Waterproof structure for underwater device, underwater device, and method for using the flight device

Abstract

To provide a technology for waterproofing a device to function underwater with a reliable and simple configuration.SOLUTION: Waterproof structure for an underwater use device 10 for waterproofing a portion where waterproofing is necessary in an underwater use device which is the device to be used underwater W, comprises: a storage chamber 2 for storing a portion needing waterproofing, that is, a waterproofing necessary portion; and a water surface retaining unit 5 provided in communication with the storage chamber 2 below and retaining a boundary water surface P inside which is the boundary between gas and water. Respective specifications for tip water depth h which is the water depth at the tip of the water surface retaining unit 5 assumed when storage chamber volume V0, water surface retaining unit section area A, and the waterproof structure for an underwater use device 10 are located underwater W, are designed in a specification for retaining the boundary water surface P within the water surface retaining unit 5.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a waterproof structure for underwater devices, underwater devices, and methods for using flying devices, and in particular to waterproofing technology for underwater devices that are mounted on flying devices that land on the surface of water such as the ocean or lakes and conduct surveys underwater or at the bottom of bodies of water. [Background technology]

[0002] Drone utilization technology is being tackled in a wide range of industrial and technological fields. One example is the use of water-landing drones to conduct fishery resource surveys in oceans, lakes, and other locations. The applicant is conducting research to improve the efficiency of fishery resource surveys using drones, and as part of this research, is working on developing a towing device for dropping various cameras and sensors mounted on water-landing drones into the water. Dropping various cameras and sensors into the water from a drone that has landed on the surface of the sea or lake requires an electric mechanism, such as an electric reel, consisting of a motor and a reel. However, the environment in which water-landing drones are used is harsh, as they are exposed to seawater and other elements, and therefore require protection from seawater and other elements.

[0003] This towing device is attached to the bottom of the water-landing drone, but it will be completely submerged after landing, and it must be designed to withstand a certain amount of water pressure. However, since the device's primary function is to thread the towing wire underwater by rotating the reel, it cannot be completely sealed. It is necessary to take reliable waterproofing measures for the motor and other components while threading the towing wire underwater.

[0004] One technology related to the issue of underwater waterproofing is a mechanism called a stern tube, which is commonly used in ship propellers and propeller shafts. This is a mechanism that waterproofs the bearing interface of the rotating shaft. In other words, although the ship's propeller itself is exposed to the sea, the engine that drives it is stored inside the ship and is designed not to be exposed to seawater. The key to this is the use of special bearings that are filled with grease.

[0005] Patent applications have been filed for underwater survey and exploration technologies using drones. For example, Patent Document 1, listed below, discloses a device for controlling the orientation of various sensors and underwater cameras dropped into the water by a towing device from a drone hovering in the air, as a technology for easily and flexibly controlling the position and direction of underwater photography. Note that this technology uses a normal drone, not a water-landing drone. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] JP 2017-85263 A "Underwater photography device" Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] When a towing device is attached to the belly (bottom) of a water-landing drone, the towing device itself is located below the waterline and exposed to seawater when the drone lands. In such an operating environment, it is necessary not only to meet the demands for compactness and light weight, but also to protect the towing device's electric mechanism from seawater, i.e., waterproofing. The device must also be able to withstand a certain level of water pressure. However, this towing device cannot be completely sealed. In other words, a structure is required that allows the towing wire to pass underwater while still providing reliable waterproofing for the motor and other components. (Note that even if the towing device is installed above the waterline rather than at the bottom of the water-landing drone, the problem is not solved because the top of the drone is also covered in water due to the effects of waves. In addition, from the perspective of the weight and center of gravity balance of the towing device, it is difficult to fix it above the water surface when it lands, making it difficult to adopt.)

[0008] To waterproof a portion of a device that functions underwater, a boundary between the waterproof and underwater areas must be established somewhere within the device, and that boundary must provide a highly accurate waterproof function. With the stern tube described above, waterproofing is implemented at the bearings of the reel and motor, meaning the reel is exposed to water but the motor is waterproof. However, the shaft length must be long enough to withstand the shear stress of the grease against water pressure, making a compact structure impossible. Furthermore, high precision is required for mechanical components. Therefore, in a structure where space is extremely limited, such as installation at the bottom of a drone, the adoption of a stern tube, which requires a long shaft length and a complex structure to ensure waterproofing at the sliding surface, is extremely difficult and does not meet the demand for low cost. A new waterproofing structure that does not rely on waterproofing at the sliding surface is required.

