An underwater propeller and pod propulsion device

Abstract

The utility model discloses an underwater propeller and pod propelling device, an underwater propeller includes drive body, propeller and end cover, drive body is provided with drive shaft, propeller is connected with drive shaft coaxially, and is used for producing propelling force, end cover is set up in drive shaft, and is connected in drive body, and end cover and drive shaft have air seal structure and oil seal structure between, air seal structure and oil seal structure distribute along the direction of away from propeller in proper order, and air seal structure and oil seal structure are used for preventing the water of outside from seeping through the gap between end cover and drive shaft, utilize sealing washer, air seal structure and oil seal structure multiple barriers, effectively block outside water medium and infiltrate the inside of propeller, improve the sealing property of propeller.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the technical field of propulsion devices, and in particular to an underwater propulsion device and a pod propulsion device. Background Technology

[0002] Conventionally, a propulsion device typically includes a fixed housing, a propeller for generating thrust, and a drive shaft for transmitting power. The drive shaft is rotatably mounted inside the housing, with one end connected to a drive source and the other end driving the propeller to rotate.

[0003] Because the propulsion device operates in an underwater environment for extended periods, it contains sophisticated power components and electrical elements, such as motors, gearboxes, and bearings, all of which are extremely sensitive to water. To prevent external water from seeping into the device through the annular gap between the drive shaft and the housing, causing corrosion, short circuits, lubrication failure, or even equipment damage, an effective sealing structure must be installed at the penetration connection between the drive shaft and the housing.

[0004] However, when the drive shaft rotates at high speed, its surface continuously experiences intense frictional contact with the sealing ring. This long-term dynamic friction can cause the sealing ring to wear, age, harden, and even crack. As wear intensifies, the tightness of the fit between the sealing ring and the drive shaft gradually decreases, allowing water to seep through the gap between the sealing ring and the drive shaft, thus affecting the sealing performance of the propulsion device. Utility Model Content

[0005] This invention aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, this invention proposes an underwater thruster that utilizes multiple barriers—a sealing ring, an airtight structure, and an oil-sealing structure—to effectively prevent external water media from seeping into the thruster's interior, thereby improving the thruster's sealing performance.

[0006] This utility model also proposes a pod propulsion device having the above-mentioned underwater thruster.

[0007] An underwater propulsion device according to a first aspect of the present invention includes: a drive body, wherein the drive body is provided with a drive shaft; a propeller, the propeller being coaxially connected to the drive shaft and used to generate thrust; an end cap, the end cap being sleeved on the drive shaft and connected to the drive body, wherein the end cap and the drive shaft have an air-tight structure and an oil-tight structure, the air-tight structure and the oil-tight structure being sequentially distributed in a direction away from the propeller, the air-tight structure and the oil-tight structure being used to prevent external water from seeping through the gap between the end cap and the drive shaft; The air seal structure has an air storage channel, a first sealing ring, and a second sealing ring. The air storage channel is used to fill compressed air. The first sealing ring and the second sealing ring are sleeved on the drive shaft in a direction close to the propeller. The first sealing ring and the second sealing ring form a first annular cavity, which communicates with the air storage channel. The oil seal structure has an oil storage channel and a third sealing ring. The air storage channel is used to fill hydraulic oil. The third sealing ring is sleeved on the drive shaft. The third sealing ring and the first sealing ring form a second annular cavity, which communicates with the oil storage channel.

[0008] An underwater propulsion device according to an embodiment of the present invention has at least the following beneficial effects: 1. This utility model, by setting up an air storage channel, a first sealing ring, and a second sealing ring, allows compressed air to be introduced into the air storage channel, so that the compressed air in the air storage channel fills the first annular cavity. Furthermore, the compressed air forms an air wall in the first annular cavity, which can prevent external water medium from seeping through the gap between the sealing ring and the drive shaft. Even if the sealing ring is worn, the sealing force can be maintained by air pressure, which significantly delays water seepage caused by wear.

[0009] 2. This utility model, by setting up an oil storage channel and a third sealing ring, allows hydraulic oil to be introduced into the oil storage channel, so that the hydraulic oil in the oil storage channel fills the second annular cavity. Due to the large molecular size of hydraulic oil, the hydraulic oil forms an oil film barrier in the second annular cavity, making it difficult for the hydraulic oil to penetrate through the gap between the sealing ring and the drive shaft. The hydraulic oil in the second annular cavity can be used to prevent the leakage of compressed air in the first annular cavity from between the third sealing ring and the drive shaft. Furthermore, even if the air seal structure fails, the hydraulic oil can block the diffusion of water vapor into the internal precision components, thereby improving the sealing performance of the propeller body.

