Underwater cleaning rotating body and underwater cleaning device

Abstract

This invention provides a technology that can effectively remove attached substances from objects being cleaned, such as aquaculture nets, when cleaning objects that are submerged in water. [Solution] An exemplary cleaning rotating body is used for cleaning work in water and is an underwater cleaning rotating body that rotates about a central axis, and has a portion in which at least one of the distance from the central axis to the outer circumference in a plan view and the height position of the cleaning end in the axial direction to which the central axis extends in a side view changes in the direction of rotation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a water cleaning rotator and a water cleaning device.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a device for cleaning the underwater surface of a ship's hull or the like has been known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The cleaning device in Patent Document 1 discharges a pressurized liquid from a rotating disk onto the surface to be cleaned, thereby cleaning the underwater surface.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] For example, when cleaning a cleaning target existing in water, such as a cultivation net used for aquaculture, it is necessary to remove attachments such as oysters, barnacles, and shellfish. Merely discharging a pressurized liquid from a rotating disk onto a cleaning target such as a cultivation net may not be sufficient to remove attachments such as oysters attached to the cleaning target.

[0005] In view of the above points, an object of the present invention is to provide a technique capable of effectively removing attachments attached to a cleaning target when cleaning a cleaning target existing in water, such as a cultivation net.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] An exemplary cleaning rotator of the present invention is a water cleaning rotator used for underwater cleaning operations and performing rotation about a central axis, wherein at least one of the distance from the central axis to the outer periphery in a plan view and the height position of the cleaning-side end portion in the axial direction in which the central axis extends in a side view has a portion that changes in the rotation direction. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] As an example, according to the present invention, when cleaning objects that are present in water, such as aquaculture nets, it is possible to effectively remove any attached substances from the objects being cleaned. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Perspective view showing the schematic configuration of the underwater cleaning device. [Figure 2] Schematic perspective view of the underwater cleaning device, seen from a different direction than in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Side view showing the schematic configuration of the underwater cleaning device. [Figure 4] Schematic cross-sectional perspective view showing the cross-section taken at position IV-IV in Figure 3. [Figure 5] Plan view showing the schematic configuration of the underwater cleaning rotating body. [Figure 6] Side view showing the schematic configuration of the underwater cleaning rotating body. [Figure 7] Cross-sectional view at position VII-VII in Figure 6 [Figure 8] This diagram schematically shows the relationship between the underwater cleaning rotating body and the aquaculture net when cleaning the net using an underwater cleaning device. [Figure 9] Exploded perspective view showing the schematic configuration of the underwater cleaning rotating body. [Figure 10] Side view showing the schematic configuration of the underwater cleaning rotating body according to the first modified example. [Figure 11] Bottom view showing the schematic configuration of the underwater cleaning rotating body according to the second modified example. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the XYZ coordinate system is shown as a three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system. In the following description, in this XYZ coordinate system, the X direction is the front-back direction, the Y direction is the left-right direction, and the Z direction is the up-down direction. The +X side is the front side, and the -X side is the rear side. The +Y side is the left side, and the -Y side is the right side. The +Z side is the top side, and the -Z side is the bottom side. These directions are merely names used for explanatory purposes and are not intended to limit the actual positional relationships and directions.

[0010] <1. Overview of the underwater cleaning device> Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the schematic configuration of the underwater cleaning device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of the underwater cleaning device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention, viewed from a different direction than Figure 1. Figure 1 is a view of the underwater cleaning device 100 from diagonally above. Figure 2 is a view of the underwater cleaning device 100 from diagonally below. Figure 3 is a side view showing the schematic configuration of the underwater cleaning device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 is a view of the underwater cleaning device 100 from the right side.

[0011] The underwater cleaning device 100 cleans the object to be cleaned underwater. In this embodiment, the object to be cleaned is aquaculture nets. The underwater cleaning device 100 cleans the aquaculture nets by moving along them as they are placed underwater. The aquaculture nets to be cleaned by the underwater cleaning device 100 are preferably synthetic fiber nets, but they may also be wire mesh. Furthermore, the object to be cleaned by the underwater cleaning device 100 may be something other than aquaculture nets, such as bridge piers, ship hulls, or swimming pools.

[0012] In this embodiment, the underwater cleaning device is a self-propelled cleaning device that travels along the object to be cleaned, but this is merely an example. The underwater cleaning device to which the present invention applies may, for example, be configured to clean the object while floating or navigating in the water. In other words, the underwater cleaning device to which the present invention applies broadly includes not only self-propelled devices but also those that move using their own power source. The underwater cleaning device to which the present invention applies broadly includes cleaning devices that clean an object in water.

[0013] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the underwater cleaning device 100 includes a traveling body 1, an underwater cleaning rotating body 2, a propeller 3, and an annular body 4.

