Technical field

The present invention relates to a support apparatus, in particular to a support apparatus for a podded propulsor, and a podded propulsor having the support apparatus.

Background art

A podded propulsor is a new type of ship propulsion apparatus which integrates propulsion and steering apparatuses in a single unit. An electric machine pod of a podded propulsor is positioned outside a hull; a propulsor support connected to the electric machine pod passes through a mounting hole formed in the hull and is connected to a slewing apparatus in the hull; the slewing apparatus can drive the podded propulsor to rotate horizontally relative to the hull within a range of 360° to realize steering and propulsion. A propulsor support of an existing propulsor generally exhibits a transition to a cylinder shape, adapted to the mounting hole, at the position where the mounting hole is passed through, in order to avoid rocking in the circular mounting hole, which would affect the stability of rotation; compared with a streamlined structure, this increases the weight and material costs of the propulsor support.

Content of the invention

An object of the present invention is to provide a support apparatus for a podded propulsor, the support apparatus having a simple structure while being able to ensure good steerability, and being able to reduce production costs effectively .

Another object of the present invention is to provide a podded propulsor, having a simple structure while being able to ensure good steerability, and being able to reduce production costs effectively.

The present invention provides a support apparatus for a podded propulsor, wherein the podded propulsor comprises a slewing apparatus and a propulsor support, the propulsor support being connected in a fixed manner to the slewing apparatus by means of a connection flange, characterized in that the support apparatus comprises a support plate and multiple support posts. The support plate comprises a mating hole, with an inner periphery of the mating hole being capable of shape-mating with a circumferential outer surface of the propulsor support. Each of the support posts has one end connected in a fixed manner to the support plate and another end connectable in a fixed manner to the connection flange.

In the support apparatus for a podded propulsor provided in the present invention, the support plate is arranged around the propulsor support and abuts a circumferential edge of the propulsor support; at the same time, the support plate is fixed to the propulsor support in a horizontal direction and a vertical direction via the multiple support posts, so the structure is simple and sturdy. The support plate can rotate concentrically in the mounting hole together with the propulsor support, and can abut an inner wall of the mounting hole to stabilize the propulsor support when the propulsor support rocks, giving the podded propulsor good stability. Compared with an existing propulsor support, the propulsor support in the support apparatus is not required to have a transition to a cylinder shape at the position where the mounting hole is passed through, but maintains a streamlined external form, reducing water resistance; at the same time, the overall structure is simple, materials are saved and machining is easy, so production costs can be reduced effectively .

In another schematic embodiment of the support apparatus for a podded propulsor, the support plate comprises a first plate part and a second plate part, wherein the first plate part and the second plate part can be joined together to form the support plate.

In another schematic embodiment of the support apparatus for a podded propulsor, the first plate part comprises a first indented part. The second plate part comprises a second indented part, wherein the first indented part and the second indented part form the mating hole after being joined together

In another schematic embodiment of the support apparatus for a podded propulsor, the first plate part and the second plate part are joined together by means of a first junction and a second junction, wherein the first junction and the second junction each extend from the mating hole toward an outer periphery of the support plate.

In another schematic embodiment of the support apparatus for a podded propulsor, the first plate part and second plate part of the support plate have mirror symmetry.

In another schematic embodiment of the support apparatus for a podded propulsor, an inner peripheral rim is formed along an inner periphery of the mating hole, the inner peripheral rim being capable of fitting the circumferential outer surface of the support.

In another schematic embodiment of the support apparatus for a podded propulsor, an outer peripheral rim is formed along an outer periphery of the support plate, the outer peripheral rim being capable of fitting inner/outer surfaces of the mounting hole .

In another schematic embodiment of the support apparatus for a podded propulsor, an outer periphery of the first plate part forms a first plate outer peripheral rim, and an outer periphery of the second plate part forms a second plate outer peripheral rim.

In another schematic embodiment of the support apparatus for a podded propulsor, the support posts are arranged uniformly in a circumferential direction of the propulsor support, so as to fix the relative positions of the support plate and the propulsor support more stably.

In another schematic embodiment of the support apparatus for a podded propulsor, the support posts are double-ended bolts.

The present invention also provides a podded propulsor; the podded propulsor is disposed on a hull, a mounting hole is formed in the hull, and the podded propulsor comprises: a slewing apparatus, a propulsor support, and a support apparatus as described above. The slewing apparatus is disposed inside the hull. The propulsor support passes through the mounting hole, is connected to the slewing apparatus, and can rotate under a driving action of the slewing apparatus; that end of the propulsor support which is connected to the slewing apparatus is formed or provided with a radially extending connection flange. The propulsor support is mated with the mating hole of the support apparatus, and the support plate of the support apparatus is mated and connected with the mounting hole.

In another schematic embodiment of the podded propulsor, the podded propulsor further comprises an electric machine pod; the electric machine pod has a head end and a tail end in a direction of propulsion, and the propulsor support is separately connected to the head end and tail end of the electric machine pod, lowering the level of stress at a position where the propulsor support is connected to the slewing apparatus.