[0009] Therefore, in light of the state of the prior art, the problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a technology that can reliably and simply waterproof a device that is mounted on a flying device that can land on water, such as a water-landing drone, and that must function underwater.The problem to be solved by the present invention is also to provide a technology that can reliably and simply waterproof a device that must function underwater, regardless of whether it is mounted on a water-landing drone, etc. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The requirements for the traction device require that the motor and other electric components be waterproof, but that the traction wires and other components be exposed to water. Therefore, it was essential to create a boundary between the waterproof and submerged sections of the traction device. Since the traction wires extend downward, we considered a situation in which water would not enter even when they were extended downward. As a result, we decided to provide a waterproof cover large enough to house the entire traction device, and we devised a structure in which the interior of the waterproof cover is filled with air, preventing water from entering through the waterproof cover. The structure resembles an upside-down bucket or washbasin, and this technology prevents water from entering by maintaining a state in which the air inside cannot escape to the outside. This eliminates the need for waterproofing measures on the sliding surfaces; static waterproofing measures such as ordinary packing can be used to achieve the desired effect, and it should be extremely inexpensive.

[0011] A prototype towing device that embodied this idea of ​​"securing space by turning a bucket upside down" was created, and a demonstration test was conducted in which the device was mounted on a drone and landed in a large water tank. Furthermore, the physical mechanism was considered based on the results of the demonstration test. As a result, new knowledge was reached that the relative relationship between air pressure and water pressure in the internal space should be taken into consideration. This was formulated and the design of the towing device was modified, and demonstration tests were conducted. The expected effects were reproducibly obtained. In this way, good results were confirmed in terms of reliability and practicality, and based on this, the present invention was completed. In other words, the invention claimed in this patent application, or at least the invention disclosed therein, as a means for solving the above-mentioned problems, is as follows.

[0012] [1] A structure for waterproofing a part that needs to be waterproofed in an underwater device that is a device used underwater, a housing chamber for housing the area requiring waterproofing, i.e., the waterproof-required portion; a water surface holding part that is provided below the storage chamber and communicates with the storage chamber, and that holds a boundary water surface that is a boundary between gas and water inside the storage chamber; A waterproof structure for an underwater device, characterized in that a narrow section having a smaller cross-sectional area than the water surface holding section is provided between the storage chamber and the water surface holding section. [2] The volume of the storage chamber is V0, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the water surface holding portion is V1. Water surface holding part cross-sectional area A The waterproof structure for underwater equipment described in [1] is characterized in that the specifications of the tip water depth h, which is the water depth at the tip of the water surface holding part that is expected when the waterproof structure for underwater equipment is immersed in water, are designed to maintain the boundary water surface within the water surface holding part. [3] A waterproof structure for an underwater device as described in [2], characterized in that the height of water penetrating into the water surface holding portion, i.e., the height z of the boundary water surface, which is the distance between the opening of the water surface holding portion and the boundary water surface, satisfies the following formula and is less than the water depth length b of the water surface holding portion.

number

[0013] [5] The waterproof structure for an underwater device according to any one of [1], [2], [3], and [4], characterized in that the narrow portion is formed by a protruding edge at the opening of the storage chamber. [6] A waterproof structure for an underwater device according to any one of [1], [2], [3], [4], and [5], characterized in that it is provided with a compressed gas discharge device that discharges gas into the storage chamber. [7] A compressed gas discharge device is provided for discharging gas into the storage chamber, characterized in that the compressed gas discharge device comprises a gas cylinder filled with compressed gas, a water intrusion sensor for detecting the water level in the water surface holding part, i.e., the depth of the boundary water surface, and a discharge control means for controlling the discharge of compressed gas from the gas cylinder based on the detection by the water intrusion sensor. Either [1] or [2] The waterproof structure for the underwater device described above. [8] The waterproof structure for underwater equipment according to either [6] or [7], characterized in that the compressed gas discharge device is configured to operate when a situation requiring waterproofing occurs. [9] The waterproof structure for an underwater device according to any one of [1], [2], [3], [4], [5], [6], [7], and [8], characterized in that the underwater device is a suspension device for suspending a predetermined underwater object to be held underwater.

[10] A waterproof structure for an underwater device according to any one of [1], [2], [3], [4], [5], [6], [7], and [8], characterized in that the underwater device is a shaft-shaped device that can rotate around an axis and has a predetermined underwater object attached to its tip.

