WO2018126817A1

WO2018126817A1 - Underwater propulsion device and attachment device thereof

Info

Publication number: WO2018126817A1
Application number: PCT/CN2017/112954
Authority: WO
Inventors: Shizheng TAO; Xiaokang WAN; Yanli ZHONG; Xuefeng Tang
Original assignee: Dongguan Epropulsion Intelligence Technology Ltd
Current assignee: Dongguan Epropulsion Intelligence Technology Ltd
Priority date: 2017-01-09
Filing date: 2017-11-24
Publication date: 2018-07-12
Anticipated expiration: 2019-07-09
Also published as: CN106809359A; DE212017000289U1; CN106809359B

Abstract

An underwater propulsion device (10) and attachment device (100) thereof are provided. The attachment device (100) includes a main support frame (110) for holding a motorized device(200), and a connecting member (120) detachably connected with the main support frame (110). The connecting member (120) includes a connecting structure engageable with fixing elements (90) attached to watercrafts. The underwater propulsion device (10) and the attachment device (100) thereof can be widely applied in more types of watercrafts.

Description

UNDERWATER PROPULSION DEVICE AND ATTACHMENT DEVICE THEREOF

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of China Patent Application No. 201710014282.4, filed on Jan. 10, 2017, the contents of which are incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD

The subject matter herein generally relates to underwater propulsion device for personal-sized watercraft, and particularly to an underwater propulsion device and attachment device.

BACKGROUND

Personal-sized watercrafts such as canoes, SUP (stand up paddle boards) kayaks, surfboards, dinghies, light fishing boats and other on-water crafts are generally propelled to move by manpower, or by wind, waves, etc. Those watercrafts also can be equipped with power devices, which can increase travelling range, reduce physical exertion, and improve the pleasure of the voyage. Those power devices are generally called underwater propulsion devices.

To mount an underwater propulsion device to a watercraft, in one form, the watercraft usually has a fixing element embedded therein, and the underwater propulsion device attached should have corresponding fittings to adapt it. By the connection between the fittings and embedded fixing element, the underwater propulsion device is releasably fastened to the watercraft. It leads to less compatibility and only a certain type of fitting can be used to connecting the fixing element embedded in the watercrafts. For those watercrafts without fixing elements embedded therein, some kind of standard or universal holders are attached to the watercrafts and the underwater propulsion have corresponding fittings to connect with fixing elements. For example, a fin box is often attached to the watercraft to fix a fin on the watercraft.

Theoretically removable holders have advantages over embedded fixing element in the case of replacement and repair. However there exists many different types of standard or universal holders, an underwater propulsion device must have a plurality of types of fittings so as to be compatible with watercrafts having different types of fixing elements, which causes labor-intensive manufacture and use.

Furthermore, an underwater propulsion device with some kind of fittings can’t be commonly mounted to varieties of watercraft. And most of the watercraft are shipped without fixing element for mounting varieties of underwater propulsion devices.

SUMMARY

An object of the disclosure is to provide an attachment device of underwater propulsion device which can be engageable with watercrafts having fixing elements or no fixing elements.

Another object of the disclosure is to provide an underwater propulsion device.

An attachment device of underwater propulsion device includes a main support frame for holding a motorized device, and a connecting member detachably connected with the main support frame, the connecting member including a connecting structure engageable with fixing elements attached to watercrafts.

In one embodiment, the fixing elements comprises a fitting surface which is capable of being attached to a bottom of the watercrafts. The fitting surface can be attached to the bottom of the watercrafts by glue, fasteners like bolts or screws, or straps.

In one embodiment, the attachment device includes a connecting member detachably connected with the main support frame, the connecting member being provided with through holes for straps to pass through.

In one embodiment, the connecting member further includes a bottom plate provided with a connecting portion on one surface thereof, and two curved encircling portions extending from two opposite sides of the bottom plate away from the connecting portion. The bottom plate and the encircling portions cooperatively form an enclosing or half enclosing structure, the through holes are provided on the encircling portions.

In one embodiment, the watercrafts are paddle boards, surfboards, kayaks, canoes, dinghies, or light fishing boats.

In one embodiment, the fixing elements (fixing ports for fixing) include a first type adapter, the first type adapter includes a longitudinally base providing a longitudinally extending aperture that receives the connecting member. According to it, the first connecting member includes a board having two opposite surfaces. One of the opposite surfaces provides structure fitted into the first type adapter, and the other provides a snap fit structure to connect with the main support frame. The first type adapter provides a fixing member, the board further defines a through hole through which the board is fastened with the fixing member of the first type adapter. The fixing member is shaped to mate with the aperture of the first type adapter and is arranged in the aperture.

