KR20220042227A - ship moving device - Google Patents

Abstract

This description relates to the maritime sector. Specifically, the present invention relates to a vessel moving device (100) comprising a first inlet section for liquid, referred to as an upstream edge (50a) and a second outlet section for a liquid, referred to as a downstream edge (50b). at least one propulsion chamber 50; at least one flexible membrane (M1) accommodated in the chamber; and at least one actuator A1 configured to generate thrust from the vessel via undulation of the membrane between the upstream edge and the downstream edge.

Description

ship moving device

The present invention relates to the maritime transport sector. More particularly, aspects of the present invention relate to a vessel moving device.

For several decades, means of moving ships based on the principle of propulsion have been known. In particular, the propulsion of boats by one or more propellers has been known since the 1830s.

In general, the propulsion (or towing) propeller of a ship applies an action-reaction phenomenon to thrust the ship. Accordingly, the propulsion of a ship is based on the rotational motion of a plurality of slats, referred to as blades, distributed about the central axis of a propeller submerged in water and disposed inside or outside the ship.

In operation, the rotation of the blades exerts a force on the liquid in which the vessel is floating, said force being a force in the opposite direction equal to the force exerted by this liquid on the axis of the propeller and thus on the vessel, the strength of which is proportional to the mass of the liquid being accelerated.

Under the influence of the rotational motion of the propeller blades, a pressure difference occurs between the front and rear surfaces of the propeller, and this pressure difference causes the movement of the liquid in the same direction, and thus the movement of the ship in the other direction by reaction.

However, the propulsion of a ship by a propeller has various drawbacks despite its widespread use.

First, propeller motors used in the transportation field have very low efficiency. Rather than propel the water directly in a given direction, these motors tend to agitate the water in all directions.

In addition, such motors have high fuel consumption, in particular gasoline or diesel consumption. Such consumption increases as the size and mass of the moving vessel increases, causing considerable environmental pollution. For example, this pollution is caused by low-quality fuel, oil spills or gas emissions.

In addition, the environmental impact of known propeller motors involves significant noise and pollution, since propeller motors are generally noisy and due to the significant multidirectional liquid mixing they cause in the vicinity of the aquatic fauna and flora Because it confuses the military.

In addition, known propeller motors cause serious safety problems due to the rotational motion of the blades, which may result in serious damage or injury in the event of an accident.

In addition, handling of propeller motors is often expensive due to the number and complexity of their mechanical parts, such as blades, crankshafts, reduction gears or even the spark plugs they contain.

In order to improve this situation and solve these disadvantages, it is a general object of the present invention to provide a propulsion device for a ship which protects the environment.

In addition, the propulsion device provided by the present invention significantly reduces the risk of injury.

Further, the propulsion device provided by the present invention is compact and efficient.

In particular, a first object of the present invention relates to a vessel moving device, said device comprising:

- at least one propulsion chamber comprising a first inlet section for liquid, referred to as the upstream edge, and a second outlet section for said liquid, referred to as the downstream edge;

- at least one flexible membrane accommodated in said chamber; and

- at least one actuator configured to generate a thrust of the device via undulation of the membrane between the upstream edge and the downstream edge.

Here, the liquid considered is generally water, and the described mobile device applies directly to the vessel. However, it should be understood that the present invention also applies to devices that enable the propulsive movement of a vessel in any type of liquid, such as petroleum or gasoline.

Here, vessel designates any type of floating or submersible vessel configured to move on and/or in liquid, in particular in water. Such vessels may be partially or wholly submerged in liquid. The vessel may be operated remotely or independently by any means on board.

Examples of floating vessels are boats (which may or may not be powered), such as sailboats, yachts, cruise ships, marine drones, model ships, buoys, powered ships, private watercraft, rigid hull boats, semi-rigid boats (or zodiac). , inflatable canoes, water toys such as paddle boards, motorized platforms, water bikes, pedal boats, hydro propelled lift vessels, electric surfboards whether on foil or not, submersible amphibious vessels and transport vessels such as ferries, oil tankers, trawlers, Includes cargo ships, barges or hovercraft.

Examples of submersible vessels include any type of vessel configured to operate underwater for extended periods of time. For example, a submersible vessel may be a submarine, torpedo, submersible amphibious vessel, submersible drone, remote-controlled underwater vessel, a water play toy such as a diving thruster, a model submarine, or even a water tank.

The moving device makes it possible to convert mechanical power into hydraulic power, which power corresponds to the product of pressure and flow rate for a given liquid.

In particular, the device for moving the vessel allows the vessel to be propelled against the liquid in the opposite direction to the displacement of the liquid in the propulsion chamber by the thrust generated during the pulsation of the membrane.

For example, a vessel may be operated in forward or reverse gear.

Here, the pressure difference created between the upstream edge and the downstream edge of the propulsion chamber of the moving device according to any one of the described embodiments is generally on the order of 1/100 bar or 1/10 bar, but may be 1 bar or several bars.

Preferably, when the membrane used is a flexible elastomeric membrane, this pressure difference is less than 16 bar.

In addition, the resulting flow rate may vary depending on the characteristics and dimensions of the moving device, propulsion chamber, flexible membrane, and actuator used.

According to a specific example, the device comprises at least two pushing chambers, for example 2, 3 or 4 pushing chambers, each pushing chamber having a first liquid inlet section called upstream edge and a first liquid inlet section called downstream edge. and a second outlet section of said liquid.

According to another specific example, the device comprises at least one pushing chamber in which at least two flexible membranes are accommodated, for example two, three or four flexible membranes.

According to another specific example, the device comprises at least two actuators, configured to generate thrust of the device by undulation of at least one membrane between an upstream edge and a downstream edge of at least one propulsion chamber comprising the device, e.g. For example 2, 3 or 4 actuators.

According to possible variants, the specific examples recited above may be considered alone or in combination.

According to a specific embodiment, the thrust force is generated by waves of the membrane having a predetermined frequency and amplitude.

Here, the wave of the membrane may be understood as an alternation of the moving direction of the membrane.

Advantageously, the specific choice of frequency and wave amplitude for a given membrane allows the generated thrust and thus the driving force of the moving device to be adjusted, which may depend on the desired speed, load of the device or even the environmental conditions under which the device operates (e.g. Depending on the temperature, swell or weather) it can be useful.

Here, the wave frequency of the membrane is typically greater than 0 hertz and less than 1,000 hertz, preferably greater than 0 hertz and less than 200 hertz.

Here, the peak-to-peak wave amplitude of the membrane is typically less than half of this membrane length between its upstream edge and its downstream edge, and preferably less than 1/5 of this membrane length.

For example, to deliver optimal power to the liquid when the membrane is displaced within the device, or to reduce vibrations that occur when the device is in operation, within a few hertz, the natural frequency and/or the beat frequency of the membrane or actuator ( It is advantageous to select a wave frequency substantially equal to the beat frequency).

Advantageously, the number of wavelengths between the upstream edge and the downstream edge is less than 5 waves. For example, the number of wavelengths is less than one wave for a rigid membrane allowing higher hydraulic power than a flexible membrane.

According to a specific example, the wave comprises movement of at least one end of the membrane by at least one actuator.

When the at least one membrane accommodated in the propulsion chamber is vibrated by the at least one actuator, a traveling wave is generated and propagated along the membrane. This traveling wave then causes the volume of liquid located within the propulsion chamber to displace at a speed and direction substantially equal to the speed and direction of the wave propagating through the membrane.

According to a specific example, the pushing chamber comprises at least one volume, which volume is defined by at least one wall connecting the upstream edge and the downstream edge.

