EP4303113A1 - Propellerantriebsanordnung - Google Patents

Propellerantriebsanordnung Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP4303113A1
EP4303113A1 EP22183377.5A EP22183377A EP4303113A1 EP 4303113 A1 EP4303113 A1 EP 4303113A1 EP 22183377 A EP22183377 A EP 22183377A EP 4303113 A1 EP4303113 A1 EP 4303113A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
propeller
planetary gear
drive arrangement
shaft
gear member
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
EP22183377.5A
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Inventor
Peter Carlsson
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Volvo Penta AB
Original Assignee
Volvo Penta AB
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Volvo Penta AB filed Critical Volvo Penta AB
Priority to EP22183377.5A priority Critical patent/EP4303113A1/de
Priority to CN202310599630.4A priority patent/CN117360742A/zh
Priority to US18/343,253 priority patent/US20240010315A1/en
Publication of EP4303113A1 publication Critical patent/EP4303113A1/de
Pending legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63H—MARINE PROPULSION OR STEERING
    • B63H3/00—Propeller-blade pitch changing
    • B63H3/10—Propeller-blade pitch changing characterised by having pitch control conjoint with propulsion plant control
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63H—MARINE PROPULSION OR STEERING
    • B63H3/00—Propeller-blade pitch changing
    • B63H3/02—Propeller-blade pitch changing actuated by control element coaxial with propeller shaft, e.g. the control element being rotary
    • B63H3/04—Propeller-blade pitch changing actuated by control element coaxial with propeller shaft, e.g. the control element being rotary the control element being reciprocatable
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63H—MARINE PROPULSION OR STEERING
    • B63H23/00—Transmitting power from propulsion power plant to propulsive elements
    • B63H23/02—Transmitting power from propulsion power plant to propulsive elements with mechanical gearing
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63H—MARINE PROPULSION OR STEERING
    • B63H23/00—Transmitting power from propulsion power plant to propulsive elements
    • B63H23/30—Transmitting power from propulsion power plant to propulsive elements characterised by use of clutches
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63H—MARINE PROPULSION OR STEERING
    • B63H3/00—Propeller-blade pitch changing
    • B63H3/02—Propeller-blade pitch changing actuated by control element coaxial with propeller shaft, e.g. the control element being rotary
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63H—MARINE PROPULSION OR STEERING
    • B63H23/00—Transmitting power from propulsion power plant to propulsive elements
    • B63H23/02—Transmitting power from propulsion power plant to propulsive elements with mechanical gearing
    • B63H2023/0283—Transmitting power from propulsion power plant to propulsive elements with mechanical gearing using gears having orbital motion

