Mobile

Abstract

A mobile body 1 comprises: a main body 2 that can float on a water surface WS; a fan 6 which is provided to the main body 2 and which can generate an airflow directed outward from the main body 2 in the lateral direction of the main body 2; and a guide surface 72a which is provided to the main body 2 and which receives a reaction force by guiding the airflow generated by the fan 6. The guide surface 72a is disposed at a position offset from a center point CP of the body 2 in the lateral direction and is configured to change the direction of travel of the airflow generated by the fan 6 so as to increase the upward directivity of the airflow.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a moving body that moves on the water surface.

Background Art

[0002] Moving bodies that perform various operations while moving on the water surface are known. For example, moving bodies equipped with devices such as cameras and sensors and used for inspecting sewer pipes, and moving bodies used for seed scattering have been proposed.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a moving body including a buoyant body that can float on the water surface and a plurality of propellers provided on the upper surface of the buoyant body. Specifically, this moving body includes four propellers having axes parallel to the front-rear direction of the moving body and two propellers having axes orthogonal to the front-rear direction of the moving body. The moving body obtains a propulsive force in the front-rear direction by rotating the former propellers and obtains a propulsive force in the width direction by rotating the latter propellers.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The moving body described in Patent Document 1 receives a large resistance from water when moving in the width direction. For this reason, there is a problem that it takes time to move in the width direction and the working efficiency decreases.

[0006] In addition, the airflow generated by the rotation of the propellers travels while diffusing. When this airflow reaches the water surface, the water surface may become wavy and water droplets may scatter. If cameras, sensors, etc. provided on the moving body get wet, their operations may be hindered and the moving body may not be able to perform the work properly.

[0007] This invention was made to solve these problems, and aims to provide a mobile body that can move quickly in the width direction while suppressing water exposure to equipment installed on the main body. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] To achieve the above-mentioned objectives, the moving body that moves on the water surface comprises a main body that can float on the water surface, a fan provided on the main body that can generate an airflow directed outward in the width direction of the main body, and a guide surface provided on the main body that receives a reaction force by guiding the airflow generated by the fan. The guide surface is positioned offset from the center point of the main body in the width direction and is configured to change the direction of travel of the airflow generated by the fan and increase the upward directivity of the airflow.

[0009] In the above-described mobile device, the fan may have a propeller that rotates about an axis and a duct that surrounds the propeller.

[0010] The above-mentioned mobile body may further include an angle adjustment mechanism that allows for adjustment of the angle between the width direction and the fan axis by rotating the fan relative to the main body.

[0011] The above-mentioned mobile body comprises a plurality of fans and a plurality of angle adjustment mechanisms, wherein the plurality of fans include a first fan positioned on the front end side of the main body relative to the center point of the main body and a second fan positioned on the rear end side of the main body relative to the center point of the main body, and the plurality of angle adjustment mechanisms may include a first angle adjustment mechanism that adjusts the angle between the width direction and the axis of the first fan, and a second angle adjustment mechanism that adjusts the angle between the width direction and the axis of the second fan independently of the first angle adjustment mechanism.

[0012] The above-mentioned movable body further comprises a fan casing that includes a guide surface and fixes the fan to constitute a fan unit, and the angle adjustment mechanism may be configured to rotate the fan unit relative to the main body.

[0013] In the above mobile body, the fan casing may be configured to cover the periphery of the path between the fan and the guide surface.