Here, the wall(s) connecting the upstream and downstream edges of the propulsion chamber are referred to as flanges. These flange(s) have the function of isolating the liquid displaced inside the propulsion chamber from the rest of the device, which makes it possible to increase the pressure differential created by the undulation of the membrane to create propulsion.

Preferably, inlet and outlet sections are arranged, which may optionally be adjustable, whether in operation or not, in order to impart optimum thrust and speed to the vessel comprising this device.

For example, the inlet and outlet sections are arranged such that the attitude of the propulsion chamber or vessel can be adjusted.

According to a specific example, the device comprises at least two propulsion chambers arranged in series or in parallel.

Here, two pushing chambers may be said to be arranged in series when the downstream edge of one of the chambers is disposed substantially parallel to the upstream edge of the other of the chambers. In particular, the downstream edge of one chamber may serve as the upstream edge of the other chamber.

It can also be said that the two propulsion chambers are arranged in series when they are connected by a circuit (especially a hydraulic circuit) such that the fluid is directed from the downstream edge of the first chamber to the upstream edge of the second chamber. Thus, the two chambers arranged in series are not necessarily geometrically aligned.

wherein the upstream edge and the downstream edge of one of the chambers are substantially parallel to the downstream edge of the other of the chambers and the upstream edge of one of the chambers is substantially parallel to the upstream edge of the other of the chambers The two propulsion chambers can be said to be arranged in parallel when they are parallel to each other.

It is also said that the two propulsion chambers are arranged in parallel when they are connected by circuits (especially hydraulic circuits) such that fluid is directed from the upstream edges of the first and second chambers towards the downstream edges of the first and second chambers. can say

In certain cases, two pushing chambers arranged in parallel may have a common upstream edge and/or downstream edge.

By arranging several propulsion chambers in series, in parallel or according to different configurations within the moving device, the thrust or velocity produced by the device, and thus the thrust or velocity supplied to a vessel comprising such a device, is reduced to one propulsion chamber. can be proportionally increased compared to a device containing only

Compared to a device consisting of a single propulsion chamber, the example comprising several propulsion chambers arranged in parallel allows an increase in the flow rate for barely changing pressures, which makes it possible to reinforce the thrust for a lowering of the velocity. do.

As a variant, and with respect to the device consisting of one propulsion chamber, the example comprising several propulsion chambers arranged in series allows for an increase in pressure for a flow rate that is barely changing, and thus the velocity for a lowering of the thrust. makes it possible to reinforce

When several flexible membranes are accommodated in the same chamber, this makes it possible to increase the thrust or velocity generated by the moving device without significantly increasing the dimensions of the moving device.

According to certain embodiments, at least two membranes contained in the same chamber have an angle substantially equal to 0°, an angle substantially equal to 90°, an angle substantially equal to 180°, an angle substantially equal to 270°, and 360° to cause a undulation, due to the at least one actuator having a phase shift by an angle selected from the group comprising an angle substantially equal to n divided by the number of membranes in the chamber.

Here, a substantially phase shift angle equal to another is an angle whose value is equal to the value of the other angle with an accuracy of ±10°, preferably ±5°.

Here, it can be said that two membranes giving rise to a wave having a phase shift of an angle substantially equal to 360°, equivalent to an angle substantially equal to 0°, give rise to a wave in phase. Two membranes causing a wave with a phase shift of substantially equal to 180° can be said to give rise to a wave with opposite phase.

Advantageously, and when, for example, two membranes housed in two propulsion chambers, eg two chambers connected in series, generate waves in phase, such a configuration results in a greater laminar flow of liquid flowing through the two chambers. (laminar flow) and reduce the turbulence to reduce the pressure drop caused by the moving device.

Advantageously, and when, for example, two membranes arranged in two chambers in series generate waves of opposite phases, this makes it possible to provide a greater thrust.

Also, the undulation of the two membranes of opposite phase causes the displacement of the liquid mass by these membranes and the actuator as the first membrane oscillates in a first direction and the second membrane oscillates in a second direction opposite to the first direction. It makes it possible to compensate for imbalances due to the mass of the moving part of (s).

In addition, operating out of phase may cause an occlusion between the membranes to be created, increasing the performance of the device.

When two or more membranes housed in the same chamber give rise to a wave with a phase shift of substantially equal to 360° divided by the number of membranes in the chamber, such membranes can be said to give rise to multiphase mode waves. . That is, the device contains as many propulsion chambers as there are phases.

Two or more membranes may generate waves with different phase shift values, for example to promote a particular mode of movement or to reduce noise or vibration generated by the operation of a moving device.

For example, it is possible to provide a three-phase mode by having three membranes housed in the same chamber and generating waves with a phase shift of 360° to each other divided by 3, ie 120°.

For a mobile device comprising three propulsion chambers and operating in three-phase mode, each propulsion chamber of the device has a phase shift of 360° divided by the number of phases (i.e., there are three phases here, so It contains a membrane made to generate waves with a phase shift).

This allows such devices to be controlled via multi-phase electronics, for example three-phase electronics, and also enables the mobile device and vibrations propagating in the vessel comprising the mobile device to be reduced.

According to a particular embodiment, the at least one flexible membrane and the at least one actuator are configured to generate energy from movement of the actuator by the flexible membrane.

Besides the possibility to function as a propulsion means, this makes it possible for this device to function as an energy generator.

Thus, it is possible to recover energy when the device and the vessel have a velocity differential with respect to the liquid, for example to recharge one or more batteries or other energy retention means.

In this particular embodiment, at least one actuator may be coupled to the membrane.

When the device, and the propelling chamber in which the membrane is contained, are stationary with respect to a liquid displaced through the propelling chamber, the liquid causes a undulation of the membrane contained within the chamber due to the velocity difference between the chamber and the liquid. The undulations in the membrane then actuate at least one actuator, which can generate energy when it is coupled to the membrane. This energy can be converted into electricity, for example, to charge or recharge a battery.

As an alternative, the membrane can be confined between its upstream and downstream edges, causing the membrane to wave between them, which wave increases the resistance of the membrane to fluid movement, increasing the power generated.

According to a particular embodiment, the upstream edge or the downstream edge comprises at least one liquid deflector.

This allows the direction of movement of the device or of the generated thrust to be modified by selecting the orientation direction of each deflector with respect to the propulsion chamber.

It also allows the turbulence to be limited near the moving device and in particular near the upstream or downstream edge of said at least one propulsion chamber.

At least one deflector is positioned proximate to at least one end of the membrane to direct liquid proximate to at least one end of the membrane and to restrict turbulence into the propulsion chamber.

A second object of the present invention is to provide a ship comprising a moving device and a hull according to any one of the above objects and embodiments.

Advantageously, the suction and discharge of the liquid take place respectively in the region in which the moving device is located and in particular in front of the at least one propulsion chamber comprised in the moving device.

This suction and discharge causes the vessel to be propelled and promotes a specific direction of movement based on the arrangement of the upstream and downstream edges of the propulsion chamber(s) of the movement device with respect to the direction of the vessel.

According to a particular embodiment of this second object covered by the invention, a first element of the hull is configured as an upstream edge of at least one propulsion chamber, and a second element of the hull is configured as a downstream edge of a propulsion chamber of the device. is composed

Advantageously, the suction and discharge of the liquid used to propel the vessel is in front of the zone in which the moving device is located, in order to facilitate the direction of the vessel when it first requires steering (normal operation into forward gear). and at the rear of this zone, respectively.