[0014] [ 11 The underwater object to be held is <h>Any of the listed in characterized in that 〔9〕、〔10〕 10. The waterproof structure for an underwater device according to claim 9, wherein: <h>Photography equipment, measuring equipment, water sampling equipment, sampling equipment (excluding water sampling equipment), installation equipment, marking equipment [ 12 ] A waterproof structure for an underwater device described in any one of [9],

[10] , and

[11] , characterized in that the water surface holding part is formed in a tubular shape so that the underwater held object can move up and down through its interior. [ 13 The storage chamber is formed using a plurality of members. 〔1〕、〔2〕、〔3〕、〔4〕、〔5〕、〔6〕、〔7〕、〔8〕、〔9〕、〔10〕、〔11〕、〔12〕 10. The waterproof structure for an underwater device according to claim 9, wherein: [ 14 ] characterized in that it is configured to be attachable to a rotorcraft or other flying device capable of landing on water, 〔1〕、〔2〕、〔3〕、〔4〕、〔5〕、〔6〕、〔7〕、〔8〕、〔9〕、〔10〕、〔11〕、〔12〕、〔13〕 10. The waterproof structure for an underwater device according to claim 9, wherein: [ 15 〕 〔1〕、〔2〕、〔3〕、〔4〕、〔5〕、〔6〕、〔7〕、〔8〕、〔9〕、〔10〕、〔11〕、〔12〕、〔13〕、〔14〕 10. An underwater device comprising the waterproof structure for an underwater device according to claim 9. [ 16 〕 〔 15 ], and flying the underwater device, and making the underwater device function after landing on water. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] The waterproof structure for an underwater device, the underwater device, and the method of using the flight device of the present invention are configured as described above, and therefore, with these, it is possible to reliably and simply waterproof a device that is mounted on a water-landing flight device and that must function underwater. Furthermore, with the present invention, it is possible to reliably and simply waterproof a device that must function underwater, regardless of whether it is mounted on a water-landing flight device such as a water-landing drone. The present invention is highly practical as a waterproofing technology for underwater devices that are mounted on water-landing flight devices such as water-landing drones and that perform surveys and other work underwater or on the bottom of bodies of water. The present invention can be widely used as a means for reliably separating and isolating, with a simple structure, items that are exposed to water and items that need to be waterproofed, such as electrically powered parts. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] 1 is a conceptual explanatory diagram showing the basic configuration of a waterproof structure for an underwater device according to the present invention. [Figure 1-2] 2 is a conceptual explanatory diagram showing the waterproof structure for the underwater device shown in FIG. 1 in use. FIG. [Figure 2] 1 is a conceptual explanatory diagram showing an example of the configuration of a waterproof structure for an underwater device of the present invention, taking into account the cross-sectional area of ​​the water surface holding portion. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a conceptual explanatory diagram showing a comparative example to the configuration example shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] 1 is a conceptual explanatory diagram showing an example of the configuration of a waterproof structure for an underwater device according to the present invention, which is provided with a narrow portion. [Figure 4-2] 5 is a conceptual explanatory diagram showing the waterproof structure for the underwater device shown in FIG. 4 in use. FIG. [Figure 5] 1 is a conceptual explanatory diagram showing an example of the configuration of a waterproof structure for an underwater device of the present invention, which is equipped with a compressed gas discharge device. [Figure 6] 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an embodiment of a waterproof structure for an underwater device according to the present invention; [Figure 7] 1 is a conceptual explanatory diagram showing the configuration of an underwater device to which the waterproof structure for an underwater device of the present invention is applied; [Figure 8] 1 is a conceptual explanatory diagram showing a usage form of the waterproof structure for an underwater device according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a conceptual explanatory diagram showing the basic configuration of the waterproof structure for an underwater device of the present invention. FIGS. 1A and 1B are conceptual explanatory diagrams showing the waterproof structure for an underwater device shown in FIG. 1 in use. As shown in these figures, the waterproof structure 10 for an underwater device is a structure for waterproofing parts that need to be waterproofed in an underwater device M, which is a device used underwater W. Its main components are a storage chamber 2 that houses the parts that need to be waterproofed, i.e., the waterproof-requiring parts M2, and a water surface-retaining part 5 that communicates with the storage chamber 2 via an opening 2H and is located below the storage chamber 2 and maintains the boundary water surface P, which is the boundary between gas and water, inside the storage chamber 2. The lower end of the water surface-retaining part 5 also has an opening 5H. In other words, the internal space of the waterproof structure 10 for an underwater device, extending from the storage chamber 2 to the water surface-retaining part 5, is a space that is open to the water W through the opening 5H of the water surface-retaining part.

