Underwater propulsor and vehicle

Abstract

This disclosure relates to an underwater propulsion device and a vehicle. The underwater propulsion device includes a drive mechanism and a propulsion mechanism connected to the drive mechanism. The propulsion mechanism includes a housing and a guide section located inside the housing. A guide channel with an inlet and an outlet is formed between the guide section and the housing. A helical blade is disposed on the guide section and is located within the guide channel and driven by the drive mechanism. The outer peripheral surface of the guide section forms a guide wall. The cross-sectional area of ​​the guide wall decreases from the inlet to the outlet, and the cross-section is perpendicular to the pivot axis of the helical blade. The technical solution provided by this disclosure can effectively guide water flow through the guide channel, avoid abrupt contraction and expansion of the water flow, reduce local low pressure, effectively reduce cavitation formation, reduce noise, and enhance thrust.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of propulsion technology, and more specifically, to an underwater propulsion device and a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] The propulsion system is the main power source for waterborne and amphibious vehicles to navigate on water, and it also has a significant impact on the structural design and power matching system optimization of the vehicle.

[0003] In related technologies, water propulsion devices are prone to cavitation due to their structural design, which damages the propeller blades, causes noise pollution, and is also not conducive to enhancing the thrust of the water propulsion device. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide an underwater propulsion device and a vehicle that can effectively reduce noise pollution and enhance the thrust of the underwater propulsion device, so as to at least partially solve the above-mentioned technical problems.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, a first aspect of this disclosure provides an underwater thruster, comprising:

[0006] Drive mechanism;

[0007] A propulsion mechanism is connected to the drive mechanism and includes a cover and a flow guide located inside the cover. A flow guide channel with an inlet and an outlet is formed between the flow guide and the cover. A spiral blade is provided on the flow guide and is located inside the flow guide channel and driven by the drive mechanism. A flow guide wall is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the flow guide. The cross-sectional area of ​​the flow guide wall decreases from the inlet toward the outlet. The cross-section is perpendicular to the pivot axis of the spiral blade.

[0008] Optionally, the drive mechanism includes a housing and an output shaft extending from the housing. The flow guide includes a first flow guide, a second flow guide, and a third flow guide arranged sequentially from the inlet to the outlet. The first flow guide is connected to the housing, the second flow guide is connected to the output shaft, the spiral blade is disposed on the second flow guide, and the outer peripheral surfaces of the first flow guide, the second flow guide, and the third flow guide form the flow guide wall.

[0009] Optionally, the outer peripheral surface of the first flow guide includes a first frustum side surface, and the outer peripheral surface of the second flow guide includes a second frustum side surface. The generatrix of the first frustum side surface has a first included angle with the pivot axis, and the generatrix of the second frustum side surface has a second included angle with the pivot axis. The first included angle and the second included angle are the same.

[0010] Optionally, the outer peripheral surface of the third guide portion includes a third frustum side surface, and the generatrix of the third frustum side surface has a third included angle with the pivot axis, the third included angle being smaller than the first included angle.

[0011] Optionally, the housing has a first mating surface and a first mating portion disposed on the first mating surface, the first guide portion includes a second mating surface and a second mating portion disposed on the second mating surface, the first mating surface is used to guide and position the second mating surface so that the second mating portion mates with the first mating portion, and the first mating portion and the second mating portion are connected by a first connector.

[0012] Optionally, the first mating surface includes a fourth frustum side surface, and the second mating surface includes a fifth frustum side surface that fits onto and conforms to the fourth frustum side surface.

[0013] Optionally, the cover includes a first cover and a second cover that are joined together, the first flow guide is connected to the first cover through a first separator, and the water inlet is formed between the first flow guide and the first cover;

[0014] The third flow guide is connected to the second cover via a second separator, and the water outlet is formed between the third flow guide and the second cover.

[0015] Optionally, the first cover is provided with a third mating part, and the second cover is provided with a fourth mating part that can cooperate with the third mating part. The third mating part and the fourth mating part are connected by a second connector. The first cover and the second cover are sleeved on each other. The first cover and / or the second cover are provided with a positioning part, which is used to position the relative position of the first cover and the second cover.