Advantages of the Invention

[0014] According to the present invention, it becomes possible to provide a mobile body that can suppress water ingress into the devices provided on the main body while moving rapidly in the width direction.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0015] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view showing the mobile body according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a plan view showing the mobile body of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] It is a side view showing the mobile body of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] It is a front view showing the mobile body of FIG. 1. [Figure 5] It is an exploded perspective view showing the fan unit of FIG. 1. [Figure 6] It is a cross-sectional view showing the cross-section along line VI-VI of FIG. 1. [Figure 7] It is a plan view showing the mobile body of FIG. 1. [Figure 8] [[ID=,36]]It is a plan view showing the mobile body of FIG. 1. [Figure 9] It is an explanatory view showing the mobile body of FIG. 1 moving to the right. [Figure 10] It is a perspective view showing the mobile body according to the second embodiment.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0016] [First Embodiment] While referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, the configuration of the mobile body 1 according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the mobile body 1 from the front. FIGS. 2 to 4 are a plan view, a side view, and a front view showing the mobile body 1, respectively.

[0017] In this specification, when facing the front of the moving body 1 disposed on the water surface, the left side and the right side are referred to as "left" and "right", respectively. The left-right direction coincides with the width direction of the main body 2 described later. Also, the vertical upward direction is referred to as "up", and the vertical downward direction is referred to as "down".

[0018] The moving body 1 is used to acquire information regarding a sewer pipe (not shown). The moving body 1 has a vertically long shape so that it can easily move along the direction in which the sewer pipe extends. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the width W, which is the distance between the left end 2c and the right end 2d of the main body 2, is smaller than the total length L, which is the distance between the front end 2e and the rear end 2f of the main body 2. The center point CP is located at the center of the main body 2 in the left-right direction and the front-rear direction.

[0019] The moving body 1 includes a main body 2, an information acquisition device 3, a forward fan 4, and four fan units 5.

[0020] The main body 2 is formed of a lightweight and high-rigidity material (for example, carbon fiber reinforced plastic). A raised portion 21 that bulges upward is formed at the center of the upper surface 2a of the main body 2. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the side surface 2b of the main body 2 extends downward from the end of the upper surface 2a, and its front-rear dimension and left-right dimension gradually decrease downward. An accommodation space (not shown) is formed inside the main body 2, and electrical components such as a storage battery, a control device, and a wireless communication device are accommodated in the accommodation space. The main body 2 can float on the water surface WS in a state where electrical components are accommodated and the information acquisition device 3, the forward fan 4, and the fan units 5 described later are mounted.

[0021] The information acquisition device 3 is provided to acquire information regarding objects around the moving body 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the information acquisition device 3 includes a front camera 31, an upper camera 32, two FPV cameras 33, two ToF sensors 34, and four lights 35.

[0022] The front camera 31 and the upper camera 32 are both mounted on the raised portion 21 of the main body 2. The front camera 31 is positioned so that its shooting range is directed forward, and the upper camera 32 is positioned so that its shooting range is directed upward.

[0023] One FPV camera 33 is provided on the front and one on the back of the raised portion 21. The FPV camera 33 provided on the front of the raised portion 21 is positioned so that its shooting range faces forward, and the FPV camera 33 provided on the back of the raised portion 21 is positioned so that its shooting range faces backward. One ToF sensor 34 is provided on the left side and one on the right side of the raised portion 21. The ToF sensor 34 provided on the left side of the raised portion 21 is positioned so that its measurement range faces left, and the ToF sensor 34 provided on the right side of the raised portion 21 is positioned so that its measurement range faces right.

[0024] Light 35 is an illumination device including light-emitting diodes and is provided on the upper surface 2a of the main body 2. Two lights 35 are positioned near the front end 2e of the main body 2 to project light forward. Also, two lights 35 are positioned near the rear end 2f of the main body 2 to project light backward.

[0025] The forward-moving fan 4 is located on the upper surface 2a of the main body 2, near the rear end 2f of the main body 2. As shown in Figure 1, the forward-moving fan 4 has a propeller 61 and a duct 62. The forward-moving fan 4 is configured to receive a control signal, be driven, and blow out air.

[0026] The four fan units 5 are located on the upper surface 2a of the main body 2. More specifically, as shown in Figure 2, fan units 51 and 52 are positioned on the front end 2e side of the center point CP, and fan units 53 and 54 are positioned on the rear end 2f side of the center point CP. Furthermore, fan units 51 and 53 are positioned on the left end 2c side of the center point CP, and fan units 52 and 54 are positioned on the right end 2d side of the center point CP.