[0010] 3. This utility model effectively blocks the infiltration of external water media by setting up an air-sealing structure and an oil-sealing structure, utilizing multiple barriers of sealing rings, air-sealing structure and oil-sealing structure, and is especially suitable for high-speed rotating shaft working conditions.

[0011] According to a first aspect of the present invention, an underwater thruster is provided, wherein the end cap has a mounting hole and a sealing seat mounted in the mounting hole, the sealing seat is sleeved on the drive shaft, and the sealing seat is provided with the gas sealing structure and the oil sealing structure.

[0012] According to a first aspect of the present invention, an underwater thruster is provided, wherein the sealing seat has a first annular groove for mounting a first sealing ring and a third sealing ring, the first annular groove having opposing first and second sidewalls, the first sidewall being positioned in contact with the first sealing ring, and the second sidewall being positioned in contact with the third sealing ring.

[0013] According to a first aspect of the present invention, an underwater thruster is provided in which the sealing seat is provided with a limiting ring, the limiting ring is located on one side of the first annular groove and is used to form the first sidewall, and the limiting ring is connected to the sealing seat by bolts.

[0014] According to a first aspect of the present invention, an underwater thruster is provided, wherein the sealing seat has a second annular groove, at least two second sealing rings are installed in the second annular groove, and a separator ring is provided between adjacent second sealing rings.

[0015] According to a first aspect of the present invention, an underwater thruster is provided, wherein the end cap has an air inlet channel and an air inlet nozzle disposed at the air inlet of the air inlet channel, the air inlet channel is connected to the air storage channel, and the air inlet nozzle is used to connect with an external air supply pipe.

[0016] According to a first aspect of the present invention, an underwater thruster is provided, wherein the end cap has an oil inlet channel and an oil inlet nozzle disposed at the oil inlet port of the oil inlet channel, the oil inlet channel is connected to the oil storage channel, and the oil inlet nozzle is used to connect to an external oil supply pipe.

[0017] According to a first aspect of the present invention, an underwater propulsion device is provided, wherein the end cap has a first annular shell and a second annular shell connected to each other, the first annular shell is connected to the drive body, the interior of the first annular shell accommodates the sealing seat, and the second annular shell is located on the side of the sealing seat near the propeller to prevent the sealing seat from detaching from the first annular shell.

[0018] This utility model also provides a pod propulsion device, which has the above-mentioned beneficial effects.

[0019] A pod propulsion device according to a second aspect of the present invention includes an underwater propulsion device as described in any one of the above claims.

[0020] A pod propulsion device according to a second aspect of the present invention includes a steering mechanism. The steering mechanism includes a hollow shaft erected vertically and a power component that drives the hollow shaft to rotate. The hollow shaft is connected to a drive body. An air inlet pipe and an oil inlet pipe are arranged inside the hollow shaft. The air inlet pipe is used to supply air to the air storage channel, and the oil inlet pipe is used to supply oil to the oil storage channel.

[0021] Additional aspects and advantages of this invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0022] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0023] Figure 1 This is a structural schematic diagram of an underwater thruster and pod propulsion device according to an embodiment of the present utility model; Figure 2 for Figure 1 A partial cross-sectional view of an underwater thruster and pod propulsion device is shown. Figure 3 for Figure 1 A perspective sectional view of an underwater thruster and pod propulsion device is shown. Figure 4 for Figure 1 The diagram shows a structural schematic of a sealing base for an underwater thruster and pod propulsion device.

[0024] Reference numerals: 100-Drive body, 110-Drive shaft, 120-End cover, 130-Propeller, 140-Air storage passage, 150-First sealing ring, 160-Second sealing ring, 170-First annular cavity, 180-Oil storage passage, 190-Third sealing ring, 200-Second annular cavity, 210-Sealing seat, 220-First annular groove, 230-Limiting ring, 240-Second annular groove, 250-Separating ring, 260-Air intake passage, 270-Air inlet nozzle, 280-Oil intake passage, 290-Oil inlet nozzle, 300-First annular shell, 310-Second annular shell, 320-Hollow shaft, 330-Power assembly. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain this utility model, and should not be construed as limiting this utility model.

