Submersible vehicle having swinging wings

Abstract: A submersible vehicle has a vehicle main body (200), and a propelling/steering mechanism provided for the vehicle main body (200) characterized in that said propelling/steering mechanism is provided with a plurality of swinging wings (1a, 1b) provided for the vehicle main body (200) and arranged in series, rotatable shafts (4, 5) located at front edges of the swinging wings (1a, 1b), respectively, actuators (14, 15) for driving the shafts (4, 5) independently of one another, and a wing controller (6) for controlling the actuators (14, 15) in such a manner that the wings (1a, 1b) can swing in a flexible manner like the tail fin of a fish, thereby producing a desired propelling force and enabling a steering operation.

Description: The present invention relates to submersible vehicles, such as an artificial fish, a submersible research vehicle and a submersible work barge, and more particularly to vehicles that generate a propelling force by means of swinging wings. What is shown in Fig. 1 is a conventional submersible vehicle 100 that generates a propelling force by means of a screw propeller 101. In this type of submersible vehicle 100, the propelling force generated by the screw propeller 101 acts only in the direction of the axis of rotation. In order to control the travelling direction of the submersible vehicle 100, auxiliary devices, such as a rudder 102 and a side thrustor 103, are provided for the side and stem of the submersible vehicle 100. This type of submersible vehicle 100 can travel linearly in a satisfactory manner but the direction control and position maintaining control thereof are restricted. The use of the screw propeller 101 and the side thrustor 103 is disadvantageous in that when they are used, they may catch objects around them during rotation. For this reason, the submersible vehicle 100 is sometimes restricted in use for the purpose of ensuring safety. The DE 34 23 405 describes a watercraft, which is independent of the movements of the water surface. This is achieved by floating and propulsion bodies, which are located in calm water and offer no points of attack or only minor points of attack to the motion of the sea. On each side are fins fixed to the floating/propulsion bodies. The FR 2 710 897 describes an autonomous submarine vehicle using compressed gas as power source, which is steered by fins. The US 5,373,800 describes a water vessel with a propulsion for an undersea mode with a fishtail apparatus for undulatingly producing propulsion. The fishtail apparatus is supported by eddy amplifying jets for increasing the propulsion produced. Also the FR 89 945, DE 301 446 and JP 56 086 890 describe fishtaillike propulsions for watercrafts or mechanism of this kind as described in the FR 543 854. The FR 575 791 describes a wing as a propulsion for aircrafts and for watercrafts, which is devided in moveable segments. A forward motion is reached through the movement of these wings. The FR 29 510 discloses an improvement of the FR 575 791, which uses a deformable device, to produce a forward motion by pumping gas in and out leading to a deformation to the balloonlike body of the device, and the FR 30 075 discloses a second improvement of the FR 575 791 with a deformable body. The device of the FR 30 075 is deformed through a mechanism inside the device. Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a submersible vehicle which can be not only moved forward or backward but also steered by oscillating or swinging the wings in such a manner that they move like the fins of a fish. To solve the problems described above, the submersible vehicle of the present invention comprises: a submersible vehicle, the proximal ends fo the swinging wings are coupled to the two sides of the main body. The wings are swung around a vertical axis by means of first actuators, and the swinging motion of the wings is controlled with reference to a horizontal axis by means of second actuators. The submersible vehicle comprises a wing controller. This controller controls the first and second actuators in such a manner that the submersible vehicle can be propelled or steered by the swinging wings. The submersible vehicle described above can move forward or backward in the state where the swings are swung by the first actuators and the movable angle range of them is simultaneously controlled by means of the second actuators. When the submersible vehicle is moved forward, the wings are driven by the first actuators in such a manner that the wings are stretched forward and sideways. After the second actuators set the wings in the wing angle state where the wing planes are vertical, the wings are swung backwards by the first actuators, thereby producing a propelling force used for forward movement. In order to return the wings into the original state, i. e. , the state where they are stretched forward or sideways, the wing planes of the swinging wings are made horizontal to reduce the water resistance. The