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a propeller drive arrangement.
  • the invention also relates to a vessel comprising a propeller drive arrangement.
  • the invention can be applied in marine vessels, such as in sailing vessels.
  • a marine vessel may comprise a propeller drive arrangement with a propeller hub comprising one or more propeller blades.
  • the pitch angle of the propeller blades may be adjustable.
  • the propeller drive arrangement may be driven by a motor, such as by an electric motor, which is powered by use of an electric energy storage system.
  • the energy storage system may be a battery, such as a lithium-ion battery.
  • the electric motor may also function as an electric generator.
  • the pitch angle(s) of the one or more propeller blades may be adjusted to optimize the regeneration of power, e.g. for improved energy efficiency.
  • An object of the invention is to provide an improved propeller drive arrangement which alleviates at least one drawback of the prior art, or which at least provides a suitable alternative.
  • Another object of the invention is to provide an improved vessel, such as a sailing vessel, which alleviates at least one drawback of the prior art, or which at least provides a suitable alternative.
  • the object is achieved by a propeller drive arrangement according to claim 1.
  • a propeller drive arrangement comprising:
  • the present invention is based on a realization that the pitch angle can be efficiently controlled by use of a pitch controlling member and by only one planetary gear which is drivingly connected to the one or more propeller blades for varying the pitch angle.
  • a compact configuration is achieved, implying e.g. a reduced need of adding further gears for achieving the function of the propeller drive arrangement.
  • This also implies a more reliable and robust configuration since few components are required for the pitch angle function of the propeller drive arrangement.
  • the pitch controlling member By controlling the pitch angle by the pitch controlling member as disclosed herein is meant to vary, or adjust, the pitch angle of the one or more propeller blades, and also to maintain the one or more propeller blades at a fixed pitch angle.
  • the pitch angle of each propeller blade is adjusted with respect to a respective pitch angle rotational axis of the respective propeller blade.
  • the pitch angle rotational axis of each propeller blade preferably extends along a radial direction of the propeller shaft.
  • the pitch angle of the one or more propeller blades is fixed.
  • the pitch angle of the one or more propeller blades is adjusted when also the propeller shaft is rotating.
  • Each one of the first, second and third planetary gear members of the planetary gear is a respective one of a sun gear, a planet carrier carrying a plurality of planetary gear wheels, and a ring gear. Accordingly, by way of example, several different combinations are feasible for achieving the variable pitch angle function as disclosed herein. More specifically, it has been realized that six different input/output configurations are feasible, i.e. six different combinations with different connections to the propeller shaft and the outer shaft.
  • the propeller shaft is drivingly fixed to the sun gear
  • either the planet carrier or the ring gear can be arranged to drive the outer shaft by a driving torque exerted on the propeller shaft.
  • a total of three combinations are possible for each input/output configuration. This results in a total of eighteen possible combinations.
  • the first planetary gear member is drivingly fixed to the propeller shaft.
  • the sun gear is drivingly fixed to the propeller shaft.
  • the first planetary gear member is a sun gear of the planetary gear.
  • the second planetary gear member is a planet carrier of the planetary gear carrying a plurality of planetary gear wheels.
  • the planetary gear wheels are rotationally arranged on the planet carrier and drivingly connect the sun gear and the ring gear.
  • the planet carrier may be drivingly fixed to the outer shaft.
  • the third planetary gear member is a ring gear of the planetary gear.
  • the third planetary gear member is a planet carrier of the planetary gear carrying a plurality of planetary gear wheels.
  • the planetary gear wheels are rotationally arranged on the planet carrier and drivingly connect the sun gear and the ring gear.
  • the second planetary gear member is a sun gear of the planetary gear.
  • the first planetary gear member is a ring gear of the planetary gear.
  • the ring gear may be drivingly fixed to the outer shaft.
  • the pitch controlling member is a clutch member.
  • the clutch member may be a friction clutch member or a dog clutch member.
  • the clutch member is movable between the first state and the second state in any direction corresponding to a direction of a rotational axis of the propeller shaft. Accordingly, the clutch member may be movable back and forth along the rotational axis of the propeller shaft.
  • the clutch member may enclose the propeller shaft, e.g. be coaxial with the propeller shaft, as seen in a plane being perpendicular to the rotational axis of the propeller shaft.
  • the outer shaft is arranged to rotate one full revolution or more than one full revolution with respect to the propeller shaft.
  • the pitch angle of the one or more propeller blades may be set to any angle, i.e. an angle of 0 to 360 degrees with respect to a pitch angle rotational axis of the respective propeller blade.
  • the propeller drive arrangement further comprises a first sensor for measuring rotational speed of the outer shaft and/or a second sensor for measuring rotational speed of the propeller shaft.
  • the pitch angle can be controlled in a reliable and predictive manner.
