EP1611007B1 - Rotationally retractable propeller - Google Patents

Abstract

The device has a propulsion set with a rigid structure containing a engine for rotating a propeller (3) at the interior of a cylindrical turbine using a shaft turning between the engine and propeller. A displacement unit (101) moves the set between retracted and deployed (B) positions in a uniform circular movement with respect to a center of rotation (11) situated at the level of the hull or beneath the hull.

Description

The present invention relates to a retractable thruster inside the hull of a floating or submersible craft.

This thruster is particularly intended to be installed at the bow of the bow and / or the stern of a boat. These thrusters have the function of providing a lateral or longitudinal thrust according to the arrangement of the axis of the propeller with respect to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. They allow bi-directional propulsion making it possible to omnidirectional movements of a machine particularly during maneuvers, offset correction due to wind and current or wandering residual.

More particularly, the present invention relates to a retractable thruster for a floating or submersible craft comprising a propulsion assembly comprising a rigid structure containing or capable of containing a motor driving in rotation at least one propeller placed inside a turbine, by intermediate of at least one shaft rotating between said motor and said propeller, and preferably a shutter plate of the shell placed under said turbine and secured thereto, said propulsion assembly being movable with the aid of means for moving between a retracted position A resting inside the hull and a deployed propulsion position B in which the propeller is immersed below the hull.

The axis of the propeller is generally perpendicular to the axis of the engine, and the motor cooperates with the propeller via a gear angle device comprising a first shaft rotating in the extension of a motor shaft located in the axis of the motor, said first rotating shaft rotating a second shaft perpendicular to said first rotating shaft and on which is mounted the propeller.

The angle return device, also called "base" is essentially contained in the turbine.

In a known manner, the angle deflection device comprises a casing inside which two shafts rotating relative to two perpendicular axes of rotation respectively, of which a first shaft driven in rotation directly or indirectly by said motor and a second shaft drives at least a rotating propeller, as well as mechanical elements such as gears comprising gears, ball bearings or plain bearings allowing the transmission of the rotation of said first shaft to said second shaft.

Casings of this type have been described in the patent in the name of the applicant FR2798184 .

The first rotary shaft rotated at its upper end by a motor can cooperate in the angle deflection device with one or two perpendicular shafts each rotating a helix whose axes of rotation are in the same direction perpendicular to said ( s) first axis (s) turning (s). When the thruster is provided with two propellers in known manner, the first propeller is tractive, supercharging the second propeller propeller, and vice versa by reversing the rotation, making the whole very effective with symmetrical thrust in both directions .

Retractable thrusters have been described in the patents FR 2652559 and FR 2741 854 and EP 863837 , in the state of the art WO 98/30440 which includes the preamble characteristics of the independent claim

The retractable thrusters comprise a device for entering and leaving the helix relative to the hull.

In EP 863837 a displacement device has been described which generates a rectilinear rise and fall motion of the propulsion assembly allowing entry and exit under the hull of the propeller inside a well in the hull. A transverse plate "anti-torque or anti-rotatory" integral with the thruster is located inside the well and of complementary shape to said well which prevents the rotation of the thruster relative to the boat during the propulsion, rotation may result from a torque effect, which is why it is called "anti-torque plate". The device described in the boat during propulsion, rotation may result from a torque effect, so it is called "anti-torque plate". The device described in EP 863837 also comprises means for avoiding the blocking or jamming of the thruster during rectilinear movements of up and down

The propulsion displacement devices described in EP 863837 have a major disadvantage, namely that the rectilinear development of the entire drive causes significant space in the volumes of the hull.

In FR 2652559 it has been proposed a trapezoidal device with deforming rotation generating a rectilinear movement of exit or re-entry inside the propulsion assembly inside a well making it possible to reduce the total space requirement for this thruster, in particular in height. However, this trapezoidal device with asymmetrically pivoting arms cooperating with a stirrup integral with the turbine, makes it possible to obtain a rectilinear movement of the axis of the propeller during the exit or re-entry inside the well, which makes it possible to obtain an immediate release of the propeller by the activation of the mechanism.

The propeller return and exit device described in FR 2652559 implies a reduced size of the thruster, especially in height, because the thruster can be arranged in an inclined manner inside the hull and be deployed outside the hull while remaining inclined.

Also known devices input and output propulsion assembly in which the release of the propeller is not in a vertical rectilinear motion of the axis of the propeller but in a circular motion by pivoting the propulsion assembly on itself relative to a fixed material rotation axis located in height inside the hull. In this device the propulsion assembly is like a pivoting arm at the end of which the helix is driven in a circular motion with respect to the pivot axis at the other end of said arm.