[0026] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the directional descriptions, such as up, down, front, back, left, right, etc., indicate the directional or positional relationship based on the directional or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. 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. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.

[0027] In the description of this utility model, "several" means one or more, "multiple" means two or more, "greater than," "less than," and "exceeding" are understood to exclude the stated number, while "above," "below," and "within" are understood to include the stated number. If "first" and "second" are mentioned, it is only for the purpose of distinguishing technical features and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of indicated technical features or the order of the indicated technical features.

[0028] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation, connection, and linkage" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; they can refer to mechanical connections or electrical connections; they can refer to direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal communication between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0029] The following description, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, describes an underwater thruster and pod propulsion device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Reference Figure 1 The present invention aims to provide an embodiment of an underwater thruster and a pod propulsion device.

[0031] An underwater thruster and pod propulsion device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a drive body 100, a propeller 130, and an end cap 120. The drive body 100 is provided with a drive shaft 110. The propeller 130 is coaxially connected to the drive shaft 110 and is used to generate thrust. The end cap 120 is sleeved on the drive shaft 110 and connected to the drive body 100. The end cap 120 and the drive shaft 110 have an air seal structure and an oil seal structure. The air seal structure and the oil seal structure are distributed sequentially in a direction away from the propeller 130. The air seal structure and the oil seal structure are used to prevent external water from seeping through the gap between the end cap 120 and the drive shaft 110.

[0032] The gas-tight structure includes a gas storage channel 140, a first sealing ring 150, and a second sealing ring 160, as shown in the reference. Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 The air storage channel 140 is used to fill compressed air. The first sealing ring 150 and the second sealing ring 160 are sleeved on the drive shaft 110 in the direction close to the propeller 130. The first sealing ring 150 and the second sealing ring 160 form a first annular cavity 170, which is connected to the air storage channel 140.

[0033] It is understood that this utility model, by setting up an air storage channel 140, a first sealing ring 150, and a second sealing ring 160, refers to... Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 Compressed air can be introduced into the air storage channel 140, so that the compressed air in the air storage channel 140 fills the first annular cavity 170. The compressed air forms an air wall in the first annular cavity 170, which can prevent external water medium from seeping through the gap between the sealing ring and the drive shaft 110. Even if the sealing ring is worn, the sealing force can be maintained by air pressure, which significantly delays water seepage caused by wear.

[0034] The oil seal structure includes an oil storage channel 180 and a third sealing ring 190. The air storage channel 140 is used to fill hydraulic oil. The third sealing ring 190 is sleeved on the drive shaft 110. The third sealing ring 190 and the first sealing ring 150 form a second annular cavity 200, which is connected to the oil storage channel 180.

[0035] It is understood that by setting up an oil storage channel 180 and a third sealing ring 190, the present invention allows hydraulic oil to be introduced into the oil storage channel 180, so that the hydraulic oil in the oil storage channel 180 fills the second annular cavity 200. Due to the large molecular size of hydraulic oil, the hydraulic oil forms an oil film barrier in the second annular cavity 200, making it difficult for the hydraulic oil to penetrate the gap between the sealing ring and the drive shaft 110. The hydraulic oil in the second annular cavity 200 can be used to prevent the compressed air in the first annular cavity 170 from leaking between the third sealing ring 190 and the drive shaft 110. Furthermore, even if the air seal structure fails, the hydraulic oil can block the diffusion of water vapor into the internal precision components, thereby improving the sealing performance of the propeller body.

[0036] Furthermore, by setting up an air-sealing structure and an oil-sealing structure, this utility model effectively blocks the infiltration of external water media by utilizing multiple barriers of sealing rings, air-sealing structure and oil-sealing structure, and is especially suitable for high-speed rotating shaft working conditions.

[0037] In some embodiments of this utility model, the end cap 120 has a mounting hole and a sealing seat 210 mounted in the mounting hole. The sealing seat 210 is sleeved on the drive shaft 110 and is provided with an air-sealing structure and an oil-sealing structure.

[0038] Understandably, by arranging the gas seal and oil seal structures on the sealing seat 210, and by independently installing the sealing seat 210 on the end cover 120, only the sealing seat 210 needs to be disassembled or replaced instead of the entire end cover 120 when damaged, thus significantly reducing maintenance costs.

[0039] In addition, the separate machining of the sealing seat 210 can improve the dimensional accuracy of the hole and ensure the tight fit between the sealing ring and the drive shaft 110.