[0016] Optionally, the positioning part includes a first shoulder disposed inside the first cover and a second shoulder disposed outside the second cover.

[0017] Optionally, the length of the second cover and / or the third guide portion in the extension direction of the pivot axis is greater than the length of the first cover and / or the first guide portion in the extension direction of the pivot axis.

[0018] Optionally, the inlet area of ​​the water inlet is smaller than the outlet area of ​​the water outlet.

[0019] Optionally, the area of ​​the cross-section of the outer peripheral wall of the cover decreases from the water inlet toward the water outlet.

[0020] Optionally, the cover is provided with mounting parts suitable for connection with the vehicle's underbody protection plate.

[0021] Optionally, the underwater thruster further includes a fixing structure disposed on the drive mechanism, the fixing structure being adapted to be connected to the vehicle body.

[0022] Optionally, the fixing structure includes a first plate and a second plate. The first plate is provided with mounting portions suitable for connecting the vehicle body longitudinal beam at both ends along the pivot axis. The second plate is connected to one side of the first plate and located between the two mounting portions. The second plate is connected to the drive mechanism.

[0023] Optionally, the drive mechanism includes a drive unit and a control unit. The drive unit has a first end and a second end opposite to each other along the pivot axis. The first end is connected to the propulsion mechanism, and the second end is connected to the control unit.

[0024] A second aspect of this disclosure is to provide a vehicle comprising the aforementioned underwater propulsion device.

[0025] Optionally, the means of transportation is a vehicle.

[0026] Through the above technical solution, a flow guide is provided inside the casing. By designing the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow guide wall to decrease from the inlet to the outlet, the water flow can be effectively guided through the flow guide channel, avoiding abrupt contraction and expansion of the water flow, reducing local low pressure, and thus effectively reducing cavitation formation. Furthermore, the overall flow guide wall surface is smoother, reducing resistance to the water flow within the flow guide channel, further reducing cavitation and enhancing thrust. Therefore, the underwater thruster provided in this disclosure can effectively reduce noise, enhance thrust, and extend the service life of the underwater thruster, while also improving its reliability.

[0027] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only, and are not intended to limit this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0028] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with this disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this disclosure.

[0029] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the underwater thruster provided in an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure;

[0030] Figure 2 The explosion of the underwater thruster provided in the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure Figure 1 ;

[0031] Figure 3 The explosion of the underwater thruster provided in the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure Figure 2 ;

[0032] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of an underwater thruster provided in an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure.

[0033] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0034] 10. Drive mechanism; 101. Control unit; 102. Drive unit; 103. Output shaft; 1020. Housing; 1020a. First mating surface;

[0035] 20. Cover; 201. First cover; 202. Second cover; 21. Flow guide; 210. First flow guide; 2100. Side of the first frustum; 2101. Second mating surface; 211. Second flow guide; 2110. Side of the second frustum; 212. Third flow guide; 2120. Side of the third frustum; 22. Flow guide channel; 220. Inlet; 221. Outlet; 23. Spiral blade; 24. Second mating part; 25. First separator; 26. Second separator; 27. Third mating part; 28. Fourth mating part; 290. First shoulder; 291. Second shoulder;

[0036] 30. First connector; 31. Mounting component; 32. Fixing structure; 320. First plate; 321. Mounting part; 322. Second plate. Detailed Implementation

[0037] The specific embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are for illustration and explanation only and are not intended to limit this disclosure.

[0038] In this disclosure, unless otherwise stated, "inner" and "outer" refer to the inner and outer contours of the corresponding components. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" used in this disclosure are for distinguishing one element from another and are not sequential or significant. In addition, when the following description relates to the accompanying drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numbers in different drawings represent the same or similar elements.