  • the propeller drive arrangement further comprises a control unit arranged to receive signals from the first and second sensors which are indicative of rotational speeds of the propeller shaft and the outer shaft, wherein the control unit is configured to output a signal, based on the received signals from the sensors, which is indicative of a current pitch angle.
  • the control unit may be configured to update a value indicative of the current pitch angle every time a relative rotational speed of the outer shaft and the propeller shaft is registered.
  • the updated value may be stored in a memory associated with the control unit. As such, the current pitch angle is always known for a user.
  • the propeller drive arrangement further comprises a bevel gear arrangement drivingly connecting the outer shaft with the one or more propeller blades.
  • the propeller drive arrangement comprises only one planetary gear. This implies a compact configuration.
  • a vessel such as a sailing vessel, comprising a propeller drive arrangement according to any one of the embodiments of the first aspect of the invention.
  • Fig. 1 depicts a sectional view of a propeller drive arrangement 1 according to an example embodiment of the present invention.
  • the propeller drive arrangement 1 comprises a propeller shaft 10.
  • the sectional view is a plane including a rotational axis A of the propeller shaft 10.
  • the propeller drive arrangement 1 comprises:
  • the propeller drive arrangement 1 further comprises a planetary gear 30.
  • the planetary gear 30 comprises a first planetary gear member 32, a second planetary gear member 34 and a third planetary gear member 36 which are drivingly connected.
  • the planetary gear 30 is coaxially arranged on the propeller shaft 10.
  • the first planetary gear member 32 is a sun gear 32
  • the second planetary gear member 34 is a planet carrier 34 carrying a plurality of planetary gear wheels 342
  • the third planetary gear member 36 is ring gear 36.
  • the planetary gear wheels 342 are rotationally arranged on the planet carrier 34 and drivingly connect the sun gear 32 and the ring gear 36.
  • the propeller drive arrangement 1 further comprises an outer shaft 40 arranged coaxially with and radially outside of the propeller shaft 10.
  • the outer shaft 40 is drivingly connected to the one or more propeller blades 22, 24 for varying the pitch angle.
  • the propeller shaft 10, in one end 12 thereof, is configured to be drivingly connected to a propulsion unit (not shown) and, in a second end 14 thereof, is drivingly fixed to the propeller hub 20.
  • the propeller shaft 10 is drivingly fixed to one of the planetary gear members, in this embodiment to the sun gear 32.
  • Another one of the planetary gear members, in this embodiment the planet carrier 34 is arranged to drive the outer shaft 40 by a driving torque exerted on the propeller shaft 10.
  • the planet carrier 34 may be integrated with the outer shaft 40.
  • the propeller drive arrangement 1 further comprises a pitch controlling member 52 for varying the pitch angle of the one or more propeller blades 22, 24.
  • the pitch controlling member 52 is arranged to, in a first state, rotationally fix the third planetary gear member 36 to the second planetary gear member 34 so that the propeller shaft 10 and the outer shaft 40 are arranged to rotate with the same rotational speed, and, in a second state, engage the third planetary gear member 36 to a housing 60 so that the third planetary gear member 36 is rotationally fixed with respect to the housing 60.
  • the pitch angle of the one or more propeller blades 22, 24 is fixed.
  • the pitch angle of the one or more propeller blades 22, 24 is adjusted when also the propeller shaft 10 is rotating. Accordingly, the pitch angle is adjusted when the propeller shaft 10 and the outer shaft 40 rotate relative each other.
  • each propeller blade 22, 24 is adjusted with respect to a respective pitch angle rotational axis A2, A3 of the respective propeller blade 22, 24.
  • the pitch angle rotational axis A2, A3 of each propeller blade 22, 24 extends along a radial direction of the propeller shaft 10.
  • the pitch controlling member 52 may as shown in fig. 1 be a clutch member, such as a friction clutch member or a dog clutch member.
  • Figs. 2a-2b show enlarged views of the planetary gear 30 and the clutch member 52.
  • Fig. 2a represents the second state and fig 2b represents the first state.
  • the clutch member 52 is movable between the first state and the second state in any direction along the rotational axis A of the propeller shaft 10.
  • the clutch member 52 may be moved by use of an actuator (not shown), such as by an electromechanical, pneumatic or hydraulic actuator.
  • the outer shaft 40 is arranged to rotate one full revolution or more than one full revolution with respect to the propeller shaft 10.
  • the outer shaft 40 is freely rotatable with respect to the propeller shaft 10.
  • the outer shaft 40 may be supported by bearings (not shown) provided in-between the propeller shaft 10 and the outer shaft 40.
  • the bearings may be ball bearings or roller bearings.
  • the propeller drive arrangement 1 may further comprise a first sensor 72 for measuring rotational speed of the outer shaft 40 and/or a second sensor 74 for measuring rotational speed of the propeller shaft 10.
  • the propeller drive arrangement 1 may further comprise a control unit 76 arranged to receive signals from the first and second sensors 72, 74 which are indicative of rotational speeds of the outer shaft 40 and the propeller shaft 10.
  • the control unit 76 is configured to output a signal, based on the received signals from the sensors 72, 74, which is indicative of a current pitch angle.
  • the control unit 76 is an electronic control unit and may comprise hardware and/or software.
  • the control unit 76 may be configured to update a value indicative of the current pitch angle every time a relative rotational speed of the outer shaft 40 and the propeller shaft 10 is registered.