[0018] The waterproof structure 10 for an underwater device having such a configuration is used underwater W with the opening 5H of the water surface-retaining part 5 facing downward. Water seeps upward through the opening 5H inside the water surface-retaining part 5, but the water does not rise up to the interior of the storage chamber 2 above the water surface-retaining part 5. Therefore, the waterproof-requiring part M2 of the underwater device M inside the storage chamber 2 does not come into contact with water and remains waterproof. This is because the waterproof structure 10 for an underwater device is structured so that the boundary water surface P, which is the boundary between gas and water, is maintained inside the water surface-retaining part 5 and does not rise up to the storage chamber 2 above it. As a result, the waterproof structure 10 for an underwater device reliably waterproofs the waterproof-requiring part M2 of the underwater device M stored therein, while at the same time allowing the underwater part M1 to be immersed in water W and used.

[0019] The shape of the interior of the storage chamber 2 may be rectangular or any other shape, but it is desirable that the shape of the interior of the water surface-holding section 5 has the same cross-sectional shape in the hanging direction of the water surface-holding section 5, that is, a shape with a uniform inner diameter and cross-sectional area. In order to obtain the desired effects of the present invention, there is no need for any other shape, and the structure is simple. As long as this is the case, the cross-sectional shape can be designed as appropriate, such as circular, elliptical, or polygonal. The following explanation will be given on the assumption that the interior of the water surface-holding section has a shape with a uniform inner diameter and cross-sectional area.

[0020] In the waterproof structure 10 for underwater device, the maintenance of the boundary water surface P inside the water surface retention section 5 can be achieved by considering and designing the specifications, particularly the volume V0 of the storage chamber 2, the cross-sectional area A of the water surface retention section 5, and the tip water depth h, which is the water depth at the tip of the water surface retention section 5 that is expected when the waterproof structure 10 for underwater device is submerged in water. Specifically, the specifications are designed so that the height of water that penetrates into the water surface retention section 5, i.e., the height z of the boundary water surface P, satisfies the following formula, and the water depth length b of the water surface retention section 5 in the water depth direction is also designed so that the height z of the boundary water surface P is equal to or less than the length b of the water surface retention section 5 in the water depth direction. The formula below was derived based on the fact that the boundary water surface P is the equilibrium point between water pressure and air pressure. The letters in the formula are as follows: ρ: density of water (kg / m 3 ), g: Gravitational acceleration (m / s 2 ), P0: atmospheric pressure (Pa)

[0021]

number

[0022] Fig. 2 is a conceptual explanatory diagram showing an example of the configuration of the waterproof structure for underwater device of the present invention, taking into account the cross-sectional area of ​​the water surface-holding portion. Fig. 3 is a conceptual explanatory diagram showing a comparative example to the configuration example shown in Fig. 2. As shown in Fig. 2, in addition to any of the configurations already described, the waterproof structure 210 for underwater device can be configured so that the inner diameter f of the water surface-holding portion 25 is equal to or less than the length in the water depth direction. By making the inner diameter f shorter in this way, the cross-sectional area A of the water surface-holding portion becomes smaller.

[0023] If the inner diameter f' of the water surface holding portion 35 is longer, i.e., if the cross-sectional area is larger, as in the comparative example in Figure 3, waves are more likely to form on the water surface, and furthermore, the inclination in water causes the water surface to approach the storage chamber 32, increasing the risk of flooding the storage chamber 32. Assuming an inclination angle θ = 45°, it is desirable to make the inner diameter f of the water surface holding portion 25 equal to or less than the length in the water depth direction, as shown in Figure 2, so that tan 45° ≦ 1. With this configuration, the risk of water flooding into the storage chamber 25 is significantly reduced, and waterproofing of the parts that need to be waterproofed can be more reliably achieved.

