IT202100023207A1 - BARGE WITH HIGH MANEUVERABILITY - Google Patents

Description

DESCRIPTION

FIELD OF APPLICATION

[0001] The object of the present invention is a highly manoeuvrable barge.

[0002] The present invention therefore belongs to the field of boats.

STATE OF THE ART

[0003] Generally, the term barge means a float or a large flat-bottomed raft, rectangular in shape and made of wood or metal, originally without engines and sometimes equipped with sails.

[0004] Barges are used for short journeys such as crossings of rivers, canals and straits or for the transport of goods (often loose materials such as earth, timber or waste) or even as a shuttle for commuters and tourists.

[0005] Generally, thanks to their simple structure and in particular to the fact that they have a flat bottom, barges are boats that are easy to build and therefore inexpensive.

[0006] An important limitation of barges? For? linked to their limited maneuverability. A second limit? related to their limited stability.

[0007] Therefore, in the craft sector, there is a need to make highly manoeuvrable barges? and stability?, maintaining for? at the same time the ease? construction that characterizes them.

PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Therefore, the main purpose of the present invention ? that of eliminating or at least mitigating the drawbacks of the prior art cited above, making available a barge which has a high manoeuvrability? and at the same time easy to make.

[0009] A further object of the present invention? to make available a barge that also has high stability.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] The technical characteristics of the invention, according to the aforesaid aims, are clearly verifiable from the contents of the claims set out below and the advantages of the same will become more evident in the detailed description which follows, made with reference to the attached drawings, which represent one or more more purely exemplary and non-limiting embodiments, in which:

[0011] - figure 1 shows a perspective view from above of a highly manoeuvrable barge according to a first embodiment of the invention;

[0012] - figure 2 shows an orthogonal view from above of the barge of figure 1 in which some parts have been removed to better highlight others;

[0013] - figure 3 shows an enlarged detail of the barge of figure 2, relating to an auxiliary float;

[0014] - Figure 4 shows a perspective view from above of a highly manoeuvrable barge according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;

[0015] - figure 5 shows a partial perspective view of the barge of figure 4, in which some parts have been removed to better highlight others;

[0016] - figure 6 shows an enlarged partial perspective view of the barge of figure 2 relating to a secondary float associated with a roll damping system of the barge;

[0017] - figure 7 shows an enlarged detail of a barge according to an alternative embodiment of the invention, relating to turning means;

[0018] - figure eight shows a perspective view of a barge according to an alternative embodiment of the invention, with some parts removed to better highlight others;

[0019] - figure 9 shows an orthogonal view from above of the barge of figure 8;

[0020] - figure 10 shows a perspective view of a detail of the barge of figure 2, relating to a floating impeller with paddles, with some parts removed to better highlight others;

[0021] - figure 11 shows the perspective view of the impeller with floating blades illustrated in figure 10;

[0022] - Figure 12 shows a lateral orthogonal view of the impeller with blades of Figure 10;

[0023] ? Figure 13 shows a top perspective view of the impeller with blades of Figure 12;

[0024] ? Figures 14a, 14b, 14c and 14d show in sequence the operation of the impeller with blades of Figure 12, schematically illustrated with a single pair of blades to better highlight its functionality;

[0025] ? Figures 15a and 15b show a perspective view and an orthogonal view, respectively, of the impeller with blades of Figures 14a-14d with a pair of blades in which a first blade is in an active (open) position and a second blade is in a passive (closed) position; And

[0026] ? figures 16a and 16b show a perspective view and an orthogonal view, respectively, of the impeller with blades of figures 15a and 15b in which the two blades of the pair are in reversed positions; And

[0027] ? Figure 17 shows a detail of Figure 15b relating to a blade in the active (open) position;

[0028] ? figure 18 shows the same detail of figure 17 in which the blade is in the passive (closed) position;

[0029] ? Figure 19 shows an exploded view of a motorized impeller with blades according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, for illustrative reasons the impeller having been illustrated without blades;

[0030] -figure 20 shows an orthogonal view of the impeller of figure 19 according to the arrow XX shown therein;

[0031] - figures 21 and 22 show two different orthogonal views in section of the motorized impeller with blades of figure 19;

[0032] - figure 23 shows a detailed perspective view of an impeller with blades according to the invention illustrated with two blades in the passive position; And

[0033] - figure 24 shows a perspective view of the impeller with blades of figure 23, illustrated with a blade in active position.

[0034] The elements or parts of elements in common between the embodiments described below will be indicated with the same numerical references.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] The highly manoeuvrable barge? according to the invention? been indicated overall with 100 in the attached Figures.

[0036] Here and in the continuation of the description and of the claims, reference to the barge 100 in condition of use, the cio? placed in water. Any references to a lower or higher position, or to a horizontal or vertical orientation must therefore be understood in this sense.

[0037] According to a general embodiment of the invention, the barge 100 comprises:

[0038] - a support frame 110 which extends between a bow portion 111 and a stern portion 112 along a bow-stern axis P;

[0039] - a housing structure 120 which defines at least one loading bridge for people and/or things and ? associated with said support frame 110; And

[0040] - at least one first main float 131 and at least one second main float 132 associated respectively with the bow portion 111 and with the stern portion 112 of said support frame 110.

[0041] Said two main floats 131 and 132 are sized to ensure a predefined floating level for said barge 100.

[0042] Advantageously, the support frame 110 can have any form and structure suitable for the purpose, cio? functional to support the housing structure 120 by connecting it to the two main floats.

[0043] Preferably, the support frame ? suspended on the water by the two main floats and not ? not even partially immersed in water. In this way, the fluid dynamic frictions are concentrated on the main floats, and on any secondary floats. How will it be? resumed more forward, the absence of a hull in contact with the water reduces friction and makes it more? efficient propulsion of the barge itself.