propelling force for forward movement is generated with high efficiency by repeatedly driving the swinging wings in succession in such a manner to swing the wings back and forth. The submersible vehicle is moved backward by driving the wings in the opposite fashion. To be more specific, the swinging wings are first stretched backward, and are then swung to the forward or sideways position, with the wing planes kept vertical. By this operation, the propelling force for backward movement is generated. The vehicle can be steered by generating different magnitudes of propelling force between the swinging wings on the right and left sides of the vehicle. A wing controller is provided including: a wing command generator for outputting a control signal by which the amplitudes, frequencies, centers of oscillation, and phases of the wings are controlled. The submersible vehicle of the present invention further comprises: a tank with reference to which water can be poured or drained so as to control the underwater position of the vehicle; and a control mechanism for controlling the amount of water poured into or drained from the tank. In the submersible vehicle of the present invention, a plurality of pairs of wings, which are swung by the reversible rotation of shafts coupled to the front edges of the wings, are arranged in series. The amplitudes, frequencies, centers of oscillation and phases of the wings are controlled in association with one another, in such a manner that the wings smoothly swing as a whole as if they were fish fins. Owing to the swinging motion of the wings, the vehicle can be propelled and steered in a desired manner. The submersible vehicle of the present invention is therefore free of the problem arising from the use of the conventional screw propeller. In the case where the rotating shafts are arranged to extend horizontally, the wings can operate as if they were the rudder of a submarine or move as if they were fish fins. Accordingly, the periscope depth range or the underwater position of the vehicle can be varied. In the case where the submersible vehicle is provided with a tank with reference to which water can be poured or drained, the tank serves as if it were the swim bladder of a fish. In other words, the tank serves to control the buoyant force of the vehicle. Accordingly, the sinking and floating of the vehicle (i. e., the underwater position of the vehicle) can be smoothly controlled. This summary of the invention does not necessarily describe all necessary features so that the invention may also be a sub-combination of these described features. The invention can be more fully understood from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a side view of a conventional submersible vehicle. Fig. 2 is a plan view schematically showing the internal structure of a submersible vehicle with swinging wings, the submersible vehicle being obtained according to the present invention. Fig. 3 is a front view schematically showing the internal structure of the submersible vehicle shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a block circuit diagram showing a wing control system employed in the submersible vehicle shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the submersible vehicle according to the present invention comprises a main body 220 and a propelling/steering mechanism (which is for propelling and/or steering). The propelling/steering mechanism used in this embodiment will be described. Swinging wings 21 are coupled, at the proximal ends, to the side portions of the man body 220 of the submersible vehicle 22. The main body 220 has a first actuator 24 and'a second actuator 23. When the first actuator 24 is driven, the wings 21 are swung around in a vertical axis by means of a vertical shaft 25, as indicated by 21a in FIG. 2. The first actuator 24 is normally made of a hydraulic or electric cylinder device. When the second actuator 23 is driven, the wings 21 are rotated on its own horizontal axis in a reversible fashion by a horizontal shaft 26, as indicated by 21b in FIG. 2. The second actuator is normally made of a motor. The propelling/steering mechanism will be described in more detail. Substantially "L"-shaped driving plates 221 are provided for the side portions of the main body 220. Each driving plate 221 is rotatably coupled to the main body 220 by means of the vertical shaft 25, which is located at the middle portion of the driving plate 221. The horizontal shaft 26 and the second actuator 23 is coupled to one end of the driving plate 221. The output shaft of the second actuator 23 and the horizontal shaft 26 are connected together such that they are axially rotatable as one body. The swinging wing 21 is attached to the horizontal shaft 26. With this structure, when the second actuator 23 is driven, the horizontal shaft 26 rotates the swinging wings 21, as indicated by 21b in FIG. 2. The first actuator 24 is attached to the main body 220. The output shaft of the first actuator 24 is coupled to the