[0039] refer to Figures 1 to 4 As shown, in a first aspect of this disclosure, an underwater thruster is provided. The underwater thruster may include a drive mechanism 10 and a propulsion mechanism connected to the drive mechanism 10. The propulsion mechanism may include a housing 20 and a flow guide 21 located inside the housing 20. A flow guide channel 22 with an inlet 220 and an outlet 221 is formed between the flow guide 21 and the housing 20. A helical blade 23 located inside the flow guide channel 22 and driven by the drive mechanism 10 is provided on the flow guide 21. A flow guide wall is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the flow guide 21. The cross-sectional area of ​​the flow guide wall decreases from the inlet 220 toward the outlet 221, and the cross-section is perpendicular to the pivot axis of the helical blade 23.

[0040] Through the above technical solution, a flow guide 21 is provided inside the cover 20. By designing the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow guide wall to decrease from the inlet 220 to the outlet 221, the water flow can be effectively guided through the flow guide channel 22, avoiding abrupt contraction and expansion of the water flow, reducing local low pressure, effectively reducing the formation of cavitation, and making the overall flow guide wall smoother, reducing the resistance encountered by the water flow in the flow guide channel 22, further reducing the generation of cavitation, reducing noise, increasing thrust, and effectively extending the service life of the underwater thruster, making it more reliable in use.

[0041] The number of helical blades 23 can be adaptively adjusted according to actual needs. For example, to balance the relationship between thrust and vibration, exemplarily as follows: Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the number of propeller blades 23 can be four, or, to increase thrust, three, or, to reduce noise, six. This disclosure does not impose any specific limitation in this regard.

[0042] The helical blade 23 can be a large-sided inclined blade to reduce the impact force of the helical blade 23 contacting the water flow simultaneously, thereby reducing vibration and cavitation. This disclosure does not impose specific limitations on this, and those skilled in the art can make adaptive adjustments according to actual needs.

[0043] In some feasible ways, for example, refer to Figures 2 to 4 As shown, the drive mechanism 10 may include a housing 1020 and an output shaft extending out of the housing 1020. The flow guide 21 may include a first flow guide 210, a second flow guide 211 and a third flow guide 212 arranged sequentially from the inlet 220 to the outlet 221. The first flow guide 210 is connected to the housing 1020, the second flow guide 211 is connected to the output shaft, and the spiral blade 23 is disposed on the second flow guide 211. The outer peripheral surfaces of the first flow guide 210, the second flow guide 211 and the third flow guide 212 form a flow guide wall. By setting multiple guide sections 21, operators can easily adjust the guide wall surfaces of different guide sections 21. For example, the tilt angle of each guide wall surface toward the pivot axis of the spiral blade 23 can be adjusted according to actual needs. This provides greater flexibility in use. The first guide section 210 is connected to the housing 1020, and the second guide section 211 is connected to the output shaft to avoid the water flow from contracting sharply when it enters the guide channel 22 after passing through the housing 1020, thereby better reducing the generation of cavitation.

[0044] The cross-sectional area of ​​the guide wall, decreasing from the inlet 220 to the outlet 221, can be adaptively adjusted according to actual needs. For example, the guide wall can be streamlined, or the inclination angles of the outer peripheral surfaces of the first guide section 210 and the second guide section 211 toward the pivot axis of the helical blade 23 can be the same, while the inclination angle of the outer peripheral surface of the third guide section 212 toward the pivot axis of the helical blade 23 can be slightly larger than the inclination angles of the outer peripheral surfaces of the first guide section 210 and the second guide section 211 toward the pivot axis of the helical blade 23. It should be noted that the value of "slightly larger" should be obtained while avoiding a sharp decrease in the contact area between the water flow and the guide wall. Of course, the inclination angle of the outer peripheral surface of the third guide section 212 toward the pivot axis of the helical blade 23 can be slightly smaller than the inclination angle of the outer peripheral surface of the first guide section 210 and the second guide section 211 toward the pivot axis of the helical blade 23. The value of "slightly smaller" should be a value obtained while avoiding a sharp increase in the contact between the water flow and the guide wall. This disclosure does not impose a specific limitation in this regard, and those skilled in the art can make adaptive adjustments according to the actual needs. In addition, the inclination angle of the outer peripheral surface of the third guide section 212 toward the pivot axis of the helical blade 23 can be equal to the inclination angle of the outer peripheral surface of the first guide section 210 and the second guide section 211 toward the pivot axis of the helical blade 23.