[0044] In particular, as shown in figures 2 and 5, the support frame 110 can be constituted by a flat frame, which is kept suspended over the water by means of the aforementioned main floats arranged at the bow and stern and on which the housing structure is anchored.

[0045] As shown in figures 8 and 9, the support frame 110 can also be made up of a frame that is not flat, but shaped, for example, so as to create the housing for one or more? further main floats 133, associated with the aforementioned support frame 110 in an intermediate position between the bow portion 111 and the stern portion 112.

[0046] The housing structure 120 can also have any form and structure suitable for the purpose, cio? functional to define at least one loading bridge for people and/or things anchored to the support frame 110. For example, as illustrated in the attached figures, the housing structure 120 can be simply constituted by a platform, made with wooden planks anchored to the support frame 110 and preferably equipped with a perimeter parapet. According to embodiments not shown in the accompanying figures, the housing structure 120 can include two or more overlapping bridges or possibly other structures more? complex as cabins.

[0047] According to a first essential aspect of the invention, each of the two main floats 131, 132? consisting of an impeller with blades 20 with horizontal axis of rotation X1, X2, motorized and self-floating.

[0048] How will it be? described in greater detail below, the two impellers with motorized blades 20 which define these two main floats 131 and 132 constitute the propulsion means of said barge 100.

[0049] Preferably also any additional main floats 133 associated with the aforementioned support frame 110 in an intermediate position between the bow portion 111 and the stern portion 112, consist of rotor blades (motorized and self-floating) with horizontal rotation axis x3. In this way, any further main floats 133 also become means of propulsion of said barge 100.

[0050] According to a further essential aspect of the present invention, the first main float 131 and the second main float 132 are movably associated with the support frame 110 respectively via a first fork 141 which steers around a first vertical steering axis Z1 and via a second fork 142 steering about a second vertical steering axis Z2.

[0051] As shown in particular in Figure 2, each fork 141, 142 rotationally supports the respective main float 131, 132 about the respective axis of rotation X1, X2.

[0052] According to a further essential aspect of the present invention, the first fork 141 and the second fork 142 are connected to each other by a common control system 150 configured in such a way that these two forks 141, 142 are counter-steered with each other, as illustrated in particular in figure 2.

[0053] Thanks to the present invention, the barge 100 has a high maneuverability due to the fact that they are the same means of propulsion of the barge (that is the impellers with paddles which constitute the two main floats of prow and stern) to give the directionality? to the barge, without the need? to equip the barge with a rudder. There? ? allowed by the fact that the two impellers are steerable.

[0054] Furthermore, thanks to the fact that the two rotor blades are counter-steering with each other, the turning radius of the barge is significantly reduced, thus increasing the turning radius of the barge. maneuverability? of the barge itself.

[0055] Advantageously, as already? mentioned earlier, the barge 100 pu? be equipped with one or more further main floats 133, associated with the aforementioned support frame 110 in an intermediate position between the bow portion 111 and the stern portion 112. Preferably, these further main floats 133 are connected to the support frame 110 without the interposition of steering structures, that is? are associated with this frame in such a way that the rotation axis X3 of the impeller is fixed with respect to the bow-stern axis P of the barge 100 (in particular with the rotation axis X3 transversal to the bow-stern axis). Advantageously, in the event that two or more? additional main floats 133 distributed along the bow-stern axis in opposite positions with respect to the center of the barge, ? It is possible to provide that also these further main floats 133 are mutually counter-steering.

[0056] Advantageously, according to embodiments not shown in the attached drawings, the barge 100 can be equipped with one or more further main floats, associated with the aforementioned support frame 110 forward 111 and aft 112 of said support frame 110, in addition to the first main float 131 and the second main float 132. These further main floats positioned forward and aft are connected to the support frame 110 with the interposition of steering structures. In particular, these further main floats can be connected to the same forks 141 and 142 with which the first and second main floats 131 and 132 are associated. Alternatively, these further main floats can be connected via steering structures separated by the aforementioned forks 141 and 142. Preferably, depending on the bow or stern position, these additional main floats are steered in the same direction as the main bow or stern float.

[0057] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, illustrated in figures 2 and 5, the aforementioned common control system 150, which connects the first fork 141 and the second fork 142 together in such a way that they are counter-steering between them, it comprises at least two cables 151, 152 (preferably in steel) each of which connects the two forks 141 and 142 to each other on opposite sides with respect to a bow-stern axis of said barge 100.

[0058] In turn, each rope 151, 152 ? divided into two sections 151?, 151? and 152?, 152? connected to each other by a rack rod 153, 154.

[0059] The common control system 150 also comprises a plurality of of idle pulleys 155 which are associated with said support frame 110 and are able to guide the two cables 151, 152 in such a way that the respective rack rods 153, 154 of said two cables are parallel to each other.

[0060] More in detail, as particularly illustrated in Figure 2, each of the ropes 151 and 152? connected to its first end? to the first fork 141 in an offset position with respect to the first steering axis Z1; the rope is then guided through two idle pulleys 155 in a central section to then connect to the second fork 142 in an offset position with respect to the second steering axis Z2. The connection points of the rope with the first fork 131 and with the second fork 132 are positioned on opposite sides with respect to the bow-stern axis of the barge.

[0061] In their arrangement, the two ropes cross each other in at least one position. For this purpose, the idle pulleys 155 which guide the two ropes are suitably offset from each other so as to avoid interference between the two ropes. The pulleys can be coplanar to each other and be staggered along the bow-stern axis of the barge, as illustrated in figures 2 and 5. Alternatively, the pulleys 155 which guide the two ropes can be superimposed on each other in pairs, positioned at heights different, so as to give the two ropes 151 and 152 on different planes.