[0027] <Fan Unit Composition> Next, the configuration of the fan unit 5 will be explained with reference to Figures 5-8. Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view showing the fan unit 5. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the cross-section along the line VI-VI in Figure 1, and shows only the fan casing 7, which will be described later. Figures 7 and 8 are plan views showing the mobile body 1.

[0028] As shown in Figure 5, the fan unit 5 includes a fan 6 and a fan casing 7.

[0029] Fan 6 has a propeller 61 and a duct 62. The propeller 61 has multiple blades extending radially from an axis 61a and is configured to be rotatable about the axis 61a. The duct 62 has a cylindrical shape that extends substantially in a straight line between an inlet 62a and an outlet 62b. The duct 62 is positioned so as to cover the propeller 61, with its central axis aligned with the axis 61a of the propeller 61. The forward fan 4 described above has the same configuration as this fan 6. Fan 6 of fan units 51 and 52 is an example of the "first fan" of the present invention, and fan 6 of fan units 53 and 54 is an example of the "second fan" of the present invention.

[0030] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the fan casing 7 has a bottom plate 71, a curved plate 72, and a pair of side plates 73. The bottom plate 71 is rectangular in plan view. The curved plate 72 extends upward from one end of the bottom plate 71 in a curved manner and has a guide surface 72a. As shown in Figure 2, the guide surface 72a is positioned offset from the center point CP of the main body 2 in the left-right direction. In other words, the guide surface 72a does not lie on a straight line (not shown) that passes through the center point CP and extends in the front-rear direction. As shown in Figure 5, the pair of side plates 73 are positioned facing each other with the bottom plate 71 and the curved plate 72 in between.

[0031] The bottom plate 71 has holes 711 to 713 that penetrate through it. Hole 711 is formed in the center of the bottom plate 71. Holes 712 and 713 are elongated holes that extend in an arc shape from hole 711 in a plan view. In detail, hole 712 extends from one side of hole 711 toward the curved plate 72, and hole 713 extends from the other side of hole 711 toward the opposite direction from the curved plate 72. The two elongated holes (not shown) in the fan casings 7 of fan units 52 and 54 extend in the opposite direction from holes 712 and 713 in the fan casings 7 of fan units 51 and 53, respectively.

[0032] The fan 6 is fixed to the fan casing 7. More specifically, the fan 6 is positioned between a pair of side plates 73 and fixed to the side plates 73. As shown in Figure 6, the fan 6 is spaced apart from the guide surface 72a of the curved plate 72, and the outlet 62b of the duct 62 faces the guide surface 72a. As a result, the perimeter of the path P between the fan 6 and the guide surface 72a is covered by the pair of side plates 73.

[0033] The fan unit 5 is mounted on the top surface 2a of the main body 2 by screws 81-83 as shown in Figure 5. Screw 81 is inserted through hole 711 of the fan casing 7, and screws 82 and 83 are inserted through holes 712 and 713.

[0034] Holes 711-713 and screws 81-83 are an example of the "angle adjustment mechanism" of the present invention. With this angle adjustment mechanism in place, the fan unit 5 can rotate within a predetermined range relative to the main body 2. Specifically, the fan unit 5 can rotate around the axis 81a of screw 81 within a range in which holes 712 and 713 can slide relative to screws 82 and 83. This makes it possible to adjust the angle that the axis 61a of the propeller 61 makes with respect to the left-right direction between 0° (see Figure 2) and θ (see Figure 7; θ is, for example, 45°). This angle can be adjusted by an inspector rotating the fan unit 5 with their fingers. Alternatively, a motor (not shown) that drives the angle adjustment mechanism may be mounted on the mobile body 1, and this motor may be driven according to the movement of the mobile body 1 and the flow of water in the sewer pipe to adjust this angle.