[0014] The traveling body 1 has a traveling body main body 11 and four wheels 12. Specifically, the four wheels 12 are composed of a left front wheel 12a, a right front wheel 12b, a left rear wheel 12c, and a right rear wheel 12d. Each wheel 12 is arranged on the side portion of the traveling body main body 11 so as to be able to rotate by receiving rotational power from a separate motor (not shown) arranged within the traveling body main body 11. Specifically, within the traveling body main body 11, a motor for the left front wheel 12a, a motor for the right front wheel 12b, a motor for the left rear wheel 12c, and a motor for the right rear wheel 12d are accommodated. Each wheel 12 rotates separately by the drive of each motor.

[0015] Each motor is specifically a water-sealed underwater motor. Each motor is electrically connected to a control box (not shown) arranged on land or on a ship via a control code included in a cable not shown. In a state where the underwater cleaning device 100 is submerged in water, the control code extends from the control box toward each motor, and power is appropriately supplied to each motor.

[0016] By rotating each motor at the same rotational speed in the same direction, the traveling body 1 travels straight in the front-rear direction. That is, the traveling body 1 travels in the front-rear direction. Whether the traveling body 1 travels forward or backward is determined by the rotational direction of the motor. Also, for example, when the traveling body 1 is traveling forward and the rotational speeds of the motors for the right wheels 12b, 12d are made greater than the rotational speeds of the motors for the left wheels 12a, 12c, the traveling body 1 turns to the left. Conversely, when the rotational speeds of the motors for the left wheels 12a, 12c are made greater than the rotational speeds of the motors for the right wheels 12b, 12d, the traveling body 1 turns to the right.

[0017] Even when the traveling body 1 is moving backward, the traveling direction can be changed in the same manner. Also, by rotating the left and right wheels 12 in opposite directions to each other, the traveling body can turn in place. Further, the number of motors housed within the traveling body main body 11 is not limited to four, and for example, it may be two. For example, a configuration may be adopted that includes two motors, namely, a motor for the left front wheel 12a and a motor for the right front wheel 12b. In the case of this configuration, the left front wheel 12a and the left rear wheel 12c may be connected by a belt mechanism or a chain mechanism, and the right front wheel 12b and the right rear wheel 12d may be connected by a belt mechanism or a chain mechanism.

[0018] The underwater cleaning rotator 2 is used for underwater cleaning operations. The underwater cleaning rotator 2 is disposed below the traveling body 1 and cleans the aquaculture net that is the object to be cleaned. Specifically, the underwater cleaning rotator 2 sprays high-pressure water supplied from a high-pressure water hose (not shown) toward the aquaculture net, and cleans the aquaculture net by the jet flow generated by the spraying. Note that the high-pressure water hose is a hose for supplying high-pressure water pumped from a high-pressure pump (not shown) disposed on land or on a ship to the underwater cleaning rotator 2.

[0019] FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional perspective view showing a cross-section cut at the IV-IV position in FIG. 3. As shown in FIG. 4, the underwater cleaning rotator 2 is attached to the lower end portion of a rotary shaft 5 that extends vertically, and rotates together with the rotary shaft 5. Note that the rotary shaft 5 is inserted into a support cylinder 13 erected at the center of the upper surface of the traveling body main body 11, and is rotatably supported by the traveling body main body 11. Specifically, the rotary shaft 5 is rotatably supported by a rotary joint 14 disposed within the traveling body main body 11.

[0020] The rotary joint 14 conveys the high-pressure water supplied from the high-pressure water hose to a shaft inner high-pressure water flow path 51 (see FIG. 4) formed on the lower side of the rotary shaft 5. Note that the supply of high-pressure water to the rotary joint 14 is performed using the above-described high-pressure water hose, a high-pressure water hose connection portion 15 (see FIGS. 1 and 3) connected to the high-pressure water hose, and a piping portion 16 (see FIGS. 1 and 3) that connects the high-pressure water hose connection portion 15 and the rotary joint 14.

[0021] Inside the underwater cleaning rotating body 2, a high-pressure water channel 2a is formed that communicates with the high-pressure water channel 51 inside the shaft. Inside the outer circumference of the underwater cleaning rotating body 2, a cleaning nozzle 20 (see Figure 2) is arranged, connected to the high-pressure water channel 2a inside the rotating body. In other words, the high-pressure water supplied to the rotary joint 14 is sent to the cleaning nozzle 20 via the high-pressure water channel 51 inside the shaft and the high-pressure water channel 2a inside the rotating body. The white arrows shown in Figure 4 indicate the flow of high-pressure water.

[0022] In this embodiment, there are two cleaning nozzles 20. However, the number of cleaning nozzles 20 may be changed as appropriate. If this change is made, the configuration of the high-pressure water channel 2a inside the rotating body formed within the underwater cleaning rotating body 2 also needs to be changed as appropriate. As shown in Figure 2, a rotating body opening 2b that exposes the cleaning nozzles 20 is formed on the outer circumference of the lower surface of the underwater cleaning rotating body 2. The cleaning nozzles 20 spray high-pressure water downwards through the rotating body opening 2b. In detail, the cleaning nozzles 20 are arranged at a predetermined angle downwards with respect to the horizontal plane, and during cleaning, the direction of the high-pressure water sprayed by the cleaning nozzles 20 includes a component directed toward the surface of the aquaculture net.