[0062] The aforementioned common control system 150 also comprises:

[0063] - a pinion 156 which ? arranged between said two rack rods 153, 154 so as to mesh with both, thus? to form with said rack rods 153, 154 a pinion-rack mechanism capable of imparting traction to the two ropes 151, 152 in opposite directions in a synchronized manner; And

[0064] - actuation means 157 which are able to rotate said pinion 156 and are accessible from the loading bridge defined by said housing structure 120.

[0065] Advantageously, as shown in particular in figures 1 and 5, the actuation means 157 can consist of a steering wheel or steering wheel whose column 158 is? axially integral with the pinion 156. Operationally, a rotation of the steering wheel or steering wheel 157 causes a rotation of the pinion which via the two rack rods 153, 154 is transformed into translations of the two cables 151, 152 in opposite directions. These opposite translations of the ropes ? suitably guided by the idle pulleys 155 ? they are then transmitted to the two forks 141, 142 in a cross way with respect to the bow-stern axis of the barge causing opposite rotations of the two forks about the respective vertical steering axes Z1 and Z2.

[0066] Advantageously, the barge 100 can understand a plurality of first secondary floats 161?, 161?; 162?, 162? which are associated with said first 141 and with said second fork 142. These first secondary floats have the function of providing additional buoyancy to the barge, acting in particular as safety floats in the event of one or more? of the main floats.

[0067] Preferably, the aforementioned first secondary floats 161?, 161?; 162?, 162? do they consist of a lightweight material casing (for example, rigid plastic or aluminum) that defines a cavity? internal filled with floating material (low density), such as polyurethane foam. Thanks to this configuration, the first secondary floats 161?, 161?; 162?, 162? are always able to guarantee a minimum buoyancy to the barge 100 even in the event that during navigation the casing should be punctured or torn due to an impact with fixed or floating obstacles.

[0068] In accordance with the embodiments illustrated in the attached figures, each fork 141 and 142? equipped with two of said first secondary floats 161?, 161? and 162?, 162?. These first two secondary floats are arranged in opposite positions along the axis of rotation X1, X2 of the main float 131, 132 supported by the fork. Preferably, for reasons of size and simplicity? constructive the aforementioned first two secondary floats 161?, 161? and 162?, 162? are arranged externally to the fork 141 and 142.

[0069] Preferably, each of said first secondary floats 161?, 161? and 162?, 162? ? movably associated with the respective fork 141, 142 in a height-adjustable manner so? that it is possible to vary the depth? of immersion of the secondary float with respect to the fork and therefore its buoyancy. In the attached figures, this rule ability? in height ? represented schematically by the arrow H.

[0070] Advantageously, each of said first secondary floats 161?, 161? and 162?, 162? ? associated with the respective fork 141, 142 through an automated height adjustment system.

[0071] Advantageously, the barge 100 comprises a unit? control 190 that ? connected to the automated height adjustment system of each of said first secondary floats 161?, 161? and 162?, 162? and ? programmed to synchronize the height adjustments of all the first secondary floats 161?, 161? and 162?, 162? according to the inclination of the barge 100. For this purpose, the barge 100 is equipped with inclination sensors (not shown in the attached figures) connected to said unit? control 190.

[0072] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, the aforementioned automated system for adjusting the height of each secondary float comprises:

[0073] - a threaded rod 163 which ? associated with the secondary float 161?, 161?, 162?, 162? and extends longitudinally in height from that float; And

[0074] - an electric gearmotor 164 which ? supported by the fork to which said secondary float ? associated and ? kinematically coupled to said threaded rod 163 to move said rod and the associated float along a longitudinal development direction of the threaded rod itself.

[0075] Advantageously, each of said first secondary floats 161?, 161? and 162?, 162? ? a body which has a prevailing direction of development with respect to a horizontal section plane. In other words, each of said first secondary floats ? consisting of a horizontally elongated body. Each of said first secondary floats 161?, 161? and 162?, 162? ? constrained to the respective fork in such a way that said prevailing development direction is oriented transversally to the rotation axis of the main float. In this way, the first secondary floats follow the orientation of the fork and of the relative impeller with blades and are arranged in such a way as to reduce the friction with the water. For this purpose, the first secondary floats are preferably tapered at their two opposite end portions, so as to reduce their fluid dynamic impact during navigation.

[0076] In particular, each float can be constrained to the respective fork by means of vertical guide rails 165, able to guide the vertical movement of the float itself.

[0077] Advantageously, as shown in figure 7, each fork 141, 142? connected to the support frame 110 through a cylindrical joint 143 with rotation axis aligned with the bow-stern axis of the barge 100 to allow relative rotation between the fork and the frame around the bow-stern axis of the barge 100. Thanks to this joint cylindrical, the oscillations to the main floats induced by the wave motion are not transmitted directly to the support frame 110 and the associated housing structure 120, improving the comfort of the barge 100.

[0078] Preferably, the barge 100 can include a roll damping system, capable of increasing its stability? in the water while sailing.

[0079] In accordance with the preferred embodiment illustrated in figures 4, 5 and 6, the aforementioned roll damping system comprises a rocker arm structure 170 which ? pivoted to said support frame 110 to tilt parallel to the bow-stern axis of said barge and protrudes on the two sides of the barge transversely to the bow-stern axis with two arms 171, 172 each of which supports at its own end? releases a second secondary float 181, 182.

[0080] Preferably the aforementioned two arms 171, 172 of the rocker arm structure 170 have a variable length extension so that it is possible to vary the transversal position of the associated second secondary floats 181, 182 with respect to the fore-aft axis of the barge 100.