[0024] FIG. 4 is a conceptual explanatory diagram showing an example of the configuration of the waterproof structure for an underwater device of the present invention, which includes a narrow portion. FIG. 4-2 is a conceptual explanatory diagram showing the waterproof structure for an underwater device shown in FIG. 4 in use. As shown in these diagrams, the waterproof structure for an underwater device 410 can be configured such that, in addition to any of the configurations already described, a narrow portion 44 having a smaller cross-sectional area than the water surface-maintaining portion 45 is provided between the storage chamber 42 and the water surface-maintaining portion 45. As shown in the figure, the narrow portion 44 can be formed by a protruding edge 43 at the opening 42H of the storage chamber 42. The narrowness of the narrow portion 44 can be appropriately designed based on the specifications of the underwater portion of the underwater device that will pass through it.

[0025] With this configuration, even if the water level inside the water surface holding portion 45 rises, water is less likely to infiltrate from there into the narrow portion 44, which has a smaller cross-sectional area. In other words, the risk of water infiltration into the storage chamber 42 can be further reduced. As shown in FIG. 4-2, the waterproof structure 410 for an underwater device is often inclined when underwater W. In a structure without the narrow portion 44, the inclination of the position further reduces the effectiveness of preventing water infiltration into the storage chamber 42. However, by providing the narrow portion 44, an additional margin y can be secured for the water infiltration height when inclined, and the water infiltration prevention effect can be further improved.

[0026] FIG. 5 is a conceptual explanatory diagram showing an example of the configuration of a waterproof structure for underwater device according to the present invention, which includes a compressed gas discharge device. Note that in the following drawings, the illustration of an example including a narrow section, such as that shown in FIG. 4, may be omitted. As shown in the figure, this waterproof structure 510 for underwater device may be configured to include, in addition to any of the components already described, a compressed gas discharge device 56 that discharges gas into the housing chamber 52. The compressed gas discharge device 56 may include a gas cylinder 57 filled with compressed gas, a water ingress sensor 58 that detects the water level in the water surface holding unit 55, i.e., the boundary water surface water depth z, and a discharge control means 59 that controls the discharge of compressed gas from the gas cylinder 57 based on the detection by the water ingress sensor 58. The water ingress sensor 58 does not need to be located inside the water surface holding unit 55, as long as it can detect the water level. The gas cylinder 57 may also be configured to supply gas via a hose from outside the waterproof structure 510 for underwater device.

[0027] In the waterproof structure 510 for an underwater device having such a configuration, the compressed gas discharge device 56 discharges gas into the accommodation chamber 52, thereby increasing the air pressure inside the accommodation chamber 52 and making it possible to more effectively prevent water from entering through the opening 52H than before the gas was discharged. In other words, the gas discharge by the compressed gas discharge device 56 actively maintains the water level at an appropriate level. The timing at which the compressed gas discharge device 56 is activated can be designed according to specifications as appropriate. For example, the compressed gas discharge device 56 can be configured to activate when a predetermined situation requiring waterproofing occurs, such as when the waterproof structure 510 for an underwater device lands on water from the air.

[0028] The operation of the compressed gas discharge device 56 of the illustrated configuration example will be described below. When the water intrusion sensor 58 detects that the water level in the water surface holding section 55, i.e., the boundary water surface water depth z of the boundary water surface P, has reached or exceeded a predetermined dangerous water level, a discharge control means 59 that controls the discharge of compressed gas from the gas cylinder 57 is activated based on the detection, and discharge control is performed, thereby discharging the compressed gas filled inside the gas cylinder 57 into the storage chamber 52. In this way, based on the detection of a dangerous water level, the action of maintaining an appropriate water level that does not cause water to enter the storage chamber 52 and the action of moving the water surface away from the appropriate water level are performed immediately and reliably.

[0029] FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an embodiment of the waterproof structure for an underwater device of the present invention. The figure shows the interior of the housing chamber, omitting the ceiling portion that would normally be installed above the housing chamber. As shown, the waterproof structure 610 for an underwater device is primarily composed of a housing chamber 62 that houses the waterproof-requiring components of the underwater device (not shown) and a water surface maintenance section 65 that is connected to and installed below the housing chamber. In this embodiment, the housing chamber 62 is covered by a lid-like ceiling section (not shown), sealing the two together to maintain an airtight state inside. In this way, the housing chamber can be designed to be composed of multiple components. This configuration allows the interior to be exposed as needed, making it convenient for installing and maintaining the underwater device inside the housing chamber. However, it is necessary to assemble each component to maintain a sealed state. Maintaining an airtight state inside the housing chamber maintains the boundary water surface through the balance between air pressure and water pressure.