Advantageously, such a mobile device is suitable for vessels powered by motor power of less than 10,000 watts for model building, less than 40,000 watts for water toys, more than 200 watts for cruise ships and more than 100,000 watts for cargo transport or passenger vessels. make it possible

Other features, details and advantages will arise upon reading the detailed description below and analyzing the accompanying drawings.
1 shows a schematic diagram of a mobile device according to a first embodiment of the present invention;
2 shows a schematic diagram of a mobile device according to a second embodiment of the present invention;
3 shows a schematic diagram of a mobile device according to a third embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 4 corresponds to Figs. 4a and 4b respectively showing a perspective view and a vertical view of a moving device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
5 shows a schematic diagram of a mobile device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 6 corresponds to Figs. 6a and 6b respectively showing a perspective view and a vertical view of a moving device according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.
7 shows a schematic diagram of a mobile device according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention;
8 shows a schematic diagram of a mobile device according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention;
9 shows a schematic diagram of a mobile device according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 10 shows a schematic diagram of a mobile device according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 11 corresponds to Figs. 11a, 11b and 11c showing various modes of operation of a mobile device according to an eleventh embodiment of the present invention.
12 shows a schematic diagram of a mobile device according to a twelfth embodiment of the present invention;
13 shows a schematic diagram of a mobile device according to a thirteenth embodiment of the present invention;
14 shows a perspective view of a ship comprising a moving device according to a fourteenth embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 15 corresponds to the drawings 15a and 15b respectively showing a perspective view of a vessel including a moving device according to a fifteenth embodiment of the present invention and a perspective view of a moving device included in the vessel.
Fig. 16 corresponds to Figs. 16a, 16b and 16c respectively showing a perspective view, a perspective cross-sectional view and a schematic cross-sectional view of a mobile device according to the sixteenth embodiment.
Fig. 17 corresponds to Figs. 17a, 17b and 17c respectively showing a perspective view, a perspective cross-sectional view and a schematic cross-sectional view of a moving device according to the seventeenth embodiment.
Unless otherwise indicated, elements that are common or similar to several drawings have the same reference numerals and have the same or similar features, and thus, these common elements are generally not described again for the sake of brevity.

In most instances, the drawings and description below include specific elements. Accordingly, they may be used to better understand the present invention as well as contribute to the definition of the present invention where applicable.

Reference is made to FIG. 1 , which shows a schematic diagram of a mobile device 100 for a ship according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

As shown, the apparatus 100 includes a pushing chamber 50 defining a cavity located between a first edge, referred to as an upstream edge 50a, and a second edge, referred to as a downstream edge 50b.

In operation, the device 100 is partially or completely immersed in a liquid, particularly water, and is moving relative to the liquid at a given relative velocity.

According to a variant of operation, the device 100 is not submerged, but at least a part of the vessel comprising the device is submerged and is arranged to suck up water.

For example, device 100 may move at a first speed for a volume of water moving at another second speed. Thus, the device 100 can move relative to a volume of water that is stationary or moving at any speed and in any direction.

Here, the upstream edge 50a is formed to correspond to the inlet section through which water enters the propulsion chamber (generally into the mover) in flow F1 .

Herein, the terms "flow" and "flow rate" are used interchangeably.

Here, the downstream edge 50b is formed to correspond to the outlet section through which water is discharged out of the propulsion chamber (generally out of the moving device) in flow F2.

Here, and without limitation, movement of the device and movement of the propulsion chamber may be reversed during operation such that the upstream edge 50a corresponds to the outlet section and the downstream edge 50b corresponds to the inlet section.

Generally, the propulsion chamber 50 is surrounded by two walls, referred to as flanges 10 and 20, which can form a variety of profiles. The pushing chamber 50 may also include at least one asperity.

Here, the flange is generally a rigid wall, but without limitation, the flange may also be a flexible wall with some elasticity. For example, the flange forming the wall of the propulsion chamber may be a hull element of a ship, for example a hull element of a boat.

For example, and as shown herein, the flanges 10 and 20 are arranged to provide a converging profile to the propulsion chamber 50 . That is, the section corresponding to the downstream edge 50b has a smaller surface than the section corresponding to the upstream edge 50a.

Without limitation, the flanges 10 and 20 may also be arranged to provide a diverging profile to the propulsion chamber 50 . That is, the section corresponding to the downstream edge 50b has a larger surface than the section corresponding to the upstream edge 50a.

Additionally, the flanges 10 and 20 may be arranged to provide a constant profile to the propulsion chamber 50 . That is, the section corresponding to the downstream edge 50b has substantially the same surface as the section corresponding to the upstream edge 50a.

Advantageously, the converging profile imparted to the chamber due to the flanges 10 and 20 enhances this pressure differential and thus by displacement of the liquid from the upstream edge 50a towards the downstream edge 50b, the propulsion chamber Increase the thrust generated by the wave of the membrane (M1) inside.

According to an example not shown, the moving device further comprises a further part arranged in alignment and outside of the pushing chamber, proximate the downstream edge of the pushing chamber. This portion has an inlet section substantially equal to an outlet section of the propulsion chamber. In this case, said part can act as a useful nozzle for steering and can increase the velocity of the liquid discharged and thus the velocity of the vessel comprising the moving device comprising this additional part.

The device 100 further comprises a flexible membrane M1 , the membrane being accommodated in the propulsion chamber 50 of the device 100 .

Here, and without limitation, a flexible membrane is any type of membrane arranged to vibrate with a predetermined amplitude and frequency. Such flexible membranes may have a specific geometric shape, for example rectangular, disc-shaped or tubular.

The flexible membrane preferably consists of a sheet of deformable material, whether elastic or not, the deformation of which can be effected, for example, by bending about at least the axis of the membrane.

As a variant, the flexible membrane is made of a non-deformable material, and then the actuator is specifically designed to give the membrane flexibility by allowing an offset of the actuated edge of the membrane.

According to different embodiments, the flexible membrane may or may not be profiled and comprises one or more materials, which materials may have various shapes, thicknesses and dimensions that may vary from an upstream edge to a downstream edge, and , resistance, elastic limit, Young's modulus, shear modulus, and Poisson's ratio.

For example, a flexible membrane may be composed of a plurality of parts or lamellaes hinged together that may be attached directly or indirectly to a deformable structure.

Preferably, the attachment of the flexible membrane M1 is implemented at at least one attachment point P1 , which attaches the flexible membrane M1 to the at least one actuator A1 (for example pistons, connecting rods, or mechanical moving devices such as magnetic or non-magnetic moving parts).

Preferably, the housing of the flexible membrane in the chamber is embodied such that a first end of the membrane is located near an upstream edge of the chamber and a second end of the membrane is located near a downstream edge.

In general, the flexible membrane M1 has a leading edge located near the upstream edge 50a and a trailing edge located near the downstream edge 50b.

If the membrane M1 is set to vibrate by the actuator A1, for example from an attachment point P1 located near the leading edge, the flexible membrane M1 propagates along the membrane between the leading edge and the trailing edge. It becomes the seat of the traveling wave.

According to an example, the properties of the flexible membrane, such as its elasticity, its tension or even its dimensions, are selected to ensure that they optimize the speed of propagation of the traveling wave within the volume of the membrane.

These waves cause deformation of the flexible membrane M1 according to the traveling wave traveling from the first edge of the membrane (here the edge of the membrane located near the point of attachment P1) to the second edge, so that it is located between these two edges. At least one point of the membrane is driven by a transverse oscillatory motion.

The coupling of the undulating membrane and the liquid in the chamber 50 creates a pressure field that travels with the traveling wave, thus creating a pressure differential between the upstream edge 50a and the downstream edge 50b. This results in a change in the liquid pressure, expressed here as a change in the velocity of the inlet stream F1 to provide a higher value of the velocity of the outlet stream F2 .