It is necessary to partially leave the "arm" of the hull to allow the complete exit of the propeller which requires an opening in the hull greater than that required for the only passage of the turbine. This important opening involves volumes and weight of the water to be moved or contain that are excessive and jeopardize the mechanical reliability of the entire propulsion system by further increasing the weight at the front of the craft disadvantageously.

The object of the present invention is to provide a propellant with an input device and output of the propeller with respect to the hull which combines the advantages of the various devices described in the prior art without the disadvantages.

• qui soit fiable mécaniquement, en particulier qui évite les phénomènes de blocage ou de coincement lors du mouvement, et
• qui permette un dégagement rapide de l'hélice hors du puits à l'intérieur de la coque en autorisant une ouverture dans la coque la plus petite possible.

More particularly, the object of the present invention is to provide a device for retraction and output to the thruster:

• which is mechanically reliable, in particular which avoids jamming phenomena or jamming during movement, and
• which allows a quick release of the propeller out of the well inside the hull by allowing an opening in the hull as small as possible.

More particularly, another object of the present invention is to provide a thruster comprising a device for retracting and output of the propulsion unit which involves a minimum number of components and easy assembly, installation on the floating machine , and maintenance.

Until now it was thought that this double requirement involved providing a rectilinear vertical movement of the axis of the propeller, however the systems proposed vertical rectilinear motion of the axis of the propeller, in the prior art, involve either a mechanical complexity of realization as in FR2652559 , that is a space inside the volume of the hull important as in EP 863837 , or the disadvantages due to congestion generated especially at the level of developments of moving parts through the hull.

This is why another object of the present invention is to provide a device for retraction and output of the thruster which also reduces the total space required for this thruster, especially in height, inside the hull.

To do this, the present invention provides a retractable thruster for floating or submersible craft comprising a propulsion assembly comprising a rigid structure integral with a cylindrical turbine, said structure containing or being able to contain a motor, said rotating motor being capable of driving in rotation at least one propeller inside said turbine, via at least one shaft rotating between said engine and said turbine, and preferably a shutter plate of the shell placed under said turbine and secured to it, said propulsion assembly being movable by means of displacement between a retracted position of rest inside the hull and an extended propulsion position in which the propeller is immersed below the hull, characterized in that said displacement means allow said propulsion assembly to move between said retracted and bent in a uniform circular motion of said propulsion assembly relative to an immaterial axis of rotation substantially at said hull or below said hull.

More particularly, said displacement means comprise guiding elements capable of cooperating with said propulsion assembly to allow the displacement of said propulsion assembly between said retracted (A) and deployed (B) positions according to a said uniform circular movement of said propulsion unit. relative to said intangible axis of rotation substantially located at said shell or below said shell, said uniform circular motion being determined by the shape of said guide elements.

The term "uniform circular movement of the propulsion unit" means that all the points of the said propulsion assembly move simultaneously and at the same angular speed, circularly with respect to the same axis of rotation, so that the said propulsion assembly is animated by no substantial relative movement with respect to the main movement of circular displacement of its center of gravity or any other point. In particular, the propulsion assembly does not pivot on itself because it does not comprise a fixed element, in particular no material axis of rotation.

The positioning of the axis of rotation of the said propulsion assembly at the level of the shell or outside thereof allows an instantaneous clearance with respect to the opening of the shell, the shutter plate and the propulsion unit that is secured to it via the turbine, by a circular movement while allowing an opening in the hull as small as possible.

The dematerialization of the axis of rotation finds its optimum efficiency when said axis of rotation is ideally located on the outer skin of the shell or below it, so that there is no point of the plate of shutter which does not return towards the interior of the hull during the deployment of the set of propulsion. However, in practice, given the functional clearance of the closure plate relative to its housing in the opening of the shell, particularly with respect to a possible peripheral rebate of the opening of the shell, a positioning of the axis of rotation slightly above the level of the hull can be tolerated.

"Hull level" means the level of the continuous surface of the hull in direct contact with the water when the craft floats on the surface of the water, and not the level of any recesses or dwellings that may form the hull and which are not in contact with the water when said craft floats on the surface of the water.

The term "substantially at the hull" is therefore used here to mean that the center of rotation may be slightly above the inner level of the hull, in particular a height corresponding to not more than 50% of the diameter of the cylindrical turbine, and more especially - in practice - a few cm above the hull, that is to say a few cm inside the volume of the hull, more particularly up to 10 cm above the inner level of the hull.

In addition, because said axis of rotation is immaterial, the propulsion assembly is not integral with its axis of rotation.