In one embodiment, the fixing elements include a second type adapter, the second type adapter includes a longitudinally base with an inverted T-shaped slot inside and a transverse gap is provided on the base. According to it, the second connecting member includes an inverted T-shaped board which can slide into the slot of the second type adapter, a locking bridge is formed on the board and a pin is provided to insert into the transverse gap of the second adapter and is locked with the locking bridge. A snap fit structure is provided on the board to connect with the main support frame.

In one embodiment, the main support frame includes a base, an annular frame formed on the base, support arms distribute circularly around the frame, and a columnar shell located at a terminal of the support arm. The axis of the annular frame is parallel to the axis of the columnar shell, the columnar shell is connected to the annular shell by support arms.

In one embodiment, the base of the main support frame provides a connecting port which is opposite to the support arm. The connecting port is removably engageable with the connecting member. The connecting port includes a slot and a fastening slot defined on the base, the connecting member provide snap fit structures to connect with the connecting port.

An underwater propulsion device includes the above attachment device and a motorized device fixedly connected with the main support frame. The motorized device includes a control board, a motor, and a propeller.

In one embodiment, the underwater propulsion device further includes an energy module, the energy module includes a shell, battery cells, and a battery management unit. The attachment device thereof can be widely applied between different underwater propulsion device and different watercrafts as the detachability of the connecting member from the main support frame and fixing elements. It also makes the underwater propulsion devices capable of being engageable with watercrafts with or without fixing elements.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Implementations of the present technology will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the attached figures.

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an underwater propulsion device connecting with a fixing element according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of an underwater propulsion device having an attachment device according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of the attachment device of the underwater propulsion device of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a main support frame of the attachment device, viewed from upside down from the view in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a partial enlarged view of the structures in FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a schematic view of a first type adapter according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a schematic view of a second type adapter according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a partial cutaway view of the first type adapter of FIG. 6.

FIG. 9 is a schematic view of a first connecting member corresponding to the first type adapter of FIG. 6.

FIG. 10 is a schematic view of an underwater propulsion device having the first connecting member of FIG. 9 connecting with the first type adapter.

FIG. 11 is a schematic view of a second connecting member corresponding to the second type adapter of FIG. 7.

FIG. 12 is a schematic view of an underwater propulsion device having the second connecting member of FIG. 11 connecting with the second type adapter.

FIG. 13 is a schematic view of a third connecting member according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a schematic view of an underwater propulsion device mounted on a watercraft according to an exemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Specific embodiments are to be considered with the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an underwater propulsion device 10 to match and connect with a fixing element 90 according to an exemplary embodiment. The fixing element 90 provides a connector for fastening with the underwater propulsion device 10. The fixing element 90 can be a part of a watercraft, or be a separate member that can be connected to the watercraft. In some embodiments, the fixing elements can be a part of the underwater propulsion device 10. Once the underwater propulsion device 10 is connected to the fixing element 90, the underwater propulsion device 10 is connected with the watercraft. The fixing element 90 is generally arranged at the bottom of the watercraft, the underwater propulsion device 10 is also located at the bottom of the watercraft (referring to FIG. 14) when being mounted to the fixing element 90. The underwater propulsion device 10 operates underwater and provides motive power to the watercraft when the watercraft is in water. The fixing element 90 generally includes a fitting surface which is capable of being attached to the bottom of the watercrafts. In some embodiments, the fitting surface is a plane and can be attached to the bottom of the watercrafts by glue, fasteners like bolts or screws, straps or the like.

Referring to FIG. 2, the underwater propulsion device 10 includes an attachment device 100 engageable between the fixing element 90 and a motive power device 200.

Referring to FIG. 3, the attachment device 100 includes a main support frame 110 and a connecting member 120. The main support frame 110 is configured for holding the motorized device 200. The connecting member 120 is detachably connected to the main support frame 110. The connecting member 120 includes a connecting structure engageable with fixing elements of the watercraft (such as a ship).

The main support frame 110 includes a base 111, an annular frame 112 formed on the base 111, support arms extended upward from the annular frame 112 and distributed circularly around the annular frame 112. The support arms include a first support arm 113 and at least one second support arm 115. The first support arm 113 is engageable with the connecting member 120. A columnar shell 114 is located at distal ends of the support arms. The axis of the annular frame 112 is parallel to the axis of the columnar shell 114. The columnar shell 114 is connected to the annular frame 112 by the support arms. The support arms extend from the annular frame 112 substantially along a direction toward a center of the annular frame 112 to the columnar shell 114.