[0045] In some feasible ways, for example, refer to Figures 2 to 4 As shown, the outer peripheral surface of the first guide section 210 may include a first frustum side surface 2100, and the outer peripheral surface of the second guide section 211 may include a second frustum side surface 2110. The generatrix of the first frustum side surface 2100 has a first included angle with the pivot axis, and the generatrix of the second frustum side surface 2110 has a second included angle with the pivot axis. The first and second included angles are the same. Through this method, a smooth transition is formed between the first guide section 210 and the second guide section 211, reducing the resistance generated by the outer peripheral surface to the water flow, preventing local fluid separation or the generation of eddies, thereby increasing thrust and reducing cavitation.

[0046] In some feasible ways, for example, refer to Figures 2 to 4 As shown, the outer peripheral surface of the third guide section 212 includes a third frustum side surface 2120. The generatrix of the third frustum side surface 2120 has a third included angle with the pivot axis, and the third included angle is smaller than the first included angle. In this way, the water outlet area can be adjusted by the angle of the third included angle to optimize the performance of the underwater thruster.

[0047] Furthermore, the design of the first frustum side 2100, the second frustum side 2110, and the third frustum side 2120 enables the first guide section 210, the second guide section 211, and the third guide section 212 to form a gradually narrowing structure, preventing the water flow from suddenly expanding or contracting when entering the guide channel 22, reducing pressure drop, thereby reducing the generation of cavitation bubbles and reducing noise pollution.

[0048] The inlet area of ​​the inlet 220 can be smaller than the outlet area of ​​the outlet 221. As described above, the first guide section 210 is connected to the housing 1020, the second guide section 211 is connected to the output shaft, and the third guide section 212 is connected to the second guide section 211. A tapered structure is formed between the first guide section 210, the second guide section 211, and the third guide section 212, as exemplarily shown below. Figure 4 As shown, when the inlet area of ​​the inlet 220 is small, the water flow velocity in the guide channel 22 increases. After the water flow contacts the guide wall, it is guided by the guide wall to flow towards the outlet 221. Since the outlet area of ​​the outlet 221 is large, the flow velocity of the water can be slowed down. Throughout the process, the rapid contraction and expansion of the water flow are avoided. Through the guidance of the guide wall, the separation of the water flow and the generation of eddies in the guide channel 22 are reduced, effectively reducing the generation of cavitation bubbles, thereby reducing noise, and at the same time effectively enhancing the thrust.

[0049] In some feasible ways, for example, refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the housing 1020 may have a first mating surface 1020a and a first mating portion disposed on the first mating surface 1020a. The first flow guide 210 may include a second mating surface 2101 and a second mating portion 24 disposed on the second mating surface 2101. The first mating surface 1020a is used to guide and position the second mating surface 2101 so that the second mating portion 24 mates with the first mating portion. The first mating portion and the second mating portion 24 are connected by a first connector 30. By providing the first mating surface 1020a and the second mating surface 2101, the assembly of the first flow guide 210 and the housing 1020 can be facilitated. The connection of the first mating portion and the second mating portion 24 through the first connector 30 facilitates the disassembly and replacement of the first flow guide 210 and the housing 1020, allowing for timely replacement and maintenance when the first flow guide 210 or the housing 1020 is damaged, making it more convenient.

[0050] The construction of the first mating part, the second mating part 24, and the first connecting member 30 can be adapted to meet actual needs. For example, the first mating part can be constructed as a threaded hole, the second mating part 24 as a through hole, and the first connecting member 30 as a bolt; or, the first mating part can be constructed as a slot, the second mating part 24 as a latch, and the first connecting member 30 as a fixing member (e.g., a spring lock) disposed in the slot; or, the first mating part and the second mating part 24 can be fixed by magnetic attraction. This disclosure does not impose specific limitations in this regard.