[0040] In some embodiments of the present invention, the sealing seat 210 has a first annular groove 220 for mounting the first sealing ring 150 and the third sealing ring 190. The first annular groove 220 has opposing first sidewalls and second sidewalls. The first sidewalls are positioned by abutting against the first sealing ring 150, and the second sidewalls are positioned by abutting against the third sealing ring 190.

[0041] Understandably, the first sidewall and the second sidewall axially limit the first sealing ring 150 and the third sealing ring 190 respectively, so as to facilitate the precise assembly of the first sealing ring 150 and the third sealing ring 190, ensure the smooth formation of the second annular cavity 200, and prevent the sealing ring from shifting and failing under high pressure.

[0042] In some embodiments of this utility model, reference is made to Figure 3 and 4The sealing seat 210 is provided with a limiting ring 230, which is located on one side of the first annular groove 220 and is used to form the first sidewall. The limiting ring 230 is connected to the sealing seat 210 by bolts.

[0043] Understandably, since the limiting ring 230 is connected by bolts, when the first sealing ring 150 and the third sealing ring 190 are damaged, the limiting ring 230 can be quickly disassembled to replace the sealing rings, thus reducing the difficulty of disassembling the first sealing ring 150 and the third sealing ring 190.

[0044] In some embodiments of this utility model, reference is made to Figure 3 and 4 The sealing seat 210 has a second annular groove 240, in which at least two second sealing rings 160 are installed, and a partition ring 250 is provided between adjacent second sealing rings 160.

[0045] Understandably, the two second sealing rings 160 are arranged side by side to form multiple lines of defense, which can maintain the seal even if a single ring fails. In addition, the separator ring 250 prevents adjacent sealing rings from being squeezed and deformed, ensuring that each sealing ring functions independently.

[0046] In some embodiments of this utility model, the end cap 120 has an air inlet 260 and an air inlet nozzle 270 disposed at the air inlet of the air inlet 260. The air inlet 260 is connected to the air storage channel 140, and the air inlet nozzle 270 is used to connect with an external air supply pipe.

[0047] Understandably, the quick connection between the air inlet 270 and the external air supply pipe allows for continuous gas replenishment during propulsion operation, compensating for normal losses of the sealing medium. Furthermore, external sensors can detect large leaks of compressed air in the air storage duct 140 in a timely manner, facilitating prompt maintenance and repair.

[0048] In some embodiments of this utility model, the end cap 120 has an oil inlet channel 280 and an oil inlet nozzle 290 disposed at the oil inlet port of the oil inlet channel 280. The oil inlet channel 280 is connected to the oil storage channel 180, and the oil inlet nozzle 290 is used to connect with an external oil supply pipe.

[0049] Understandably, the quick connection between the air intake 270 and the external oil supply pipe allows for continuous replenishment of hydraulic oil during propulsion operation, compensating for normal losses of the sealing medium. Furthermore, external sensors can detect large leaks of hydraulic oil in the oil reservoir 180 in a timely manner, facilitating prompt maintenance and repair.

[0050] In some embodiments of this utility model, the end cap 120 has a first annular shell 300 and a second annular shell 310 connected to each other. The first annular shell 300 is connected to the drive body 100. The interior of the first annular shell 300 accommodates a sealing seat 210. The second annular shell 310 is located on the side of the sealing seat 210 near the propeller 130 to prevent the sealing seat 210 from detaching from the first annular shell 300.

[0051] It is understandable that the end cap 120 is composed of a first annular shell 300 and a second annular shell 310. The separate design of the first annular shell 300 and the second annular shell 310 reduces the manufacturing difficulty of the end cap 120 and facilitates the installation and fixation of the sealing seat 210.

[0052] This embodiment also proposes a pod propulsion device including an underwater thruster.

[0053] In some embodiments of this utility model, the pod propulsion device includes a steering mechanism, which includes a vertically arranged hollow shaft 320 and a power assembly 330 that drives the hollow shaft 320 to rotate. The hollow shaft 320 is connected to the drive body 100. An air inlet pipe and an oil inlet pipe are arranged inside the hollow shaft 320. The air inlet pipe is used to supply air to the air storage channel 140, and the oil inlet pipe is used to supply oil to the oil storage channel 180.

[0054] It is understood that the power assembly 330 includes a motor and a transmission structure connected to the motor. The power assembly 330 drives the hollow shaft 320 to rotate, and the hollow shaft 320 drives the drive body 100 to achieve the steering function, so that the pod propulsion device can adjust the propulsion direction.