From a mechanical point of view, the absence of elements embodying the axis of rotation of the mobile propulsion unit on the one hand and the other hand, the generation of said circular movement, by means of guide elements, ie in the absence of any connecting arm including pivoting arms providing the connection, between said axis of rotation and the propulsion assembly ensures the reliability and simplicity of operation and realization of the device for moving the thruster. It also allows the simplicity of the implementation and implementation of the thruster during its installation on the machine and an ideal positioning of the thruster in the hull.

The rotational deployment of said propulsion assembly makes it possible to arrange the latter in an inclined manner inside the volume of the hull when it is in the retracted and deployed position so that, in total, the space required for this propulsion unit the interior of the hull, especially in height, can be three to four times lower compared to a conventional retractable thruster with vertical rectilinear motion. The term "inclined position" is understood here to mean that the longitudinal axis of said rigid structure perpendicular to the transverse axis of said turbine is inclined and / or that the axial plane of symmetry comprising the one or both rotating shafts is inclined.

It is understood that said shutter plate closes said orifice in the shell when said propulsion assembly is in the retracted position. It is also understood that the shape of said hatch reproduces that of the hull thus fully respecting the laws of hydrodynamics in order to cancel the sources of possible parasitic turbulence.

In a preferred embodiment of a thruster according to the invention, said guiding elements comprise at least one first movable guiding element integral with said propulsion unit, animated by the same uniform circular movement as said propulsion assembly, and capable of cooperating with each other. with at least one second guide element fixed and integral with said shell, said first and second guide elements cooperating with each other by relative movement of said first guide element with respect to said second guide element to allow said displacement of the entire propulsion between the retracted (A) and deployed (B) positions.

Here "integral with the hull" is understood to mean that when said propulsion assembly is installed inside the hull of the vehicle, notably by being included in a box supporting the propulsion assembly and coming to fit on the edge upper of a well itself adapted to the interior of said shell and framing at its base said opening of the shell, said second guide elements are integral with the walls of said box and if necessary walls of said well is to say of the hull of the craft in itself.

This embodiment allows said guide elements to also provide a support function of said propulsion assembly and / or a connection function between said propulsion assembly and the hull.

Said second guide element can be supported, in particular by a frame integral with said shell. The connection between the propulsion assembly and said first movable guide member prohibits any substantial relative movement of said propulsion assembly relative to said first guide member and allows homogeneity of the circular motion of the propulsion assembly. The circular trajectory of the movement of the propulsion assembly is imposed by the respective shape of said first and second guide elements which makes this movement mechanically reliable and simple to perform.

In a more particular embodiment, said first movable guiding element is constituted by a male part forming a slide and integral with said propulsion assembly and said second guiding element is constituted by a female part forming a slide, said slide forming an arc of a circle. allowing said circular movement of said first guide member within said second guide member.

In an alternative embodiment, said first movable guide element integral with said propulsion assembly is constituted by a female portion forming a slideway and said second guide element is constituted by a male part forming a slide, said slide forming an arc of a circle allowing said circular movement of said second guide member within said first guide member.

It is understood that said first and second guide members consisting of said male and female portions form complementary parts cooperating with each other to provide guidance. Said slideway may consist of guide rails, indentations or perforations and the slider (s) may (may) consist of finger-shaped elements but also according to an embodiment variant of FIG. wheels. It is the shape of the slide that defines the path of said circular motion and the male portion forming a slider constitutes a guided element. Thus, among said first and second guide elements there are in fact guided elements (hereinafter male part) and guide elements (hereinafter called female part).

Advantageously, and as mentioned above, said propulsion assembly is partially included inside a box and secured thereto, said box being adapted to the upper edge of a well, the well itself being even adapted to the interior of said shell and framing at its base said opening of said shell. More particularly, said boxes and wells comprise side walls substantially defining a parallelepiped space.

In an advantageous embodiment and in order to reduce the bulk within the volume of the shell, said propulsion assembly is inclined so that a plane comprising the longitudinal axis of said rigid structure containing said rotating shaft is inclined. an angle α with respect to the junction plane of said box and of said well, in the retracted position (A) of a value of 10 to 60 ° preferably of 10 to 30 ° and of an angle β with respect to the same said joining plane in the extended position (B) of 45 to 100 °, preferably 60 to 90 °.

In a preferred embodiment, said guide elements comprise a plurality of said first and second guide elements arranged laterally on each side of said propulsion assembly on either side of a vertical plane comprising the longitudinal axis of said structure. rigid.

Said guide elements may comprise a plurality of sliders arranged on each side of said propulsion assembly cooperating with a plurality of slides disposed on each side of said propulsion assembly, these being integral with said hull.