[0030] The water surface holding portion 65 is formed in a tubular shape so that an object to be held underwater can move up and down through its interior. When this structure 610 is used underwater, the boundary water surface is held within the water surface holding portion 65. In addition, the joint between the storage chamber 62 and the water surface holding portion 65 is provided with appropriate watertight means or structure such as packing. The embodiment shown in this figure will be explained further below. The dimensions in the figure are merely an example.

[0031] 7 is a conceptual explanatory diagram showing the configuration of an underwater device to which the waterproof structure for an underwater device of the present invention is applied. Examples of underwater devices to which the present invention is applicable include a hanging device Mh that suspends a predetermined underwater object D underwater, as shown in (a) of the figure, and a shaft-shaped device Mx that has an underwater object D attached to its tip, as shown in (b). The underwater object D is, for example, a photographing device, a measuring device, a water sampling device, a sampling device, an installation installation device, a sign device, etc.

[0032] As shown in (a) of the figure, the hanging device Mh can be attached to a water-landing drone, for example, and can use a towing mechanism to move an underwater object D suspended from the towing wire up and down. In this case, the towing wire Mh1, which is the underwater part, is passed through the water surface holding part 75a of the waterproof structure 710a for underwater device. On the other hand, as shown in (b) of the figure, the shaft-shaped device Mx can be attached to a normal drone, for example, and can be used as a shaft that expands and contracts using an expansion mechanism and rotates around its axis, with the underwater object D attached to its tip. In this case, the shaft Mx1, which is the underwater part, is passed through the water surface holding part 75b of the waterproof structure 710b for underwater device.

[0033] 8 is a conceptual explanatory diagram showing a usage form of the waterproof structure for an underwater device of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the waterproof structure for an underwater device 810 is configured to be attachable to a drone (rotorcraft) or other flying device 8200 that can land on water, and can be used by attaching it to the drone 8200. An underwater device equipped with any of the waterproof structures for an underwater device configured as described above also falls within the scope of the present invention. Also within the scope of the present invention is a method of using a flying device in which the underwater device is attached, flies, and functions after landing on water. [Example]

[0034] Table 1 shows the specifications, such as the volume of the storage chamber 62 and the diameter of the water surface holding portion 65, of the waterproof structure 610 for an underwater device according to the embodiment shown in Figure 6, required to calculate the height of the boundary water surface P (depth of the boundary water surface) z using the above formula.

[0035] [Table 1]

[0036] The boundary water surface depth z in the structure 610 of this embodiment calculated from the values ​​shown in the above table is as follows. z=0.0265[m]=26.5[mm] The tip water depth (tip depth) h of the waterproof structure 610 for an underwater device according to this embodiment is: h=250[mm] The water depth length (length of the water surface holding part) b is b=110[mm] In this case, the boundary water level is about 1 / 4 of the total length of the water surface holding portion 65, and there is a margin of about 83 mm to the storage chamber 62, which confirms that there is sufficient waterproofing effect.

[0037] In this embodiment 610, a suspension device is used as the underwater device, and elements that require waterproofing, such as a motor, reel, bearings, and control elements, are mounted inside the housing chamber 62. However, all of these elements can theoretically be made completely waterproof due to the specifications provided in this embodiment 610. Furthermore, when this embodiment 610 was actually mounted on a water landing drone and tested by landing it in a large water tank, the expected sufficient waterproofing effect was confirmed. It goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. [Industrial Applicability]

[0038] The waterproof structure for underwater devices, the underwater device, and the method for using the flight device of the present invention enable devices that must function underwater to be waterproofed with a reliable and simple structure, regardless of whether they are mounted on water-landing drones. Therefore, the present invention is highly industrially applicable in areas such as ocean and lake surveys using water-landing drones, other drone surveys, the manufacturing of drones and related devices, the fishing industry, and all related industrial fields. [Explanation of symbols]

[0039] 2, 22, 32, 42, 52, 62, 72a, 72b, 82... Containment rooms 2H, 42H, 52H...Opening of the containment room 43...Overhanging edge 44...Narrow area 5, 25, 35, 45, 55, 65, 75a, 75b, 85...Water surface holding part 5H, 45H...Opening of water surface holding part 10, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610, 710a, 710b, 810...Waterproof structure for underwater equipment 56...Compressed gas discharge device 57...Gas cylinder 58...Water ingress sensor 59...Discharge control means 8200...Flying device capable of landing on water A…Water surface holding part cross-sectional area b...Depth of water (of the part holding the water surface) D...Submerged object f, f'...inner diameter (of water surface holding part) h…Tip water depth M…Underwater use equipment M1…Underwater use part M2…Waterproof part Mh... Underwater equipment (hanging equipment) Mh1... Underwater section (towing wire) Mh2…Waterproof part Mx…Device for underwater use (shaft-shaped device) Mx1…Underwater use part (shaft body) Mx2…Waterproof part P…boundary water surface V0: Containment chamber volume W...Underwater y...Additional margin when tilting z...height of the boundary water surface (depth of the boundary water surface) θ…Inclination angle< / h> < / h>