[0023] When high-pressure water is sprayed from the cleaning nozzle 20, the reaction force generated by the spray of this high-pressure water causes the underwater cleaning rotating body 2 to rotate together with the rotating shaft 5. In other words, the underwater cleaning rotating body 2 is supported by the traveling body 1 so as to be rotatable via the rotating shaft 5 and rotates due to the reaction force of the high-pressure water spray. In detail, the underwater cleaning rotating body 2 is supported by the traveling body 1 so as to be rotatable around the rotating shaft 5 (more specifically, the central axis passing through the center of the rotating shaft 5) which extends in the vertical direction, and rotates due to the reaction force of the high-pressure water spray against the aquaculture net. While rotating around the rotating shaft 5, the underwater cleaning rotating body 2 can spray high-pressure water onto the surface of the aquaculture net, thereby removing seaweed, shellfish, and other organisms attached to the net over a wide area.

[0024] In Figure 2, the solid arrows indicate the direction in which high-pressure water is sprayed from the cleaning nozzle 20, and the white arrows indicate the direction in which the underwater cleaning rotating body 2 rotates due to the reaction force generated by the spraying of the high-pressure water. In this embodiment, the underwater cleaning rotating body 2 rotates clockwise when viewed from below (counterclockwise when viewed from above).

[0025] The propeller 3 is positioned above the vehicle 1. The propeller 3 is attached to the rotating shaft 5. More specifically, the propeller 3 is attached to the upper end of the rotating shaft 5 and positioned above the vehicle 1 (see Figure 4, etc.). The propeller 3 rotates together with the rotating shaft 5. When high-pressure water is sprayed from the cleaning nozzle 20, and the reaction force of the spray causes the rotating shaft 5 to rotate together with the underwater cleaning rotating body 2, the propeller 3 also rotates. The propeller 3 generates thrust that pushes the vehicle 1 downwards through its rotation. In other words, the propeller 3 generates thrust that pushes the vehicle 1 against the object to be cleaned (aquaculture net) through its rotation.

[0026] In the underwater cleaning device 100, the underwater cleaning rotating body 2 and the propeller 3 rotate together via the rotating shaft 5. When high-pressure water is sprayed from the cleaning nozzle 20, the reaction force of the spray causes the propeller 3 to rotate together with the underwater cleaning rotating body 2, and the rotation of the propeller 3 generates thrust that presses the vehicle 1 against the object to be cleaned.

[0027] The annular body 4 surrounds the propeller 3. In plan view, the annular body 4 is an annular shape with an opening 41 in its center. The propeller 3 is positioned within the opening 41 of the annular body 4. In this embodiment, the opening 41 is circular in plan view. The rotating shaft 5 to which the propeller 3 is attached is located in the center of the opening 41.

[0028] More specifically, the annular body 4 is connected to the vehicle body 1 by a connecting body 6 positioned vertically between it and the vehicle body 11. The connecting body 6 is a support column extending vertically. In this embodiment, there are two connecting bodies 6, which are positioned in the center of the vehicle body 11 in the front-rear direction. One of the two connecting bodies 6 is positioned at the left end of the vehicle body 11, and the other is positioned at the right end of the vehicle body 11. The number of connecting bodies 6 may be changed as appropriate.

[0029] In the underwater cleaning device 100, the annular body 4 functions as a float. The provision of the annular body 4, which functions as a float, allows the underwater cleaning device 100 to float when placed in water. In this embodiment, when the underwater cleaning device 100 is placed in water, it assumes a posture with the annular body 4 at the top and the running body 1 at the bottom, with the upper surface of the annular body 4 at the same height as the water surface, causing it to float. While the underwater cleaning device 100 is floating, the propeller 3 is submerged in water.

[0030] The traveling body 1 and the annular body 4 are separated in the vertical direction, and an introduction space 200, which functions as a water introduction channel, is formed between the traveling body 1 and the annular body 4 in the vertical direction (see Figure 3, etc.). When the propeller 3 rotates, water is introduced from the introduction space 200 toward the propeller 3, and a water flow is generated that sprays out from the opening 41. In other words, an introduction space 200 is provided between the traveling body 1 and the annular body 4 through which the propeller 3 introduces water. The water flow generated by the rotation of the propeller 3 generates thrust in the underwater washing device 100, maintaining a state in which each wheel 12 is in contact with the aquaculture net at a predetermined pressure.

[0031] In this embodiment, a preferred configuration involves arranging an annular fence 7 between the main body 11 and the annular body 4 in the vertical direction. The annular fence 7 functions as a barrier to prevent debris from being sucked in. The provision of the annular fence 7 prevents debris in the water from passing through the introduction space 200 to the propeller 3.