The term "plurality" of said first and second guide elements means that said guide elements comprise at least two said first guide elements and at least two said second guide elements, with at least one first guide element or at least one second guide element on each side of said propulsion assembly.

More particularly still the (or) said second (s) element (s) guide (s) and (or are) included or associated (s) to (or) plate (s) mounted (s) fixedly on a side wall of said box or opposite side walls of said box.

In a preferred embodiment, said first guide elements comprise at least three male parts, preferably three slides, arranged in a triangle, symmetrically on each side of said propulsion assembly, so as to cooperate respectively with at least two female portions forming slides defining concentric and homothetic arcs of circle disposed symmetrically on each side of said propulsion assembly, at least two said male portions preferably of said sliders being slidable within a first slide of larger radius and at least a third male part preferably a third slide being slidable within at least a second slide of smaller radius.

Here we mean by "homothetic" that the two arcs of circle are inscribed in the same angular sector.

This embodiment provides a guide to the highly efficient propulsion assembly that provides rigidity and mechanical reliability during the set in motion of the assembly, while being of great simplicity of implementation.

This embodiment also provides a high mechanical stability to counter the torque effect generated by the propulsion when the thruster is in the active phase of propulsion, which makes it possible to overcome the fatigue constraints usually encountered on retractable thrusters and keep a satisfactory coincidence, even exact between the closing hatch and the opening in the hull and therefore to keep the hull of the boat all its hydrodynamic performance.

Advantageously, said guide elements cooperate with drive means for generating said circular movement of the propulsion assembly relative to the hull.

More particularly still, said first or second guide element is rotated with respect to said second or respectively first guide element, according to a said circular movement, by a motor cooperating where appropriate with said first or second guide element by the intermediary of connecting elements, so as to block said propulsion assembly in the retracted position (A) or in the deployed position (B) if necessary.

It will be understood that it is advantageous to rotate male elements, whether they be first or second guide elements, by making them cooperate via said connecting elements with motorization means.

Finally, in a particular embodiment, said rigid structure containing the motor may consist in particular of a parallelepipedal structure providing the sealed connection between, on the one hand, a cover covering said motor and, on the other hand, said turbine, said first guide elements being mounted. against opposite side faces of said parallelepipedic structure.

• - les figures 1 A et 1B représentent une vue en perspective de l'intérieur de la coque avec un propulseur intégré à l'intérieur d'un caisson et d'un puits, ledit ensemble de propulsion (sans hélice) étant en position rétractée à l'intérieur de la coque (figure 1A) et en position déployée en dehors de la coque (figure 1 B).
• Les figures 2A et 2B sont des vues correspondantes aux figures 1A et 1B respectivement dans lesquelles on a retiré le caisson supportant l'ensemble de propulsion pour ne montrer que le puits situé au-dessus de l'ouverture dans la coque avec la position de l'ensemble de propulsion (sans l'hélice) en position rétractée (figure 2A) et déployée (figure 2B).
• La figure 3 est une vue montrant les différents éléments constitutifs du propulseur au niveau de la coque et de l'ensemble de propulsion.
• Les figures 4A, 4B et 4C représentent une vue schématique en coupe longitudinale par rapport à l'axe du bateau d'un propulseur selon l'invention en position rétractée (figure 4A), position intermédiaire (figure 4B) et position déployée (figure 4C).
• Les figures 5A, 5B et 5C représentent l'ensemble de propulsion en vue longitudinale respectivement dans les positions des figures 4A, 4B et 4C.
• La figure 6 est une vue en coupe longitudinale d'un propulseur comprenant l'ensemble de propulsion intégré dans un caisson et un puits au niveau de la coque d'un bateau.
• La figure 7 est une vue en coupe transversale selon A-A de la figure 6.
• Les figures 8A et 8 B représentent une variante de réalisation d'un coulisseau selon l'invention.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent in the light of the detailed description of an embodiment with reference to the following figures in which:

• FIGS. 1A and 1B show a perspective view of the interior of the hull with a thruster integrated inside a caisson and a well, the said propulsion unit (without propeller) being in the retracted position at the inside of the hull (Figure 1A) and deployed position outside the hull (Figure 1 B).
• FIGS. 2A and 2B are views corresponding to FIGS. 1A and 1B respectively in which the box supporting the propulsion assembly has been removed to show only the well situated above the opening in the hull with the position of the propulsion assembly (without the propeller) in the retracted position (FIG. 2A) and deployed (FIG. 2B).
• Figure 3 is a view showing the various components of the propellant at the hull and the propulsion assembly.
• FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4C show a schematic view in longitudinal section with respect to the axis of the boat of a thruster according to the invention in the retracted position (FIG. 4A), intermediate position (FIG. 4B) and deployed position (FIG. 4C). ).
• Figures 5A, 5B and 5C show the propulsion assembly in longitudinal view respectively in the positions of Figures 4A, 4B and 4C.
• Figure 6 is a longitudinal sectional view of a propellant comprising the propulsion assembly integrated in a box and a well at the hull of a boat.
• Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view along AA of Figure 6.
• Figures 8A and 8B show an alternative embodiment of a slide according to the invention.