[0051] Optionally, the first mating surface 1020a may include the side surface of a fourth frustum, and the second mating surface 2101 may include the side surface of a fifth frustum that fits onto the side surface of the fourth frustum. By setting the first mating surface 1020a and the second mating surface 2101 to a frustum shape, a tapered structure is formed after the first flow guide 210 mates with the housing 1020, which better guides the water flow and avoids unevenness between the housing 1020 and the first flow guide 210, thus preventing water flow separation or eddies and cavitation effects.

[0052] In some feasible ways, for example, refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the cover 20 may include a first cover 201 and a second cover 202 connected together. A first flow guide 210 can be connected to the first cover 201 via a first separator 25, and an inlet 220 is formed between the first flow guide 210 and the first cover 201. A third flow guide 212 can be connected to the second cover 202 via a second separator 26, and an outlet 221 is formed between the third flow guide 212 and the second cover 202. By providing the first separator 25 and the second separator 26, the flow guide channels 22 within the cover 20 can be separated to uniformly distribute the flow velocity, reduce energy loss of the water flow in the channels, and increase thrust.

[0053] Optionally, the number of first partitions 25 can be multiple and arranged at intervals around the first guide portion 210; and / or, the number of second partitions 26 can also be multiple and arranged at intervals around the third guide portion 212. For example, as shown below... Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the number of first partitions 25 can be six, and the number of second partitions 26 can be five. By setting multiple first partitions 25 and multiple second partitions 26, the flow channel 22 is divided into multiple sections to reduce the flow velocity in each channel, optimize the pressure distribution, minimize the adverse effects of cavitation, and distribute the water pressure generated by the water flow to each flow channel 22 by splitting the fluid flow, so that the underwater thruster can operate at higher speeds, thereby increasing thrust.

[0054] In some feasible ways, for example, refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, a third mating part 27 may be provided on the first cover 201, and a fourth mating part 28 may be provided on the second cover 202 to cooperate with the third mating part 27. The third mating part 27 and the fourth mating part 28 are connected by a second connector. The first cover 201 and the second cover 202 are sleeved together. A positioning part may be provided on the first cover 201 and / or the second cover 202 to position the relative positions of the first cover 201 and the second cover 202. The sleeved cooperation of the first cover 201 and the second cover 202 facilitates disassembly and replacement of the first cover 201 and the second cover 202 when damaged or deformed. By providing the positioning part, the movement distance of the first cover 201 and the second cover 202 when they cooperate can be limited, so that the third mating part 27 and the fourth mating part 28 can be accurately positioned.

[0055] The structures of the third mating part 27, the fourth mating part 28, and the second connecting member can be adapted to meet the actual needs. For example, the fourth mating part 28 can be constructed as a threaded hole, the third mating part 27 can be constructed as a through hole, and the second connecting member can be constructed as a bolt. Alternatively, the third mating part 27 and the fourth mating part 28 can also be connected by snap-fit, magnetic connection, or other methods. This disclosure does not impose specific limitations in this regard.

[0056] In some feasible ways, for example, refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the positioning part may include a first shoulder 290 disposed inside the first cover 201 and a second shoulder 291 disposed outside the second cover 202. The arrangement of the first shoulder 290 and the second shoulder 291 can prevent excessive relative displacement between the first cover 201 and the second cover 202 when they are nested together, thus preventing the third mating part 27 and the fourth mating part 28 from being unable to be accurately positioned.

[0057] In some feasible ways, for example, refer to Figure 1 As shown, the length of the second cover 202 and / or the third guide section 212 in the extension direction of the pivot axis is greater than the length of the first cover 201 and / or the first guide section 210 in the extension direction of the pivot axis. In this manner, the length of the guide channel 22 can be extended. Interacting with the guide section 21, which decreases in length from the inlet 220 to the outlet 221, the relationship between fluid acceleration and resistance can be effectively balanced, optimizing the flow velocity and thus increasing the thrust.

[0058] In some feasible ways, for example, such as Figures 1 to 3As shown, the cross-sectional area of ​​the outer peripheral wall of the cover 20 decreases from the inlet 220 towards the outlet 221. By designing the outer peripheral wall of the cover 20 to also decrease from the inlet 220 towards the outlet 221, for example, by designing the cover 20 to be streamlined or approximately streamlined, the friction between the water flow and the cover 20 can be reduced, thereby reducing resistance.