[0081] The stabilizing effect of the barge 100 increases as the transversal distance of the floats from the bow-stern axis increases. Operationally, thanks to the variable extension of the arms 171, 172 ? It is possible to adjust the stabilization effect according to the contingent navigation needs. In particular ? It is possible to reduce the encumbrance of the rocker arm structure 170 in the event that the barge has to pass through narrow spaces.

[0082] In particular, as illustrated in figures 4, 5 and 6, each of said two arms 171, 172 has a telescopic structure and ? equipped with at least one actuator 173, 174 (for example a pneumatic or hydraulic piston) able to move the telescopic arm in extension.

[0083] Advantageously, the balance wheel structure 170 can be kinematically connected to the support frame 110 at each of the two arms 171,172 by means of elastic means 175, suitable for transferring the oscillations of the balance structure to the frame itself in a cushioned manner.

[0084] Preferably, the second secondary floats 181, 182 are structurally similar to the first secondary floats 1622, 161? and 162?, 162?.

[0085] In particular, similarly to the first secondary floats, the aforesaid second secondary floats 181 and 182 consist of a casing made of light material (for example, rigid plastic or aluminium) which defines a cavity internal filled with floating material (low density), such as polyurethane foam. Thanks to this configuration, even the second secondary floats are always able to guarantee a minimum buoyancy to the barge 100 even in the event that during navigation the casing should be punctured or torn due to an impact with fixed or floating obstacles.

[0086] Similarly to the first secondary floats, each of said second secondary floats 181, 182? a body which has a prevailing direction of development with respect to a horizontal section plane. In other words, each of said second secondary floats ? consisting of a horizontally elongated body.

[0087] Advantageously, each of said second secondary floats 181, 182? associated with the respective arm 171, 172 of the rocker structure 170 through a vertical suspension rod 183. The float 181, 182 is rotationally connected to said vertical suspension rod 183 so as to be free to rotate about the longitudinal axis of said rod 183. Preferably, as illustrated in particular in Figure 6, the longitudinal axis of said rod 183 passes through the float 181, 182 in a decentralized position along said main development direction. In this way, the second secondary floats do not have a fixed orientation with respect to the bow-stern axis of the barge, but are free to assume the orientation with the least fluid dynamic impact (least possible friction with the water) during navigation, and in particular during barge changes of direction.

[0088] Again for the purpose of reducing the fluid dynamic impact, similarly to the first secondary floats, the second secondary floats are also tapered at their two opposite end portions.

[0089] Preferably, in a similar way to the first secondary floats, each of said second secondary floats 181, 182? movably associated with the respective arm 171, 172 of the rocker arm structure 170 in a height-adjustable manner so that it is possible to vary the depth? immersion of the second secondary float with respect to the arm 171, 172 and therefore its buoyancy.

[0090] Advantageously, each of said second secondary floats 181, 182? associated with the respective arm 171, 172 through an automated height adjustment system.

[0091] In accordance with the preferred embodiment illustrated in the attached figures 4, 5 and 6, the automated system for adjusting the height of each second secondary float comprises:

[0092] - a threaded rod 183 which ? associated with the second secondary float 181, 182 and extends longitudinally in height from this float; and [0093] - an electric gearmotor 184.

[0094] More in detail the electric gearmotor 184 ? supported by the arm 171, 172 of the rocker arm structure 170, to which said second secondary float ? associated, and ? kinematically coupled to said threaded rod 183 to move said rod and the associated float along a longitudinal development direction of the threaded rod itself.

[0095] How already? highlighted previously, each of the two main floats 131, 132 ? consisting of an impeller with blades 20 with horizontal axis of rotation X1, X2, motorized and self-floating.

[0096] Advantageously, the impeller with blades 20 can be of any type as long as? has a horizontal axis of rotation and is motorized and self-floating.

[0097] Preferably, as shown in figures 10 to 24, the motorized and self-floating impeller with blades 20, which constitutes each of said main floats 131, 132, comprises:

[0098] - an impeller body 21, rotationally supported by a rotation pin 11 of the respective fork 141, 142 about a horizontal rotation axis X1, X2, and

[0099] - a plurality? of adjustable blades 30?, 30?.

[00100] Each of said adjustable blades 30?, 30? ? movably associated with the aforementioned impeller body 21 so as to move in a guided manner during the rotation of the impeller between:

[00101] - an active position, in which the blade 30?, 30? protrudes with respect to the impeller body 21, ed

[00102] - a passive position, in which the blade protrudes less than in the active position with respect to the impeller body 21.

[00103] As shown in figure 4 and in particular in the sequence of figures 14a, 14b, 14c and 14d, the impeller with blades 20? intended in use to be partially immersed in water with a water line G passing near? of the axis of rotation X1, X2. Thus, during the rotation of the impeller each blade 30?, 30? will he alternate? submerged and surfaced.

[00104] Operatively, the rotational motion of the impeller 20 is transformed into propulsive thrust by the blades 30?, 30? which periodically during the rotation of the impeller are in the active position and are immersed in water. How will it be? clarified in the following description each blade during the rotation of the impeller moves periodically between the active position (in which it can exert a propulsive thrust) and the passive position (in which the blade does not exert a propulsive thrust).

[00105] The aforementioned impeller body 20 ? defined by a cylindrical body 21 with a circular section, which extends in length coaxially to said axis of rotation X1, X2 between two bases 21a, 21b, connected to each other by a lateral cylindrical surface 21c.

[00106] As illustrated in particular in figures 12 and 13, each blade 30?, 30? ? hinged to the impeller body 21 externally to it near? of the lateral cylindrical surface 21c of the cylindrical body along a pivot axis Y parallel to the rotation axis X to move between said passive position and said active position.

[00107] The blades 30?, 30? they are therefore configured and associated with the body of the impeller 21 so as to always be arranged completely outside the cylindrical body which defines the body of the impeller 21.