A propulsion unit 1 according to the invention comprises a rigid structure of 2.2 ₁ sealed and sealed integral with a tubular turbine 4.

Said rigid structure 2.2 ₁ contains a motor (not shown and a rotating shaft (not shown) rotating at least one propeller 3, said propeller 3 being contained inside said tubular turbine 4.

Said rigid structure 2.2 ₁ consists of a parallelepipedal structure 2 consisting of a housing with four solid faces defining a parallelepiped and whose open face is tightly secured to the tubular casing of the turbine 4 and the other face open ensures the sealed connection with a hood 2 ₁ parallelepiped covering the motor of the propulsion assembly and the turbine 4.

The parallelepipedal structure 2 defines a column having a longitudinal axis of symmetry LL 'substantially corresponding to the axis of the main rotating shaft directly driven by the motor inside the structure 2,2 ₁ and connected at its other end to a deflection device inside the turbine 4 as described below. The tubular structure constituting the turbine 4 has a transverse axis ZZ 'perpendicular to the longitudinal axis LL' of the parallelepipedal structure 2.

The turbine 4 comprises in its center a base or housing 3 _1, containing an angle transmission device ensuring the junction between the main rotating shaft of the housing 2 in the direction ZZ 'connected to the motor in the hood ₁ and 2 one or two rotating shafts in the transverse direction ZZ 'connected to one or two helices 3 contained in the turbine 4. a first propeller can be tractive supercharging a second propeller or propeller is the opposite when reversing the direction of rotation. This two-propeller system makes the propulsion very effective with a symmetrical thrust in the two opposite directions corresponding to the direction ZZ 'transverse to the longitudinal direction LL' of the propulsion assembly and the longitudinal direction XX 'of the boat.

The propulsion assembly 1 is mounted inside a substantially parallelepipedic box 12 ₁ , which cooperates by sealing junction along a junction plane 12 ₃ with a substantially parallelepipedic well 12 ₂ made inside the shell and inside which is provided a cutout 8 in said shell 7. The propulsion unit 1 is supported by the upper box 12 ₁ whose lower edge 12 ₄ of the side walls is sealingly attached to the upper edge 12 ₅ of the side walls of the well 12 ₂ . The propulsion unit 1 is secured to the box 12 ₁ but movable relative thereto, in a uniform circular motion as will be explained below.

Below the turbine 4, a shutter plate 6 reproducing the shape of the shell cooperates with a rabbet 8 ₁ (4B) at the periphery of the opening 8 in the shell 7 so that in the retracted position (FIGS. 2A and 4A) the plate 6 is in perfect continuity with the rest of the shell 7. The shutter plate 6 is connected to the turbine 4 by support members 6 ₁ .

The propulsion unit 1 according to the invention is retractable or retractable using a rotation device which will be explained below and which generates a circular movement out of the well and the shell or back into the wells around an intangible axis of rotation 11 (FIGS. 4A to 4C) situated at the level of the shell 7.

When the propulsion unit 1 is retracted inside the well 12 ₁ , the opening 8 of the shell is closed automatically by the hatch 6 secured to the tubular nozzle of the turbine 4 and the outer shape of the hatch reproduces the of the hull 7 thus fully respecting the laws of hydrodynamics by the total overpressure of any source of parasitic turbulence.

• des éléments de guidage mâles 9₁, 9₂, 9₃ montés sur des faces opposées dans la direction transversale ZZ' de la structure rigide parallélépipédique 2 assurant la jonction entre la turbine 4 et le capot 2₁. Plus précisément, des coulisseaux 9₁, 9₂, 9₃ sont supportés par une platine triangulaire 16 montée de part et d'autre du boîtier parallélépipédique 2. Ces coulisseaux 9₁, 9₂, 9₃ sont disposés sur les platines 16 en triangle et coopèrent avec des glissières formées par des évidements circulaires 10₁, 10₂ prévus dans des plaques support 15 disposées en vis à vis des platines 16.