Here, the membrane can be formed by a given tension, for example when its leading edge and/or its trailing edge are attached by means of fixing means or actuators. In this case, the tension of the membrane may be at rest or may be affected by mechanical stress.

In particular, under the influence of tension due to the application of two opposing forces applied to the leading and trailing edge of the membrane, the actuator can cause the membrane to undulate, thereby causing a wave within the membrane in the direction of said tension. may cause the spread of

Here, the actuator may be any type of actuation means.

According to different embodiments, the actuator may be selected from an electric motor, a heat engine, a nuclear engine, a hydrogen engine, a hybrid engine, a piezoelectric motor, or a mechanical motor. A motor may provide motion similar to rotational, linear, or radial motion and may include motion conversion components that convert one motion into another.

According to another embodiment, the actuator is an electric battery, an electric cell, a nuclear battery or cell, a fuel battery or cell, a hydrogen battery or cell, a photovoltaic panel, a fuel such as gasoline, diesel or biofuel, or even an alcohol, ether or hydrocarbon may be powered by an energy source selected from a liquid fuel such as

According to various embodiments, the actuator is driven mechanically or electronically. Such actuation may, for example, generate appropriate signals of frequency, force and/or position for optimal propulsion depending on the type of navigation desired depending on whether more or less thrust and speed are required for movement, may be performed by a power electronic device that allows control of the movement of

According to various embodiments, the actuator is controlled "instantaneously", for example by a signal comprising a high sampling frequency, or in an "averaging" manner (ie by using an average of several oscillation periods).

Advantageously, this makes it possible to avoid impacts between the membrane and the flange in the case of air intake, for example due to the jumping of the vessel over the waves due to the presence of bubbles or a weaker load. This movement may be electronically controlled in a closed loop.

In the case of an electrical actuation means, the current at its terminals can also be used to implement closed-loop control.

Advantageously, the position of the at least one membrane can be determined by means of a sensor, for example a sensor included in the device or the propulsion chamber, to help control the device.

Advantageously, the electronically controlled actuator causes the at least one actuator to be actuated through a sinusoidal motion such that the membrane vibrates in a sinusoidal wave. The electronic means used for control may also communicate with other tools onboard or remotely on the vessel containing the device.

In operation, the actuator A1 implements an alternating movement of the attachment point P1 in two opposite directions. One end of the membrane M1 (here the end located close to the upstream edge 50a of the pushing chamber 50 ) is then alternately moved in a direction substantially transverse to the displacement of the water in the pushing chamber 50 .

Preferably, the attachment point P1 is located at or near one end of the membrane M1.

Preferably, the flexible membrane M1 is accommodated in the chamber 50 and is connected to the actuator A1 by at least one attachment point located near the upstream edge 50a or near the downstream edge 50b.

As shown, the actuator A1 is located outside the propulsion chamber 50 in a sealed or unsealed manner. However, generally an actuator connected to at least one flexible membrane housed in the chamber may be located within the propulsion chamber 50 , for example between flanges 10 and 20 or even within one of these flanges. .

Without limitation, the at least one membrane, the at least one pushing chamber and the at least one flange or the wall of the at least one pushing chamber may have various geometries.

Three examples of geometric structures are described below.

According to a first example of the geometry, the undulating membrane and/or the at least one associated flange is formed by a similar geometry, such as a rectangle or a trapezoid. In this case, the walls of the propulsion chamber may delimit a flat parallelepiped or tubular space in which a rectangular membrane is arranged to vibrate.

Advantageously, this rectangular membrane lies in a plane parallel to the direction of movement of the displaced liquid in the propelling chamber.

This makes it possible to provide a mobile device with properties suitable for ships whose propulsion requires more thrust than speed, for example commercial ships or pleasure ships of the sailing or motorboat type.

According to a second example of the geometry, the undulating membrane and/or the at least one associated flange is formed by a disc-shaped geometry. In this case, two coaxial walls may delimit the pushing chamber, which has the shape of a flattened cylinder or a stack of layers. A undulating disk-shaped membrane is arranged to vibrate between these walls.

Advantageously, this disk-shaped membrane is arranged in a plane perpendicular to the direction of displacement of the liquid being propelled into the propelling chamber.

This makes it possible to provide a mobile device with properties suitable for ships whose propulsion requires higher speeds than thrust, for example private ships or jet skis.

According to a third example of the geometry, the undulating membrane and/or the at least one associated flange is formed by a tubular geometry. In this case, the propulsion chamber can be delimited by two coaxially rotating walls, between which a tubular wave-generating membrane is arranged.

Depending on the type of geometry, the undulation of the membrane may occur in a plane parallel or transverse to the major axis of the propulsion chamber and/or the moving device itself. However, regardless of the aforementioned geometry, the direction of the plane in which the wave occurs does not directly affect the flow of the liquid.

If the membrane undulates in a plane across the liquid flow, the resulting drag in the water will be greater.

Reference is made to FIG. 2 which shows a schematic diagram of a mobile device 110 for a ship according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

As shown, the device 110 includes a pushing chamber 51 in which two flexible membranes M1 and M2 are housed.

In this case, the pushing chamber 51 is formed by two substantially parallel flanges 11 and 21 forming a constant profile. A single actuator A1 is connected to two membranes arranged in a substantially parallel manner within the propulsion chamber 51 . The pushing chamber 51 has any upstream edge and any downstream edge that need not necessarily be aligned with the flanges 11 and 21 .

According to an example not shown, the at least one flange may be a sealed wall. This sealed wall can be split on both sides of the membrane, thereby providing two flanges, one on the top and the other on the bottom.

The upstream edge forms any inlet section through which liquid enters the chamber in flow F1 and the downstream edge forms an outlet section through which water exits the chamber in flow F2 and generally out of the moving device.

Between the two membranes M1 and M2 an intermediate flange, called separator 31 , is arranged and serves as a deflection means for the water flowing through the propulsion chamber 51 . In the present case, the separator 31 has a profile in which each of the membranes M1 and M2 can be considered as undulating in separate and respective “sub-cavities” whose profile converges by the shape of the separator 31 . .

Advantageously, the separator 31 allows for a reduction in disturbances due to displacement of the liquid located between the membranes M1 and M2 and a turbulent pressure drop.

In the present case, the separator 31 is arranged such that the incoming water stream F1 is separated into two components F11 and F12, the first of these components F11 being a flow part deflected towards the first membrane M1. , and the second component F12 of these components corresponds to a flow portion deflected towards the second flow portion.

At the outlet, a thrust is generated by the oscillations of the two membranes M1 and M2, possibly in a synchronized manner.

Assuming an incompressible fluid, the flow rates are substantially the same when the inlet and outlet sections are the same size. Conversely, the pressure is higher at the thruster outlet. Thus, when the size of the outlet section is smaller, the pressure and fluid velocity further increase but the flow rate remains the same.

This makes it possible to provide a compact mobile device comprising several membranes and in which the outlet stream F2 has a different direction than the inlet stream F1 direction.

Reference is made to FIG. 3 , which shows a schematic diagram of a mobile device 120 for a vessel according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

As shown, the mobile device 120 includes a pushing chamber 52 in which two flexible membranes M1 and M2 are housed here arranged in series.

In the present case, the two membranes M1 and M2 are substantially aligned along the same overall axis within the propulsion chamber 52 , which is aligned with the direction of the flange 22 , which will be described below, for example.

Each of the two membranes M1 and M2 is connected to one of the two actuators A1 and A2. The actuator A1 connected to the membrane M1 at an attachment point P11 is separated from the actuator A2 connected to the membrane M2 at another attachment point P12 .