[00108] The cylindrical body which forms the impeller body 21 delimits a cavity internal 22 watertight. In this way the impeller 20 turns out to be a floating body

[00109] The aforementioned adjustable blades 30?, 30? they are in an even number and are distributed around the lateral cylindrical surface 21c of the cylindrical body in pairs of blades hinged in diametrically opposite positions with respect to each other.

[00110] A shovel 30? of each pair of blades ? kinematically connected to blade 30? diametrically opposed through a connecting rod 40. Functionally, the connecting rod 40 ? configured in such a way as to kinematically synchronize the opening movement of a blade 30? from the passive position to the active position to the opposite movement of the other blade 30? in closing from the active position to the passive position.

[00111] Operationally, each blade can be hinged to the body of the impeller so as to have two opposite directions of rotation in opening. If the impeller 20 ? rotated around the axis of rotation X in the direction of rotation corresponding to the direction of rotation in opening of the blade, the rotation itself of the impeller naturally causes the opening of the blade (passage from the passive position to the active position) at the moment of immersion of the blade in water thanks to the pressure of the water that infiltrates between the blade and the cylindrical lateral surface of the cylindrical body. If left free, the blade, once opened, would tend to remain in this position at least during the entire underwater rotation. In this way, passed the point of maximum immersion, it would continue to oppose the rotation of the impeller, without for? contribute to the propulsive thrust.

[00112] Thanks to the fact that the blades are kinematically connected in pairs through at least one connecting rod so as to perform opposite movements in opening and closing, this phenomenon of loss of efficiency ? significantly reduced. The opening of a blade determines, in fact, in a synchronized way the simultaneous closing of the blade placed in a diametrically opposite position. Therefore, once the point of maximum immersion has been passed, before surfacing, the blade is automatically closed by the opening movement of the opposite blade which in the meantime is starting to immerse. There? reduces the braking effect of the immersed blades that have exceeded the point of maximum immersion. Therefore, on a par of power applied in the rotation of the impeller, there is an increase in the efficiency of the propulsion device.

[00113] More in detail, as illustrated in the sequence of figures 14a, 14b, 14c and 14d, with the impeller in rotation, as soon as a blade begins to immerse itself in the water, thanks to the pressure exerted by the water between the blade and the lateral cylindrical surface, the blade begins to open and generate propulsive thrust; at the same time the opening motion of this blade triggers (thanks to the action of the connecting rod) an opposite closing movement of the diametrically opposite blade; the latter, when ? still completely immersed, but after having passed the point of maximum immersion (therefore having exhausted the thrust capacity, see figure 14b) it begins to close, opposing less and less to the rotation of the impeller.

[00114] The impeller with blades 20 as described above therefore allows the propulsion efficiency to be significantly increased. Such an increase in efficiency ? furthermore obtained in a mechanically simple and reliable way.

[00115] Preferably, as illustrated for example in figures 15a-b and 16a-b, in the passive position the blade 30?, 30? ? approached to the lateral surface 21c of the cylindrical body which forms the body of the impeller 21 so as to minimize its fluid dynamic resistance, while in the active position the blade 30?, 30? ? moved away from the lateral surface 21c of the cylindrical body 21 so as to maximize its fluid dynamic resistance and therefore the capacity? of thrust.

[00116] Advantageously, each of said adjustable blades 30?, 30? it has a curved profile. Preferably, the curved profile of said adjustable blades 30?, 30? corresponds to the outer profile of the lateral cylindrical surface 21c of the cylindrical body 21. Thus, when you bring the blades 30?, 30? into the passive position can approach better the cylindrical side surface and thus reduce? their fluid resistance.

[00117] Preferably, each blade 30?, 30? ? configured in such a way that:

[00118] - when the shovel ? in the active position, there is no passage between blade 30?, 30? and cylindrical lateral surface 21c parallel to the pivot axis Y cos? to prevent in use a flow of water between the blade and the cylindrical side surface 21c;

[00119] - when the shovel 30?, 30? ? in the passive position or in intermediate positions between the active position and the passive position, parallel to the hinge axis Y, there is a gap between the blade 30?, 30? and the cylindrical side surface 21c cos? to allow in use a flow of water between the blade and the lateral cylindrical surface 21c.

[00120] In this way, when the shovel 30?, 30? is in an active position and is generating thrust, power losses due to pressure releases are reduced; however, as soon as the blade leaves the active position to move towards the passive position, the water collected between the open blade and the impeller body can immediately start downloading through the loophole that you ? open between blade and cylindrical side surface. In this way, not only is it avoided that the water retained by the blade hinders the closing of the blade itself, but the same flow that is generated through the slot facilitates its closing movement. There? helps to increase the efficiency of the system.

[00121] Preferably, each blade 30?, 30? ? hinged to the impeller body 21 by means of mechanical transmission means 36 which are able to make the blade rotate eccentrically around the hinge axis Y along a rotation edge 32 of the blade itself in the passage between said passive position and said active position.

[00122] In particular, as illustrated in Figures 17 and 18, the aforementioned mechanical transmission means 36 are configured in such a way that in said position it activates the rotation edge 32 of the blade 30?, 30? is in contact with the lateral cylindrical surface 21c (see figure 17), while in the passive position or in intermediate positions between said active position and said passive position the rotation edge 32 of the blade 30?, 30? is spaced from the cylindrical side surface 21c cos? to create a slot 35 between blade 30?, 30? and side surface 21c (see Fig. 18 ).

[00123] Advantageously, thanks to the eccentric rotation around the pivot axis Y, the distance between the blade and the lateral cylindrical surface is ? variable in the transition between active position and passive position. In this way the slit 35 which opens parallel to the hinge axis Y has a variable passage light which progressively increases until it reaches the passive position.

