EP0503206B1 - Retractable or foldable thruster using a rotatingly deformable trapezoidal device to generate a rectilinear movement at the inside of a niche - Google Patents

Description

The subject of the invention is a retractable or retractable propellant using a trapezoidal device with deforming rotation generating a rectilinear movement inside a well.

• FR-A-2.348.850 : L'invention a pour objet un dispositif de blocage d'un propulseur rétractable de bateau. Le blocage en position d'un propulseur rétractable s'efffectue au moyen de quatre verrous inclinés articulés produisant des poussées de composantes verticales et horizontales, et de quatre verrous articulés produisant des poussées horizontales.

The state of the art can be defined by the following patents:

• FR-A-2.348.850: The invention relates to a device for blocking a retractable boat thruster. The locking in position of a retractable thruster is effected by means of four articulated inclined locks producing thrusts of vertical and horizontal components, and of four articulated latches producing horizontal thrusts.

• FR-A-1.573.009 : La présente invention concerne un dispositif de poussée sur étrave, comprenant des enveloppes identiques à chaque extrémité qui sont raccordées à une section centrale, des moyens d'entraînement logés à l'intérieur de la section centrale, une paire d'arbres disposés axialement pouvant être mis en rotation à l'intérieur des enveloppes et entraînés sélectivement par lesdits moyens d'entraînement, des rotors d'une fabrication identique sur ledit arbre, et des moyens de freinage pour verrouiller l'un ou l'autre desdits rotors de telle sorte que les moyens d'entraînement entraîneront le rotor déverrouillé pour fournir un écoulement d'eau sur le rotor verrouillé fonctionnant à ce moment comme un stator.
• FR-A-1.590.321 : La présente invention a pour objet le produit industriel nouveau que constitue un agencement de poussée d'étrave pour des navires, comprenant une structure de tunnel disposée transversalement et placée dans le corps immergé du navire et contenant au moins une hélice, ledit agencement présentant, en outre, les caractéristiques suivantes prises isolément ou en combinaison :
  • 1) la structure de tunnel est conçue sous forme d'une unité distincte du corps avant du navire et s'étendant d'un côté à l'autre de son bordé ; de plus, elle est articulée autour d'un axe horizontal dans ledit corps avant, chaque bordé latéral comportant une ouverture correspondant à celle de la structure du tunnel ;
  • 2) la structure du tunnel est conçue de manière à pivoter essentiellement sur 90° autour d'un axe de pivotement, et elle comporte des plaques-couvercles qui recouvrent les ouvertures ménagées dans le bordé du bulbe du navire lorsque la structure du tunnel se trouve à une position inopérante ;
  • 3) la structure du tunnel et/ou les plaques-couvercles sont munies de dispostifs d'étanchéité réglables et déplaçables vers l'extérieur à partir de l'axe de pivotement précité et destinés à porter sur le côté intérieur du bordé.
• FR-A-1.601.025 : dispositif de gouvernail d'étrave pour navires possédant une étrave à bulbe comprenant un canal d'adduction partant du bordage avant du navire, enveloppant l'organe de propulsion et se ramifiant derrière celui-ci en deux branches orientées obliquement vers l'arrière l'une vers tribord, l'autre vers babord, puis à l'intérieur des organes de fermeture réglables, dont l'une des caractéristiques est son application à des navires comportant une étrave à bulbe et l'autre caractéristique le montage de l'ensemble dudit dispositif dans l'étrave à bulbe. L'étrave à bulbe est conçue en tant qu'unité de construction comprenant le dispositif pour gouvernail d'étrave, y compris ou non le moteur de commande de l'organe de propulsion dudit dispositif, l'ensemble étant rattaché à la coque du navire.
• FR-A-2.243.864 : dispositif propulseur à tunnel et à poussée variable. Le dispositif comporte une paroi de tunnel fixe, une partie de paroi mobile de tunnel, des moyens pour monter la partie mobile en rotation sur la paroi du tunnel fixe autour de l'axe de ce dernier, des moyens pour entraîner en rotation ladite partie de la partie mobile, une pluralité de pales qui s'étendent vers l'intérieur à partir de la partie de paroi mobile, et qui sont reliées à cette dernière afin de tourner autour de l'axe du tunnel, et, des moyens pour commander le pas des pales par rapport à un plan perpendiculaire à l'axe du tunnel. Application aux navires équipés de tunnel transversaux prévus à l'avant et/ou à l'arrière, sous la ligne de flottaison de ces navires.
• FR-A-2.229.608 : Propulseur auxiliaire rétractable.