Preferred embodiments are explained below in a clear and easily comprehensible way with reference to the accompanying drawings, to further explain the abovementioned characteristics, technical features and advantages of the support apparatus for a podded propulsor and the podded propulsor, and embodiments thereof.

Description of the accompanying drawings

The accompanying drawings below merely illustrate and explain the present invention schematically, without limiting the scope thereof.

Fig. 1 is a sectional structural schematic diagram for illustrating a schematic embodiment of a support apparatus for a podded propulsor.

Fig. 2 is a sectional structural schematic diagram for illustrating position II-II shown in fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a sectional structural schematic diagram for illustrating a schematic embodiment of a support apparatus for a podded propulsor.

Fig. 4 is a sectional structural schematic diagram for illustrating a schematic embodiment of a support apparatus for a podded propulsor.

Key to labels

10 propulsor support

12 connection flange

20 support plate

21 first plate part 211 first indented part

213 first plate part first joining edge

215 first plate part second joining edge

22 second plate part

221 second indented part

223 second plate part first joining edge

225 second plate part second joining edge

23 first junction

24 mating hole

25 second junction

26 inner peripheral rim

27 outer peripheral rim

30 support post

40 slewing apparatus

50 electric machine pod

60 hull

62 mounting hole

Particular embodiments

To enable clearer understanding of the technical features, objectives and effects of the invention, particular embodiments of the present invention are now explained with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which identical labels indicate structurally identical components or components with similar structures but identical functions.

As used herein, "schematic" means "serving as an instance, example or illustration" . No drawing or embodiment described herein as "schematic" should be interpreted as a more preferred or more advantageous technical solution.

Fig. 1 is a sectional structural schematic diagram for illustrating a schematic embodiment of a support apparatus for a podded propulsor; fig. 2 is a sectional structural schematic diagram for illustrating position II-II shown in fig. 1. Referring to figs. 1 and 2, the podded propulsor comprises a slewing apparatus 40 and a propulsor support 10, and the podded propulsor is disposed in a hull 60. A mounting hole 62 for mounting the propulsor support 10 is formed in the hull, in particular a bottom wall 50 of a ship bottom. The slewing apparatus 40 is disposed inside the hull 60, and the propulsor support 10 is connected in a fixed manner to the slewing apparatus 40 by means of a connection flange 12. The connection flange 12 may be a flange connected to a top end of the propulsor support 10, or a connection flange integrally formed directly at the top end of the propulsor support 10. The slewing apparatus 40 drives the propulsor support 10 to rotate by means of the connection flange, thereby adjusting a direction of an electric machine pod 50 fixed to the propulsor support 10, and in turn cooperating with an electric machine inside the electric machine pod 50 in the provision of a driving force, to realize 360° steering and propulsion of the entire hull. To reduce resistance in a water flow, a cross section of the propulsor support 10 in a direction of water flow is designed as the approximately elliptical streamlined structure shown in fig. 2. However, the propulsor support 10 having this shape easily rocks in the mounting hole 62, affecting steerability.

The support apparatus of the podded propulsor comprises a support plate 20. The support plate 20 can be arranged around the propulsor support 10, and in an assembled state is disposed at a position where the propulsor support 10 passes through the mounting hole 62. The support plate 20 comprises a mating hole 24; an inner periphery of the mating hole 24 can abut a circumferential outer surface of the propulsor support 10 in an assembled state, preventing rocking thereof relative to the propulsor support 10, and thereby supporting the propulsor support 10 in a horizontal direction. Multiple support posts 30 are provided on a surface of the support plate 20; each support post has one end connected in a fixed manner to the support plate 20 and another end connectable in a fixed manner to the connection flange 12. In a schematic embodiment, the support post 30 is a double-ended bolt, the two ends thereof being in threaded connection with the connection flange 12 and the support plate 20 respectively. For this purpose, the connection flange 12 and the support plate 20 are provided with multiple threaded holes, for connecting by screw-thread to the double-ended bolts. Having the support plate 20 fixed to the connection flange 12 enables the podded propulsor support and a body of the podded propulsor to be connected in a fixed manner to the slewing apparatus, and enables the podded propulsor to be stably supported on the support apparatus. As shown in fig. 2, the support posts 30 are arranged uniformly in an outer circumferential direction of the propulsor support 10, so as to fix the relative positions of the support plate 20 and the propulsor support 10 more stably.