[00124] In accordance with an embodiment illustrated in figures 12 to 19, the aforementioned mechanical transmission means 36 comprise at least one connecting rod 36 between the blade 30?, 30? and the impeller body 21.

[00125] According to an alternative embodiment, illustrated in figures 23 and 24, each blade 30?, 30? can? be hinged directly to the impeller body 21 without the interposition of mechanical transmission means. Thus, in the passage between said passive position and said active position 36, the blade 30?, 30? it rotates concentrically around the pivot axis Y, without varying the distance between the rotation edge 32 of the blade and the lateral cylindrical surface 21c.

[00126] Preferably, as illustrated in figures 17 and 18 and in figures 23 and 24, each blade 30?, 30? ? hinged to the impeller body 21 at portions of the bases 21a and 21b of the cylindrical body, projecting radially with respect to the lateral cylindrical surface 21c.

[00127] Advantageously, each blade 30?, 30? can? be endowed with a plurality? of through openings 34 able to allow the continuous passage of water regardless of the position assumed by the blade. These through openings 34 allow a continuous discharge of the water pressure between the blade and the lateral cylindrical surface. These through openings 34 can be made alternatively or in combination with the presence of the slot 35 with variable opening provided between the blade and the lateral cylindrical surface 21c.

[00128] Preferably, as illustrated in the attached Figures, each blade 30?, 30? can? understand a plurality of appendices 33 which extend from a free edge 31 of said blade opposite to a rotation edge 32 of the blade itself and are divergent towards the outside with respect to the blade. Functionally, these protruding appendices 33 increase the fluid dynamic resistance of the blade when it is in the passive position. Operationally, when the blade is in the passive position and is about to immerse itself (during the rotation of the impeller), the first portions of the blade to enter the water are the protruding appendages 33. Thanks to their divergent shape, they create resistance to entry into water locally causing an increase in pressure which facilitates the movement of the blade from the passive position and therefore the opening of the blade. There? helps to increase the overall efficiency of the system.

[00129] In accordance with a preferred embodiment illustrated in Figures 12 and 13, the blades of a first group of pairs of blades are oriented to open by rotating in a first direction and the blades of a second group of pairs of blades are oriented to open by rotating in an opposite direction to the first.

[00130] In this way, operationally, depending on the direction of rotation of the impeller body 21 (clockwise or counterclockwise), either the blades of the first group of pairs of blades or the blades of the second are activated (periodically in opening and closing). group of pairs of blades. The blades which are not activated by the rotation of the impeller body assume an intermediate position of equilibrium between the active position and the passive position.

[00131] The activation of a group of blades with respect to another determines the inversion of the direction of propulsion. Thus, with this configuration of the blades ? It is possible to reverse the direction of propulsion by reversing the direction of rotation of the impeller.

[00132] Preferably, as illustrated in figures 12 and 13, the blades of said first group are distributed alternately to the blades of said second group around said lateral surface 21c. Thus, in use is the impeller with blades 20 ? capable of delivering a uniformly distributed propulsion during its complete rotation.

[00133] In accordance with an embodiment illustrated for example in figures 23 and 24, all the blades can be oriented to open by rotating in the same direction. In this case, the impeller with blades 20 ? capable of delivering propulsion only in the direction of rotation of the impeller which determines the opening of the blades. The advantage of this embodiment, compared to the embodiment with blades with different opening directions, lies in the fact that, on equal terms, number of blades, on equal terms? of applied power there is a greater propulsive thrust since a double number of blades are active.

[00134] Preferably, the connecting rod 40 which kinematically connects the two blades 30?, 30? of a pair of shovels? arranged outside the cylindrical body at one of the two bases 21a and 21b of the cylindrical body 21.

[00135] Advantageously, as illustrated in the attached figures, the aforementioned connecting rod 40 defines a radially elongated slot 41 in correspondence with which the connecting rod 40 rotationally and slidably engages the rotation pin of said frame 10. It is possible to arrange the connecting rod 40 outside the cylindrical body 21, avoiding interference between the connecting rod and the rotation pin in a mechanically simple way.

[00136] Preferably, the two blades of a pair of blades are kinematically connected to each other by two connecting rods 40: a first connecting rod ? arranged at a first base 21a of the cylindrical body and connects the two blades together at a first end? axial; a second rod? arranged at a second base 21b of the cylindrical body and connects the two blades together at a second end? axial, opposite to the first. The configuration with two connecting rods allows to obtain a distribution of the efforts more? balanced during the movement of the two blades.

[00137] Preferably, each impeller with blades 20 comprises motor means 50 housed inside the aforementioned cavity internal watertight 22. These motor means 50 are supported by the fork 141, 142 inside the cavity? sealed and are kinematically connected to said impeller body 21 to make it rotate.

[00138] Preferably, these motor means 50 are of the electric type and can be powered by an electric battery and/or by a photovoltaic system. Preferably, the battery and the photovoltaic system are housed on board the housing structure 120 and are electrically connected to the motor means by means of electric cables which enter inside the cavity. sealed by passing through the pivot of the impeller.

[00139] In figures 19, 20, 21 and 22 ? illustrated an example of connection between electric motor means 50 and impeller 20.

[00140] More in detail, the impeller body 21 constituted by the hollow cylindrical body ? divided into two parts: a fixed part integral with the fork 141, 142 and with the relative rotation pin 11; a movable part, rotationally associated with the fixed part and free to rotate around the axis of rotation defined by the pin 11.