other end of the driving plate 221. When the first actuator 24 is driven, the horizontal shaft 26 swings the wings 21, as indicated by 21a in FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 4, a wing controller (WC) 28 is provided. This wing controller (WC) 28 controls the first and second actuators 24 and 23 on the basis of operating commands. Accordingly, the submersible vehicle 22 is propelled and steered by means of the swinging wings 21 provided at the respective sides of the main body 220 of the vehicle 22. To control the sinking and floating (i.e., the underwater position), the submersible vehicle 22 of the second embodiment is provided with a tank (a swim bladder) 29, the amount of water in which can be controlled. The submersible vehicle 22 also comprises a control system (not shown) for controlling the amount of water poured into or drained from the tank 29. Reference numeral 27 in FIG. 2 denotes a battery (BAT) serving as a power source. The wing controller (WC) 28 for controlling the swinging wings 21 of the above submersible vehicle is operated by following procedures C1 to C5 below: (C1) A desired propelling force (i.e., a desired amount of operation) is expressed as a propelling force that should be applied to the center of gravity of the submersible vehicle 22. (C2) The propelling force expressed in the manner indicated (C1) above is distributed to the right and left swinging wings 21, in such a manner that the propelling force becomes the sum of the propelling forces acting at the points of connection between the right and left swinging wings 21 and the main body of the vehicle 21. (C3) On the basis' of the propelling force distributed to each swinging wing 21, the swinging speed and the amplitude of the swinging wing are calculated. The first actuator 24 is controlled in such a manner that the angle of rotation of the vertical shaft 25 corresponds to the swinging speed and the amplitude. (C4) The second actuator 23 is used for controlling the wing angles. In the case where the propelling force must act in the forward direction of the vehicle, the second actuator 23 makes the swinging wings horizontal when they are opened, so as to reduce the water resistance. The second actuator 23 makes the swinging wings vertical when they are closed, so as to produce a large propelling force. In the case where the propelling force must act in the backward direction of the vehicle, the second actuator 23 makes the swinging wings vertical when they are opened, so as to produce a large propelling force. The second actuator 23 makes the swinging wings horizontal when they are closed, so as to reduce the water resistance. (C5) To steer the vehicle, propelling forces of different magnitudes are produced between the right and left swinging wings, so as to turn the submersible vehicle 22 in a desired direction. As described above, in the submersible vehicle 22 of the second embodiment, the right and left swinging wings 21 work as if they were pectoral fins of a fish. Owing to the use of such swinging wings, the submersible vehicle 22 can be moved forward or backward and steered. It should be noted that the swinging wings 21 can be used as a rudder by controlling the angle of the wings 21. As described above, the amount of water contained in the tank 2 can be adjusted, and the buoyant force of the vehicle can be controlled thereby. Since this feature is combined with the angle control of the swinging wings, the underwater position of the vehicle can be freely adjusted. The swinging wings 21 are controlled by the wing controller (WC) 28 shown in FIG. 4. The wing controller (WC) 28 designates a cylinder stroke and supplies data thereon to the second actuator 23. . In addition, the wing controller (WC) 28 designates a wing angle and supplies data thereon to the first actuator 23. The buoyant force control based on the tank 27 (the swim bladder) is similar to that of the first embodiment. It is possible to control the 6-axis movement, including the rotation of the swinging wings. In connection with this, the method for controlling the stroke and the angle will be described below, with reference to FIG. 3. (D1) Measurement of Movable Range of Swinging Wings (Preparations) (D1-1) The submersible vehicle 22 is fixed inside a water tank, and a sensor is attached to the main body 220 of the vehicle 22 so as to measure the force exerted on the point of connection between the submersible vehicle 22 and the swinging wings 21. The measurement of the force is made in the vertical direction, the widthwise direction of the vehicle and the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. (D1-2) The stroke range of the first actuator 24 (used for controlling the swing angle) and the angle of the second actuator 23 (used for controlling the wing angle) are designated, and the force that is exerted on the point of connection between the submersible vehicle 22 and the swinging wing 21 during one swinging motion is measured. (D1-3) The measurement noted in (D1-2) above