According to the support apparatus of the podded propulsor provided in an embodiment of the present invention, the support plate 20 is arranged around an outer periphery of the propulsor support 10 in an assembled state, and abuts the circumferential outer surface of the propulsor support 10 by means of the mating hole 24 of the support plate. At the same time, in the support apparatus, the support plate 20 is fixed to the propulsor support 10 in a vertical direction via the multiple support posts 30, so the structure is simple and sturdy. The support plate 20 can rotate in the mounting hole 62 together with the propulsor support 10, and can abut an inner wall of the mounting hole 62 to stabilize the propulsor support 10 when the propulsor support 10 rocks, giving the podded propulsor good stability. Compared with an existing propulsor support, the propulsor support in the podded propulsor is not required to have a transition to a cylinder shape at the position where the mounting hole is passed through, but maintains a streamlined external form, reducing water resistance; at the same time, the overall structure is simple, materials are saved and machining is easy, so production costs can be reduced effectively.

In order to achieve more convenient assembly, and in particular to enable better fitting or mating between the mating hole 24 and the circumferential outer surface of the propulsor support 10, referring to fig. 2, the support plate 20 may comprise a first plate part 21 and a second plate part

22, wherein the first plate part 21 and the second plate part

22 can be joined together to form the support plate 20. In the embodiment shown in the figure, the first plate part 21 is designed as a semicircle, with a straight edge side thereof being provided with a first indented part 211; two ends adjoining the first indented part 211 of the straight edge are a first plate part first joining edge 213 and a first plate part second joining edge 215. The second plate part 22 is also designed as a semicircle, with a straight edge side thereof also being provided with a second indented part 221; two ends adjoining the second indented part 221 of the straight edge are a second plate part first joining edge 223 and a second plate part second joining edge 225. The first indented part 211 and the second indented part 221 form the mating hole 24 after being joined together. In the process of assembly, the first plate part 21 and the second plate part 22 are separately arranged around the outer periphery of the propulsor support 10 and joined together. The first plate part first joining edge 213 and first plate part second joining edge 215 of the first plate part are joined to the second plate part first joining edge 223 and the second plate part second joining edge 225 respectively, and can be fixed by adhesion, welding, riveting or bolt connection (as in fig. 3) , etc., thereby forming a first junction 23 and a second junction 25. In a schematic embodiment, the first plate part 21 and second plate part 22 of the support plate 20 have mirror symmetry, being formed of two parts having identical shapes but opposite directions, to facilitate machining and installation .

Figs. 3 and 4 are used to illustrate another schematic embodiment of a support apparatus for a podded propulsor. Referring to fig. 3, outer peripheries of the first plate part 21 and the second plate part 22 are both provided with rims, thereby enabling the first junction 23 and the second junction 25 to be respectively joined by means of rims; since the rims provide a larger joining area, they are more favorable for achieving a fixed connection by bolts, so facilitate installation and disassembly. However, there is no restriction to this arrangement; it is also possible to use welding or another manner of connection in other schematic embodiments. Furthermore, since rims are also provided at the first indented part 211 and the second indented part 221, i.e. rims are provided all around the mating hole, better mating is possible between the support plate 20 and the podded propulsor support 10. Further referring to fig. 4, an inner peripheral rim 26 is formed along the inner periphery of the mating hole 24; the inner peripheral rim can fit the circumferential outer surface of the support 10, such that the support plate 20 and the propulsor support 10 are fitted together more stably. An outer peripheral rim 27 is formed along an outer periphery of the support plate 20; the outer peripheral rim can fit inner/outer surfaces of the mounting hole 62, such that movement of the support plate 20 in the mounting hole 62 is more stable.

The present invention also provides a podded propulsor; referring to fig. 1, the podded propulsor is disposed on a hull 60, a mounting hole 62 is formed in the hull 60, and the podded propulsor comprises: a slewing apparatus 40, a propulsor support 10, and a support apparatus as described above. The slewing apparatus 40 is disposed inside the hull 60 The propulsor support 10 passes through the mounting hole 62, is connected to the slewing apparatus 40, and can rotate under a driving action of the slewing apparatus 40; that end of the propulsor support 10 which is connected to the slewing apparatus 40 is formed or provided with a radially extending connection flange 12. The propulsor support 10 is mated with the mating hole 24 of the support apparatus, and the support plate 20 of the support apparatus is mated with the mounting hole 62.

In a schematic embodiment, referring to fig. 1, the podded propulsor further comprises an electric machine pod 50; the electric machine pod 50 has a head end and a tail end in a direction of propulsion, and the propulsor support 10 is separately connected to the head end and tail end of the electric machine pod 50, effectively lowering the level of stress at a position where the propulsor support 10 is connected to the slewing apparatus 40, and increasing the steering stability of the podded propulsor.

It should be understood that although the description herein is based on various embodiments, it is by no means the case that each embodiment contains just one independent technical solution. Such a method of presentation is adopted herein purely for the sake of clarity. Those skilled in the art should consider the description in its entirety. The technical solutions in the various embodiments could also be suitably combined to form other embodiments capable of being understood by those skilled in the art.

The series of detailed explanations set out above are merely particular explanations of feasible embodiments of the present invention, which are not intended to limit the scope of protection thereof. All equivalent embodiments or changes made without departing from the artistic spirit of the present invention, such as combinations, divisions or repetitions of features, shall be included in the scope of protection of the present invention.