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of the main support frame 110, upside down from the view in FIG. 3. Referring to FIG. 4, the base 111 provides a connecting port 116 which is opposite to the first support arm 113. The connecting port 116 is removably engageable with the first/second/third connecting member 120/140/130, thus the main support frame 110 being engageable with the first/second/third connecting member 120/140/130. The connecting port 116 includes a slot 1161 and a fastening slot 1162 defined on the base (referred to FIG. 5). The first/second/third connecting member 120/140/130 provides a snap fit structure to match with the slot 1161 and the fastening slot 1162 so as to connect with the connecting port 116. Detailed description of the snap fit structure is provided below with reference to FIG. 9, FIG. 10, FIG. 11, FIG. 12 and FIG. 13.

Where a watercraft has fixing elements of more than one type, the number of connecting members 120 can be more than one. Each one of the connecting members 120 matches one type of fixing elements of the watercraft. The fixing elements of the watercraft commonly include a first type adapter 310 and a second type adapter 320.

FIG. 6 is a schematic view of a first type adapter. The first type adapter 310 includes a first longitudinally base 311 and a snap-fastening portion 312 protruding from the first longitudinally base 311. The snap-fastening portion 312 provides a longitudinally extending aperture 313. A fixing member 314 is located in the longitudinally extending aperture 313 (referring to FIG. 8). The fixing member 314 can be a sliding block which defines a hole (not labelled) thereon. A screw can be inserted into the hole to fix the connecting member 120 in the longitudinally extending aperture 313. The longitudinally extending aperture 313 can be used to fasten with a fin of a surfboard for example.

FIG. 7 is a schematic view of a second type adapter. The second type adapter 320 includes a second longitudinally base 321 and a sliding connecting portion 322 protruding from the second longitudinally base 321. The sliding connecting portion 322 is provided with an inverted T-shaped slot 323 and a transverse gap 324 traversing the inverted T-shaped slot 323.

Referring to FIG. 9, according to the first type adapter 310, a first connecting member 120 includes a first fixing board 121 having two opposite surfaces. One of the opposite surfaces is provided with a connecting structure 122 fitted into the first type adapter 310, and the other one of the opposite surfaces is provided with a first snap fit structure 123 which is connecting with the main support frame 110. The first snap fit structure 123 includes a first post 1231 and a first fastening piece 1232 arranged with the first post 1231. The first post 1231 is engaged with the slot 1161, and the first fastening piece 1232 is locked with the fastening slot 1162, thus connecting the first connecting member 120 with the main support frame 110. A through hole 124 is defined on the first fixing board 121, corresponding to hole defined on the fixing member 314, so that the screw can be inserted through the through hole 124 and the hole defined on the fixing member 314 to fasten the first type adapter 310 with the first connecting member 120. The connecting structure 122 is an inverted T-shaped board to mate with the longitudinally extending aperture 313 of the first type adapter 310. Therefore, the connecting structure 122 is capable of being inserted in the longitudinally extending aperture 313 with the hole defined on the fixing member 314 aligned with the through hole 124. A screw or bolt can be inserted through the through hole 124 and the hole defined on the fixing member 314 to fasten the first type adapter 310 with the first connecting member 120.

FIG. 10 is a schematic view of the underwater propulsion device having the first connecting member 120 of FIG. 9.

Referring to FIG. 11, according to the second type adapter 320 as shown in FIG. 7, a second connecting member 140 includes a second fixing board 141 having two opposite surfaces. A strip-shaped boss 144 is formed on one surface of the fixing board 141 and has a width less than that of the fixing board 141. The strip-shaped boss 144 and the fixing board 141 cooperatively form an inverted T-shaped board which can slide into the inverted T-shaped slot 323 of the second type adapter 320. A second snap fit structure 143 and a locking bridge 145 are formed on the strip-shaped boss 144. The second snap fit structure 143 is configured for connecting with the main support frame 110. The second snap fit structure 143 has a similar structure with the first snap fit structure 123. The second snap fit structure 143 includes a second post 1431 and a second fastening piece 1432 arranged with the second post 1431. The second post 1431 is engaged with the slot 1161, and the second fastening piece 1432 is locked with the fastening slot 1162, thus connecting the second connecting member 140 with the main support frame 110. A pin is provided to insert into the transverse gap 324 of the second adapter 320 and is locked with the locking bridge 145.

FIG. 12 is a schematic view of the underwater propulsion device having the second connecting member 140 of FIG. 11 connecting with the second type adapter 320.