[0035] An angle adjustment mechanism is provided in each of the fan units 51 to 54. Therefore, the angles of the fan units 51 to 54 can be adjusted independently of each other. This makes it possible, for example, as shown in Figure 8, to arrange fan units 51 and 52 so that their axes 61a are parallel to the left-right direction, while arranging fan units 53 and 54 so that their axes 61a form an angle θ with respect to the left-right direction. The angle adjustment mechanism provided in fan units 51 and 52 is an example of the "first angle adjustment mechanism" of the present invention, and the angle adjustment mechanism provided in fan units 53 and 54 is an example of the "second angle adjustment mechanism" of the present invention.

[0036] <Inspection of sewer pipes using a mobile device> Next, we will describe the inspection of sewer pipes using the mobile unit 1. The inspector performing the inspection using the mobile unit 1 operates the mobile unit 1 using a remote controller (not shown). When the remote controller receives an operation from the inspector, it wirelessly transmits an operation signal corresponding to that operation to an external device. In the mobile unit 1, the wireless communication device receives this operation signal, and the control device transmits control signals to the information acquisition device 3, the forward fan 4, and the fan unit 5.

[0037] The forward-moving fan 4 receives a control signal and is driven to rotate the propeller 61 (see Figure 1) at a rotational speed corresponding to the control signal. The propeller 61 draws in air through the inlet 62a of the duct 62 and blows out the air from the outlet 62b of the duct 62. Figures 2, 7, and 8 show the airflow B that the forward-moving fan 4 can form. The moving body 1 can move forward using the reaction force acting on the forward-moving fan 4 as a thrust.

[0038] While the mobile unit 1 is moving, the light 35 emits light, and the front camera 31 and the upper camera 32 take pictures. The front camera 31 acquires an image of the area in front of the mobile unit 1, and the upper camera 32 acquires an image of the ceiling surface of the sewer pipe. These images are used to check the condition of the sewer pipe.

[0039] Furthermore, FPV cameras 33, one on the front and one on the back of the raised portion 21 of the main unit 2, capture video of the front and rear of the mobile body 1. These videos are converted into signals in real time and transmitted to the inspector via a wireless communication device. The inspector operates the remote controller while checking the video displayed on the screen based on these signals.

[0040] Furthermore, ToF sensors 34, one on each of the left and right sides of the raised portion 21 of the main body 2, emit laser light toward the inner wall surface of the sewer pipe and also allow the laser light reflected from the inner wall surface to enter. Information regarding the emission and entry of this laser light is transmitted as a signal from the ToF sensors 34 to the control device inside the main body 2. The control device calculates the distance between the inner wall surface of the sewer pipe and the mobile body 1 by performing predetermined calculations based on this signal. This calculated distance is used to control the mobile body 1.

[0041] When the mobile unit 1 moves in the left-right direction, the fan unit 5 is driven in place of, or in addition to, the forward-moving fan 4. As described above, the angle that the shaft 61a of the fan unit 5 makes with respect to the left-right direction is adjustable. The inspector can set the angle appropriately according to the sewer pipe being inspected and the flow of water inside the sewer pipe.

[0042] For example, if the mobile body 1 is required to move quickly in the left-right direction, the inspector can arrange all the fan units 5 so that their axes 61a are parallel to the left-right direction, as shown in Figure 2. Figure 2 shows the airflows L1 and L3 that can be formed by fan units 51 and 53, and the airflows R2 and R4 that can be formed by fan units 52 and 54 in this arrangement. Airflows L1 and L3 are directed to the left, and airflows R2 and R4 are directed to the right. The mobile body 1 can move quickly to the right due to the reaction force acting on fan units 51 and 53 by forming airflows L1 and L3. The mobile body 1 can also move quickly to the left due to the reaction force acting on fan units 52 and 54 by forming airflows R2 and R4.