Thus, the moving device 120 has a single propulsion chamber 52, two membranes M1 and M2 housed therein, and two actuators A1 and A2 arranged to oscillate the respective membranes M1 and M2. ), and these waves may or may not be synchronized if possible. The actuators may be in phase or may be different.

In this case, the pushing chamber 52 is formed by two flanges 12 and 22 , the flange 12 having a sawtooth shape, and the flange 22 being substantially linear along one axis of the pushing chamber 52 . has a human shape.

The respective shapes of flanges 12 and 22 are such that the membranes M1 and M2 respectively substantially undulate in respective sub-cavities of the converging profile. In particular, the upstream and downstream edges of the chamber 52 are substantially aligned with, but not necessarily aligned with, the flanges 22 , which are these two edges between the upstream and downstream edges of the propulsion chamber 52 . Make a gradual linear decrease in each section of the sub-cavities.

In operation, the pulsation of the first membrane M1 by the first actuator A1 allows the creation of an intermediate thrust of the liquid penetrating through the upstream edge together with the inlet stream F1 . This intermediate thrust corresponds to the intermediate flow F3 such that the liquid displaced by the first membrane M1 reaches the second membrane M2, and this wave by its second actuator A2 flows out Let flow F2 be obtained.

This allows the appearance of imbalances in the case of a phase shift between the membranes to be reduced. In addition, it limits the vibration of the device, thereby limiting the vibration of the vessel containing the device.

In this case, such a moving device may provide a pressure or flow rate advantage compared to other devices such as those described in the previous figures. In particular, a pressure gain is obtained when several membranes are arranged in series. When several membranes are arranged in parallel, a flow rate gain is obtained.

Advantageously, such a moving device also makes it possible for at least two membranes accommodated in series and/or according to different configurations to oscillate during or without contact. At least two membranes can wave in phase or with a given phase shift.

Reference is made to FIGS. 4a and 4b of FIG. 4 , which respectively show a perspective view and a vertical view of a moving apparatus for a ship according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

As shown, the mobile device 125 has substantially the same mode of operation as that of the mobile device 120 , wherein the mobile device 120 has two flexible membranes M1 and M2 housed in series. It contains a single propulsion chamber.

In particular, the pushing chamber constituted by the moving device 125 has an upstream edge located near the leading edge of the first membrane M1 and a downstream edge located near the trailing edge of the second membrane M2 . The trailing edge of the first membrane M1 is located near the leading edge of the second membrane M2 .

In this case, the three actuators are configured to generate thrust from the moving device 125 by causing each membrane to vibrate.

In particular, two actuators A11 and A12 are connected to the leading edge of the first membrane M1 , and a single actuator A13 is connected to the trailing edge of M1 . Similarly, two actuators A21 and A22 are connected to the leading edge of the second membrane M2 and a single actuator A23 is connected to the trailing edge of M2.

Preferably, actuators A11 and A12 are synchronized with each other, and also actuators A21 and A22 are synchronized with each other.

Advantageously, synchronization between the actuators can cause the second membrane M2 to expand the traveling wave of the first membrane M1 .

If the membranes M1 and M2 are the same, they can cause a wave in phase, for example by synchronizing the actuators A11 and A12 with the actuators A21 and A22. Among other modes of operation, only one of the two membranes may be configured to wave, or both membranes may be configured to wave out of phase.

Thrust reversal may be generated by the moving device 125 to brake the device, for example in a liquid, among other possible modes of operation. Such braking can be achieved, for example, by using only actuators A13 and A23 to cause the membranes M1 and M2 to vibrate.

5 shows a schematic diagram of a moving device for a ship according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

In this case, the moving device 130 comprises a single propulsion chamber formed by two flanges 13 and 23 and in which two membranes M1 and M2 are accommodated in parallel.

As shown, the actuator A1 is used to cause the two membranes M1 and M2 to vibrate simultaneously, synchronously or asynchronously, the two membranes not necessarily being aligned or of the same dimension.

Unlike the second embodiment of the invention described above, there is no separator in the pushing chamber. This allows the two membranes M1 and M2 to contact or rub against each other during their respective undulations, creating a relative seal between them, e.g. of space relative to the separator to allow passage of larger objects. make savings possible.

Corresponding figures 6a and 6b of FIG. 6 show, respectively, a perspective view and a vertical view of a mobile device for a ship according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

In this case, and similar to the fifth embodiment described above, the moving device 135 comprises a single pushing chamber in which two membranes M1 and M2 are accommodated in parallel.

In this case, the two membranes M1 and M2 have a rectangular shape and are accommodated in overlapping each other, and each membrane may be caused to vibrate by at least one actuator.

Thus, the wave of the flexible membrane M1 can be obtained from its leading edge by means of actuators A11 and/or A12 or from its trailing edge by means of actuators A13 .

Here, the operation of the upstream edge and the downstream edge does not necessarily have to occur simultaneously.

Similarly, the undulation of the flexible membrane M2 can be obtained from its leading edge by means of actuators A21 and/or A22, or from its trailing edge by means of actuators A23.

7 shows a schematic diagram of a moving device for a ship according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

In this case, and similar to the fifth embodiment described above, the moving device 140 has no separator and comprises a single pushing chamber 54 in which two membranes M1 and M2 are accommodated in parallel.

The wall of the pushing chamber 54 comprises two flanges 14 and 24 .

Here there are two separate actuators A1 and A2 which cause undulations in the flexible membrane M1 and M2, the actuator A1 being connected to the first membrane M1 by an attachment point P1 and the actuator A2) is connected to the second membrane M2 by an attachment point P2.

As a variant, actuators A1 and A2 may be one and the same actuator, but comprise two moving parts that oscillate independently, in a synchronized manner, with or without a phase shift.

In particular, the actuator A1 is located on the flange 14 side and the actuator A2 is located on the flange 24 side, so that it is possible to separate the two actuators.

Advantageously, one or the other of the actuators can be arranged in a sealed chamber, eg it becomes possible for the actuator to vibrate the connected membrane via a wall seal.

Here, the sealed chamber is a chamber that is not in contact with the liquid propelled by the moving device. However, when the moving device is disposed inside a vessel, the actuator is not necessarily in a closed chamber. However, it can be protected from external environmental conditions such as bad weather.

Reference is made to Fig. 8 which shows a schematic diagram of a moving apparatus for a ship according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention.

In this case, the mobile device 150 has no separator and comprises a single propelling chamber 55 in which three membranes M1, M2, and M3 are housed in parallel. The wall of the pushing chamber 55 comprises two flanges 15 and 25 . In examples not shown, it is also possible to provide 4 membranes, 5 membranes or more than 5 membranes in parallel.

As shown, one and the same actuator A1 is used to oscillate the three membranes M1, M2, and M3 simultaneously, synchronously or asynchronously, the three membranes must be aligned or identical. It doesn't have to be a dimension.

Reference is made to Fig. 9 which shows a schematic diagram of a moving apparatus for a ship according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention.

As shown, the device 160 includes two propulsion chambers 56A and 56B, each containing a flexible membrane M1 or M2 contained therein.

Preferably, the two membranes are arranged in a parallel plane.

The two chambers 56A and 56B are separated. For example, they may comprise a common flange, or they may be separated from each other by a separator, for example its geometry allows the two chambers to have a preferably converging profile.

The upstream edge of the first chamber 56A serves as an inlet section for the first inlet stream F1 and the upstream edge of the second chamber 56B serves as an inlet section for the second inlet stream F3 . The downstream edge of the first chamber 56A serves as an outlet section for the first outflow stream F2 of liquid propelled by the membrane M1 from F1, and the downstream edge of the second chamber 56B serves as an outlet section from F3 to the membrane. It serves as an outlet section for the second outlet stream F4 of liquid propelled by M2.