The invention applies to thrusters retractable vertically in a housing of a boat.

• FR-A-1.573.009: The present invention relates to a thrust device on a bow, comprising casings identical at each end which are connected to a central section, drive means housed inside the central section, a pair of axially arranged shafts which can be rotated inside the envelopes and selectively driven by said drive means, rotors of identical manufacture on said shaft, and braking means to lock one or the other of said rotors so that the drive means will drive the unlocked rotor to provide a flow of water on the locked rotor functioning at this time as a stator.
• FR-A-1.590.321: The subject of the present invention is the new industrial product that constitutes a bow thrust arrangement for ships, comprising a tunnel structure arranged transversely and placed in the submerged body of the ship and containing at least a propeller, said arrangement having, in addition, the following characteristics taken individually or in combination:
  • 1) the tunnel structure is designed as a unit separate from the forward body of the ship and extending from one side to the other of its shell; in addition, it is articulated around a horizontal axis in said front body, each side plating having an opening corresponding to that of the structure of the tunnel;
  • 2) the structure of the tunnel is designed so as to pivot essentially through 90 ° around a pivot axis, and it includes cover plates which cover the openings made in the shell of the vessel when the structure of the tunnel is in an inoperative position;
  • 3) the tunnel structure and / or the cover plates are provided with adjustable sealing devices which can be moved outwards from the abovementioned pivot axis and intended to bear on the inside of the plating.
• FR-A-1.601.025: bow rudder device for ships having a bulbous bow comprising a supply channel starting from the front planking of the ship, enveloping the propulsion member and branching behind it into two branches oriented obliquely aft, one to starboard, the other to port, then inside the adjustable closing members, one of the characteristics of which is its application to ships comprising a bulbous bow and the other characteristic of the assembly of the assembly of said device in the bulbous bow. The bulbous bow is designed as a construction unit comprising the device for the rudder, including or not including the motor for controlling the propulsion member of said device, the assembly being attached to the hull of the ship. .
• FR-A-2.243.864: tunnel and tunnel propellant variable thrust. The device comprises a fixed tunnel wall, a mobile tunnel wall part, means for mounting the mobile part in rotation on the wall of the fixed tunnel around the axis of the latter, means for rotating said part of the tunnel. the movable part, a plurality of blades which extend inwards from the movable wall part, and which are connected to the latter in order to rotate around the axis of the tunnel, and, means for controlling the pitch of the blades relative to a plane perpendicular to the axis of the tunnel. Application to vessels fitted with transverse tunnels provided at the front and / or aft, below the waterline of these vessels.
• FR-A-2.229.608: Retractable auxiliary thruster.

This patent describes a motor, for example hydraulic, driving a shaft, vertical or inclined, in two parts, which can slide relative to one another. The lower part of this shaft drives a propeller by means of a return. This, thanks to the sliding of the drive shaft, can be retracted by rising above the water level. This sliding can be caused by a hydraulic cylinder controlled by the same pressurized oil as the hydraulic motor.

The propeller can be steerable for maneuvering the boat.

In the high position, retracted into a well provided for this purpose, the lifting part can close off this well so as to restore to the hull of the boat all its hydrodynamic performance.

These various patents describe "tunnel" or "retractable" thrusters specific to the bow or to other parts of a ship.

The "tunnel" thrusters are fixed in the live works of ships, which generally has the drawback of leaving openings, creating turbulence detrimental to hydrodynamic performance. Other factors condemn the "tunnel" thrusters. The rapid evolution of modern hulls improving hydrodynamics, tends to reduce the draft to the bows and the dolls, thus reducing the possibilities of installation of these types of equipment.

The "retractable" thrusters generally comprise a telescopic device generating an upward or downward movement, ensuring the output of the propeller of the propellant, of the hull. These propellants have major drawbacks.