[0043] Furthermore, if the mobile body 1 is required to move left to right against the relatively fast water flow in the sewer pipe, the inspector can arrange all the fan units 5 so that their axes 61a form an angle θ with respect to the left-right direction, as shown in Figure 7. Figure 7 shows the airflows BL1 and BL3 that can be formed by fan units 51 and 53, and the airflows BR2 and BR4 that can be formed by fan units 52 and 54 in this arrangement. Airflows BL1 and BL3 are directed backward and to the left, and airflows BR2 and BR4 are directed backward and to the right. The mobile body 1 can move to the right against the water flow due to the reaction force acting on fan units 51 and 53 by forming airflows BL1 and BL3. Also, the mobile body 1 can move to the left against the water flow due to the reaction force acting on fan units 52 and 54 by forming airflows BR2 and BR4.

[0044] Furthermore, if the mobile body 1 is required to move left and right against the relatively slow water flow in the sewer pipe, or to quickly turn, the inspector can arrange fan units 51 and 52 so that their axes 61a are parallel to the left-right direction, and fan units 53 and 54 so that their axes 61a form an angle θ with respect to the left-right direction, as shown in Figure 8. Figure 8 shows the airflows L1 and BL3 that can be formed by fan units 51 and 53, and the airflows R2 and BR4 that can be formed by fan units 52 and 54 in this arrangement. The mobile body 1 can move to the right against the water flow or quickly turn to the right due to the reaction force acting on fan units 51 and 53 by forming airflows L1 and BL3. Also, the mobile body 1 can move to the left against the water flow or quickly turn to the left due to the reaction force acting on fan units 52 and 54 by forming airflows R2 and BR4.

[0045] <Movement of a moving object in the left-right direction> Next, the movement of the mobile body 1 in the left-right direction will be described in detail with reference to Figures 6 and 9. Figure 9 is an explanatory diagram showing the mobile body 1 moving to the right. In the mobile body 1 shown in Figure 9, all fan units 5 are arranged so that their axes 61a are parallel to the left-right direction (see Figure 2).

[0046] As shown in Figure 6, the fan 6 of the fan unit 5 is spaced apart from the guide surface 72a of the curved plate 72, and the outlet 62b of the duct 62 is positioned to face the guide surface 72a of the fan casing 7. Therefore, the airflow L11 generated by the fan 6 is directed along the axis 61a in the vicinity of the fan 6, but then flows along the guide surface 72a, thereby increasing its upward directivity. At this time, the guide surface 72a receives a downward and outward force from the main body 2 as a reaction force, as indicated by arrow F1.

[0047] Therefore, when the fan units 51 and 53 are driven, the portion of the main body 2 near the left end 2c receives a force in the direction of arrow F1 via the fan casing 7. As a result, as shown in Figure 9, the mobile body 1 tilts such that the left end 2c of the main body 2 descends and the right end 2d rises. After the mobile body 1 tilts, the airflow L12 flowing along the guide surface 72a is directed in a direction closer to the horizontal than the airflow L11 shown in Figure 6. This allows the mobile body 1 to move to the right, using the reaction force acting on the fan units 51 and 53 as a propulsive force.

[0048] On the other hand, when the mobile body 1 moves to the left, the fan units 52 and 54 are driven. In this case, the force acting on the guide surface 72a of the fan units 52 and 54 causes the mobile body 1 to tilt such that the right end 2d of the main body 2 descends and the left end 2c rises.

[0049] <Effects and Effects> Next, we will explain the effects and benefits based on the configuration of the mobile body 1.

[0050] As described above, the guide surface 72a is positioned offset from the center point CP of the main body 2 in the left-right direction (i.e., the width direction of the main body 2), and is configured to change the direction of the airflow generated by the fan 6 and increase the upward directivity of the airflow. With this configuration, the moving body 1 can be tilted, and the area of ​​the part of the main body 2 that is submerged in water can be reduced. This makes it possible to reduce the resistance that the main body 2 experiences from the water when the moving body 1 moves in the left-right direction.