In an exemplary embodiment, a third connecting member 130 can be employed universally with all kinds of watercraft with or without fixing elements. Referring to FIG. 13, the third connecting member 130 includes a bottom plate 131 which is provided with a third snap fit structure 132. The third snap fit structure 132 is located at one surface of the bottom plate 131 and connectable to the main support frame 110. The third connecting member 130 further includes two curved encircling portions 133 extending from two opposite sides of the bottom plate 131 away from the third snap fit structure 132. The bottom plate 131 and the encircling portions 133 cooperatively form an enclosing or half enclosing structure having such as a T-shape or C-shape cross section. A number of through holes 134 are formed on the encircling portions 133. The encircling structure or half enclosing structure can be sleeved on a body of the watercraft, and binds the third connecting member 130 to the body of the watercraft with a strap passing through the holes 134.

The third snap fit structure 132 of the third connecting member 130 can have a similar structure with that of the first connecting member 120. That is, the third snap fit structure 132 includes a third post 1321 and a third fastening piece 1322 arranged with the third post 1321. The third post 1321 is engaged with the slot 1161, and the third fastening piece 1322 is locked with the fastening slot 1162, thus connecting the third connecting member 130 with the main support frame 110.

The third connecting member 130 can be applied to watercrafts having no fixing elements by the strap. Therefore, the underwater propulsion device of above embodiments can be fixedly connected with a watercraft even if the watercraft has no fixing elements, which expands the application and scope of the underwater propulsion device.

Referring to FIG. 3, the motorized device 200 includes a control board 210, a motor 220, and a propeller 230. The control board 210 is a circuit board assembly which is capable of controlling the motor 220. The motor 220 outputs power to rotate the propeller 230 under control of the control board 210, thus to drive the watercraft forward under water.

Furthermore, in an exemplary embodiment, the underwater propulsion device 10 can also include an energy module 400 (referring to FIG. 14). The energy module includes a cell shell, battery cells, and a battery management unit.

In the embodiments shown in FIG. 3 to FIG. 14, the fitting elements is illustrated as a separate part, however, in other embodiments, the fitting elements can be a part of the attachment device. At these cases, the fitting elements can provide a fitting surface which is capable of being attached to the bottom of the watercraft by glue, fastens such as screws or bolts or straps. The fitting elements can be integrated formed with the connecting member, or detachably connected with the connecting member.

For the detachability of the connecting member from the main support frame and the fixing elements, the underwater propulsion devices illustrated in above embodiments can be applied between different watercrafts. On the basis of above embodiments, the connecting members of the underwater propulsion can be adaptively modified to match all kinds of fixing elements, thus the underwater propulsion devices are capable of engaging with watercrafts with or without fixing elements. Furthermore, the connecting member is simple structured so that the underwater propulsion device can be easily made.

The features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For brevity, it does not provide all possible combinations of the features in the above embodiments, however, any combination of the features falls into the scope of disclosure, as long as there is no contradiction concerning the combination of features.

While embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described herein, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that such embodiments are provided by way of example only. Numerous variations, changes, and substitutions will now occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the disclosure. It should be understood that various alternatives to the embodiments of the invention described herein may be employed in practicing the disclosure. It is intended that the following claims define the scope of the invention and that methods and structures within the scope of these claims and their equivalents be covered thereby.