[0059] In some feasible ways, for example, refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the cover 20 may be provided with a mounting piece 31 suitable for connecting with the vehicle underbody protection plate, so as to facilitate the installation of the vehicle underbody protection plate.

[0060] Mounting component 31 can be constructed in any suitable manner. For example, mounting component 31 may include a positioning post and a threaded hole provided on the positioning post, etc. This disclosure does not specifically limit it in this regard.

[0061] In some feasible ways, for example, refer to Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the underwater thruster may also include a fixing structure 32 disposed on the drive mechanism 10. The fixing structure 32 is adapted to be connected to the vehicle body so as to facilitate the operator to disassemble and replace the underwater thruster.

[0062] Optionally, the fixing structure 32 may include a first plate 320 and a second plate 322. The first plate 320 has mounting portions 321 at both ends along the pivot axis, suitable for connecting to the vehicle body longitudinal beams. The second plate 322 is connected to one side of the first plate 320 and located between the two mounting portions 321. The second plate 322 is connected to the drive mechanism 10, for example as shown below. Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the first plate 320 can be provided with mounting portions 321 at both ends of its axial extension along the drive mechanism 10. The mounting portions 321 are used to connect with the longitudinal beams of the vehicle body. By reducing the length of the second plate 322, the length of the second plate 322 is less than the length of the first plate 320 and it is located between the two mounting portions 321 of the first plate 320, so as to avoid the structure on the vehicle body. Of course, the second plate 322 can also be provided with a mounting structure for connecting the vehicle body, such as the floor, subframe or other structures, so that the forces on both sides are balanced and there is no tilting or shaking. In addition, by providing the second plate 322, the position of the drive mechanism 10 and the propulsion mechanism in the width direction of the vehicle can be adjusted to avoid other components or optimize the space design.

[0063] The mounting part 321 can be constructed in any suitable manner; for example, the mounting part 321 can be constructed as a threaded hole or a through hole. This disclosure does not impose any specific limitations in this regard.

[0064] In some feasible ways, for example, refer to Figures 1 to 4As shown, the drive mechanism 10 may include a drive unit 102 and a control unit 101. The drive unit 102 has a first end and a second end opposite to each other along a pivot axis. The first end is connected to the propulsion mechanism, and the second end is connected to the control unit 101. By respectively arranging the control unit 101 and the propulsion mechanism at the second end and the first end of the drive unit 102, the three are located on the same pivot axis, thereby reducing resistance to water flow.

[0065] The drive unit 102 may be a motor, with the motor's output shaft 103 extending beyond the motor housing 1020 to connect to the second flow guide 211. The control unit 101 may include a motor controller. This disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0066] A second aspect of this disclosure is to provide a vehicle including an underwater propulsion device that has all the beneficial effects of the above-described embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0067] In some feasible implementations, the means of transport can be a vehicle, a ship, a submarine, etc. In other feasible implementations, the means of transport can be an underwater robot or an unmanned underwater vehicle. This disclosure does not specifically limit the scope of the implementation.

[0068] The preferred embodiments of this disclosure have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, this disclosure is not limited to the specific details of the above embodiments. Within the scope of the technical concept of this disclosure, various simple modifications can be made to the technical solutions of this disclosure, and these simple modifications all fall within the protection scope of this disclosure.

[0069] It should also be noted that the various specific technical features described in the above specific embodiments can be combined in any suitable manner without contradiction. In order to avoid unnecessary repetition, this disclosure will not describe the various possible combinations separately.

[0070] Furthermore, various different embodiments of this disclosure can be combined in any way, as long as they do not violate the spirit of this disclosure, they should also be regarded as the content disclosed in this disclosure.

Claims

1. An underwater propulsion device, characterized in that, include: Drive mechanism; and A propulsion mechanism is connected to the drive mechanism and includes a cover and a flow guide located inside the cover. A flow guide channel with an inlet and an outlet is formed between the flow guide and the cover. A spiral blade is provided on the flow guide and is located inside the flow guide channel and driven by the drive mechanism. A flow guide wall is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the flow guide. The cross-sectional area of ​​the flow guide wall decreases from the inlet toward the outlet. The cross-section is perpendicular to the pivot axis of the spiral blade.

