Modular underwater propulsion device

Abstract

The utility model relates to the field of ship propulsion device especially relates to a modularization underwater propulsion device, including shell, two fairing that respectively located the axial both sides of shell, and set up in the stator module, rotor module and paddle of shell, the paddle with drive connection of rotor module, still include: flange module, flange module can be detachably installed on the shell, be equipped with quick connector between flange module with the shell, realize the quick plug -in of electrical circuit under the premise of not destroying the seal of shell effectively guarantee the leakproofness and security when replacing the flange, solve the problem that traditional device flange model specification, poor adaptability, significantly reduced the spare part cost, promoted maintenance efficiency, and the disassembly maintenance is more convenient and fast.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Underwater propulsion devices, commonly referred to as underwater thrusters, are a type of power propulsion device specifically designed for underwater environments. Their main function is to generate thrust to drive various underwater equipment, such as submersibles, ROVs (Remotely Operated Vehicles), AUVs (Autonomous Underwater Vehicles), and underwater robots, enabling them to move forward, backward, and turn. From a classification perspective, underwater thrusters can be categorized based on multiple dimensions, including power source and structural form. Based on the power source, the mainstream types include electric, hydraulic, and pneumatic thrusters; based on structure and propulsion principle, they include propeller-type, pump-jet, and ducted thrusters.

[0003] Existing underwater thrusters are difficult to disassemble after assembly. Disassembly can easily damage the thruster's appearance or deform components. The waterproofing inside the motor is also easily compromised after disassembly and repair, requiring re-application of waterproofing measures, making maintenance difficult. The flanges of existing underwater thrusters are often integrated with the drive unit, making them inflexible in adapting to the interface requirements of different mounting platforms. Customers often face the dilemma of incompatibility or the need to customize the entire propulsion unit when encountering non-standard mounting holes or requiring different flange specifications, increasing procurement and time costs and resulting in poor compatibility. Furthermore, existing core components such as blades and rotors generally use a one-piece molding or rigid, non-separable structural design. While this design simplifies the assembly process to some extent, when a blade is damaged individually due to collision, cavitation, or other reasons, the user has to replace the entire assembly, including the intact rotor, resulting in significant spare parts waste and high replacement costs. The replacement process is also more complex, requiring the disassembly of multiple parts, cumbersome steps, low maintenance efficiency, and low usability. Utility Model Content

[0004] This application provides a modular underwater propulsion device to solve at least one of the above-mentioned problems in the prior art, and adopts the following technical solution: A modular underwater propulsion device includes a housing, two fairings located on opposite axial sides of the housing, and a stator module, a rotor module, and a propeller blade disposed within the housing. The propeller blade is drivenly connected to the rotor module. The device also includes a flange module, which is detachably mounted on the housing. A quick-connect connector is provided between the flange module and the housing.

[0005] Preferably, the quick-connect connector is divided into a quick-connect plug and a quick-connect socket, which are respectively located on the top of the housing and the bottom of the flange module.

[0006] Preferably, an insulating sheet is provided between the quick-connect plug and the stator module, and a sealing groove is provided on the top of the outer casing, with a sealing ring provided inside the sealing groove.

[0007] Preferably, the flange module has a wire hole at the top and a sealing part at the bottom, which cooperates with the sealing groove and the sealing ring to seal.

[0008] Preferably, the rotor module is divided into rotor magnets and rotor core, and the blades are mounted on the rotor core.

[0009] Preferably, the inner ring of the rotor core has a protrusion, and the outer ring of the blade has a groove. The protrusion and the groove are fitted together, and the blade rotates with the rotor core.

[0010] Preferably, it further includes: a connecting ring, the connecting ring being rotatably disposed on the inner ring of the outer shell, the guide shield having an annular groove near the inner ring of the connecting ring, one end of the connecting ring being located in the annular groove, the connecting ring being located on both sides of the blade, and the connecting ring being fixedly connected to the blade.

[0011] Preferably, a bearing is also provided in the annular groove, and the bearing is located between the connecting ring and the annular groove.

[0012] Preferably, the flange module has an internal cavity, and an electronically controlled drive module is installed in the cavity.

[0013] Preferably, the blades of the propeller are symmetrical.