The rotation device between a retracted position A inside the shell and a deployed propulsion position B in which the propeller is outside the well and protrudes from the shell 7 below it comprises:

• male guide elements 9 ₁ , 9 ₂ , 9 ₃ mounted on opposite faces in the transverse direction ZZ 'of the rigid parallelepipedal structure 2 ensuring the junction between the turbine 4 and the hood 2 ₁ . More specifically, sliders 9 ₁ , 9 ₂ , 9 ₃ are supported by a triangular plate 16 mounted on either side of the parallelepipedal housing 2. These sliders 9 ₁ , 9 ₂ , 9 ₃ are arranged on the plates 16 in a triangle and cooperate with slides formed by circular recesses 10 ₁ , 10 ₂ provided in support plates 15 arranged opposite the plates 16.

The two pairs of slides 10 ₁ and 10 ₂ are arranged symmetrically on each side of said propulsion assembly cooperating with the sliders 9 ₁ -9 ₃ supported by the two plates 16 each also arranged on each side of said rigid parallelepipedal structure 2.

The two slides 10 ₁ , 10 therefore constitute female parts cooperating with the male parts 9 ₁ , 9 ₂ , 9 ₃ .

More specifically, the slides 10 ₁ , 10 ₂ define concentric and homothetic arcs of circles of the same angular sector, that is to say registered in the same circular section. More precisely still, a first slide 9 ₁ is able to circulate inside a first slide 10 ₁ and the two other slides 9 ₂ , 9 ₃ slide inside a second slide ₂ defining an arc located above the first slide 10 ₁ and defining a concentric circular arc to the first slide but of greater radius and in the same angular sector (homothetic).

The plates 15 in which the circular guides 10 ₁ and 10 ₂ are defined are fixed on opposite lateral edges of the box 12 ₂ by means of second plates 15 ₁ . The positioning of the plates 15 and 15 ₁ in the box 12 ₁ is made such that the circular slides 10 ₁ and 10 ₂ have a center of circular symmetry (which corresponds to the center of rotation of the sliders 9 ₁ , 9 ₂ , 9 ₃ inside the slides 10 ₁ and 10 ₂ ), located at the hull 11 (see Figures 4A and 4B).

The sliders 9 ₁ , 9 ₂ , 9 ₃ are constituted by cylindrical fingers surrounded by rings 9 ₄ (see FIG. 3) facilitating the sliding inside the circular recesses constituting the sliders 10 ₁ and 10 ₂ .

In an alternative embodiment shown in FIGS. 8A, 8B, the guide elements comprise a single slider 9 whose circular shape corresponds to the shape of the slider formed by a circular recess 10. It is understood that in this embodiment of the 8, it can be envisaged that the plates 15 ₁ with the recesses 10 are integral with the rigid structure parallelepiped 2 connecting the hood ₁ to the two turbine 4 and that the triangular plates 16 supporting the slider 9 is fixedly mounted on the side walls inside the box 12 ₁ .

It is understood that the arrangement of the plurality of sliders 9 ₁ , 9 ₂ , 9 ₃ cooperating with the plurality of sliders 10 ₁ and 10 ₂ in the first embodiment and the shape of the single slider 9 cooperating with a single slider 10 (Figure 8) in the second embodiment allow in both cases to obtain a uniform circular movement of the propulsion assembly which is determined by the shape of said guide elements 9 ₁ , 9 ₂ , 9 ₃ on the one hand , and ₁ , 10 ₂ on the other hand. The term "uniform circular movement" is understood here to mean that the propulsion assembly has no relative rotational movement with respect to the main circular movement of rotation around the immaterial center of rotation 11, imposed by the shape of the guide elements 9, 9 ₁ -9 ₃ and 10,10 ₁ -10 ₂ , which have as a center of circular symmetry said intangible center of rotation 11 of the propulsion assembly 1. In other words, the propulsion unit 1 moves uniformly in its circular motion. This uniform circular movement allows when the propulsion unit passes from the retracted position inside the shell (A, Figure 4A) to the deployed position outside the shell (B, Figure 4C) that the plate of shutter 6 emerges immediately from the opening 8 by allowing only the turbine 4 and the propeller 3 which explains that the opening 3 can be of a relatively small size.

• un moteur 13 du type moto réducteur coopérant avec des poulies 13₁, 13₂ celles-ci étant disposées côte à côte selon un même axe de rotation selon la direction transversale ZZ' perpendiculaire à la direction longitudinale LL' de l'ensemble de propulsion 1.

The circular movement of the propulsion assembly 1 inside the slides 10 ₁ , 10 ₂ or 10 is achieved by a displacement device comprising:

• a motor 13 of the geared motor type cooperating with pulleys 13 ₁ , 13 ₂ which are arranged side by side along the same axis of rotation in the transverse direction ZZ 'perpendicular to the longitudinal direction LL' of the propulsion unit 1 .