  • the updated value may be stored in a memory (not shown) associated with the control unit 76.
  • the control unit 76 may receive signals from the sensors 72, 74 via a wireless connection and/or a wired connection.
  • the control unit 76 may also be configured to issue control signals to the above-mentioned actuator for controlling the clutch member 52.
  • the propeller drive arrangement 1 may further comprise a bevel gear arrangement 44 drivingly connecting the outer shaft 40 with the one or more propeller blades 22, 24. Accordingly, a rotational motion about the axis A of the outer shaft 40 relative to the propeller shaft 10 can be translated to rotational motions of the propeller blades 22, 24 with respect to the pitch angle rotational axes A2, A3.
  • the propeller drive arrangement 1 preferably comprises only one planetary gear 30, thereby enabling a compact, low-weight and cost-effective configuration.
  • Figs. 3 and 4a-b show an alternative embodiment of a propeller drive arrangement 1 according to the invention.
  • the propeller drive arrangement 1 comprises:
  • the propeller drive arrangement 1 further comprises a planetary gear 30.
  • the planetary gear 30 comprises a first planetary gear member 36, a second planetary gear member 32 and a third planetary gear member 34 which are drivingly connected.
  • the planetary gear 30 is coaxially arranged on the propeller shaft 10.
  • the third planetary gear member is a planet carrier 34 of the planetary gear 30 carrying a plurality of planetary gear wheels 342.
  • the second planetary gear member is a sun gear 32 of the planetary gear 30, and the first planetary gear member is a ring gear 36 of the planetary gear 30.
  • the planetary gear wheels 342 are rotationally arranged on the planet carrier 34 and drivingly connect the sun gear 32 and the ring gear 36
  • the propeller drive arrangement 1 further comprises an outer shaft 40' arranged coaxially with and radially outside of the propeller shaft 10.
  • the outer shaft 40' is drivingly connected to the one or more propeller blades 22, 24 for varying the pitch angle.
  • the propeller shaft 10, in one end 12 thereof, is configured to be drivingly connected to a propulsion unit (not shown) and, in a second end 14 thereof, is drivingly fixed to the propeller hub 20.
  • the propeller shaft 10 is drivingly fixed to one of the planetary gear members, in this embodiment to the sun gear 32.
  • Another one of the planetary gear members, in this embodiment the ring gear 36 is arranged to drive the outer shaft 40' by a driving torque exerted on the propeller shaft 10.
  • the ring gear 36 may be integrated with the outer shaft 40'.
  • the propeller drive arrangement 1 further comprises a pitch controlling member 52' for varying the pitch angle of the one or more propeller blades 22, 24.
  • the pitch controlling member 52' is arranged to, in a first state, rotationally fix the third planetary gear member 34 to the second planetary gear member 32 so that the propeller shaft 10 and the outer shaft 40' are arranged to rotate with the same rotational speed, and, in a second state, engage the third planetary gear member 34 to a housing 60 so that the third planetary gear member 34 is rotationally fixed with respect to the housing 60. Accordingly, in the first state, the third planetary gear member, i.e. the planet carrier 34, is rotationally fixed to the propeller shaft 10.
  • Figs. 4a-4b show enlarged views of the planetary gear 30 and the clutch member 52' as shown in fig. 3.
  • Fig. 4a represents the second state and fig. 4b represents the first state.
  • the clutch member 52' is movable between the first state and the second state in any direction along the rotational axis A of the propeller shaft 10.
  • the clutch member 52' may be moved by use of an actuator (not shown), such as an electromechanical, pneumatic or hydraulic actuator.
  • the propeller drive arrangement 1 may also as shown in fig. 3 comprise a bevel gear arrangement 44, sensors 72, 74 and a control unit 76.
  • Fig. 5 depicts a side view of a vessel 100 according to an example embodiment of the invention.
  • the vessel 100 is a marine vessel, and more particularly a sailing vessel comprising at least one sailing rig 110.
  • the vessel 100 further comprises a propeller drive arrangement 1 according to an embodiment of the invention, such as the propeller drive arrangement 1 shown in fig. 1 or fig. 3 .
  • the propeller drive arrangement 1 may be used for generating a propulsion force by a propulsion unit 120, such as an electric motor.
  • the propeller drive arrangement 1 may also be used for regenerating power to an electric energy storage system (not shown), e.g. a battery, when the vessel 100 is using the sailing rig 110 for generating the propulsion force.
  • an electric energy storage system not shown
  • the regenerative power generation and/or the propulsion force can for example be optimized for improved energy efficiency.
  • Fig. 6 depicts a table with different connection possibilities of a propeller drive arrangement according to the invention.
  • "Input” in the left column represents which member of the planetary gear that is drivingly fixed to the propeller shaft.
  • Output in the left column represents which other member of the planetary gear that is arranged to drive the outer shaft.
  • “Connection” in the left column represents which two members of the planetary gear that should be rotationally fixed to each other in the first state. As depicted from the table, a total of eighteen combinations are possible to achieve.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Ocean & Marine Engineering (AREA)
  • Aviation & Aerospace Engineering (AREA)
  • Retarders (AREA)
EP22183377.5A 2022-07-06 2022-07-06 Propellerantriebsanordnung Pending EP4303113A1 (de)