At the outlet, in order to provide the sum of the outlet streams F2 and F4 (greater than the sum of the inlet streams F1 and F3 of the incoming water), if possible in a synchronized manner, to the pulsations of the two membranes M1 and M2. thrust is generated by

Advantageously, a single actuator A1 connects the two membranes M1 and M2 aligned substantially in parallel along the same axis in each propelling chamber 56A, 56B.

As mentioned above, the vessel moving device 160 has an outlet section and has an increased thrust generated, in this case increasing proportionally to the number of propulsion chambers present, but even one actuator is sufficient to generate the thrust. .

10 shows a schematic diagram of a vessel moving device according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention.

The moving device 170 includes two propulsion chambers 57A and 57B of substantially constant profile, arranged in parallel and separated by a separator 32 , in which two actuators A1 and A2 are disposed. do.

Chamber 57A includes a flexible membrane M1 coupled to a first actuator A1 and chamber 57B includes a flexible membrane M2 coupled to a second actuator A2 .

At the outlet, a thrust is generated by the undulations of the two membranes M1 and M2, possibly in a synchronized manner, to provide the total outlet flow F2 (greater than the sum of the inlet flows F11 and F12). do.

Reference is made to the corresponding figures 11a, 11b and 11c of FIG. 11 which show a vessel moving device 180 according to an eleventh embodiment of the present invention.

In particular, each of Figures 11a, 11b and 11c shows a possible representation of a device 180 comprising a single propulsion chamber, a single flexible membrane M1 housed therein, and two actuators A1 and A2 connected to the same membrane. shows the mode of operation.

Here the flanges of the propulsion chamber 58 are arranged to provide a converging profile. Without limitation, this profile may be constant or divergent according to other possible variations.

According to an example, a first actuator A1 is connected to the flexible membrane M1 at a first attachment point P11 located near its leading edge, and a second actuator A2 near its trailing edge. It is connected to M1 at the second attachment point P21 located at .

In a case not shown, actuator A1 and actuator A2 may be one and the same actuator with different possible attachment points to membrane M1 .

In other cases, actuator A1 may be configured as part of actuator A2 and vice versa. In general, forward movement is promoted when more undulation force is applied to the leading edge of the membrane than to the leading edge of the membrane, and when more undulation force is applied to the trailing edge than the leading edge of the membrane, the reverse gear Suitable.

According to another case, the actuator on the upstream edge is the same as the actuator on the downstream edge, but can only actuate one edge at a time.

This allows a means to be provided for controlling the outflow flow F2 of the liquid propelled out of the chamber 58 , which follows the displacement of the liquid within the chamber 58 from the upstream edge to the downstream edge.

For example, FIG. 11A shows a “normal” mode of operation, wherein the membrane M1 is oscillated by alternating motion of the actuator A1 as previously described. When only actuator A1 undulates M1, a thrust is created from the upstream edge to the downstream edge to provide an outlet flow F2 that is greater than the inlet flow F1.

This figure also makes it possible to illustrate the "reverse propulsion" mode of operation, in which the membrane M1 oscillates only by the alternating motion of the actuator A2.

When actuator A1 is stationary and when actuator A2 is operating, the wave propagating into membrane M1 has a reversed propagation direction, which enables displacement of the liquid from the downstream edge to the upstream edge. . In fact, if only actuator A2 oscillates in M1, a thrust is created from the downstream edge to the upstream edge to provide an outflow flow in the opposite direction as indicated herein by F1 and F2 and greater than the inflow flow.

If only actuator A2 causes a undulation in membrane M1 , this causes the direction of displacement of the liquid in chamber 58 to be reversed so that the vessel containing device 180 moves in the direction of the device or of chamber 58 . It makes it possible to implement a reverse gear without the need to modify the direction of the upstream edge.

Thus, this provides an advantageous means of reversing thrust, especially for large vessels where the vessel's moving device may be very large and achieving its rotation may be much more difficult.

Furthermore, this makes it possible to illustrate a “synchronized” operating mode in which the two actuators A1 and A2 together contribute to causing a pulsation in the membrane M1 .

In addition, this makes it possible to provide for the motorization of the trailing edge of the flexible membrane M1, thus enabling the actuation of the two edges of the membrane to cause the undulation of the membrane to be conducive to a specific mode of movement. to limit the noise and vibration of the propulsion chamber or membrane, which may, for example, come into contact with the flange during undulation of the membrane.

Advantageously, these actuating means are also, for example, when the vessel comprising the device 180 moves forward, ie when the actuator A1 is in operation or even when the inlet flow F1 of liquid into the propulsion chamber is too high. It enables recovery of energy from the downstream edge of the membrane M1 that, even when large, has not been completely transferred to the liquid, and thus the membrane M1 cannot provide a larger effluent flow F2 due to its properties. This is the case, for example, for a sailing vessel at sea with the present mobile device or when a ship comprising the present mobile device navigates a waterway at a high flow velocity in the same direction.

11B shows actuators A1 and A2 to position membrane M1 along the flange of the propulsion chamber of device 180, for example by moving the leading edge and trailing edge of M1 closer to the same flange. shows the “zero propulsion” type of operation mode being used.

In this case, although this is not shown, a single actuator may be provided at position M1. Indeed, if the upstream actuator is positioned near the flange without the second actuator, the other edge of the membrane will naturally tend to be positioned towards the flange where the actuator is positioning. Therefore, the second actuator is not essential in this case.

In this case, no thrust is generated because the membrane M1 does not oscillate and is disposed away from the flow of liquid inside the chamber.

Advantageously, such a spaced arrangement allows the membrane to be moved towards the working flange as it undulates, thus allowing the membrane to be adjusted to a better fit operation.

It also enables the membrane to be properly lifted in order not to damage the membrane, for example to allow passage of solid objects present in the liquid, for example pebbles, pieces of plastic or pieces of material. Moreover, if the ship has a means of movement other than the present movement device, for example a sail or a heat engine, this mode of operation makes it possible to reduce and limit the drag force due to the membrane in the liquid.

Thus, it is possible to improve the durability of the membrane (and the moving device in general).

This allows the membrane M1 to be stretched without the use of attachment points or other tensioning means. The voltage can be adjusted, for example, by moving the actuator relative to the membrane. Furthermore, this makes it possible to limit the wave amplitude of the membrane M1 and/or to prevent the membrane M1 from abutting against the flange of the wall of the propulsion chamber 58 .

Figure 11c shows a “braking” type of mode of operation, where actuators A1 and A2 place the leading edge of M1 near a first flange and on the other flange of the propulsion chamber of device 180 , for example on the opposite side. It is used to place the trailing edge of the M1 along the flange.

This can provide active braking of the vessel, including the moving device, rather than using friction between the vessel and the liquid to reduce speed, which requires more time to stop the vessel. This braking is smoother because it simply increases drag.

In particular, this positioning can be implemented to block the flow of liquid in the chamber by means of M1, which closes the corresponding hydraulic circuit, such as a valve.

12 shows a schematic diagram of a mobile device according to a twelfth embodiment of the present invention;

In this case, the moving device 190 comprises a propulsion chamber 59 of converging profile, a flexible membrane M1 and an actuator A1 connected thereto.

The moving device 190 also includes three deflectors D11, D12 and D21. In particular, two of these deflectors D11 and D12 are disposed near the upstream edge of the chamber 59 and a third of these deflectors is disposed near the downstream edge of the chamber 59 . The deflectors D11 and D12 modify the direction of the inlet stream F1 , and the deflector D21 corrects the direction of the outlet stream F2 .