[00141] More in detail, the fixed part ? defined by two disks 23, 24 which each define one of the two bases 21a, 21b of the cylindrical body and are coaxial with the axis of rotation X1, X2. These two disks 23, 24 are connected to each other by a plurality of connecting rods 25. The rotationally mobile part? constituted by a tubular body 26 with a circular section which defines the lateral cylindrical surface 21c of the cylindrical body and ? coaxial to the disks 23, 24 and to the axis X1, X2. The aforesaid tubular body 26 rotationally engages the two fixed disks 23 and 24 by means of two circular flanges 27, 28 integral with it. The motor means 50 comprise an electric motor 51 which ? supported mechanically by the fixed part of the impeller body, for example by the connecting rods 25. The electric motor 50 ? connected via a transmission system 52 to coupling means 53 capable of coupling to one of the two flanges 28 to impose a rotational movement on it, and therefore on the mobile part, around the axis X1, X2.

[00142] Advantageously, the possible further main floats 133 are also constituted by such impeller with blades 20, as described above.

[00143] The invention makes it possible to obtain numerous advantages which have been explained in the course of the description.

[00144] The barge 100 according to the invention has a high maneuverability and at the same time easy to make. There? ? essentially due to the fact that they are the same means of propulsion of the barge (that is the impellers with paddles which constitute the two main floating bow and stern) to give the directionality? to the barge, without the need? to equip the barge with a rudder. There? ? allowed by the fact that the two impellers are steerable.

[00145] Furthermore, thanks to the fact that the two impellers are counter-steering with each other, the turning radius of the barge is significantly reduced, thus increasing the turning radius of the barge. maneuverability? of the barge itself.

[00146] The barge 100 according to the invention also exhibits high stability, preferably in which it is equipped with the described roll damping system.

[00147] The barge 100 according to the invention ? moreover safe use in particular in the preferred case in which the barge is equipped with secondary floats, adjustable in their depth? of immersion.

[00148] Thanks to the use of rotor blades (motorized and self-floating), the barge 100 according to the invention ? also equipped with an energy-efficient propulsion system.

[00149] Thanks to the fact that the housing structure ? associated with a support frame that ? suspended on the water by the two main floats and not ? not even partially immersed in water, the fluid dynamic frictions are concentrated on the main floats, and on any secondary floats. The absence of a hull in contact with the water therefore reduces friction and makes it more? efficient propulsion of the barge itself.

[00150] Thanks to the energy efficiency offered by the impellers with adjustable blades and the reduction of friction linked to the absence of a submerged hull, the motorisation system of the impellers does not require large powers, and can therefore be made up of electric motors powered by electric batteries and/or by a photovoltaic system installed for example on board the barge itself.

[00151] The invention so? conceived therefore achieves the predetermined purposes.

[00152] Obviously, it can in its practical implementation, it also assumes forms and configurations other than the one illustrated above without, for this reason, leaving the present scope of protection.

[00153] Furthermore, all the details can be replaced by technically equivalent elements and the dimensions, shapes and materials used can be any according to the needs.

Claims (20)