[0055] The intake pipe and oil inlet pipe can be arranged inside the hollow shaft 320, which can protect the intake pipe and oil inlet pipe and reduce the difficulty of arranging the intake pipe and oil inlet pipe.

[0056] In the description of this specification, references to terms such as "an embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0057] The embodiments of the present utility model have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present utility model is not limited to the above embodiments. Within the scope of knowledge possessed by those skilled in the art, various changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the present utility model.

Claims

1. An underwater propulsion device, characterized in that, include: A drive body (100) is provided with a drive shaft (110). A propeller (130) is coaxially connected to the drive shaft (110) and is used to generate thrust; An end cap (120) is fitted onto the drive shaft (110) and connected to the drive body (100). The end cap (120) and the drive shaft (110) have an air seal structure and an oil seal structure. The air seal structure and the oil seal structure are distributed sequentially in a direction away from the propeller (130). The air seal structure and the oil seal structure are used to prevent external water from seeping through the gap between the end cap (120) and the drive shaft (110). The gas-tight structure has an air storage channel (140), a first sealing ring (150), and a second sealing ring (160). The air storage channel (140) is used to fill compressed air. The first sealing ring (150) and the second sealing ring (160) are sleeved on the drive shaft (110) in a direction close to the propeller (130). The first sealing ring (150) and the second sealing ring (160) form a first annular cavity (170), which communicates with the air storage channel (140). The oil sealing structure has an oil reservoir (180) and a third sealing ring (190). The air reservoir (140) is used to fill hydraulic oil. The third sealing ring (190) is sleeved on the drive shaft (110). The third sealing ring (190) and the first sealing ring (150) form a second annular cavity (200). The second annular cavity (200) is connected to the oil reservoir (180).

2. The underwater propulsion device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The end cap (120) has a mounting hole and a sealing seat (210) mounted in the mounting hole. The sealing seat (210) is sleeved on the drive shaft (110). The sealing seat (210) is provided with the gas sealing structure and the oil sealing structure.

3. An underwater propulsion device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The sealing seat (210) has a first annular groove (220) for mounting the first sealing ring (150) and the third sealing ring (190). The first annular groove (220) has opposing first sidewalls and second sidewalls. The first sidewalls are positioned in contact with the first sealing ring (150), and the second sidewalls are positioned in contact with the third sealing ring (190).

4. An underwater propulsion device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The sealing seat (210) is provided with a limiting ring (230), which is located on one side of the first annular groove (220) and is used to form the first sidewall. The limiting ring (230) is connected to the sealing seat (210) by bolts.

5. An underwater propulsion device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The sealing seat (210) has a second annular groove (240), in which at least two second sealing rings (160) are installed, and a separator ring (250) is provided between adjacent second sealing rings (160).

6. An underwater thruster according to claim 1, characterized in that, The end cap (120) has an air inlet (260) and an air inlet nozzle (270) disposed in the air inlet of the air inlet (260). The air inlet (260) is connected to the air storage channel (140), and the air inlet nozzle (270) is used to connect with an external air supply pipe.

7. An underwater thruster according to claim 1, characterized in that, The end cap (120) has an oil inlet channel (280) and an oil inlet nozzle (290) disposed at the oil inlet of the oil inlet channel (280). The oil inlet channel (280) is connected to the oil storage channel (180), and the oil inlet nozzle (290) is used to connect to an external oil supply pipe.

8. An underwater thruster according to claim 2, characterized in that, The end cap (120) has a first annular shell (300) and a second annular shell (310) connected to each other. The first annular shell (300) is connected to the drive body (100). The interior of the first annular shell (300) accommodates the sealing seat (210). The second annular shell (310) is located on the side of the sealing seat (210) near the propeller (130) to prevent the sealing seat (210) from detaching from the first annular shell (300).

9. A pod propulsion device, characterized in that, Includes an underwater propulsion device as described in any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. A pod propulsion device according to claim 9, characterized in that, The system includes a steering mechanism, which includes a vertically arranged hollow shaft (320) and a power assembly (330) that drives the hollow shaft (320) to rotate. The hollow shaft (320) is connected to the drive body (100). An air intake pipe and an oil inlet pipe are arranged inside the hollow shaft (320). The air intake pipe is used to supply air to the air storage channel (140), and the oil inlet pipe is used to supply oil to the oil storage channel (180).

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