When the at least one deflector is disposed near the upstream edge, orientation of the deflector in a direction substantially parallel to the major axis of the propulsion chamber causes liquid to be directed towards the first inlet section of the chamber, which increases the inlet flow rate. increase

As a variant, a deflector disposed near the upstream edge and oriented in a direction substantially different from the major axis of the propulsion chamber prevents liquid from being directed towards the first inlet section of the chamber, which reduces the inlet flow rate.

When the at least one deflector is disposed near the downstream edge, it directs the liquid to the outlet of the propulsion chamber, which modifies the direction of the generated thrust.

A deflector is, for example, a rudder capable of being steered in all directions, which is preferably oriented about an axis transverse to the membrane to direct the direction of the liquid being propelled, or tilted and/or trimmed is oriented along a parallel axis to adjust

In order not to impede the flow of the fluid, the rudder may be next to the thruster rather than located within its flow. A deflector may also serve as a braking means, such as a wing or flap (or "foil"), to reduce or increase the drag of the vessel.

According to various examples not shown, the mobile device may include several horizontal and/or vertical deflectors. In particular, the moving device may comprise at least one deflector.

According to another example, the deflector may be disposed near the middle of the inlet or outlet section, or on either side of the inlet or outlet section.

According to another example, the wall of the pushing chamber can be oriented to direct the moving device in the liquid, the wall serving as a deflection wall.

13 shows a schematic diagram of a mobile device according to a thirteenth embodiment of the present invention;

In this case, the moving device 195 comprises a propulsion chamber 595 having a variable profile, formed by two flanges 19 and 29 . The variability of the profile of the propulsion chamber 595 is achieved due to the mobility of at least one flange (here flange 29 ).

The flexible membrane M1 is accommodated in the propelling chamber 595 and is connected to the actuator A1 by an attachment point P1 .

The moving device 195 further comprises a second actuator A2 connected to the flange 29 by an attachment point P20, the actuator A1 being further attached to this same flange 29 by an attachment point P10. connected The actuator A1 is thus connected to both the flexible membrane M1 and the flange 29 .

This allows adjustment of the spacing of the flanges to modify the volume of the propulsion chamber, allowing adjustment of the thrust, speed, direction or attitude of the vessel. Such adjustments can be performed manually without an actuator and/or even when stationary.

Advantageously, the volume modification of the propulsion chamber can be implemented in a synchronized manner with the undulation of the flexible membrane M1 . For example, the actuator A1 may also move the leading or trailing edge of the flexible membrane M1 simultaneously with the movement of the flange to which it is connected.

According to various examples, several actuators may also be synchronized to move the flange of the pushing chamber, which may or may not be simultaneous with pulsation of one or more membranes received in the pushing chamber.

According to an example not shown, the at least one flexible membrane and the at least one actuator are configured to generate energy from movement of the actuator by the flexible membrane.

In this case, the mobile device functions as an energy generating device, but its features nevertheless remain similar to the embodiments described above. However, here the actuator functions as an electricity generating device. A flexible membrane is disposed within the propulsion chamber of the energy generating device to function as an energy generating cavity, a flange of which delimits a duct for the flow of liquid moving between the upstream and downstream edges of the chamber.

Also, in this case, operation as an electricity generating device can be implemented automatically from a certain fluid flow rate or from a ship, for example at speeds greater than 5 knots.

Advantageously, during this phase of energy generation, the system may automatically adjust its orientation to achieve the maximum possible generation.

In operation, a first voltage is applied to the leading edge of the membrane M1 and a second voltage of different value is applied to the trailing edge of the membrane M1 . Under the influence of the voltage difference, the flow of water circulating in the chamber causes a wave in the membrane M1 and causes wave propagation of a velocity with a value dependent on the difference in voltage and resistance of the membrane M1 to the liquid flow. generate

Preferably, the membrane M1 is arranged in the diverging part of the chamber of the device. This part is shaped to coincide with the envelope of the amplitude of the wave during its propagation into the membrane M1. The mechanical properties of the membrane are preferably selected so that the wave propagation velocity is always lower than the velocity of the liquid passing through the chamber.

14 shows a perspective view of a ship according to another embodiment of the present invention.

In this case, the vessel 1000 is a boat including a semi-rigid hull 1100 and an outboard motor 1200 , that is, a motor located outside the hull 1100 .

In particular, the device 200 is attached to the rear of the vessel 1000 , preferably to a transom.

Advantageously, the propulsion chamber comprising the device can be arranged at various positions along the main axis of the vessel, for example along the axis of rotation, so that the thrust generated by all propulsion chambers moves the vessel in a straight line along this axis.

Here, the motor 1200 includes a moving device 200 corresponding to any of the previously described embodiments.

In particular, and when the vessel 1000 is on water, it is possible to arrange the motor 1200 so that, unlike the actuator, only the propulsion chamber(s) of the device 200 and the membrane(s) they contain are submerged in water. .

This motor may be steered by a rudder 1050 coupled to the moving device 200 and may be used manually or electronically. This allows relative rotation of the chamber with respect to the vessel, thus saving the means of actuation of the downstream edge by realizing a reverse gear, for example through full rotation of the motor.

Also, the relative height of the motor 1200 with respect to water may be adjusted. This makes it possible to avoid damage to the propulsion chamber(s) of the device 200 when the water is shallow or when the vessel 1000 arrives on a hard surface such as a beach.

According to an example not shown, the motor comprising the device 200 may be attached to the vessel 1000 by a flexible seal, for example a collar type seal.

This makes it possible to avoid transmission of vibrations to the vessel or at least to dampen vibrations generated by the engine.

This configuration provides a vessel that is simple, safe and does not require significant modifications to the hull to accommodate the mobile device.

15a and 15b respectively show a perspective view of a vessel including a moving device and a perspective view of such a moving device, according to another embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 15A , a ship 2000 is a boat including a rigid hull 2100 and an inboard motor 2200 which is an engine located inside the hull 2100 .

Motor 2200 includes a moving device 300 corresponding to any of the embodiments described above.

A first element 310 of the hull is configured as an upstream edge of the propulsion chamber of the apparatus 300 and a second element 320 of the hull is configured as a downstream edge of the propulsion chamber.

According to one example, at least one of the upstream or downstream edge of the propulsion chamber of the device 300 is immersed directly in the liquid used for propulsion. This is preferably the upstream edge to avoid any priming issues. In addition, both the upstream edge and the downstream edge are formed in the hull 2100 of the ship 2000 so that the inlet and the outlet of the propulsion chamber are located in the hull.

According to an example not shown, the hull of the ship may comprise a cant arranged such that the membrane and/or flange of the propulsion chamber is partially or wholly located inside the hull.

For example, the upstream edge of the propulsion chamber of the device 300 may be arranged not to be immersed directly in the liquid. However, device 300 may include a cavity immersed in a liquid used for propulsion, which cavity connects the propulsion chamber to the liquid.

Advantageously, this cavity can be filled with liquid when the vessel is launched, which improves the starting of the mobile device.

Advantageously, it is preferred that the downstream edge of the at least one propulsion chamber of the device is immersed and located at the rear of the vessel when the vessel has a preferential direction of movement in favor of optimal propulsion of the vessel.

According to one example, at least one edge of an upstream edge and a downstream edge of the propulsion chamber of the device 300 is connected to the liquid used for propulsion by a hydraulic circuit.

According to one example, the hull 2100 has at least one opening arranged to receive a hydraulic circuit. Preferably, this opening is located below the waterline of the vessel 2000 immersed in the liquid. In addition, these openings are also provided in the underwater hull of the vessel 2000 , on the underside, on the sides, for example forward, aft for a bow thruster, so that there are no problems with priming the apparatus 300 . , between two parts of its hull, or at an angle with its hull.