[0032] When cleaning aquaculture nets using the underwater cleaning device 100, the device is lowered into the aquaculture space (into the water) surrounded by the nets using a crane from land or a ship. When using the crane, lifting handles 8, which are rotatably attached to the two connecting bodies 6, are used. Once lowered into the water, the underwater cleaning device 100 floats. After this, high-pressure water is supplied to the underwater cleaning rotating body 2 via a high-pressure water hose, causing the propeller 3 to rotate together with the underwater cleaning rotating body 2. The thrust from the rotation of the propeller 3 presses the underwater cleaning device 100 against the aquaculture nets. In this state, when the motor is driven to rotate the wheels 12, the underwater cleaning device 100 travels along the surface of the aquaculture nets. As the underwater cleaning rotating body 2 rotates during this travel, high-pressure water is sprayed from the cleaning nozzles 20, allowing the aquaculture nets to be cleaned over a wide area. The operation of the underwater cleaning device 100 in water is controlled by a person (operator) on land or on a ship using a remote control that can communicate with the control box via wired or wireless means. It will be done by [name / organization].

[0033] <2. Details of the underwater cleaning rotating body> Figure 5 is a plan view showing the schematic configuration of the underwater cleaning rotating body 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 is a side view showing the schematic configuration of the underwater cleaning rotating body 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view taken at position VII-VII in Figure 6. The side view shown in Figure 6 is, in detail, a right side view. In Figures 5 and 7, the reference numeral "C" represents the axis that is the center of rotation of the underwater cleaning rotating body 2. Axis C is the so-called central axis. That is, the underwater cleaning rotating body 2 rotates around the central axis C.

[0034] As can be seen from Figure 5, the underwater cleaning rotating body 2 has a polygonal shape in plan view. Due to this configuration, the underwater cleaning rotating body 2 has a portion where the distance from the central axis C to the outer circumference in plan view changes in the direction of rotation. For example, the first line segment L1 shown in Figure 5 is longer than the second line segment L2. The first line segment L1 is the line segment connecting the central axis C to point P1 at the corner of the polygon. The second line segment L2 is the line segment connecting the central axis C to the center point P2 at the side of the polygon.

[0035] In detail, the underwater cleaning rotating body 2 has an octagonal shape in plan view. In a preferred form, the underwater cleaning rotating body 2 has a regular polygonal shape in plan view, and in detail, a regular octagonal shape in plan view. Due to this configuration, the underwater cleaning rotating body 2 has a portion in which the distance from the central axis C to the outer circumference in plan view changes periodically in the direction of rotation. By adopting this configuration, the complexity of the shape of the underwater cleaning rotating body 2 can be suppressed, making it easier to manufacture the underwater cleaning rotating body 2.

[0036] Figure 8 schematically shows the relationship between the underwater cleaning rotating body 2 and the aquaculture net 300 when the aquaculture net 300 is cleaned by the underwater cleaning device 100. In Figure 8, only the portion of the underwater cleaning rotating body 2 enclosed by the dashed circle in Figure 7 is shown in enlargement. Also, in Figure 8, the aquaculture net 300 is shown with two types of lines, a solid line and a dashed line, but this is for the sake of explanation and does not indicate that there are two aquaculture nets. The solid line and dashed line indicate that the state in which the underwater cleaning rotating body 2 contacts the aquaculture net 300 changes as the underwater cleaning rotating body 2 rotates.

[0037] As shown in Figure 8, during the cleaning of the aquaculture net 300, the net 300 is bent due to the pressure from the underwater cleaning rotating body 2. Due to this bending, the side portion of the underwater cleaning rotating body 2 also comes into contact with the aquaculture net 300. This bending (deformation) is particularly noticeable when the aquaculture net 300 is made of synthetic fiber. However, this bending can also be obtained when the aquaculture net 300 is made of wire mesh, although to a smaller degree than with synthetic fiber mesh. In other words, even when the aquaculture net 300 is made of wire mesh, it is possible to bring the side portion of the underwater cleaning rotating body 2 into contact with the aquaculture net 300.

[0038] Here, for convenience, we will focus on point P3 (an arbitrarily selected point for the sake of explanation) of the aquaculture net 300 shown in Figure 8. Also, here we will assume that the underwater cleaning rotating body 2 shown in Figure 8 is rotating. The solid line aquaculture net 300 is a diagram that assumes point P3 is in contact with the corner side surface of the polygonal underwater cleaning rotating body 2. The dashed line aquaculture net 300 is a diagram that assumes point P3 is in contact with the side surface of the polygonal underwater cleaning rotating body 2.