2. The underwater thruster according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drive mechanism includes a housing and an output shaft extending from the housing. The flow guide includes a first flow guide, a second flow guide, and a third flow guide arranged sequentially from the inlet to the outlet. The first flow guide is connected to the housing, the second flow guide is connected to the output shaft, and the spiral blade is disposed on the second flow guide. The outer peripheral surfaces of the first flow guide, the second flow guide, and the third flow guide form the flow guide wall.

3. The underwater thruster according to claim 2, characterized in that, The outer peripheral surface of the first flow guide includes a first frustum side surface, and the outer peripheral surface of the second flow guide includes a second frustum side surface. The generatrix of the first frustum side surface has a first included angle with the pivot axis, and the generatrix of the second frustum side surface has a second included angle with the pivot axis. The first included angle and the second included angle are the same.

4. The underwater thruster according to claim 3, characterized in that, The outer peripheral surface of the third guide portion includes a third frustum side surface, and the generatrix of the third frustum side surface has a third included angle with the pivot axis, the third included angle being smaller than the first included angle.

5. The underwater thruster according to claim 2, characterized in that, The housing has a first mating surface and a first mating portion disposed on the first mating surface. The first guide portion includes a second mating surface and a second mating portion disposed on the second mating surface. The first mating surface is used to guide and position the second mating surface so that the second mating portion mates with the first mating portion. The first mating portion and the second mating portion are connected by a first connector.

6. The underwater thruster according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first mating surface includes the side surface of the fourth frustum, and the second mating surface includes the side surface of the fifth frustum that fits and conforms to the side surface of the fourth frustum.

7. The underwater thruster according to claim 2, characterized in that, The cover includes a first cover and a second cover that are connected together. The first flow guide is connected to the first cover through a first separator. The water inlet is formed between the first flow guide and the first cover. The third flow guide is connected to the second cover via a second separator, and the water outlet is formed between the third flow guide and the second cover.

8. The underwater thruster according to claim 7, characterized in that, The first cover is provided with a third mating part, and the second cover is provided with a fourth mating part that can cooperate with the third mating part. The third mating part and the fourth mating part are connected by a second connector. The first cover and the second cover are nested together, and the first cover and / or the second cover are provided with a positioning part, which is used to position the relative position of the first cover and the second cover.

9. The underwater thruster according to claim 8, characterized in that, The positioning part includes a first shoulder disposed inside the first cover and a second shoulder disposed outside the second cover.

10. The underwater thruster according to claim 7, characterized in that, The length of the second cover and / or the third guide portion in the extension direction of the pivot axis is greater than the length of the first cover and / or the first guide portion in the extension direction of the pivot axis.

11. The underwater thruster according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inlet area is smaller than the outlet area.

12. The underwater thruster according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cross-sectional area of ​​the outer peripheral wall of the cover decreases from the inlet to the outlet.

13. The underwater thruster according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cover is provided with mounting parts suitable for connection with the vehicle's underbody protection plate.

14. The underwater thruster according to claim 1, characterized in that, The underwater thruster also includes a fixing structure mounted on the drive mechanism, the fixing structure being adapted to be connected to the vehicle body.

15. The underwater thruster according to claim 14, characterized in that, The fixing structure includes a first plate and a second plate. The first plate has mounting portions suitable for connecting the vehicle body longitudinal beams at both ends along the pivot axis. The second plate is connected to one side of the first plate and located between the two mounting portions. The second plate is connected to the drive mechanism.

16. The underwater thruster according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drive mechanism includes a drive unit and a control unit. The drive unit has a first end and a second end opposite to each other along a pivot axis. The first end is connected to the propulsion mechanism, and the second end is connected to the control unit.

17. A means of transportation, characterized in that, Includes the underwater propulsion device according to any one of claims 1-16.

18. The means of transport according to claim 17, characterized in that, The means of transportation is a vehicle.

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