[0014] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: 1. The propulsion device is detachably fixed to the outer casing via a flange module. The connection point is equipped with a quick-connect wiring assembly, as well as a sealing part, sealing ring, sealing groove, and insulating sheet. This design allows for rapid insertion and removal of electrical wiring without compromising the outer casing's seal, effectively ensuring sealing and safety during flange replacement. The flange module does not need to be pre-installed on the drive unit; customers can select the flange model according to their needs, solving the problem of poor flange model specifications and compatibility in traditional devices. Furthermore, the coordinated operation of the flange module's quick-connect wiring assembly, sealing ring, sealing part, sealing groove, and insulating sheet ensures waterproof performance in underwater environments, avoids the risk of short circuits in electrical wiring, and balances reliability and safety.

[0015] 2. This propulsion device utilizes a snap-fit ​​mechanism between protrusions and grooves, allowing the blades to be disassembled and reassembled independently of the rotor magnets and other components. Only the fairing needs to be secured, the connecting ring released from the blade, and the component can then be pulled out for replacement. Compared to existing methods where the blades and rotor are integrally molded, this significantly reduces spare parts costs. When a single blade is damaged and needs replacement, the entire rotor assembly does not need to be replaced, improving maintenance efficiency and making disassembly and repair more convenient and faster. The bearing within the ring groove ensures smoother rotation of the connecting ring relative to the fairing, reducing frictional resistance and wear between the blade and the fairing. This avoids the thrust instability caused by direct sliding in traditional structures, improving long-term operational reliability. The connecting ring is fixedly connected to the blade and located on both sides of the blade, ensuring synchronous rotation of the blade and connecting ring while also physically limiting the blade. This facilitates disassembly while effectively preventing the blade structure from detaching from the overall device, balancing maintainability and structural stability. Attached Figure Description

[0016] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be discussed below. Obviously, the technical solutions described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other embodiments and their accompanying drawings can be obtained from the embodiments shown in these drawings without creative effort.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of Embodiment 1 of this utility model; Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the flange module and the outer shell of this utility model; Figure 3 This is a top view of the outer casing of this utility model; Figure 4 This is a structural schematic diagram of the flange module of this utility model; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the bottom structure of the flange module of this utility model; Figure 6 This is an exploded view of this utility model; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the air guide cover of this utility model; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the connecting ring of this utility model; Figure 9 This is a structural schematic diagram of the stator module and rotor module of this utility model; Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the rotor module of this utility model; Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the blade of this utility model; Figure 12 This is a structural schematic diagram of Embodiment 2 of the present invention; Figure 13 This is a cross-sectional view of Embodiment 2 of this utility model.

[0018] Reference numerals: 1. Draft shield; 101. Annular groove; 102. Bearing; 2. Housing; 201. Sealing groove; 211. Sealing ring; 3. Stator module; 4. Rotor module; 401. Rotor magnet; 402. Rotor core; 421. Protrusion; 5. Blade; 501. Groove; 6. Flange module; 601. Wiring hole; 602. Sealing part; 7. ESC drive module; 701. Quick-connect plug; 702. Quick-connect socket; 8. Connecting ring; 9. Insulating sheet. Detailed Implementation

[0019] The technical solutions of various 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. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this utility model.

[0020] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "upper," "lower," "inner," "outer," "front end," "rear end," "both ends," "one end," and "the other end," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used 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. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0021] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installed," "equipped with," and "connected," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, "connected" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can be a connection within 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.

[0022] An embodiment of this utility model provides a modular underwater propulsion device. Example 1:

[0023] like Figure 1-3The diagram shows a modular underwater propulsion device, comprising a housing 2, two fairings 1 located on opposite axial sides of the housing 2, and a stator module 3, a rotor module 4, and blades 5 disposed within the housing 2. The blades 5 are drivenly connected to the rotor module 4. The fairings 1 are located on opposite sides of the housing 2 and are detachably fixed to the housing 2. The fixing method can be achieved using fasteners such as waterproof and rust-proof bolts, screws, or other fastening methods to ensure the secure fixation and ease of disassembly of the fairings 1 to the housing 2; no specific limitation is made on this fixing method. The device also includes a flange module 6, which is detachably mounted on the housing 2. A quick-connect connector is provided between the flange module 6 and the housing 2. The quick-connect connector consists of a quick-plug 701 and a quick-socket 702, located at the top of the housing 2 and the bottom of the flange module 6, respectively. The flange module 6 is connected to the housing 2 using fasteners such as waterproof and rust-proof bolts, screws, or other fastening methods. The detachable flange module 6, together with the quick-connect plug 701 and quick-connect socket 702, enables the rapid insertion and removal of electrical circuits without damaging the housing seal. This overcomes the difficulty of replacing connecting flanges in traditional underwater propulsion devices, significantly shortens maintenance time and reduces operational risks. During assembly, the flange module 6 does not need to be pre-installed on the drive body; customers can select the flange model to install on the drive body according to their own needs.

[0024] like Figure 4-5 As shown: an insulating sheet 9 is provided between the quick-connect plug 701 and the stator module 3. A sealing groove 201 is provided on the top of the outer casing 2, and a sealing ring 211 is provided inside the sealing groove 201. A wire-passing hole 601 is provided on the top of the flange module 6, and a sealing part 602 is provided on the bottom of the flange module 6. The sealing part 602 cooperates with the sealing groove 201 and the sealing ring 211 to seal. The plug-in structure of the flange module 6, through the coordinated action of the sealing part 602, the sealing groove 201, the sealing ring 211, and the insulating sheet 9, ensures waterproofing and electrical safety in underwater environments.

[0025] like Figure 9-11 As shown: Rotor module 4 consists of rotor magnet 401 and rotor core 402, with blade 5 mounted on rotor core 402. The inner ring of rotor core 402 has a protrusion 421, and the outer ring of blade 5 has a groove 501. The protrusion 421 and groove 501 are fitted together, allowing blade 5 to rotate with rotor core 402. Blade 5 is snapped into rotor module 4 to rotate synchronously with it. Traditional underwater propeller blades are often integrally formed with the rotor or fixed by adhesive bonding. When blades are damaged, the entire rotor assembly must be replaced, resulting in high maintenance costs, long maintenance cycles, and difficult repair and replacement. This invention uses the snap-fit ​​engagement of protrusion 421 and groove 501, allowing blade 5 to be disassembled and assembled independently of rotor magnet 401, significantly reducing spare parts costs and improving on-site maintenance efficiency.

[0026] like Figure 6-8 The device also includes a connecting ring 8, which is rotatably mounted on the inner ring of the outer casing 2. A groove 101 is formed on the inner ring of the shield 1 near the connecting ring 8. One end of the connecting ring 8 is located within the groove 101. The connecting ring 8 is positioned on both sides of the blade 5 and is fixedly connected to the blade 5. This connection can be achieved using fasteners such as waterproof and rust-proof bolts or screws. The specific fixing method is not limited, as long as it ensures the blade 5 is securely fixed to the connecting ring 8 and allows rotation between them. A bearing 102 is also provided within the groove 101, located between the connecting ring 8 and the groove 101. In conventional structures, direct sliding between the blade 5 and the shield 1 would generate significant frictional resistance and accelerate wear, affecting thrust stability and service life. This invention, by providing a bearing 102 within the groove 101, allows the connecting ring 8 to rotate more smoothly relative to the shield 1, effectively reducing energy loss and improving long-term operational reliability. Furthermore, the connecting ring 8 effectively limits the position of the blade 5, ensuring that the blade 5 can be easily disassembled while preventing the blade 5 structure from detaching from the overall device.

[0027] The blades of propeller 5 have a symmetrical structure, which makes the force generated by the forward and reverse rotation of the stator module 3 and the rotor module 4 in the propulsion device equal when they rotate together. Example 2:

