TRANSMISSION SYSTEM FOR MEMBRANE FLUID FLOW GENERATOR DEVICE

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for generating or recovering energy from fluid flow (100) arranged to move a fluid or recover energy from a fluid along a direction of movement (D), the device comprising: - a frame, - at least one planar membrane (11) arranged to set the fluid in motion, having an upstream edge (8) and a downstream edge (9), - at least one actuator setting the at least one membrane in motion or being actuated by the movement of at least one membrane, characterized in that the frame comprises an offset frame (15), and the device comprises at least one actuation system disposed in the offset frame and connected to at least one lateral end (81, 82) of the upstream edge of at least one membrane. Figure to be published with the abstract: Fig. 1

Description

Title of the invention: TRANSMISSION SYSTEM FOR A MEMBRANE FLUID FLOW GENERATOR DEVICE TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a mechanical transmission system for a device generating or recovering energy from fluidic flow with a membrane.

[0002] The device relates in particular to a fluid flow generator, or fluid flow energy recovery device, preferably with a hydraulic membrane, for example a hydraulic propeller, preferably intended for boats or vessels, a pump, a fan, a compressor, a mixer, or a hydrogenerator.

[0003] The invention relates more particularly to a hydraulic diaphragm thruster comprising a frame extending transversely to the direction of movement of the thruster and having a span at least as wide as the span of the planar diaphragm, and comprising an actuation system of at least one lateral end of the upstream edge of the diaphragm.

[0004] It is known from fluidic flow generating devices, in particular from hydraulic or aerodynamic flow generating devices.

[0005] However, he is thus keen to offer a simple, economical, ecological solution, allowing adjustment of power and / or flow rate and / or pressure, and offering a reduced footprint. SUBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0006] To this end, and according to a first aspect, the invention proposes a fluid flow generator device arranged to move a fluid or recover energy from a fluid along a direction of movement, the device comprising:

[0007] - a building, referred to as the main building,

[0008] - at least one membrane arranged to set the fluid in motion, presenting an upstream edge and a downstream edge,

[0009] - at least one actuator setting in motion at least one membrane or being powered by the movement of at least one membrane,

[0010] characterized in that the frame comprises an offset frame, and

[0011] the device includes at least one actuation system disposed in the offset frame and connected to at least one lateral end of the upstream edge of at least one membrane.

[0012] The fluidic flow generating device according to the invention has the following advantages: This design offers a compact footprint and allows for high-frequency back-and-forth movement. Furthermore, it enables the creation of a fluid flow generator with low manufacturing and maintenance costs.

[0013] The device according to the invention provides an alternative embodiment to those known for membrane-based fluidic flow generating devices. Furthermore, it improves the guidance of at least one membrane during the initiation of the oscillation or undulation movement.

[0014] For the purposes of the foregoing and the remainder of the description, a planar membrane is understood to be a membrane extending in a geometric plane, particularly when the membrane is at rest. Preferably, the membrane has the form of a sheet exhibiting elastic properties that allow it to be curved in order to produce successive undulations and / or oscillations.

[0015] Regardless of the shape, a membrane is understood to be a part comprising at least one soft or flexible or deformable part arranged to produce one or more undulations and / or oscillations.

[0016] For the purposes of the above and for the remainder of the description, the direction of movement means the direction of movement of the fluid, in particular when the device is static during its operation, or the direction of movement of the device, in particular when the device is mobile during its operation.

[0017] For the purposes of the foregoing and the remainder of the description, the term "fluid" means a liquid or gaseous medium, homogeneous or non-homogeneous, uncharged or charged, for example with fluidizable materials such as powder, foam or granules...

[0018] According to different embodiments of at least one membrane that can be combined with each other:

[0019] - at least one membrane extends parallel to the direction of movement;

[0020] - according to an embodiment preferably in a substantially horizontal manner;

[0021] - according to another embodiment, preferably in a substantially vertical manner;

[0022] - at least one membrane comprises at least one polygonal-shaped membrane, preferably rectangular, or triangular, or trapezoidal, or hexagonal, preferably planar.