Advantageously, said opening can be located in the inlet section or the outlet section of the pushing chamber of the device 300 , the pushing chamber in which the membrane M1 is accommodated is located between the two and at least of the device 300 . One actuator is connected to this membrane by a sealing connection.

According to an example, the hydraulic circuit described above may be arranged to promote laminar flow of liquid in the moving device.

As a variant, the hydraulic circuit can be curved or bent, which saves space and simplifies the installation of mobile devices in the vessel.

15B shows a perspective view of the mobile device 300 .

The moving device 300 comprises a propulsion chamber 350 in which at least one membrane M1 is housed, said membrane being connected to two actuators A1 and A2 .

The propulsion chamber 350 has a parallelepiped geometry and is defined by two vertical rigid walls 301 and 302 and two horizontal rigid walls 310 and 320 .

In this case, the propulsion chamber 350 forms a sealed enclosure within the vessel 2000 . In particular, at least one rigid wall of this sealed enclosure serves as a flange for the propulsion chamber 350 .

According to one example, at least the horizontal wall 310 serves as the upper flange of the propulsion chamber 350 , and the horizontal wall 320 is the lower flange formed by the part attached to the vessel hull. Ideally, these parts are selected and arranged in such a way that they do not alter the rigidity of the assembly.

According to another example, other rigid walls may be used as top, bottom, or side flanges of the propulsion chamber 350 .

According to another example, the propulsion chamber 350 is arranged such that the membrane M1 accommodated therein has only one flange facing one of its sides, which may be the hull itself.

Without limitation, the membrane M1 and/or the propulsion chamber 350 may not have a rectangular (or parallelepiped) shape and may conform to the shape of the hull, which will be made to the vessel during installation of the moving device 300 . Allows you to limit any possible modifications.

The actuator A1 or A2 may be arranged to move the membrane M1 via a connecting pin A10 or A20 which passes through at least one wall, for example the wall 310 .

It is also possible for the at least one connecting pin to be provided with a seal, which can be, for example, an O-ring or a bellows.

Although the pushing chamber 350 may be a sealed chamber, the sealed chamber may be crossed by at least a portion of the hydraulic circuit comprising the membrane M1 . This configuration allows the actuator or part of its elements to be cooled by the liquid present in the chamber, such as for example power electronics in the case of an electric motor.

According to an example not shown, the mobile device 300 is located outside the at least one propulsion chamber and near its downstream edge and preferably outside the hull 2100 of the vessel 2000 or the hull of the vessel 1000 ( 1100) further comprising at least one bucket located outside the.

This bucket is preferably a part arranged to push liquid leaving the downstream edge through the exterior of the pushing chamber and back towards the upstream edge of the pushing chamber.

By discharging the outflow stream of liquid from downstream to upstream, it becomes possible to reverse the direction of the generated thrust and thus reverse movement of the vessel 2000 .

For example, the thrust generated when reversing displaces the fluid forward of the vessel, which is propelled in the same direction as the displacement of the fluid in the propulsion chamber. This may be implemented by actuating at least one membrane located near the downstream edge of the propulsion chamber.

It is also possible to provide a deformation in which the aforementioned propulsion chamber and/or bucket can be pivoted or rotated to modify the direction of the thrust generated by the moving device.

According to another example not shown, the membrane of the propulsion chamber or the moving device is arranged to be rotatable about an axis orthogonal to the direction of propulsion or flow of liquid in the chamber. This rotation may be carried out inside the hull.

Advantageously, this allows the direction of the thrust generated by the moving device to be modified.

According to an example not shown, the mobile device further comprises at least one noise reduction means or one mechanical damping means.

For example, the propulsion chamber(s) containing the moving device may be attached directly to the vessel by anti-vibration feet.

Anti-vibration feet enable improved sealing of the motor, for example when they have the form of a collar seal.

16A, 16B and 16C of Figure 16 show a mobile device 196 according to another embodiment.

As shown, FIGS. 16A , 16B , and 16C show a perspective view, a perspective cross-sectional view, and a schematic cross-sectional view, respectively, of the device 196 .

Preferably, the device is contained within a cowling, said cowling having, for example, an asymmetric NACA profile. An inlet stream F1 of liquid enters the device 196 via an upstream edge 51a and an outlet stream F2 is withdrawn from the device via a downstream edge 51b.

Device 196 comprises a propelling chamber, a membrane M1 housed therein, the membrane being oscillated by an actuator A1.

The actuator is advantageously located next to the membrane, or in the water upstream or downstream of the membrane.

In this example, the propulsion chamber has a tubular shape, and the membrane M1 has a disc shape.

With this configuration, the pressure can be reduced in the vicinity of the upstream edge 51a of the vessel, and the pressure can be increased in the vicinity of the downstream edge 51b of the vessel.

Also, this pressure is more optimally distributed around the membrane.

17A, 17B and 17C of FIG. 17 show a mobile device 197 according to another embodiment.

As shown, FIGS. 17A , 17B , and 17C show a perspective view, a perspective cross-sectional view, and a schematic cross-sectional view of the device 197 , respectively.

Device 197 comprises a propelling chamber, a membrane M1 housed therein, the membrane adapted to be oscillated by an actuator A1.

In this example, the membrane M1 is cylindrical. The membrane M1 surrounds the egg-shaped separator. Preferably, the pushing chamber is cylindrical.

Claims (11)

a first inlet section for liquid, referred to as upstream edges 50a; 51a; 52a; 56a; 57a, and a second outlet section for said liquid, referred to as downstream edges 50b; 51b; 52b; 56b; 57b; at least one propulsion chamber (50; 51; 52; 58; 59; 595) comprising;
at least one flexible membrane (M1; M2; M3) accommodated in said chamber; and
at least one actuator (A1; A2; A11, A12, A13, A21, A22, A23) configured to generate thrust of the vessel via undulation of the membrane between the upstream edge and the downstream edge; Vessel moving device (100, 110, 120, 125, 130, 135, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180, 190, 195, 196, 197, 200, 300), characterized in that.
The method of claim 1,
wherein the thrust is generated by waves of the membrane having a predetermined frequency and amplitude.
3. The method according to claim 1 or 2,
wherein said undulation comprises movement of at least one end of said membrane by said at least one actuator.
4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
the propulsion chamber comprising at least one volume;
Said volume is defined by at least one wall (301,302; 310,320) connecting said upstream edge and said downstream edge.
5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
A vessel moving device comprising at least two propulsion chambers arranged in series or in parallel.
6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
A vessel moving device, characterized in that a plurality of flexible membranes are accommodated in the same chamber.
7. The method of claim 6,
The two or more membranes housed in the same chamber have an angle substantially equal to 0°, an angle substantially equal to 90°, an angle substantially equal to 180°, an angle substantially equal to 270°, and an angle substantially equal to 360°. and causing a wave having a phase shift by an angle selected from the group comprising an angle substantially equal to a value divided by the number of membranes in the chamber.
8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
wherein the at least one flexible membrane and the at least one actuator are configured to generate energy from movement of the actuator by the flexible membrane.
9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
at least one of said upstream edge and said downstream edge comprises at least one liquid deflector (D11; D12; D21).
A vessel (1000; 2000) comprising a hull and a vessel moving device according to any one of claims 1 to 9.
11. The method of claim 10,
A watercraft according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least a first hull element is configured as an upstream edge of at least one propulsion chamber of the device and at least a second hull element is configured as a downstream edge of at least one propulsion chamber of the device.

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