Said pulleys 13 ₁ , 13 ₂ receive straps 14 ₁ , 14 ₂ . A first strap 14 ₁ called down strap is attached at one end to a said pulley 13 ₁ and at the other end to the top cover 2 ₁ . Two second straps 14 ₂ called lifting straps provide the connection between pulleys 13 ₂ which are fixed at one end and the turbine 4 to which they are attached at their second end.

The output or retraction operation of the propulsion assembly is controlled outside the casing by a hydraulic, electric or compressed air system (not shown) which acts on the motor 13. The actuation of the motor 13 causes the pulleys 13 ₁ , 13 ₂ to rotate in such a way as to concomitantly ensure the unwinding or winding of the lowering straps 14 ₁ and conversely the winding or the unwinding of the lifting straps 14 ₂ thus causing the turbine 4 to descend and therefore the output of the propulsion assembly in the deployed position B or respectively the lifting of the turbine 4 and therefore the deployment in position B or respectively the retraction in position A of the propulsion assembly inside the shell 7 .

The non-reversible nature of the motor 13 ensures that the thruster is locked in the retracted position A or in the extended position B at the end of unwinding or winding up of the straps 14 ₁ , 14 ₂ ,

It will be noted that the rigidity imparted to the propulsion assembly according to the invention on the one hand by said rigid structure 2 and on the other hand by the guidance of said propulsion assembly 1 integral with the male elements 9 ₁ -9 ₃ pivotally to the interior of the female elements 10 ₁ , 10 ₂ fixed ensures the absence of deformation usually due to the torque effect generated during the active phase of propulsion and thus eliminates fatigue constraints usually encountered on retractable thrusters . It also makes it possible to maintain the exact coincidence between the hatch 6 closing and its housing 8-8 ₁ in the hull 7 thus keeping the hull 7 of the boat all its hydrodynamic performance.

The not shown motor of the propulsion assembly, contained in the hood 2 ₁ may be an electric motor, compressed air or a hydraulic motor. By design, this propulsion unit 1 is not subject to seizure during its movements out or back into the well.

Finally, the circular displacement movement of the propulsion assembly makes it possible to reduce the bulk of the latter inside the hull as far as it makes it possible to place it inside the hull in an inclination retracted position A of an angle α relative to the junction plane 12 ₃ (XOZ) between the well 12 ₁ and the well 12 ₂ by a value of 10 to 60 °, preferably 10 to 30 ° and an angle β in the deployed position B of a value of 45 to 100 ° preferably 60 to 90 ° with respect to the same junction plane (XOZ) substantially parallel to the shell.

The design of the assembly of the propulsion unit inside the hull mounted integral on the box 12 ₁ facilitates its implementation inside the hull.

FIGS. 4A and 4C show an axis of rotation 11 situated at the level of the shell, but this can also be located below the shell, insofar as the positioning allows the instantaneous clearance of the shutter plate 6 relative to the flange 8 ₁ of the opening 8 of the shell 7.

In Figures 1 to 8, there is shown the propulsion assembly disposed within the shell so that the propeller is of transverse axis of rotation ZZ 'perpendicular to the longitudinal direction XX' of the boat; However, obviously the propulsion assembly can be arranged differently inside the hull, in particular with a turbine axis parallel to the longitudinal direction of the boat to create a longitudinal propulsion rather than a transverse propulsion.

Claims (13)