[0023] For the purposes of the above and for the remainder of the description, the actuation system may also be referred to as the transmission system.

[0024] According to various improvements that can be combined with each other and with the preceding embodiments, the device may include one or more of the following features:

[0025] - at least one actuation system is located at one end of the offset frame;

[0026] - at least one actuation system is located beyond the lateral edge of the minus a membrane;

[0027] - preferably, at least one membrane undulates or oscillates along its direction longitudinal which is parallel to the direction of movement of the fluid and / or device, in particular from the upstream edge to the downstream edge or from the downstream edge to the upstream edge;

[0028] - at least one membrane has a width extending in a direction transverse to the direction of movement;

[0029] - preferably the offset frame extends in the transverse direction by a distance at least equal to the width of at least one membrane, preferably a distance measured along the upstream edge of the membrane;

[0030] - according to one embodiment, at least one actuation system comprises at minus one gripping piece of at least one membrane which is located directly above the lateral end of the upstream edge;

[0031] - preferably at least one gripping piece extends into the offset frame;

[0032] - the offset frame comprises at least one side extending along the lateral edge of at least one membrane, preferably extending from one end of said offset frame;

[0033] - preferably the offset frame comprises two sides, each arranged at a transverse end of said frame and arranged along a lateral edge of at least one membrane, so as to delimit the span of at least one membrane;

[0034] - the offset frame forms a flange opposite at least one membrane, said flaccid extending parallel to at least one membrane;

[0035] - in particular, the flange is a wall opposite at least one membrane, the the flask cooperates with at least one membrane in order to locally pressurize the fluid present in order to produce a local increase in flow rate and / or pressure relative to the surrounding environment;

[0036] - preferably the offset frame has a flat shape and extends substantially horizontally, in particular between two lateral flanks which preferably extend vertically;

[0037] - according to one embodiment, the device comprises at least one membrane planar in particular in combination with at least one flank;

[0038] - according to one embodiment, the offset frame has a wing-shaped profile of an aircraft, or a profile exhibiting symmetry with respect to a horizontal and / or vertical geometric plane, preferably exhibiting a curved or extrados half-profile;

[0039] - preferably, the offset frame extends parallel, preferably vertically, or transversely, preferably horizontally, to the direction of movement;

[0040] - according to one embodiment, the offset frame is arranged substantially horizontally its longitudinal length is substantially parallel to the direction of movement of the device during operation;

[0041] - according to another embodiment, the offset frame is arranged substantially vertically its length is substantially perpendicular to the direction of movement of the device or the fluid in operation of the device;

[0042] - at least one actuator is configured to set in translational motion alternatively, said membrane from an upstream edge, the movement of the membrane setting in motion the fluid surrounding it;

[0043] - according to a family of embodiments of at least one actuator, the at least an actuator performs a rotary motion;

[0044] - at least one actuator is chosen from the following list of actuators: a turbine, or a heat engine, preferably piston-type, or an electric motor, or a mechanical motor or a combination thereof;

[0045] - at least one actuation system comprises at least one system of rotary / linear mechanical conversion arranged between at least one actuator and at least one diaphragm;

[0046] - at least one actuation system is chosen from the following list of systems : a connecting rod / crank system, or a sliding / crank system, or a connecting rod system coupled to a chain or belt, or a cam system, or a pinion / rack system(s), or a worm gear system, or a crankshaft system, or a crown gear and satellite gear system, or a combination thereof;

[0047] - the device further comprises at least one offset system between at least one actuator and at least one membrane, this characteristic allows the main frame to be moved away from the offset frame carrying the actuation system;

[0048] - preferably between at least one actuator and at least one system of rotary / linear mechanical conversion;

[0049] - according to a particular embodiment, the device comprises a single actuator, a membrane and in which at least one actuation system comprises at least two connecting rod / crank systems or cam systems, each disposed at one end of the offset frame, and each system being connected to one end of the upstream edge of the membrane;