Claims

1. A structure for waterproofing a part that needs to be waterproofed in an underwater device that is a device used underwater, a housing chamber for housing the area requiring waterproofing, i.e., the waterproof-required portion; a water surface holding part that is provided below the storage chamber and communicates with the storage chamber, and that holds a boundary water surface that is a boundary between gas and water inside the storage chamber; A waterproof structure for an underwater device, characterized in that a narrow section having a smaller cross-sectional area than the water surface holding section is provided between the storage chamber and the water surface holding section.

2. The volume of the storage chamber is the storage chamber volume V ０ 2. The waterproof structure for underwater devices as described in claim 1, characterized in that the specifications of the water surface holding section cross-sectional area A, which is the cross-sectional area of ​​the water surface holding section, and the tip water depth h, which is the water depth at the tip of the water surface holding section that is expected when the waterproof structure for underwater devices is submerged in water, are designed to maintain the boundary water surface within the water surface holding section.

3. 3. The waterproof structure for an underwater device according to claim 2, characterized in that the height of water entering the water surface holding portion, i.e., the height z of the boundary water surface, which is the distance between the opening of the water surface holding portion and the boundary water surface, satisfies the following formula and is less than the water depth length b of the water surface holding portion. [Equation 1] (The letters in the formula are as follows: ρ: density of water (kg / m ３ ), g: gravitational acceleration (m / s ２ ), P ０ : atmospheric pressure (P ａ ), b: length of water surface holding part in the water depth direction)

4. 4. The waterproof structure for an underwater device according to claim 1, wherein the water surface holding portion has an inner diameter equal to or smaller than the length in the water depth direction.

5. 5. The waterproof structure for an underwater device according to claim 1, wherein the narrow portion is formed by a protruding edge at the opening of the storage chamber.

6. 6. The waterproof structure for an apparatus for use underwater according to claim 1, further comprising a compressed gas discharge device for discharging gas into the accommodation chamber.

7. 3. A waterproof structure for an underwater device according to claim 1, further comprising a compressed gas discharge device for discharging gas into the storage chamber, the compressed gas discharge device comprising a gas cylinder filled with compressed gas, a water ingress sensor for detecting the water level in the water surface holding portion, i.e., the depth of the boundary water surface, and a discharge control means for controlling the discharge of compressed gas from the gas cylinder based on the detection by the water ingress sensor.

8. 8. The waterproof structure for underwater equipment according to claim 6, wherein said compressed gas discharge device is adapted to operate when a situation requiring waterproofing occurs.

9. 9. The waterproof structure for an underwater device according to claim 1, wherein the underwater device is a suspension device for suspending a predetermined underwater object to be held underwater.

10. 9. The waterproof structure for an underwater device according to claim 1, wherein the underwater device is a shaft-shaped device that is rotatable about an axis and has a predetermined underwater object attached to its tip.

11. 11. The waterproof structure for an underwater device according to claim 9, wherein the object to be held underwater is any one of the following items listed in <H>. <H> Photography equipment, measuring equipment, water sampling equipment, sampling equipment (excluding water sampling equipment), installation equipment, marking equipment

12. 12. The waterproof structure for an underwater device according to claim 9, wherein the water surface holding part is formed in a tubular shape so that the object to be held underwater can move up and down through the water surface holding part.

13. 13. The waterproof structure for an underwater device according to claim 1, wherein the storage chamber is constructed using a plurality of members.

14. 14. A waterproof structure for underwater equipment according to claim 1, wherein the waterproof structure is configured to be attachable to a rotorcraft or other flying device capable of landing on water.

15. 15. An underwater device comprising the waterproof structure for an underwater device according to claim 1.

16. A method of using a flying device, comprising: attaching the underwater device according to claim 15 to the flying device, flying the flying device, and causing the underwater device to function after landing on water.

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