The telescopic rectilinear development of a column implies by its technique a considerable size and weight in the volumes of a boat. The movement of telescopic mechanical parts poses significant problems in contact with water, in particular sea water, secretions and shells, resulting in jamming problems. Too high a speed or a shock on the propellant down, deteriorates it, preventing the ascent of the system, generally prohibiting navigation without technical intervention. As well as following prolonged non-use, these thrusters have an ability to seize and can no longer be operational.

• US-A-3.241.511 : ce brevet décrit dans les figures 10 et 10A un moteur auxiliaire pour des ailes ou patins portants tels qu'utilisés sur des navires hydroptères. Une manivelle actionne par une triangulation la sortie d'un tube qui contient l'arbre moteur et auquel sont fixées à l'extrémité, une hélice et l'extrémité d'un patin portant articulé. L'ensemble occupe un volume considérable.

These thrusters have the function of having a thrust in one direction or the other, lateral or longitudinal, but the majority of "tunnel" or "retractable" thrusters do not have an equal thrust in both directions, by the fact that the flow of a propeller, even symmetrical, collides in one direction with its transmission base.

• US-A-3,241,511: this patent describes in FIGS. 10 and 10A an auxiliary motor for wings or bearing skids as used on hydrofoil ships. A crank operates by triangulation the output of a tube which contains the motor shaft and to which are fixed at the end, a propeller and the end of an articulated bearing pad. The whole occupies a considerable volume.

However, the invention aims to minimize the size of the propellant.

In FIGS. 18, 24, the patent describes mechanisms for maneuvering bearing skids arranged on lateral arms coming from the bridge.

The invention tends to solve all these problems.

The invention applies in particular to all ships and other floating or submersible devices.

The present invention relates to a retractable or retractable device for transverse or longitudinal propulsion, applicable to floating or submersible vehicles, according to the independent claim.

Lateral bi-directional propulsion devices, combined with conventional forward and reverse steps, make omnidirectional movement of a machine possible; precise positioning during maneuvers, correction of offset due to winds and currents or residual wandering. Implanted in the live works of a ship, these devices are called retractable or retractable thrusters.

This propellant according to the invention is retractable or retractable, using a trapezoidal device with deforming rotation generating a rectilinear movement of exit or reentry inside a well.

The total size required for this propellant, especially in height, can be three to four times lower than with a conventional "retractable" propellant.

The total size required for this propellant may be equal to or less than that of a "tunnel" propellant.

This propellant according to the invention is provided with two propellers; the first propeller is traction, supercharging the second propeller which is propulsive, and vice versa by inversion of rotation, making the whole very effective with a symmetrical thrust in both directions.

All of this propellant according to the invention, by its design, retains, released, great rigidity.

By design and development technique, this propellant is not subject to seizure.

By design and development technique, in the event of an impact or too high a speed, this thruster retracts by itself inside the machine.

The particularities of this propellant are, by its compact design and its development technique, to favor its implantation in interiors, to be light and undeformable. Its symmetrical helical propulsion assembly ensures it a high efficiency equal in both directions. Out of service and for safety, this device is retracted or retracted, locked, inside a well closed automatically by a hatch whose external shape reproduces that of the hull, perfectly respecting the laws of hydrodynamics, by removing total of all sources of parasitic turbulence.

The device according to the invention is composed of a box, tightly fixed on a well forming an integral part of the structure of the machine. Inside this box are folded two asymmetrically pivoting arms, a motorized base and a helical assembly. The two arms, on the one hand, are focused on the box, and on the other hand on the propulsion base. Under a mechanical or manual action on the lever secured to the main arm by its axis, said rotating arm composed with the triangulation arm causes a rectilinear movement. The deformation thus ordered of the trapezium generates a kinematics of exit or re-entry of the base by the center of the helical assembly.

According to a preferred embodiment, the exit or return movement is rectilinear through the center of the helical assembly.

The propulsion base is provided with two propellers, the first propeller is traction, supercharging the second propeller which is propulsive, and vice versa by reversing the rotation, making the whole very effective with a symmetrical thrust in both directions.

• un étrier
• une tuyère faisant protection avec support de trappe
• un ensemble hélicoïdal, l'ensemble hélicoïdal est composé de :
• un boîtier mécanique à bain d'huile, avec arbre de transmission
• un couple cônique, et arbre pour une ou deux hélices
• un moteur étanche, hydraulique, électrique ou à air comprimé.