Priority Applications (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP22183377.5A EP4303113A1 (de) 2022-07-06 2022-07-06 Propellerantriebsanordnung
CN202310599630.4A CN117360742A (zh) 2022-07-06 2023-05-25 螺旋桨驱动布置
US18/343,253 US20240010315A1 (en) 2022-07-06 2023-06-28 Propeller drive arrangement

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP22183377.5A EP4303113A1 (de) 2022-07-06 2022-07-06 Propellerantriebsanordnung

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP4303113A1 true EP4303113A1 (de) 2024-01-10

Family

ID=82399426

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP22183377.5A Pending EP4303113A1 (de) 2022-07-06 2022-07-06 Propellerantriebsanordnung

Country Status (3)

Country Link
US (1) US20240010315A1 (de)
EP (1) EP4303113A1 (de)
CN (1) CN117360742A (de)

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB569056A (en) * 1944-06-10 1945-05-02 Percy Octavius Rowlands Improvements in marine screw propellers of the variable pitch and reversing type
US20040157509A1 (en) * 1998-06-25 2004-08-12 Aimbridge Pty. Ltd. Motor for driving a propeller including a phase adjuster
JP2020015347A (ja) * 2018-07-23 2020-01-30 株式会社Ｉｈｉ原動機 可変ピッチプロペラの翼角変節装置及び旋回式船舶推進装置

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB569056A (en) * 1944-06-10 1945-05-02 Percy Octavius Rowlands Improvements in marine screw propellers of the variable pitch and reversing type
US20040157509A1 (en) * 1998-06-25 2004-08-12 Aimbridge Pty. Ltd. Motor for driving a propeller including a phase adjuster
JP2020015347A (ja) * 2018-07-23 2020-01-30 株式会社Ｉｈｉ原動機 可変ピッチプロペラの翼角変節装置及び旋回式船舶推進装置

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US20240010315A1 (en) 2024-01-11
CN117360742A (zh) 2024-01-09

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
KR100187697B1 (ko) 이중 입력수단을 가지며 연속적인 출력속도를 얻을 수 있는 모터와 동력전달장치의 조합체
US5476293A (en) Electric energy storage and distribution system of differential distribution type
JP5107987B2 (ja) 舶用推進装置
JP4445089B2 (ja) 船舶の推進装置
EP3904200B1 (de) Verfahren und vorrichtung in einer elektrischen antriebsanordnung eines segelschiffes
US5851162A (en) System and apparatus for a multiple input and dual output electric differential motor transmission device
JP2001289149A (ja) 風力発電装置のヨー旋回駆動装置および風力発電装置のヨー旋回駆動制御方法
JP2009516993A (ja) マルチ入力、デュアル出力電気差動モータ伝動システム
KR101261867B1 (ko) 포드형 추진기 및 이를 구비하는 선박
EP4303113A1 (de) Propellerantriebsanordnung
JP2008008422A (ja) 動力伝達装置及び作業機械
WO2011013751A1 (ja) 旋回式プロペラ装置
US20240010316A1 (en) Propeller drive arrangement
JP2012517937A (ja) 制御装置、及び、制御装置を備えたボート駆動装置
RU2622175C1 (ru) Электромеханический привод гребного винта судна
RU2583125C1 (ru) Судовая движительная установка
CN212423430U (zh) 一种组合式对转桨电力推进系统
WO2022250606A1 (en) Dual-input transmission assembly and powertrain having the dual-input transmission assembly
EP2306048B1 (de) Elektrisches Antriebssystem
RU165317U1 (ru) Электромеханический привод гребного винта судна
JP2006168625A (ja) 車両操舵システム
CN203005734U (zh) 一种电传操舵系统
KR102247339B1 (ko) 포드 추진장치
JP2006168624A (ja) 車両操舵システム
RU181411U1 (ru) Движительно-рулевая колонка

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE APPLICATION HAS BEEN PUBLISHED

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: REQUEST FOR EXAMINATION WAS MADE

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20240701

RBV Designated contracting states (corrected)

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: GRANT OF PATENT IS INTENDED

INTG Intention to grant announced

Effective date: 20240904