propeller device 400. The lithium-ion battery pack is electrically connected to the propulsion motor 100, and the output end of the propulsion motor 100 is connected to the rudder propeller device 400 through the flexible coupling 200.

[0035] Understandably, the propulsion device 013 uses a lithium-ion battery pack, which drives the propeller device 400 through the propulsion motor 100, eliminating the need for a propulsion shaft system and improving propulsion efficiency. At the same time, compared to the traditional diesel engine-based propulsion motor 100, using a lithium-ion battery pack for electric propulsion reduces environmental pollution and lowers noise during navigation, providing a comfortable environment for tourists.

[0036] In this embodiment, the propulsion device is mounted on the catamaran 010.

[0037] In this embodiment, please refer to Figures 2-3 The propulsion device 013 is used on the catamaran 010. The catamaran 010 includes two connected hulls 012. The propulsion device 013 is provided in both hulls 012. The propulsion device 013 is used to drive the catamaran 010.

[0038] The catamaran 010 also includes a deck, and two hulls 012 are the left hull 0121 and the right hull 0122, respectively. The left hull 0121 and the right hull 0122 are respectively located on both sides of the deck. The steering gear compartments 0123 of the left hull 0121 and the right hull 0122 are located below the deck. Both the steering gear compartments 0121 and the right hull 0122 are equipped with propulsion devices so that the two propulsion devices can drive the catamaran 010 to move.

[0039] In this embodiment, please refer to Figure 1 The propulsion device includes a propulsion device 013 comprising a lithium-ion battery pack, a propulsion motor 100, a flexible coupling 200, and a propeller assembly 400; the lithium-ion battery pack is electrically connected to the propulsion motor 100, and the output end of the propulsion motor 100 is connected to the propeller assembly 400 via the flexible coupling 200.

[0040] In this embodiment, the lithium-ion battery pack includes a lithium iron phosphate battery pack with a rated capacity of at least 710 kWh.

[0041] Understandably, in a traditional diesel-powered propulsion motor 100, the diesel engine needs to convert the heat energy from fuel combustion into mechanical energy, which is then transmitted to the propulsion motor 100 via a propulsion shaft system. In contrast, the lithium-ion battery pack drives the propulsion motor 100 through battery discharge, eliminating the need for a propulsion shaft system. This avoids mechanical transmission losses associated with propulsion shaft systems and losses from incomplete combustion in the diesel engine, thus improving propulsion efficiency and reducing environmental pollution. Furthermore, using a lithium-ion battery pack for electric propulsion, compared to a traditional diesel-powered propulsion motor 100, produces no mechanical noise, thereby reducing noise during navigation and providing a more comfortable environment for passengers.

[0042] In this embodiment, the propulsion motor 100 can be a 100kW, 1000rpm propulsion motor 100.

[0043] It is understood that the catamaran 010 in this application is used to carry passengers, with a passenger capacity of 300 people. Therefore, the rated capacity of the lithium iron phosphate battery pack used in this application is at least 710 kWh, and a 100 kW, 1000 rpm propulsion motor 100 is used. In other embodiments, the rated capacity of the lithium iron phosphate battery pack and the type of propulsion motor 100 can be selected according to actual needs.

[0044] In this embodiment, please refer to Figure 1 The flexible coupling 200 is connected to the output end of the propulsion motor 100 via a bushing, and the flexible coupling 200 is fixedly connected to the input end of the rudder propeller device 400.

[0045] The flexible coupling 200 is fixedly connected to the input end of the propeller device 400 by connecting bolts 300.

[0046] It is understandable that during ship operation, misalignment between the motor shaft and output shaft may occur due to installation errors, thermal expansion, or hull deformation, such as axial offset, radial misalignment, or angular deviation. The flexible coupling 200 absorbs this misalignment using flexible elements such as rubber, polyurethane, or metal springs, preventing bearing damage or increased vibration caused by rigid connections. Simultaneously, the propulsion motor 100 generates mechanical vibrations during operation; the flexible coupling 200 dampens this vibrational energy through its flexible elements, reducing the amplitude of vibrations transmitted to the propeller assembly 400 and the hull, further reducing noise and improving passenger comfort.

[0047] In this embodiment, please refer to Figure 1 The propeller assembly 400 includes a first gearbox 410, a second gearbox 420, and a propeller blade 430. The input end of the first gearbox 410 is connected to the output end of the propulsion motor 100 via a flexible coupling 200. The output end of the first gearbox 410 is connected to the input end of the second gearbox 420, and the output end of the second gearbox 420 is connected to the propeller blade 430.

[0048] The output end of the first gearbox 410 and the input end of the second gearbox 420 are connected by a drive shaft.

[0049] In this embodiment, the input end of the first gearbox 410 is provided with an input shaft, which is fixedly connected to the flexible coupling 200 by connecting bolts 300. The output end of the first gearbox 410 is connected to the input end of the second gearbox 420 via a drive shaft; wherein, the output end of the second gearbox 420 is provided with an output shaft, which is connected to the blade 430.

[0050] It is understandable that the output end of the propulsion motor 100 drives the blade 430 to rotate through the flexible coupling 200, input shaft, first gearbox 410, transmission shaft, second gearbox 420 and output shaft, and the rotation of the blade 430 drives the catamaran 010 to move.