[0051] Furthermore, the upward directivity of the airflow is enhanced by the guide surface 72a, causing the airflow to move away from the water surface WS. This suppresses ripples on the water surface WS and scattering of water droplets caused by the airflow.

[0052] In other words, the configuration of the mobile body 1 makes it possible to move quickly in the left-right direction while suppressing water exposure to the equipment installed on the main body 2.

[0053] Furthermore, the fan 6 includes a propeller 61 that rotates around an axis 61a and a duct 62 that surrounds the propeller 61.

[0054] With this configuration, the duct 62 suppresses the diffusion of the airflow generated by the propeller 61, allowing the airflow to be efficiently directed towards the guide surface 72a. As a result, the mobile body 1 can be reliably tilted and moved quickly in the left-right direction.

[0055] Furthermore, the mobile unit 1 is equipped with an angle adjustment mechanism that allows for adjustment of the angle between the left-right direction and the axis 61a of the fan 6 by rotating the fan 6 relative to the main unit 2.

[0056] This configuration allows for adjustment of the directionality of the airflow generated by the fan 6 and the direction of the reaction force received by the fan 6. As a result, it becomes possible to appropriately adjust the direction of the thrust force according to the water flow around the mobile body 1.

[0057] Furthermore, the mobile unit 1 is equipped with multiple fans 6 and multiple angle adjustment mechanisms. The multiple fans 6 include fans 6 of fan units 51 and 52 (first fans) positioned on the front end 2e side of the main body 2 relative to the center point CP of the main body 2, and fans 6 of fan units 53 and 54 (second fans) positioned on the rear end 2f side of the main body 2 relative to the center point CP of the main body 2. The multiple angle adjustment mechanisms include a first angle adjustment mechanism that adjusts the angle between the left-right direction and the axis 61a of the fan 6 of fan units 51 and 52, and a second angle adjustment mechanism that adjusts the angle between the left-right direction and the axis 61a of the fan 6 of fan units 53 and 54, independently of the first angle adjustment mechanism.

[0058] This configuration allows for more precise adjustment of the directionality of the airflow generated by the fan 6 and the direction of the reaction force received by the fan 6. As a result, it becomes possible to more appropriately adjust the direction of the thrust force in accordance with the water flow around the mobile body 1.

[0059] Furthermore, the movable body 1 includes a fan casing 7 which includes a guide surface 72a and fixes the fan 6 to form the fan unit 5. The angle adjustment mechanism is configured to rotate the fan unit 5 relative to the main body 2.

[0060] With this configuration, the fan unit 5 can be rotated by the angle adjustment mechanism without changing the relative positional relationship between the fan 6 and the guide surface 72a. As a result, it becomes possible to efficiently direct the airflow generated by the fan 6 to the guide surface 72a appropriately, regardless of the angle between the left-right direction and the axis 61a of the fan 6.

[0061] Furthermore, the fan casing 7 is configured to cover the perimeter of the path P between the fan 6 and the guide surface 72a.

[0062] With this configuration, the fan casing 7 suppresses the diffusion of the airflow generated by the fan 6, allowing the airflow to be efficiently directed towards the guide surface 72a. As a result, the movable body 1 can be reliably tilted and moved quickly in the left-right direction.

[0063] [Second Embodiment] Next, the mobile body 1A according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 10. Figure 10 is a perspective view showing the mobile body 1A from the front. Similar to the first embodiment, the mobile body 1A moves inside a sewer pipe (not shown) and is used to acquire information about the sewer pipe. The configuration of the mobile body 1A differs from the first embodiment in its guide plates 91, 92, etc. For components of the mobile body 1A that are the same as those in the first embodiment, the same reference numerals are used, and their descriptions are omitted as appropriate.