[0039] As described above, in the underwater cleaning rotating body 2 of this embodiment, the distance from the central axis C to the outer circumference changes in the direction of rotation. In this configuration, when the underwater cleaning rotating body 2 rotates, the position where the outer surface of the underwater cleaning rotating body 2 and point P3 come into contact with each other, as shown by the solid and dashed lines of the aquaculture net 300, moves closer to and further away from the central axis C. That is, point P3 on the aquaculture net 300 appears to vibrate radially when viewed from the central axis C. As a result, as the underwater cleaning rotating body 2 rotates, it becomes possible to apply a striking force to the attached organisms (oysters, barnacles, etc.) attached to the aquaculture net 300 using the side portion of the underwater cleaning rotating body 2. By applying a striking force to the attached organisms, it becomes possible to knock them off or crush them from the aquaculture net 300. For this reason, compared to simply using high-pressure water for cleaning, it is possible to effectively remove attached organisms from the aquaculture net 300.

[0040] Furthermore, the above-mentioned striking force (impact force) can be obtained even if the shape of the underwater cleaning rotating body 2 is not octagonal in plan view. In other words, the shape of the underwater cleaning rotating body 2 for obtaining the striking force (impact force) may be a polygonal shape other than octagonal in plan view, or an elliptical shape, etc. When the number of sides of the polygon is n (a natural number), it is preferable that the underwater cleaning rotating body 2 has a polygonal shape in which "n" is between 6 and 16. By avoiding "n" becoming too small, it is possible to avoid the corners of the underwater cleaning rotating body 2 becoming too sharp, and the possibility of the underwater cleaning rotating body 2 damaging the aquaculture net 300 can be reduced. Also, by avoiding "n" becoming too large, it is possible to avoid the change in length from the central axis C to the outer circumference of the underwater cleaning rotating body 2 becoming too small, and the reduction in the effect of generating the striking force (impact force) can be suppressed.

[0041] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 5, the underwater cleaning rotating body 2, which is configured as a polygon in plan view, has rounded corners 2c on the polygonal edges. With this configuration, for example, the possibility of the side portion of the underwater cleaning rotating body 2 that comes into contact with the aquaculture net 300 damaging the aquaculture net 300 can be reduced.

[0042] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 8, the underwater cleaning rotating body 2 pressed against the aquaculture net 300 also has its bottom (underside) portion in contact with the aquaculture net 300. Considering this point, it is preferable that the underwater cleaning rotating body 2 has a portion in which the height position of the cleaning-side end in the axial direction, to which the central axis C extends in a side view, changes in the direction of rotation. This provides the same effect as when the distance from the central axis C to the outer circumference in a plan view changes in the direction of rotation. In this embodiment, the cleaning side is the side of the underwater cleaning rotating body 2 that faces the aquaculture net 300 (the object to be cleaned) during cleaning. In this embodiment, the axial cleaning-side end is the end on the axial lower end side, and the height position of the cleaning-side end is the axial height position of the cleaning-side end (i.e., the lower end).

[0043] The details of the configuration will be described later, but as shown in Figure 8, the underwater cleaning rotating body 2 has a configuration in which the height position of the axial cleaning side end (lower end) in a side view changes in the direction of rotation. For convenience, we will focus on point P4 (a point arbitrarily selected for the sake of explanation) of the aquaculture net 300 shown in Figure 8. Also, here we will assume that the underwater cleaning rotating body 2 shown in Figure 8 is rotating. The solid line aquaculture net 300 is a diagram that assumes point P4 is in contact with the bottom surface of a corner of the polygonal underwater cleaning rotating body 2. The dashed line aquaculture net 300 is a diagram that assumes point P4 is in contact with the bottom surface of a side of the polygonal underwater cleaning rotating body 2.

[0044] Similar to the case of point P3 described above, as the underwater cleaning rotating body 2 rotates, point P4 on the aquaculture net 300 vibrates as if it were vibrating axially from the perspective of the underwater cleaning rotating body 2. As a result, as the underwater cleaning rotating body 2 rotates, it becomes possible to apply a striking force (impact force) to the attached organisms such as oysters attached to the aquaculture net 300 using the bottom surface of the underwater cleaning rotating body 2. By applying a striking force to the attached organisms, it becomes possible to knock them off or crush them from the aquaculture net 300. For this reason, compared to simply using high-pressure water for cleaning, it is possible to effectively remove attached organisms from the aquaculture net 300.

[0045] In a configuration where the height position of the axial cleaning end in a side view changes in the rotational direction, it is preferable that the height position of the cleaning end changes periodically in the rotational direction. By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to avoid making the shape of the underwater cleaning rotating body 2 complex and to facilitate the manufacture of the underwater cleaning rotating body 2.

[0046] Furthermore, the underwater cleaning rotating body 2 only needs to have a configuration in which at least one of the distance from the central axis C to the outer circumference in a plan view and the height position of the cleaning end in the axial direction in a side view changes in the direction of rotation. This makes it possible to generate a force that strikes the attached material on the aquaculture net 300 as the underwater cleaning rotating body 2 rotates.

[0047] In this embodiment, as can be seen from Figure 8, the change in the height position of the cleaning end of the underwater cleaning rotating body 2 in the rotational direction is provided on the outer circumference. The configuration of the underwater cleaning rotating body 2 that realizes this configuration will be described in more detail below.