[0050] - according to a particular embodiment, the device comprises a single actuator, at least two membranes and in which at least one actuation system comprises at least two connecting rod / crank systems or cam systems, each disposed at one end of the offset frame;

[0051] - according to a particular embodiment, the device comprises a single actuator, at least two membranes and in which at least one rotary / linear mechanical conversion system comprises at least two connecting rod / crank systems or cam systems, each disposed at one end of the offset frame;

[0052] - preferably in the case of two membranes arranged on either side of the frame offset, the connecting rod / crank system includes a crank and two connecting rods linked to the same crank;

[0053] - preferably in the case of two membranes arranged on either side of the frame of offset, the cam system(s) includes two cams and two actuating rods set in motion by the same system;

[0054] - according to an alternative embodiment of the connecting rod / crank system above, it can be provided a crank, a connecting rod and two compass-shaped return pieces connected to the connecting rod by a proximal end, the distal end of a return piece being connected to a lateral end of the upstream edge of a membrane;

[0055] - according to one embodiment, the device comprises two planar membranes separated from each other by the offset frame, preferably the offset frame has two flanges, each flange being opposite a membrane;

[0056] - according to another family of embodiments of at least one actuator, the at least one actuator is the actuation system, the at least one actuator being a linear electric actuator;

[0057] - preferably the linear electric actuator is of the type disclosed in the application patent application number FR2106939;

[0058] - according to one embodiment the device further comprises a mast extending from the offset frame, preferably between the main frame and the offset frame, preferably the mast contains at least part of an offset system.

[0059] Preferably, at least one membrane may have the following characteristics

[0060] - Membrane shapes: rectangular, triangular, trapezoidal, hexagonal, cylindrical lindric, circular, elliptical, discoidal, tubular, or a combination thereof;

[0061] - Membrane materials: elastomer, rubber, polyurethane, TPU, EPDM, silicone, nitrile, PTFE, PFA, or even composite materials such as carbon fiber, or even plastics, or metals, or a combination thereof;

[0062] - Number of membranes: single membrane(s) or multiple membranes in series or in parallel, in phase or out of phase or in opposite phase to counteract imbalances, or a combination thereof.

[0063] Preferably the membrane used comprises elastomeric, plastic, metallic, or polymer materials, natural or non-natural.

[0064] The movement of the membrane is achieved by a displacement of one end in alternating translation.

[0065] For example, the membrane may be 2D or 3D, of the planar type, of the cylindrical type (e.g., discoidal or ovoid), of the polygonal type (e.g., rectangular or trapezoidal), and / or at least one 3D membrane of the tubular type. The at least one membrane, or the wall of the at least one membrane, may have a constant or variable thickness along at least one membrane or along the wall of at least one membrane.

[0066] Preferably, each membrane can have various shapes, for example polygonal, rectangular, triangular, hexagonal, trapezoidal, cylindrical, circular, elliptical, discoidal, tubular. According to alternative embodiments, at least one membrane can have a circumference with at least one straight portion and at least one curved portion.

[0067] Each membrane is composed of one or more specific materials, for example marine, food-grade, biocompatible, or hydrocarbon materials. For example, each membrane comprises one or more of the following materials: elastomer, rubber, polyurethane, TPU, EPDM, silicone, PTFE, nitrile, carbon fiber, or even plastics or metals.

[0068] Preferably, the device may comprise several membranes. This feature makes it possible to increase the thrust or velocity generated by the device without increasing its dimensions. If these membranes operate in opposite phase, this also helps to counteract imbalances.

[0069] Each membrane is arranged to be moved in a rectilinear and alternating translational manner. Each membrane is designed to oscillate or undulate with a predetermined frequency and amplitude. In one embodiment, at least one membrane is set in motion by at least one element connected to one end of the membrane. In another embodiment, at least one membrane is set in motion by at least one element connected to a peripheral edge of the membrane.