The base consists of:

• a stirrup
• a protective nozzle with trap door support
• a helical assembly, the helical assembly is composed of:
• a mechanical housing in oil bath, with drive shaft
• a conical couple, and shaft for one or two propellers
• a waterproof, hydraulic, electric or compressed air motor.

The exit and re-entry operation is controlled from outside the box, by hydraulic, electric, compressed air or manual system.

An automatic locking or unlocking in the retracted position prohibits operation without the user's remote command. This lock is also manual for technical control or following an anomaly. The operation of said lock is in combination with the lever and with the sliding yoke.

The attached drawings are given as indicative and non-limiting examples. They represent a preferred embodiment according to the invention. They will allow the invention to be easily understood.

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a boat hull, the thruster retracted and its hatch closed, and a detailed view showing the thruster out.

Figure 2 is a schematic profile view of the propellant out.

Figure 3 is a schematic view of the rear of the propellant out.

Figure 4 is a schematic side view of the retracted thruster.

Figure 5 is a schematic view of the rear of the retracted thruster.

Figure 6 is a schematic side view of the lock.

The invention relates to a retractable thruster. Thanks to its compact design and development technique, its installation is very easy in small spaces.

It is composed of a box 1, fixed in a sealed manner, on the joint plane 16, on a well 2 forming an integral part of the structure 3 of the machine.

Inside this box 1 are folded two asymmetrically pivoting arms 4 and 5, a motorized base 10, a stirrup 17 and a helical assembly 15. The two arms 4 and 5, on the one hand, are oriented at 6 (shaft control arm) and 7 (triangulation arm shaft) on the box 1 and, on the other hand, at 8 and 9 on the caliper 17 secured to the propulsion base 10. Under manual or mechanical action X or Y exerted on the lever 12 secured to the arm 4 by the shaft 6 said arm 4 in rotation composed with the triangulation arm 5 orders the deformation of the trapezoid obtaining a rectilinear movement along the axis AZ of the base 10 center 11.

• Processus de déverrouillage et mise en service :
     Sous l'action mécanique ou manuelle X, la chape 13 coulisse entraînant, par la butée 22, une poussée sur la gâche 20, cette dernière axée en 21, libérant le siège 26, amorçant ainsi la sortie.
• Sortie :
     La continuité de l'action X, sur la chape 13 imprime, par l'axe 24, une traction sur le levier à came 12, ledit levier 12 solidaire par l'arbre 6 du bras de commande 4, ce dernier, en rotation composée avec le bras de triangulation 5, engendre la sortie de l'embase 10 ainsi que l'ouverture simultanée de la trappe 14, puis en fin de course, la mise en butée du siège 26 en 25.
• La propulsion :
     La propulsion est occasionnée par la rotation ordonnée gauche ou droite de l'ensemble hélicoïdal 15.
• Rentrée :
     Sous l'action mécanique ou manuelle Y, la chape 13 coulisse, entraînant par l'axe 24 une poussée du levier 12, ledit levier 12 étant solidaire par l'arbre 6 du bras de commande 4, ce dernier, en rotation composée avec le bras de triangulation 5, engendre la rentrée de l'embase 10, la fermeture simultanée de la trappe 14 ainsi que l'amorçage du verrouillage.
• Processus de verrouillage :
     La continuité de Y sur la chape 13, imprimant par l'axe 24 une poussée sur le levier à came 12, ledit levier 12 sera, en fin de rotation et en fin de course calé en 26 par la gâche 20, ladite gâche 20 axée en 21 étant rappelée d'elle même par son ressort 23.

The operation of this propellant includes five phases:

• Unlocking and commissioning process:
  Under the mechanical or manual action X, the yoke 13 slides causing, by the stop 22, a push on the keeper 20, the latter centered at 21, releasing the seat 26, thus initiating the exit.
• Exit :
  The continuity of the action X, on the yoke 13 prints, by the axis 24, a traction on the cam lever 12, said lever 12 secured by the shaft 6 of the control arm 4, the latter, in compound rotation with the triangulation arm 5, generates the outlet of the base 10 as well as the simultaneous opening of the hatch 14, then at the end of the race, the abutment of the seat 26 at 25.
• The propulsion:
  Propulsion is caused by the ordered left or right rotation of the helical assembly 15.
• Back to school:
  Under the mechanical or manual action Y, the yoke 13 slides, causing the lever 24 to push the lever 12, the said lever 12 being secured by the shaft 6 of the control arm 4, the latter, in rotation composed with the triangulation arm 5, generates the retraction of the base 10, the simultaneous closing of the hatch 14 as well as the initiation of the locking.
• Lockout process:
  The continuity of Y on the yoke 13, imparting by the axis 24 a thrust on the cam lever 12, said lever 12 will be, at the end of rotation and at the end of travel stalled at 26 by the keeper 20, said keeper 20 focused in 21 being recalled by itself by its spring 23.