[0048] As shown in Figure 5, the underwater cleaning rotating body 2 of this embodiment comprises a main body portion 21 and a frame portion 22. The frame portion 22 surrounds the outer circumference of the main body portion 21. In this embodiment, the main body portion 21 has a polygonal shape in plan view. For this reason, the frame portion 22 surrounding the outer circumference of the main body portion 21 is a polygonal annular shape, and the underwater cleaning rotating body 2, composed of the main body portion 21 and the frame portion 22, has a polygonal shape in plan view. By providing the frame portion 22, it is possible to easily create a change in the height position of the cleaning-side end in the rotational direction on the outer circumference. Furthermore, by providing the frame portion 22, it is possible to easily provide a cleaning nozzle 20 on the outer circumference of the underwater cleaning rotating body 2.

[0049] Figure 9 is an exploded perspective view showing the schematic configuration of the underwater cleaning rotating body 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figures 9 and 7, the main body 21 has an upper plate member 211 and a lower plate member 212 made of metal. The upper plate member 211 and the lower plate member 212 have a regular polygonal shape in plan view, and more specifically, a regular octagonal shape. The upper plate member 211 and the lower plate member 212 are spaced apart in the vertical direction (axial direction) and are fastened together using screws (not shown). More specifically, mounting bases 2121 having screw holes 2121a on their upper surfaces are provided at each corner of the upper surface of the lower plate member 212. The main body 21 is formed when the upper plate member 211 is placed on a plurality of mounting bases 2121 and fixed to the lower plate member 212 with screws. Furthermore, the hub member 213, described later, also functions as a mounting base for attaching the upper flat plate member 211, and this part is also secured with screws.

[0050] A hub member 213 is fixed to the center of the upper surface of the lower flat plate member 212 by welding or the like. The hub member 213 has a cylindrical portion 213a that is connected to the lower end of the rotating shaft 5 (see Figure 4, etc.). The cylindrical portion 213a extends in the vertical direction. The hub member 213 is also connected to the ends of two pipe members 214 that constitute the high-pressure water flow path 2a (see Figure 4) inside the rotating body. The two pipe members 214 each extend linearly from the hub member 213 toward the frame portion 22 and are fixed to the upper surface of the lower flat plate member 212 by welding or the like. The two pipe members 214 are arranged symmetrically with respect to the hub member 213 and each extends to the center of one side of the frame portion 22, which is arranged in an octagonal ring shape. One end of each pipe member 214 is connected to the hub member 213, and the other end is connected to a pipe that leads to the cleaning nozzle 20 (see Figure 7). Inside the hub member 213, a water channel 213b (see Figure 7) is formed to send water flowing in from the high-pressure water channel 51 (see Figure 4) inside the shaft to each pipe member 214.

[0051] Two linear reinforcing members 215 are fixed to the upper surface of the lower flat plate member 212 by welding or the like, positioned perpendicular to the two pipe members 214 through which high-pressure water flows. The reinforcing members 215 may be hollow or solid. One end of each reinforcing member 215 is connected to the hub member 213, and the other end is connected to one side of the frame portion 22. The reinforcing members 215 are provided to increase the strength of the underwater cleaning rotating body 2, and their number may be changed as appropriate from the number in this embodiment (two). The reinforcing members 215 may not be provided in some cases.

[0052] As shown in Figure 9, a buoyancy body 216 is positioned between the upper plate member 211 and the lower plate member 212. More specifically, there are multiple buoyancy bodies 216 positioned between the upper plate member 211 and the lower plate member 212, and each buoyancy body 216 is fan-shaped. Each buoyancy body 216 is positioned between adjacent pipe members 214 and reinforcing members 215 in the direction of rotation. The buoyancy body 216 is made of a material that provides buoyancy in the underwater cleaning device 100, and the material is not particularly limited, but it is preferably made of a closed-cell medium-density to high-density foam having high compressive strength and durability. Examples of materials with such properties include polymer foam materials such as Divinicel.

[0053] As shown in Figure 9, the frame portion 22 is fixed to the outer circumference of the lower flat plate member 212 by welding or the like. The frame portion 22 may be fixed to at least one of the upper flat plate member 211 and the lower flat plate member 212.

[0054] More specifically, the frame portion 22 has a plurality of rod-shaped members 221 and a plurality of joint members 222. The rod-shaped members 221 are arranged on the sides of the main body portion 21, which has a polygonal shape in plan view. The joint members 222 are arranged on the corners of the main body portion 21, which has a polygonal shape in plan view, and connect the rod-shaped members 221 to each other. More specifically, each rod-shaped member 221 is fixed to each side of the lower flat plate member 212, which has a regular octagonal shape in plan view. The joint members 222 are fixed to the corners of the lower flat plate member 212, which has a regular octagonal shape in plan view. The joint members 222 connect two rod-shaped members 221 that are adjacent to each other in the rotational direction.