[0070] Preferably, at least one membrane has the following characteristics:

[0071] - Shore A hardness of 50 to 90 ShA,

[0072] - thickness from 0.5 mm to 10 mm,

[0073] These characteristics allow an angular deflection of 5° to 25°.

[0074] According to other aspects of the invention, it may be provided that:

[0075] - a hydraulic propulsion system for the propulsion of a watercraft, characterized in this that it includes a fluidic flow generating device according to one or more of the characteristics of the first aspect;

[0076] - a hydrogenerator characterized in that it comprises a generating device energy from a fluidic flow according to one or more of the characteristics of the first aspect;

[0077] - a pump characterized in that it comprises a flow-generating device fluidic according to one or more of the characteristics of the first aspect;

[0078] - a compressor characterized in that it comprises a flow-generating device fluidic according to one or more of the characteristics of the first aspect;

[0079] - a fan characterized in that it comprises a flow-generating device fluidic according to one or more of the characteristics of the first aspect;

[0080] - a watercraft comprising a hydraulic propulsion system according to one of the following aspects- above, and at least one actuator arranged to set in motion at least one membrane being disposed in the watercraft, in particular within the hull of said craft. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0081] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the detailed description of the invention which follows with reference to the accompanying figures and in which:

[0082] [Fig. 1] The [Fig. 1] is a perspective and schematic view of an offset frame also performing a flange function for two membranes arranged above and below said frame according to an embodiment of the invention, in which it has an aircraft wing profile and includes two sides so as to laterally surround the two membranes;

[0083] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a side view of an offset frame conforming to [Fig.1] without the side so as to visualize the rotary / linear mechanical conversion system it contains, in particular a crank and double connecting rod system;

[0084] [Fig.3] The [Fig.3] is a side view of an offset frame conforming to the [Fig.1] without the side so as to visualize the rotary / linear mechanical conversion system it contains, in particular a double cam system and two linear actuating rods;

[0085] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is a side view of an offset frame conforming to [Fig.1] without the side so as to visualize the rotary / linear mechanical conversion system it contains, in particular a connecting rod / crank system and two compass-shaped return pieces;

[0086] [Fig.5] Fig.5 shows several embodiments of assemblies of a motorized watercraft connected to a hydraulic undulating diaphragm propeller under said craft, Figure 5a showing a craft having a horizontal drive shaft, Figure 5b showing a craft having a drive shaft inclined downwards, Figure 5c showing a craft having a vertical drive shaft;

[0087] [Fig. 6] [Fig. 6] shows another embodiment of a mechanical conversion system comprising a gear arrangement and connecting rod / crank systems and gripping means, Figure 6a representing a position of the conversion system in which the gripping means are extended or retracted, or said to be high, Figure 6b representing a position in which the gripping means are retracted, or said to be low, Figure 6c representing the positions of Figures 6a and 6b superimposed;

[0088] [Fig.7] [Fig.7] shows another embodiment of a conversion system mechanical comprising an arrangement of gears and connecting rod / crank systems and gripping means, Figure 7a representing a position of the conversion system in which the gripping means are deployed or spread apart, or said high, Figure 7b representing a position in which the gripping means are gathered, or said low, Figure 7c representing the positions of Figures 7a and 7b superimposed;

[0089] [Fig.8] [Fig.8] shows another embodiment of a mechanical conversion system comprising a cam arrangement, Figure 8a representing a position of the conversion system in which the gripping means are deployed or spread apart, or said high, Figure 8b representing a position in which the gripping means are gathered, or said low, Figure 8c representing the positions of Figures 8a and 8b superimposed;

[0090] [Fig.9] [Fig.9] shows another embodiment of a conversion system mechanical system including a gear arrangement;

[0091] [Fig. 10] [Fig. 10] shows another embodiment of a fluidic flow generating device in which the offset frame extends vertically;

[0092] [Fig. 11] The [Fig. 11] shows yet another embodiment and side view of a fluidic flow generating device in which the offset frame extends vertically, comprising a rectangular flange disposed between two horizontal sides, a mechanical conversion mechanism seen partially, and arranged to cooperate with two membranes, one membrane on either side of the flange;