1. A retractable thruster for a surface or submersible vessel, the thruster comprising a propulsion assembly (1) comprising a rigid structure (2, 2₁) secured to a cylindrical turbine (4), said rigid structure (2, 2₁) containing or being suitable for containing a motor, said motor being suitable for rotating at least one propeller (3) inside said turbine (4) via at least one rotary shaft between said motor and said propeller, said propulsion assembly (1) being displaceable by displacement means (9₁-9₃, 10₁-10₂) between a retracted position (A) in which it is at rest inside the hull and a deployed position (B) for providing propulsion in which the propeller (3) is immersed beneath the hull (7), the thruster being characterised in that the propulsion assembly preferably comprises a plate (6) for closing the hull (7) placed beneath said turbine and secured thereto, and in that said displacement means enable said propulsion assembly to be moved between said retracted and deployed positions (A, B) by said propulsion assembly (1) performing uniform circular movement about an axis of rotation (11) that is not physically embodied and situated substantially at the level of said hull or beneath said hull.
2. A thruster according to claim 1, characterised in that said displacement means comprise guide elements (9, 9₁-9₃, 10, 10₁-10₂) suitable for co-operating with said propulsion assembly (1) to enable said propulsion assembly to be moved between said retracted and deployed positions (A, B) by said propulsion assembly (1) describing said uniform circular movement about said axis of rotation (11) that is not physically embodied and situated substantially level with said hull or beneath said hull, said uniform circular movement being determined by the shape of said guide elements (9, 9₁-9₃, 10, 10₁-10₂).
3. A thruster according to claim 2, characterised in that said guide elements (9, 9₁-9₃, 10, 10₁-10₂) comprise at least one moving first guide element (9, 9₁-9₃) secured to said propulsion assembly (1) describing the same uniform circular movement as said propulsion assembly and suitable for co-operating with at least one stationary second guide elements (10, 10₁-10₂) secured to said hull, said uniform circular movement being imposed by the shape of said guide elements, said first and second guide element co-operating by displacement of said first guide element (9, 9₁-9₃) relative to said second guide element (10, 10₁, -10₂) in order to enable said propulsion assembly to be moved between said retracted and deployed positions (A, B).
4. A thruster according to claim 3, characterised in that said moving first guide element is constituted by a male part forming a slider (9, 9₁-9₃) and secured to said propulsion assembly, and said second guide element is constituted by a female part forming a slideway (10, 10₁-10₂), said slideway forming a circular arc enabling said first guide element to describe said circular movement inside said second guide element.
5. A thruster according to claim 3, characterised in that said moving first guide element secured to said propulsion assembly is constituted by a slideway-forming female part and said second guide element is constituted by a slider-forming male part, said slideway forming a circular arc enabling said second guide element to describe said circular movement inside said first guide element.
6. A thruster according to one of claims 2 to 5, characterised in that said guide elements comprise a plurality of said first and second guide elements (9₁-9₃, 10₁-10₂), disposed laterally on either side of said propulsion assembly (1) on either side of a vertical plane containing the longitudinal axis (LL') of said rigid structure (2) containing said rotary shaft extending between said motor and said turbine.
7. A thruster according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that said propulsion assembly (1) is included in part inside a caisson (12₁) and is secured thereto, said caisson being fitted on the top edge (12₅) of a well (12₂), itself fitted inside said hull and having its base surrounding said opening (8) in said hull (7).
8. A thruster according to claim 7, characterised in that said propulsion assembly is inclined in such a manner that a plane containing the longitudinal axis (LL') of said rigid structure (2) containing said rotary shaft is inclined in the retracted position (A) relative to the longitudinal direction XX' of the surface vessel and/or relative to the junction plane (12₃) between said caisson (12₁) and said well (12₂) at an angle α of value lying in the range 10° to 60°, preferably in the range 10° to 30°, and is inclined in the deployed position (B) relative to the same longitudinal direction XX' of the surface vessel and/or relative to the junction plane (12₃) between said caisson (12₁) and said well (12₂) at an angle β of value lying in the range 45° to 100°, and preferably in the range 60° to 90°.
9. A thruster according to one of claims 3 to 8, characterised in that said second guide element(s) (10, 10₁-10₂) is/are included in or associated with one or more plates (15) mounted in stationary manner on a side wall of said caisson, or on opposite side walls of said caisson.
10. A thruster according to one of claims 2 to 9, characterised in that said first guide elements comprise at least three male parts, preferably three sliders (9₁, 9₂, 9₃) disposed in a triangle, symmetrically on either side of said propulsion assembly (1) so as to co-operate respectively with at least two slideway-forming female parts (10₁, 10₂) defining concentric circular arcs that are geometrically similar and disposed symmetrically on either side of said propulsion assembly, at least two of said male parts, preferably said sliders (9₂, 9₃), being suitable for sliding inside a first slideway (10₁) of greater radius and at least one third male part, preferably a third slider (9₁), being suitable for sliding inside at least one second slideway (10₂) of smaller radius.
11. A thruster according to any preceding claim, characterised in that said guide elements (9, 9₁-9₃, 10, 10₁-10₂) co-operate with drive means (13, 13₁-13₂, 14, 14₁-14₂) enabling said circular movement of the propulsion assembly (1) relative to the hull (7) to be generated.
12. A thruster according to claims 3 and 10, characterised in that said first or second guide element is driven in rotation relative to said second or first guide element in a said circular movement by a motor (13, 13₁-13₂) co-operating, where appropriate, with said first or said second guide element via link elements (14₁, 14₂) in such a manner as to enable said propulsion assembly (1) to be blocked in the retracted position (A) or in the deployed position (B), where appropriate.
13. A thruster according to claims 1 to 12, characterised in that said rigid structure comprises a structure (2) in the form of a rectangular parallelepiped providing a leaktight connection firstly with a cover (2₁) covering said motor, and secondly with said turbine (4), said first guide elements (9₁-9₃) being mounted (16) against opposite side faces of said rectangular structure (2).

Images