[0055] Each rod-shaped member 221 is connected to the joint member 222 by fitting its end into the internal space of the joint member 222. The connection portion is fixed by welding or the like. The joint member 222 has a larger outer diameter than the rod-shaped member 221. As a result, a step 23 is created on the outer circumference of the frame portion 22 at the boundary between the rod-shaped member 221 and the joint member 222. That is, the frame portion 22 has a step 23 formed at the connection portion between the rod-shaped member 221 and the joint member 222. In this embodiment, the outer circumference of the joint member 222, as viewed from the central axis C in a plan view, is arc-shaped and rounded. This roundness corresponds to the rounded corners 2c of the polygon described above. Furthermore, since the underwater cleaning rotating body 2, whose outer circumference is composed of multiple rod-shaped members 221 and multiple joint members 222, has a regular polygonal shape, the step 23 is provided periodically in the rotational direction.

[0056] As described above, in the underwater cleaning rotating body 2, the distance from the central axis C to the outer circumference in a plan view changes in the direction of rotation due to its polygonal shape in a plan view. Furthermore, the presence of the step 23 also causes the distance from the central axis C to the outer circumference to change in the direction of rotation. Additionally, in the underwater cleaning rotating body 2, the presence of the step 23 causes the height position of the axial cleaning end in a side view of the outer circumference to change in the direction of rotation.

[0057] As explained earlier using Figure 8, this shape, in which the radial distance and the height position of the axial cleaning end change in the rotational direction, generates a force that strikes the attached material on the aquaculture net 300 when the underwater cleaning rotating body 2 rotates. In particular, in this embodiment, there is a step 23 from the bottom surface to the side surface where the underwater cleaning rotating body 2 contacts the aquaculture net 300 during cleaning (see Figure 8). As a result, the attached material on the aquaculture net 300 can be efficiently struck and removed from the aquaculture net 300.

[0058] The rod-shaped member 221 may have a solid structure such as a round bar, but in this embodiment, the rod-shaped member 221 has a hollow structure. This configuration can reduce the cost required for the rod-shaped member 221 and lighten the weight of the underwater cleaning rotating body 2. Furthermore, as in this embodiment, the underwater cleaning rotating body 2 can be configured to include a cleaning nozzle 20 positioned inside the rod-shaped member 221 (see Figure 7).

[0059] In this embodiment, the rotating body opening 2b (see Figure 2) is provided on the lower surface (bottom surface) of the rod-shaped member 221. High-pressure water sprayed from the cleaning nozzle 20 located inside the rod-shaped member 221 is sprayed onto the aquaculture net 300 via the rotating body opening 2b. By arranging the cleaning nozzle 20 inside the rod-shaped member 221 as in this embodiment, the possibility of the cleaning nozzle 20 getting caught on the aquaculture net 300 can be reduced. Furthermore, the possibility of the cleaning nozzle 20 being damaged can be reduced.

[0060] <3. Variant> In the above example, a configuration was obtained in the underwater cleaning rotating body 2 in which the height position of the axial cleaning end in a side view changes in the direction of rotation by providing a stepped structure in the frame portion 22, but this is merely an example.

[0061] Figure 10 is a side view showing the schematic configuration of the underwater cleaning rotating body 2A according to the first modified example. As shown in Figure 10, by making the bottom surface (underside) of the underwater cleaning rotating body 2A wavy, a configuration can be obtained in which the height position of the cleaning end in the axial direction in a side view changes in the direction of rotation. Even with such a configuration, as the underwater cleaning rotating body 2A rotates, a force can be obtained to strike attached organisms such as oysters attached to the aquaculture net 300.

[0062] Figure 11 is a bottom view showing the schematic configuration of the underwater cleaning rotating body 2B according to the second modified example. As shown in Figure 11, by providing a projection 24 that protrudes downward from the bottom surface of the underwater cleaning rotating body 2B, a configuration can be obtained in which the height position of the axial cleaning end in a side view changes in the direction of rotation. Even with such a configuration, as the underwater cleaning rotating body 2B rotates, a force can be obtained to strike attached organisms such as oysters attached to the aquaculture net 300.

[0063] In the example shown in Figure 11, multiple projections 24 are provided on the bottom surface of the main body 21. That is, in the example shown in Figure 11, the change in the height position of the cleaning end in the rotational direction is made up of multiple projections 24 provided on one end surface in the axial direction of the underwater cleaning rotating body 2. In detail, each of the multiple projections 24 is fixed to the bottom surface of the main body 21 by welding or the like. The multiple projections 24 extend radially from the central axis C. In detail, the multiple projections 24 are arranged at equal intervals in the rotational direction around the central axis C. By providing such multiple projections 24, it is possible to strike attached objects (oysters, etc.) over a wide area, and the attached objects can be removed efficiently.

[0064] <4. Things to keep in mind> Various technical features disclosed herein can be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit of the technical creation. Furthermore, the multiple embodiments and modifications shown herein may be combined as possible.