[0028] A modular underwater propulsion device includes a housing 2, two fairings 1 located on opposite axial sides of the housing 2, and a stator module 3, a rotor module 4, and a propeller 5 disposed within the housing 2. The propeller 5 is drivenly connected to the rotor module 4. The fairings 1 are located on opposite sides of the housing 2 and are detachably fixed to the housing 2. The fixing method can be any method, such as using waterproof and rust-proof bolts or screws, to ensure the secure connection and ease of disassembly of the fairings 1 to the housing 2. No specific limitation is made to this fixing method. The device also includes a flange module 6, which is detachably mounted on the housing 2. A quick-connect connector is provided between the flange module 6 and the housing 2. The quick-connect connector consists of a quick-connect plug 701 and a quick-connect socket 702, located at the top of the housing 2 and the bottom of the flange module 6, respectively. The flange module 6 is connected to the housing 2 using fasteners such as waterproof and rust-proof bolts or screws. The detachable flange module 6, together with the quick-connect plug 701 and quick-connect socket 702, enables the rapid insertion and removal of electrical circuits without damaging the housing seal. This overcomes the difficulty of replacing connecting flanges in traditional underwater propulsion devices, significantly shortens maintenance time and reduces operational risks. During assembly, the flange module 6 does not need to be pre-installed on the drive body; customers can select the flange model to install on the drive body according to their own needs.

[0029] An insulating sheet 9 is provided between the quick-connect plug 701 and the stator module 3. A sealing groove 201 is provided on the top of the outer casing 2, and a sealing ring 211 is provided inside the sealing groove 201. A wire-passing hole 601 is provided on the top of the flange module 6, and a sealing part 602 is provided on the bottom of the flange module 6. The sealing part 602 cooperates with the sealing groove 201 and the sealing ring 211 to seal. The plug-in structure of the flange module 6, through the coordinated action of the sealing part 602, the sealing groove 201, the sealing ring 211, and the insulating sheet 9, ensures waterproofing and electrical safety in the underwater environment.

[0030] The rotor module 4 consists of a rotor magnet 401 and a rotor core 402, with the blade 5 mounted on the rotor core 402. The inner ring of the rotor core 402 has a protrusion 421, and the outer ring of the blade 5 has a groove 501. The protrusion 421 and groove 501 are fitted together for installation, allowing the blade 5 to rotate with the rotor core 402. The blade 5 is snapped into the rotor module 4 to rotate synchronously with it. Traditional underwater propeller blades are often integrally formed with the rotor or fixed by adhesive bonding. When a blade is damaged, the entire rotor assembly must be replaced, resulting in high maintenance costs, long maintenance cycles, and difficult repair and replacement. This invention utilizes the snap-fit ​​engagement of the protrusion 421 and groove 501, allowing the blade 5 to be disassembled and installed independently of the rotor magnet 401, significantly reducing spare parts costs and improving on-site maintenance efficiency.

[0031] It also includes a connecting ring 8, which is rotatably mounted on the inner ring of the outer casing 2. An annular groove 101 is formed on the inner ring of the fairing 1 near the connecting ring 8. One end of the connecting ring 8 is located within the annular groove 101. The connecting ring 8 is located on both sides of the blade 5 and is fixedly connected to the blade 5. This connection can be secured using fasteners such as waterproof and rust-proof bolts or screws. The specific fixing method is not limited, as long as it ensures the blade 5 is firmly fixed to the connecting ring 8 and allows rotation between the blade 5 and the connecting ring 8. A bearing 102 is also provided within the annular groove 101, located between the connecting ring 8 and the annular groove 101. In conventional structures, direct sliding between the blade 5 and the fairing 1 would generate significant frictional resistance and accelerate wear, affecting thrust stability and service life. This invention, by providing a bearing 102 within the annular groove 101, allows the connecting ring 8 to rotate more smoothly relative to the fairing 1, effectively reducing energy loss and improving long-term operational reliability. Furthermore, the connecting ring 8 effectively limits the position of the blade 5, ensuring that the blade 5 can be easily disassembled while preventing the blade 5 structure from detaching from the overall device.

[0032] like Figure 12-13As shown: Flange module 6 has an internal cavity, and the electronic speed control (ESC) drive module 7 is installed in the cavity. During underwater operation of the propulsion device, flange module 6 and the entire propulsion device operate underwater together. When the ESC drive module 7 generates heat, the heat is directly transferred to the outer shell of flange module 6. The outer shell is in direct contact with the water, achieving rapid heat dissipation and effectively solving the heat dissipation problem of the external ESC drive module 7 during motor operation.

[0033] The blades of propeller 5 have a symmetrical structure, which makes the force generated by the forward and reverse rotation of the stator module 3 and the rotor module 4 in the propulsion device equal when they rotate together.