[0093] [Fig. 12] [Fig. 12] is a perspective view of the device conforming to [Fig. 11];

[0094] [Fig.13] [Fig.13] is a perspective view of the device conforming to [Fig.12], without a horizontal side;

[0095] [Fig. 14] [Fig. 14] shows a perspective view of a fluidic flow generating device according to Figures 11 to 13, comprising a rectangular-shaped membrane on each side of the flange and connected to a partially seen mechanical conversion mechanism, one conversion mechanism being disposed at least in part in an upper horizontal flank and being connected to an upstream end of the associated membrane, and another conversion mechanism being disposed at least in part in a lower horizontal flank and being connected to the upstream end of the associated membrane;

[0096] [Fig. 15] [Fig. 15] is a profile view of the device conforming to [Fig. 14];

[0097] [Fig. 16] [Fig. 16] is a front view of the device conforming to [Fig. 14], showing in particular the two membranes in a curved position due to the action of mechanical conversion mechanisms generating waves propagating through the membrane movements.

[0098] For clarity, identical or similar elements of the different embodiments are identified by identical reference numerals throughout the figures. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0099] According to the embodiment represented by [Fig.1], the fluidic flow generating device is, according to the embodiment represented, a hydraulic diaphragm thruster 100 comprising a mast connecting a displacement frame 15 and two planar diaphragms 11 arranged on either side of the displacement frame.

[0100] The hydraulic thruster is intended to be connected to the hull of a boat. The offset frame is intended to be submerged during operation and is arranged so that the longitudinal direction of the diaphragm is parallel to the direction of movement of the fluid or the boat.

[0101] According to the embodiment shown, the offset frame 15 extends transversely, and substantially horizontally, in the direction of travel from the mast attachment point. The offset frame extends transversely on either side of the mast end. The offset frame has the shape of a curved or convex wing on both its upper and lower sides, extending primarily in a horizontal geometric plane, particularly when the device is in operation, so as to form a central wing portion.

[0102] The offset frame further comprises two sides 14 defining the lateral sides of the central wing portion. Each side is located at one lateral end of the central wing portion. Each side extends substantially perpendicularly to the central wing portion, preferably substantially vertically, particularly when the device is in operation. Preferably, in a vertical direction, each side extends on either side of the central wing portion, above the upper side and below the lower side, so as to define the span of each membrane.

[0103] The offset frame contains at least one actuation system from the actuator to the membrane gripping elements, particularly in the central wing portion and in the sides. In particular, at least one membrane gripping element extends from a side 14 and is connected to a lateral end 81, 82 of the upstream edge 8 of the membrane 11 (see inset, but the element is not visible). Preferably, each lateral end of the upstream edge of the two membranes is connected to a respective gripping element.

[0104] According to one embodiment, the device comprises:

[0105] - a rotary actuator disposed in a main, exposed, non-visible frame,

[0106] - at least one offset shaft extending into the offset frame (illustrated by the dotted lines on the [Fig.l]),

[0107] - an offset means disposed between the main frame and the offset frame in order to transmit the rotary motion, for example a mast shaft connected on one side to the actuator and on the other side to the offset shaft via gears or splines to form a right-angle drive, the offset means being housed in the mast (illustrated by the dotted lines on [Fig.1]),

[0108] - a rotary / linear mechanical conversion system, for example of the connecting rod / type crank connected to a rod guided in translation by the offset frame or of the cam type.

[0109] According to an embodiment shown in [Fig.2], the rotary / linear mechanical conversion system is a connecting rod / crank system 150 arranged to move two membranes.

[0110] Preferably, the device comprises two conversion systems: one per side 14. For the remainder of the description, only one system will be described.