REFERENCES

1.

Waterproof box

2.

Well

3.

Structure of the machine

4.

Control arm

5.

Triangulation arm

6.

Control arm shaft

7.

Triangulation arm tree

8.

Axis

9.

Axis

10.

Sub-base

11.

Center of base or helical assembly

12.

Cam lever

13.

Slide screed

14.

Hatch

15.

Helical assembly

16.

Joint plane

17.

Stirrup

20.

Spoils

21.

Striker pin

22.

Striker stopper

23.

Strike return spring

24.

Slide axis

25.

End of travel limit stop

26.

Cam seat

X.

Mechanical or manual action

Y.

Mechanical or manual action

A Z.

Straight line of motion

Claims (9)

1. Retractable or foldable longitudinal or transversal drive system applicable to floating or submersible machines of the type using a trapezoidal device (4, 5, 17) having a deforming rotation which generates an extending or retracting movement inside a well (2), composed of a caisson (1) which is fixed and thereby seales on the plane of junction with the well (16), said well (2) being integrated into the structure (3) of the machine,
   characterized in that in the inside of the caisson (1) are retracted: a first arm (4) and a second arm (5) called a triangulation arm, both arms being asymmetrically swivel-mounted on one side aon the caisson (1) and on the other side on a connector (17) firmly connected to a drive base (10); and a lever (12) firmly connected to the first arm (4) and swivel-mounted in the end of this arm (4) which is swivel-mounted on the caisson (1); the first arm (4), the lever (12) and the second arm (5) entering into compound rotation by manual or mechanical action brought to bear on the lever (12) and producing the distortion of a trapezium for distorting rotation in such a manner, as to obtain a rectilinear extending or retracting movement inside the well (2).
2. Drive according to claim 1, characterized in
      that the extending or retracting movement is rectilinear through the centre (11) of the propeller assembly (15).
3. Drive according to claim 2, characterized in
      that the drive base (10) is composed of:
      a connector (17), and
      a protection nozzle serving as a support for the cover of the aperture, like a trap (14).
4. Drive according to claim 2, characterized in
      that the propeller assembly (15) is composed of:
      an oil bath casing comprising a transmission shaft,
      a pair of bevel gears and a shaft for one or two propellers, and
      a sealed motor.
5. Drive according to claim 2, charcterized in
      that the extending or retracting operation is controlled from the outside of the caisson by a cylinder, electrically, hydraulically, by compressed air or manually by a lever.
6. Drive according to claim 2, characterized in
      that it comprises means for automatic locking or unlocking in the upper position, lowering being prohibited without the remote command by the user; these means can be manual for operational control or following an anomaly; said locking means being disposed at the level of a sliding frame (13), a locking piece (20) and a cam lever (12).
7. Drive system according to claim 6, characterized in that under the action exerted by the lever (12) the frame (13) slides and, by means of a stop (22), pushes the locking piece (20) which latter releases a seat (26); the continuation of the action onto the frame (13) exerts by means of an axle (24) a traction on the cam lever (12), which lever (12) being firmly connected to the first arm (4) by a shaft (6) enters in rotation and abuts at the end of the trajectory by the seat at another stop (25).
8. Drive system according to claim 7, characterized in that under the action of the sliding frame (13) pushing the lever (12) by an axle (24), said lever (12) which is firmly connected to the first arm (4) by a shaft (6) enters in rotation and then at the end of the trajectiory locks itself by the seat (26) on the locking piece (20) which is swivel-mounted (20) under the sliding frame (13) being itself reset by a spring (23).
9. Drive according any of the claims 1 or 2,, characterized in
      that two propellers are provided, the first propeller being a tractor propeller supercharging the second propeller being a pusher propeller and vice versa by inverted rotation.

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