[0034] When using this utility model: When the blade 5 is damaged and needs to be replaced, the fixing piece at the connection between the guide shield 1 and the outer shell 2 on one side is released and the guide shield 1 and the outer shell 2 are separated axially. After the guide shield 1 is removed, the fixing piece at the inner ring of the blade 5 is released. Then, the connecting ring 8 on the side where the guide shield 1 has been removed is taken out axially and separated from the blade 5. Finally, the blade 5 is moved out axially. During the movement, the protrusion 421 on the rotor module 4 and the groove 501 on the blade 5 are separated axially. Then the blade 5 can be replaced.

[0035] When it is necessary to replace flange module 6, simply remove the fasteners connecting the bottom of flange module 6 to housing 2. After removal, the sealing part 602 at the bottom of flange module 6 will detach from the sealing groove 201, and the quick-connect socket 702 at the bottom of flange module 6 will separate from the quick-connect plug 701 at the top of housing 2, thus completing the disassembly of flange module 6. Then, replace with a new flange module 6. Align the sealing part 602 at the bottom of flange module 6 with the sealing groove 201, align the quick-connect socket 702 with the quick-connect plug 701, insert it, and finally fix flange module 6 to housing 2 with the fasteners to complete the replacement.

[0036] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that this invention is not limited to the details of the exemplary embodiments described above, and that it can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics of this invention. Therefore, the embodiments should be considered exemplary and not restrictive in all respects. The scope of this invention is defined by the appended claims, not by the foregoing description, and is therefore intended to encompass all variations falling within the meaning and scope of equivalents of the claims. No reference numerals in the claims should be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

[0037] Furthermore, it should be understood that although this specification describes embodiments, not every embodiment contains only one independent technical solution. This narrative style is merely for clarity. Those skilled in the art should consider the specification as a whole, and the technical solutions in each embodiment can also be appropriately combined to form other embodiments that can be understood by those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A modular underwater propulsion device, comprising a housing (2), two guide fairings (1) located on opposite axial sides of the housing (2), and a stator module (3), a rotor module (4), and blades (5) disposed within the housing (2), wherein the blades (5) are drivenly connected to the rotor module (4), characterized in that, Also includes: A flange module (6) is detachably mounted on the housing (2), and a quick-connect connector is provided between the flange module (6) and the housing (2).

2. The modular underwater propulsion device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The quick-connect connector is divided into a quick-connect plug (701) and a quick-connect socket (702), which are respectively located on the top of the housing (2) and the bottom of the flange module (6).

3. A modular underwater propulsion device according to claim 2, characterized in that: An insulating sheet (9) is provided between the quick-connect plug (701) and the stator module (3), and a sealing groove (201) is provided on the top of the outer shell (2), and a sealing ring (211) is provided in the sealing groove (201).

4. A modular underwater propulsion device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The flange module (6) has a wire hole (601) at the top and a sealing part (602) at the bottom. The sealing part (602) cooperates with the sealing groove (201) and the sealing ring (211) to seal.

5. A modular underwater propulsion device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The rotor module (4) is divided into rotor magnet (401) and rotor core (402), and the blade (5) is mounted on the rotor core (402).

6. A modular underwater propulsion device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The inner ring of the rotor core (402) is provided with a protrusion (421), and the outer ring of the blade (5) is provided with a groove (501). The protrusion (421) and the groove (501) are fitted together and installed together. The blade (5) rotates with the rotor core (402).

7. A modular underwater propulsion device according to claim 1, characterized in that: Also includes: A connecting ring (8) is rotatably disposed on the inner ring of the outer shell (2). The guide shield (1) has an annular groove (101) near the inner ring of the connecting ring (8). One end of the connecting ring (8) is located in the annular groove (101). The connecting ring (8) is located on both sides of the blade (5). The connecting ring (8) is fixedly connected to the blade (5).

8. A modular underwater propulsion device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The annular groove (101) is also provided with a bearing (102), which is located between the connecting ring (8) and the annular groove (101).

9. A modular underwater propulsion device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The flange module (6) has a cavity inside, and an electronically controlled drive module (7) is installed in the cavity.

10. A modular underwater propulsion device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The blades (5) have a left-right symmetrical structure.

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