[0111] The connecting rod / crank system 150 comprises a crank 153 connected to a rotating offset shaft inside the offset frame. The crank 153 is disc-shaped. The system 150 comprises two connecting rods 152, one end of which is connected to the crank and the opposite end to a gripping piece 151. According to the embodiment shown, the crank end of each connecting rod is located on the periphery of the crank. The crank ends of the two connecting rods are diametrically opposed so that the diaphragms are set in motion out of phase. Finally, the system comprises two gripping pieces 151 guided in translation relative to the offset frame, each disposed between a connecting rod 152 and a lateral end 81 of an upstream edge 8 of a diaphragm 11.

[0112] With reference to [Fig.3], another type of conversion system is proposed comprising a cam system 160. This system includes a double opposed cam wheel 163 in place of the crank 153, and two actuating rods 161 guided in translation relative to the offset frame.

[0113] With reference to [Fig. 4], an alternative embodiment of the conversion system 170 is proposed, comprising two compass-shaped return pieces 174. The rotary / linear mechanical conversion system includes a crank 173 connected to a rotating offset shaft inside the offset frame. The crank 173 is disc-shaped. The system 170 includes a connecting rod 172, one end of which is connected to the crank and the opposite end to two return pieces 174. According to the embodiment shown, the crank end of the connecting rod 172 is located on the periphery of the crank 173. The return pieces 174 are arranged symmetrically with respect to a horizontal geometric plane passing through the offset frame. Each return piece comprises two arms, a connecting rod arm and a gripping arm. Preferably, the two arms are connected to a The connection point is arranged so as to form a non-zero angle with respect to each other, for example, an angle between 45 and 135 degrees. According to the embodiment shown, the connection point of the guide piece is connected, by a pivot mechanical linkage with an axis parallel to the transverse direction of the offset frame, to the offset frame 15. This arrangement allows for a vertical reciprocating movement of the gripping end of the gripping arm. The arrangement of the guide pieces 174 allows the membranes to move in opposite phases. Finally, the system includes two gripping pieces 171 guided in translation relative to the offset frame 15, each connected to a lateral end 81 of an upstream edge 8 of a membrane 11.

[0114] According to another family of embodiments illustrated in Figures 5a, 5b, and 5c, a hydraulic thruster with undulating diaphragm(s), as described above, can be added to an existing boat comprising an actuator 10 within its hull. This family of embodiments allows the use of the rotation output of an already integrated motor. The major difference compared to the previous family is the connection between the boat's actuator, replacing the actuator of the main frame of the hydraulic thruster, and the offset frame. With reference to Figure 5a, a horizontal connecting or offset shaft 101 can be provided. With reference to Figure 5b, an inclined connecting or offset shaft 101 can be provided between the boat's actuator 10 and the diaphragm device 100.With reference to figure 5c, a vertical connecting or offset shaft 101 can be provided between the boat actuator 10 and the diaphragm device 100, preferably without the need for a right-angle drive, in particular a horizontal one.

[0115] With reference to figures 6, 7, 8 and 9, various embodiments of rotary / linear mechanical conversion systems are proposed, arranged to move two membranes, preferably two planar membranes not shown.

[0116] With reference to Figures 6a, 6b, and 6c, a system is proposed comprising a gear 175 connected to an actuator. This gear 175 drives two conversion subsystems. In particular, the gear 175 rotates intermediate gears 173, each performing a crank function for one subsystem. Each crank 173 is connected to a connecting rod 172 by a pivot joint arranged on one face of a gear 173 and offset radially with respect to the axis of rotation of said intermediate gear 173. Each subsystem further comprises a return piece 174, the proximal end of which is connected to the connecting rod 172. The return piece 174 has a pivot axis fixed relative to the frame. The return piece further includes a gripping piece or part 171 which is connected to a membrane not shown by an end which in operation performs an alternating back-and-forth movement.

[0117] With reference to Figures 7a, 7b and 7c, a variant of a system of conversion which will be described by its differences with regard to figures 6a, 6b and 6c. Wheel 175 is coaxial with one of the wheels 173.