[0064] The fan 6 of the mobile unit 1A is mounted on the upper surface 2a of the main body 2 without using a fan casing 7. An angle adjustment mechanism (not shown) is provided between the four fans 6 other than the forward fan 4 and the upper surface 2a. This makes it possible to adjust the angle that the axes 61a of the four fans 6 make with respect to the left-right direction, similar to the first embodiment.

[0065] Furthermore, guide plates 91 and 92 are provided near the left end 2c and the right end 2d (see Figure 1) of the main body 2 of the mobile unit 1A, respectively. Guide plate 91 extends upward and to the left from the vicinity of the left end 2c and has a guide surface 91a. Guide plate 92 extends upward and to the right from the vicinity of the right end 2d and has a guide surface 92a. The four fans 6 other than the forward fan 4 are spaced apart from the guide surface 91a or guide surface 92a, and the outlet 62b of the duct 62 is positioned to face the guide surface 91a or guide surface 92a.

[0066] The airflows L1A, L3A, R2A, and R4A generated by the four fans 6 other than the forward-moving fan 4 flow along the guide surface 91a or guide surface 92a, thereby increasing their upward directivity. At this time, the guide surface 91a or guide surface 92a receives a downward and outward force from the main body 2 as a reaction, as indicated by arrows F21 or F22.

[0067] Therefore, the portion of the main body 2 near the left end 2c or the right end 2d receives a force in the direction of arrow F21 or arrow F22 via guide plate 91 or guide plate 92. As a result, the mobile body 1 tilts such that one of the left end 2c and the right end 2d of the main body 2 descends and the other rises. After the mobile body 1 tilts, the airflow flowing along guide surface 91a or guide surface 92a is directed in a direction close to horizontal. This allows the mobile body 1 to move to the right or left, using the reaction force acting on the fan 6 as a propulsive force.

[0068] The embodiments described above are provided to facilitate understanding of the present invention and are not intended to limit its interpretation. The elements of the embodiments, as well as their arrangement, materials, conditions, shapes, and sizes, are not limited to those exemplified and can be modified as appropriate. [Explanation of symbols]

[0069] 1 Mobile Unit 2 Main unit 5,51~55 Fan Unit 6 Fans 61 Propeller 61a axis 62 ducts 7. Fan casing 711~713 holes (angle adjustment mechanism) 72a, 91a, 92a Guide surface 81-83 Screw (angle adjustment mechanism) CP center point WS water surface

Claims

1. A moving object that moves across the water surface, A body that can float on the water surface, A fan provided on the main body, capable of generating an airflow directed outward in the width direction of the main body, The main body is provided with a guide surface that receives a reaction force by guiding the airflow generated by the fan, The guide surface is positioned in the width direction offset from the center point of the main body, extends upward while curving, and is configured to receive a downward force by changing the direction of the airflow generated by the fan and increasing the upward directivity of the airflow.

2. The mobile body according to claim 1, wherein the fan has a propeller that rotates about an axis and a duct that covers the periphery of the propeller.

3. The movable body according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising an angle adjustment mechanism capable of adjusting the angle between the width direction and the axis of the fan by rotating the fan relative to the main body.

4. The system comprises multiple fans and multiple angle adjustment mechanisms, The plurality of fans include a first fan positioned towards the front end of the main body relative to the center point of the main body, and a second fan positioned towards the rear end of the main body relative to the center point of the main body. The movable body according to claim 3, wherein the plurality of angle adjustment mechanisms include a first angle adjustment mechanism for adjusting the angle formed by the width direction and the axis of the first fan, and a second angle adjustment mechanism for adjusting the angle formed by the width direction and the axis of the second fan, independently of the first angle adjustment mechanism.

5. The fan casing further includes the guide surface and fixes the fan to constitute a fan unit, The movable body according to claim 4, wherein the angle adjustment mechanism is configured to rotate the fan unit relative to the main body.

6. The movable body according to claim 5, wherein the fan casing is configured to cover the periphery of the path between the fan and the guide surface.

Images