1. Barge (100) comprising: - a support frame (110) extending between a bow portion (111) and a stern portion (112); - a housing structure (120) which defines at least one loading bridge for people and/or things and ? associated with said support frame (110); - at least one first main float (131) and at least one second main float (132) associated respectively with the bow portion (111) and with the stern portion (112) of said support frame (110), wherein said two main floats (131; 132) are sized to guarantee a predefined floating level to said barge (100), characterized by the fact that each of the two main floats (131; 132) ? consisting of a motorized and self-floating paddle impeller (20) with horizontal rotation axis (X1, X2), thus constituting the means of propulsion of said barge, and by the fact that said first main float (131) and said second main float (132) are movably associated with said support frame (110) respectively via a first fork (141) steering around a first vertical steering axis (Z1) and via a second fork (142) steering around a second vertical steering axis (Z2), each fork (141, 142) rotationally supporting the respective main float (131, 132) around the respective rotation axis (X1, X2), wherein said first fork (141) and said second fork (142) are connected to each other by a common control system (150) configured in such a way that these two forks (141; 142) are counter-steering with each other. 2. Barge (100) according to claim 1, wherein said common control system (150) comprises: - at least two ropes (151, 152) each of which connects said two forks (141; 142) to each other on opposite sides to a bow-stern axis of said barge (100), in turn each rope (151; 152) being divided into two sections (151?, 151?; 152?, 152?) connected to each other by a rack rod (153; 154); - a plurality? of idle pulleys (155) which are associated with said support frame (110) and are able to guide said two cables (151; 152) in such a way that the respective rack rods (153; 154) of said two cables are opposite each other parallel to each other; - a pinion (156) that ? arranged between said two rack rods (153; 154) so as to mesh with both, so? to form with said rack rods (153; 154) a pinion-rack mechanism capable of imparting traction to the two ropes (151; 152) in opposite directions in a synchronized manner; And - actuation means (157) which are able to rotate said pinion (156) and are accessible from the loading bridge defined by said housing structure (120). The barge (100) according to claim 1 or 2, comprising a plurality of of first secondary floats (161?, 161?; 162?, 162?) which are associated with said first (141) and with said second fork (142). The barge (100) according to claim 3, wherein each fork (141; 142) is equipped with two of said first secondary floats (161?, 161?; 162?, 162?) which are arranged in opposite positions along the axis of rotation (X1, X2) of the main float (131, 132) supported by the fork, preferably said two first secondary floats (161?, 161?; 162?, 162?) being arranged externally to the fork (141; 142). The barge (100) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein each of said first secondary floats (161?, 161?; 162?, 162?) ? movably associated with the respective fork (141, 142) in an adjustable way in height so? that it is possible to vary the depth? of immersion of the secondary float with respect to the fork and therefore its buoyancy. The barge (100) according to claim 5, wherein each of said first secondary floats (161?, 161?; 162?, 162?) ? associated with the respective fork (141, 142) via an automated height adjustment system. The barge (100) according to claim 6, comprising a unit? control (190) that ? connected to the automated height adjustment system of each of said first secondary floats (161?, 161?; 162?, 162?) and ? programmed to synchronize the height adjustments of all the first secondary floats (161?, 161?; 162?, 162?) according to the inclination of the barge (100). The barge (100) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the automated system for adjusting the height of each secondary float comprises: - a threaded rod (163) which is? associated with the secondary float (161?, 161?; 162?, 162?) and extends longitudinally in height from that float; And - an electric gearmotor (164) which ? supported by the fork to which said secondary float ? associated and ? kinematically coupled to said threaded rod (163) to move said rod and the associated float along a longitudinal development direction of the threaded rod itself. The barge (100) according to any one of claims 3 to 8, wherein each of said first secondary floats (161?, 161?; 162?, 162?) ? a body which with respect to a plane of horizontal section has a prevailing direction of development and in which each of said first secondary floats (161?, 161?; 162?, 162?) ? constrained to the respective fork in such a way that said prevailing development direction is oriented transversally to the rotation axis of the main float. 10. Barge (100) according to one or more? of the preceding claims, wherein each fork (141, 142) is connected to said support frame (110) via a cylindrical joint (143) with rotation axis aligned with the bow-stern axis of the barge (100) to allow relative rotation between the fork and frame around the bow-stern axis of the barge (100). 11. Barge (100) according to one or more? of the preceding claims, comprising a roll damping system comprising in turn a rocker arm structure (170) which ? pivoted to said support frame (110) to tilt parallel to the bow-stern axis of said barge and protrudes on the two sides of the barge transversely to the bow-stern axis of said barge with two arms (171, 172) each of which supports at one end? releases a second secondary float (181, 182). 12. Barge (100) according to claim 11, wherein said two arms (171, 172) have an extension in variable length so as to vary the transverse position of the associated second secondary floats (181, 182) with respect to the bow axis - stern of said barge. The barge (100) according to claim 12, wherein each of said two arms (171, 172) has a telescopic structure and ? equipped with at least one actuator (173; 174) able to move the telescopic arm in extension. A barge (100) according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein each of said second secondary floats (181; 182) is a body which, with respect to a plane of horizontal section, has a prevailing direction of development and in which each of said second secondary floats (181, 182) ? associated with the respective arm (171; 172) of the rocker structure (170) via a vertical suspension rod (183), said float (181; 182) being rotationally connected to said vertical suspension rod (183) so as to be free to rotate around the longitudinal axis of said rod (183), wherein preferably the longitudinal axis of said rod (183) crosses said float (181, 182) in an off-centre position along said prevailing direction of development. A barge (100) according to any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein each of said second secondary floats (181, 182) is movably associated with the respective arm (171, 172) in a height-adjustable manner so? that it is possible to vary the depth? of immersion of the second secondary float with respect to the arm (171; 172) and therefore its buoyancy thrust, wherein preferably each of said second secondary floats (181, 182) is? associated with the respective arm (171, 172) via an automated height adjustment system. The barge (100) according to claim 15, wherein the automated system for adjusting the height of each second secondary float comprises: - a threaded rod (183) which is? associated with the second secondary float (181; 182) and extends longitudinally in height from this float; and - an electric gear motor (184) which ? supported by the arm (171; 172) to which said second secondary float ? associated and ? kinematically coupled to said threaded rod (183) to move said rod and the associated float along a longitudinal development direction of the threaded rod itself. 17. Barge (100) according to one or more? of the preceding claims, wherein the motorized and self-floating paddle impeller (20), which constitutes each of said main floats (131, 132), comprises: - an impeller body (21), rotationally supported by a rotation pin of the respective fork (141, 142) about a horizontal rotation axis (X1, X2), and - a plurality? of adjustable blades (30?, 30?), each of which ? movably associated with said impeller body (21) so as to move in a guided manner during the rotation of the impeller between an active position, in which the blade protrudes with respect to the impeller body (21), and a passive position, in which the blade protrudes from the impeller body (21) less than in the active position, in use said impeller with blades (20) being partially immersed in water with a waterline (G) passing near? of the axis of rotation (X1, X2), in which said impeller body ? defined by a cylindrical body (21) with a circular section, which extends in length coaxially to said axis of rotation (X1, X2) between two bases (21a, 21b) connected to each other by a lateral cylindrical surface (21c), each blade (30?, 30?) being hinged to the impeller body (21) externally to it near? of the lateral cylindrical surface (21c) of said cylindrical body along a pivot axis (Y) parallel to said axis of rotation (X1, X2) to move between said passive position and said active position, and in which said cylindrical body (21) delimit a cavity? internal (22) sealed in such a way that said impeller (20) defines a floating body. 18. Barge (100) according to claim 17, wherein said orientable blades (30?, 30?) are in even number and are distributed around the lateral cylindrical surface (21c) of said cylindrical body in pairs of blades hinged in positions diametrically opposite each other, a blade (30?) of each pair of blades being kinematically connected to the diametrically opposite blade (30?) via a connecting rod (40) which ? configured in such a way as to kinematically synchronize the opening movement of a blade (30?) from the passive position to the active position with the opposite movement of the other blade (30?) in closing from the active position to the passive position. The barge (100) according to claim 18, wherein the blades of a first set of blade pairs are oriented to open by rotating in a first direction and the blades of a second set of blade pairs are oriented to open by rotating in a direction opposite to the first, in which preferably the blades of said first group are distributed alternately to the blades of said second group around said lateral surface (21c). 20. A barge (100) according to claim 17, 18 or 19, comprising motor means (50) housed within said cavity? internal watertight (22), wherein said motor means (50) are supported by said frame (10) and are kinematically connected to said impeller body (21) to bring it into rotation, wherein preferably said motor means (50) are of electric type, powered by an electric battery and/or by a photovoltaic system.