[0051] Alternatively, please refer to Figure 1 The blade 430 includes a first blade 431 and a second blade 432. The first blade 431 and the second blade 432 are connected to the output end of the second gearbox 420 for transmission, and the first blade 431 and the second blade 432 are located at the front and rear of the second gearbox 420, respectively.

[0052] The output shaft passes through the second gearbox 420. The first blade 431 is located on the front side of the second gearbox 420 and is connected to the front output shaft for transmission. The second blade 432 is located on the rear side of the second gearbox 420 and is connected to the rear output shaft for transmission.

[0053] In this embodiment, please refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 The plate body 012 has a servo compartment 0123 inside, and the lithium-ion battery pack, propulsion motor 100 and first gearbox 410 are located inside the servo compartment 0123. The second gearbox 420 and propeller 430 are located outside the servo compartment 0123, and the second gearbox 420 is located directly below the first gearbox 410.

[0054] In this embodiment, the servo compartment 0123 of the sheet body 012 is also equipped with a propulsion local control box 500, a servo propeller control box 600, and a servo propeller hydraulic pump control box 700. The propulsion local control box 500, the servo propeller control box 600, and the servo propeller hydraulic pump control box 700 are electrically connected to the propulsion equipment 013.

[0055] Please refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 Both the left and right segments 0121 and 0122 are equipped with a propulsion local control box 500, a propeller control box 600, and a propeller hydraulic pump control box 700.

[0056] The rudder propeller device 400 has a reduction ratio of 2.2, the blade 430 of the rudder propeller device 400 rotates at a speed of 454.5 rpm, and the rudder propeller device 400 has a rotational speed of 180° / 12~15S.

[0057] The rotation speed of the rudder propeller device 400 is 180° / 12~15S, which can be understood as the rudder propeller device 400 can complete a 180° directional rotation within 12 to 15 seconds.

[0058] The working principle of the propulsion device 013 provided in this embodiment of the utility model is as follows: the propulsion devices 013 of the left hull 0121 and the right hull 0122 work simultaneously and propel the catamaran 010 to move; during the operation of the catamaran 010, the propulsion device 013 can be controlled by the propulsion local control box 500, the rudder propeller control box 600, and the rudder propeller hydraulic pump control box 700.

[0059] In summary, the propulsion device 013 provided in this embodiment of the present invention, compared with the traditional propulsion motor 100 that uses a diesel engine, adopts a lithium-ion battery pack. The lithium-ion battery pack drives the propulsion motor 100 by discharging the battery, eliminating the need for a traditional propulsion shaft system. This avoids the mechanical transmission losses of the propulsion shaft system and the losses from incomplete combustion of the diesel engine, thereby improving propulsion efficiency and reducing environmental pollution. At the same time, by setting up the lithium-ion battery pack and the flexible coupling 200, the noise during navigation is reduced, providing a comfortable environment for tourists.

[0060] The above are merely specific embodiments of this utility model, but the protection scope of this utility model is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this utility model should be included within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A propulsion device, characterized in that, The propulsion device is used on a catamaran, which includes two connected hulls, each of which is equipped with a propulsion device for driving the catamaran. The propulsion equipment includes a lithium-ion battery pack, a propulsion motor, a flexible coupling, and a rudder propeller assembly; the lithium-ion battery pack is electrically connected to the propulsion motor, and the output end of the propulsion motor is connected to the rudder propeller assembly through the flexible coupling.

2. The propulsion device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The flexible coupling is connected to the output end of the propulsion motor via a bushing, and the flexible coupling is fixedly connected to the input end of the rudder propeller device.

3. The propulsion device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The flexible coupling is fixedly connected to the input end of the propeller device by connecting bolts.

4. The propulsion device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The propeller assembly includes a first gearbox, a second gearbox, and propeller blades. The input end of the first gearbox is connected to the output end of the propulsion motor via the flexible coupling. The output end of the first gearbox is connected to the input end of the second gearbox, and the output end of the second gearbox is connected to the propeller blades.

5. The propulsion device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The blade includes a first blade and a second blade, which are connected to the output end of the second gearbox and are respectively located on the front and rear sides of the second gearbox.

6. The propulsion device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first gearbox has an input shaft at its input end, which is connected to the flexible coupling. The output end of the first gearbox is connected to the input end of the second gearbox via a transmission shaft. The output end of the second gearbox is provided with an output shaft, which is connected to the propeller drive.

7. The propulsion device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The plate body is provided with a servo compartment, the lithium-ion battery pack, the propulsion motor and the first gearbox are disposed in the servo compartment, the second gearbox and the propeller are disposed outside the servo compartment, and the second gearbox is disposed directly below the first gearbox.

8. The propulsion device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The servo compartment of the plate is also equipped with a propulsion local control box, a propeller control box, and a propeller hydraulic pump control box.

9. The propulsion device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The reduction ratio of the rudder propeller device is 2.2, the blade rotation speed of the rudder propeller device is 454.5 rpm, and the rotational speed of the rudder propeller device is 180° / 12~15S.

10. The propulsion device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lithium-ion battery pack includes a lithium iron phosphate battery pack, wherein the rated capacity of the lithium iron phosphate battery pack is at least 710 kWh.