is repeated, and the range of the force that can be applied in the vertical direction, the widthwise direction of the vehicle and the longitudinal direction of the vehicle is examined in relation to the'stroke range and the wing angle. The data obtained thereby are described to form a database. (D1-4) From the data of the database mentioned in (D1-3), the data on the stroke ranges corresponding to the cases where reciprocation (swinging movement) is enabled are extracted. The extracted data are combined to examine the force generated by the swinging wings 21 and the related swinging patterns. (D1-5) Ratios determined between the swing speed of the wings and the force exerted on the point of connection are calculated. (D2) Control of Swinging Wings: (D2-1) The wing controller (WC) 28 distributes the force corresponding to the operating force supplied to the submersible vehicle 22 (i.e., the force applied to the submersible vehicle and the moment) to the right and left swinging wings 21. This distribution is executed in the non-linear programming method within the range determined by the direction and magnitude of the propelling force produced by the submersible vehicle. (D2-2) The swing pattern that enables the generation of the force distributed to each swinging wing in (D2-1) above is determined on the basis of the data prepared in (D1) above. (D2-3) The swing pattern determined in (D2-2) above is updated each time one swinging motion is performed, so as to control the first actuator 24 (used for controlling the swing angle) and the angle of the second actuator 23 (used for controlling the wing angle). By combining this control method with the buoyant force control, it is possible to control the 6-axis movement (incl. rotation). (1) The rotating shafts of the submersible vehicle are arranged to extend horizontally, and therefore the wings can operate as if they were the rudder of a submarine or move as if they were pectoral fins of a fish. Accordingly, the periscope depth range or the underwater position of the vehicle can be varied. (2) In the case where the submersible vehicle is provided with a tank with reference to which water can be poured or drained, the tank serves as if it were the swim bladder of a fish. In other words, the tank serves to control the buoyant force of the vehicle. Accordingly, the sinking and floating of the vehicle (i.e., the underwater position of the vehicle) can be smoothly controlled. (3) The submersible vehicle may be provided with first actuators for oscillating or swinging the right and left wings and second actuators for controlling the wing angle of the swinging wings. Where such actuators are provided, the right and left swinging wings work as if they were pectoral fins of a fish, and the submersible vehicle can be moved forward or backward and steered. In addition, the swinging wings 21 can be used as a rudder by controlling the angle of the wings 21.

Claims: A submersible vehicle comprising a vehicle main body (200), and a propelling/steering mechanism provided for the vehicle main body (220), characterized in that said propelling/steering mechanism including: swinging wings (21) provided for side portions of the vehicle main body (220); a first actuator (24) for swinging the wings (21) around vertical axes; a second actuator (23) for rotating the wings (21) around horizontal axes; and a wing controller (28) for controlling the first and second actuators (23, 24) such that the swinging wings (21) work like pectoral fins, thereby causing the submersible vehicle to be propelled and steered. A submersible vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that said wing controller (35) includes: a wing command generator for outputting a control signal by which amplitudes, frequencies, centers of oscillation, and phases of the wings (21, 31 b) are controlled. A submersible vehicle according to one of the claims 1 to 2, characterized by further comprising: a tank (7) with reference to which water enable to be poured or drained so as to control sinking and floating movements of the vehicle; and a control mechanism (8, 9, 10, 17) for controlling an amount of water poured into and drained from the tank (7). A submersible vehicle according to one of the claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said swinging wings (21, 31 b) are provided for a tail portion of the vehicle main body (200, 320). A submersible vehicle according to one of the claims 1 to 4, characterized in that said swinging wings (21, 31 b) are provided for side portions of the vehicle main body (200, 320).

Inventors: DAIGO KATSUYA, TERADA YUUZI, YAMAMOTO IKUO, DAIGO, KATSUYA, TERADA, YUUZI, YAMAMOTO, IKUO, Daigo, Katsuya, c/oNagasaki R&amp;D Center, Mitsubishi, Terada, Yuuzi, Kobe Shipyard &amp; Mach. W. Mitsubishi, Yamamoto, Ikuo, c/oNagasaki R&amp;D Center, Mitsubishi
Applicants: MITSUBISHI HEAVY IND LTD, MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
Application year: 1998
Main classification: B63H1
IPC codes: B63H1, B63G8