[0065] As described above, the present invention is also applicable to underwater cleaning devices for cleaning ship hulls, bridge piers, and the like. However, in cases where the object to be cleaned, such as ship hulls or bridge piers, is hard and does not flex, it is preferable that the underwater cleaning rotating body does not come into contact with the object itself, unlike in the above description. For this reason, it is preferable that the underwater cleaning device be equipped with a clearance-securing member (such as a roller) that secures clearance between the underwater cleaning rotating body and the object to be cleaned. Even with such a configuration, if the underwater cleaning rotating body has the stepped structure described above, it is possible to obtain a force to strike the large amount of deposits attached to the object to be cleaned, making it easier to remove the deposits.

[0066] <5. Addendum> An exemplary underwater cleaning rotating body of the present invention is used for cleaning work underwater and is an underwater cleaning rotating body that rotates about a central axis, and has a configuration (first configuration) in which at least one of the distance from the central axis to the outer circumference in a plan view and the height position of the cleaning end in the axial direction to which the central axis extends in a side view changes in the direction of rotation.

[0067] In the underwater cleaning rotating body of the first configuration described above, at least one of the distance and the height position may be configured to have a portion that changes periodically in the direction of rotation (second configuration).

[0068] In the underwater cleaning rotating body of the first or second configuration described above, the change in height position in the rotational direction may be provided on the outer circumference (third configuration).

[0069] In the underwater cleaning rotating body having any of the configurations described in the first to third above, the change in height position in the rotational direction may be a configuration (fourth configuration) in which a plurality of protrusions are provided on one end face in the axial direction.

[0070] The underwater cleaning rotating body of any of the first to fourth configurations described above may have a polygonal shape in plan view (fifth configuration).

[0071] The underwater cleaning rotating body of the fifth configuration described above may have a configuration in which the corners of the polygon are rounded (sixth configuration).

[0072] The underwater cleaning rotating body of the first to sixth configurations described above may have a configuration comprising a main body and a frame surrounding the outer circumference of the main body (seventh configuration).

[0073] In the underwater cleaning rotating body of the seventh configuration described above, the main body may have a polygonal shape in plan view (the eighth configuration).

[0074] In the underwater cleaning rotating body of the eighth configuration described above, the frame portion may have a configuration (ninth configuration) comprising: a plurality of rod-shaped members arranged on the sides of the main body portion; a plurality of joint members arranged on the corners of the main body portion and connecting the rod-shaped members to each other; and a step formed at the connection portion between the rod-shaped members and the joint members.

[0075] In the underwater cleaning rotating body of the ninth configuration described above, the rod-shaped member may have a hollow structure (the tenth configuration).

[0076] The underwater cleaning rotating body of the 10th configuration described above may be configured to include a nozzle disposed within the rod-shaped member (11th configuration).

[0077] An exemplary underwater cleaning device of the present invention may have a configuration comprising an underwater cleaning rotating body having any of the first to eleventh configurations described above (the twelfth configuration). [Explanation of Symbols]

[0078] 2, 2A, 2B... Underwater cleaning rotating body 2c... rounded 20... Cleaning nozzles 21. Main body 22...Frame body part 23 steps 24...Protrusion 100...Underwater cleaning device 221... Rod-shaped member 222... Joint components C...Central axis

Claims

1. A rotating underwater cleaning body used for underwater cleaning operations, which rotates around a central axis, A submersible cleaning rotating body having a portion in which at least one of the distance from the central axis to the outer circumference in a plan view and the height position of the cleaning end in the axial direction to which the central axis extends in a side view changes in the direction of rotation.

2. The underwater cleaning rotating body according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the distance and the height position has a portion that changes periodically in the rotational direction.

3. The change in height position in the rotational direction is provided on the outer circumference of the underwater cleaning rotating body according to claim 1.

4. The underwater cleaning rotating body according to claim 1, wherein the change in height position in the rotational direction is composed of a plurality of protrusions provided on one end face in the axial direction.

5. The underwater cleaning rotating body according to claim 1, which has a polygonal shape in plan view.

6. The underwater cleaning rotating body according to claim 5, wherein the corners of the polygon are rounded.

7. The main body and A frame portion surrounding the outer periphery of the main body portion, The underwater cleaning rotating body according to claim 1, comprising:

8. The underwater cleaning rotating body according to claim 7, wherein the main body has a polygonal shape in plan view.

9. The aforementioned frame portion is Multiple rod-shaped members arranged on the side of the main body, A plurality of joint members are arranged at the corners of the main body and connect the rod-shaped members together, A step formed at the connection portion between the rod-shaped member and the joint member, The underwater cleaning rotating body according to claim 8, having the following features.

10. The rod-shaped member has a hollow structure, as described in claim 9, for the underwater cleaning rotating body.

11. The underwater cleaning rotating body according to claim 10, further comprising a nozzle disposed within the rod-shaped member.

12. An underwater cleaning device comprising an underwater cleaning rotating body according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

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