Claims

An attachment device of underwater propulsion device, comprising a main support frame for holding a motorized device, and a connecting member detachably connected with the main support frame, the connecting member comprising a connecting structure engageable with fixing elements attached to watercrafts.
The attachment device of underwater propulsion device as claimed in claim 1, the attachment device comprises the fixing elements, the fixing elements comprises a fitting surface which is capable of being attached to a bottom of the watercrafts.
The attachment device of underwater propulsion device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, the connecting member is provided with through holes for straps to pass through to bind the connecting member to watercrafts.
The attachment device of underwater propulsion device as claimed in claim 3, wherein, the connecting member comprises a bottom plate and two curved encircling portions extending from two opposite sides of the bottom plate, the bottom plate and the encircling portions cooperatively form an enclosing or half enclosing structure, the through holes are provided on the encircling portions.
The attachment device of underwater propulsion device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, the watercrafts are paddle boards, surfboards, kayaks, canoes, dinghies, or light fishing boats.
The attachment device of underwater propulsion device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, the connecting member comprises a board having two opposite surfaces, one of the opposite surfaces provides a structure to connect with the fixing elements, and the other provides a snap fit structure to connect with the main support frame.
The attachment device of underwater propulsion device as claimed in claim 6, wherein, the fixing elements comprises a first type adapter, the first type adapter includes a longitudinally base providing a longitudinally extending aperture that receives the connecting member.
The attachment device of underwater propulsion device as claimed in claim 7, wherein, the first type adapter provides a fixing member, the board further defines a through hole through which the board is fastened with the fixing member of the first type adapter.
The attachment device of underwater propulsion device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, the connecting member comprises an inverted T-shaped board, the fixing element includes a second adapter, the second adapter includes a longitudinally base with an inverted T-shaped slot which can receive the inverted T-shaped board therein.
The attachment device of underwater propulsion device as claimed in claim 9, wherein a transverse gap traverses the inverted T-shaped slot, a locking bridge is formed on the board and a pin is provided to insert into the transverse gap of the second adapter and is locked with the locking bridge.
The attachment device of underwater propulsion device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, the main support frame comprises a base, an annular frame formed on the base, support arms extending upward from the frame and distributed circularly around the frame, and a columnar shell located at a terminal of the support arms, the support arms is connecting between the columnar shell and the frame, an axis of the annular frame is parallel to an axis of the columnar shell.
The attachment device of underwater propulsion device as claimed in claim 11, wherein, the base is provided with a connecting port which is opposite to the support arm, the connecting port is removably engageable with the connecting member, the connecting port comprises a slot and a fastening slot defined on the base, the connecting member comprises a post and a fastening piece arranged with the post, and the post is fitted in the slot and the fastening piece is locked with the fastening slot.
An underwater propulsion device, comprising:

a motorized device, the motorized device comprising a control board, a motor, and a propeller; and

an attachment device, wherein the attachment device comprising a main support frame for holding the motorized device, and a connecting member detachably connected with the main support frame, the connecting member comprising a connecting structure engageable with fixing elements attached to watercrafts.
The underwater propulsion device as claimed in claim 13, the attachment device comprises the fixing elements, the fixing elements comprises a fitting surface which is capable of being attached to a bottom of the watercrafts.
The underwater propulsion device as claimed in claim 13, further comprising an energy module, the energy module comprising a shell, battery cells, and a battery management unit.
The underwater propulsion device as claimed in claim 13, wherein, the connecting member is provided with through holes for straps to pass through to bind the connecting member to watercrafts.
The underwater propulsion device as claimed in claim 16, wherein, the connecting member comprises a bottom plate and two curved encircling portions extending from two opposite sides of the bottom plate, the bottom plate and the encircling portions cooperatively form an enclosing or half enclosing structure, the through holes are provided on the encircling portions.
The underwater propulsion device as claimed in claim 13, wherein, the watercrafts are paddle boards, surfboards, kayaks, canoes, dinghies, or light fishing boats.
The underwater propulsion device as claimed in claim 13, wherein, the connecting member comprises a board having two opposite surfaces, one of the opposite surfaces provides a structure to connect with the fixing elements, and the other provides a snap fit structure to connect with the main support frame.
The underwater propulsion device as claimed in claim 19, wherein, the fixing elements comprises a first type adapter, the first type adapter includes a longitudinally base providing a longitudinally extending aperture that receives the connecting member.
The underwater propulsion device as claimed in claim 20, wherein, the first type adapter provides a fixing member, the board further defines a through hole through which the board is fastened with the fixing member of the first type adapter.
The underwater propulsion device as claimed in claim 13, wherein, the connecting member comprises an inverted T-shaped board, the fixing element includes a second adapter, the second adapter includes a longitudinally base with an inverted T-shaped slot which is capable of receiving the inverted T-shaped board therein.
The underwater propulsion device as claimed in claim 22, wherein a transverse gap traverses the inverted T-shaped slot, a locking bridge is formed on the board and a pin is provided to insert into the transverse gap of the second adapter and is locked with the locking bridge.
The underwater propulsion device as claimed in claim 13, wherein, the main support frame comprises a base, an annular frame formed on the base, support arms extending upward from the frame and distributed circularly around the frame, and a columnar shell located at a terminal of the support arms, the support arms is connecting between the columnar shell and the frame, an axis of the annular frame is parallel to an axis of the columnar shell.
The underwater propulsion device as claimed in claim 24, wherein, the base is provided with a connecting port which is opposite to the support arm, the connecting port is removably engageable with the connecting member, the connecting port comprises a slot and a fastening slot defined on the base, the connecting member comprises a post and a fastening piece arranged with the post, and the post is fitted in the slot and the fastening piece is locked with the fastening slot.

25.