[0118] With reference to Figures 8a, 8b, and 8c, another embodiment of a conversion system is proposed, in particular two subsystems, each comprising a double-cam wheel 163a and 163b superimposed in place of the crank 173. The system further comprises two rods 176 fixedly mounted perpendicularly to each other, forming a right angle. Each free end of each rod is connected to a separate cam among the two cams of the double-cam wheel. Finally, a gripping piece 171 is fixedly connected to the right angle 176 at the fixing ends of the two rods of the right angle. This fixing point also corresponds to a geometric point through which passes a pivot axis of the gripping piece 171.

[0119] With reference to [Fig. 9], another embodiment of a conversion system is proposed, of the jigsaw type but comprising two actuating rods 198, each set in motion by a subsystem. A shaft 195 rotates a ring gear or toothed wheel 193, which sets the two subsystems in motion. Each subsystem comprises a pivot axis 194 fixed to a face of the toothed wheel 193. It further comprises a slide 192 connected to the pivot axis 194 by a pivot joint, said slide being arranged to translate horizontally in a groove 196 of an actuating rod support 191. Each support 191 is arranged to translate vertically relative to the guides 197.

[0120] According to another embodiment shown in [Fig. 10], which will be described by its differences from [Fig. 1], the offset frame is arranged in a substantially vertical plane and its longitudinal length extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of movement of the device or fluid in operation. The actuation and / or conversion system is the same.

[0121] In particular, the fluidic flow generating device includes a fluidic flow generating element 221 mounted pivotally with respect to the frame by means of a pivoting system (not visible) about a vertical axis PV.

[0122] Preferably, the pivoting system allows, in particular, for reversing with a hydraulic diaphragm thruster and for adjusting the trim of a watercraft equipped with said thruster. It can also allow for reducing the speed or slowing down the boat or said watercraft, or generally for slowing the flow rate.

[0123] The device comprises two membranes 222, each disposed on either side of said organ, the central part of which forms a flange. The flange is shaped like an airplane wing and has two flange surfaces, each flange surface forming a flange for the opposite membrane 222. According to the embodiment shown, each membrane has a generally rectangular shape.

[0124] According to yet another embodiment represented by figures 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16, which will be described by its differences from [Fig. 1], the offset frame is arranged in a substantially vertical plane and its longitudinal length extends in a direction substantially parallel to the direction of movement of the device or the fluid in operation.

[0125] The actuation and / or conversion system is the same, in particular of the type of figures 6 or 7 or 8. Preferably, the offset frame includes a rectangular flange 250 arranged to cooperate with at least one undulating membrane 222, see figures 14, 15 and 16, and includes two horizontal sides 14b of ovoid shape.

[0126] Preferably, the device comprises:

[0127] - a motor whose rotating shaft extends substantially vertically or s possibly perpendicular to the direction of movement or of the fluid, the motor being designed to remain out of the water during operation, this shaft being extended by an offset shaft 156, which can be connected via at least one gear to the gears 175 or 195 of the conversion systems described above,

[0128] - a conversion system, in particular chosen from one of the systems described above- above,

[0129] - a flange 250, one edge of which is vertical downstream of the offset shaft with respect to the direction of the movement of the device or fluid.

[0130] Preferably, the device comprises two vertical rectangular membranes, in particular operating in opposite phases.

Claims

Claims

1. Device for generating fluid flow or recovering energy from a fluid flow (100) arranged to move a fluid in a direction of movement (D), the device comprising: - a frame, - at least one membrane (11) arranged to set the fluid in motion, having an upstream edge (8) and a downstream edge (9), - at least one actuator setting the at least one membrane in motion or being actuated by the movement of the at least one membrane, characterized in that the frame comprises an offset frame (15), and the device comprises at least one actuation system (150, 160, 170) arranged in the offset frame and connected to at least one lateral end (81, 82) of the upstream edge of the at least one membrane.

2. Device according to claim 1, in which the at least one actuation system is located at one end of the offset frame.

3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one actuation system is located beyond the lateral edge of the at least one membrane.

4. Device according to one of the preceding claims, in which the at least one actuation system comprises at least one gripping part (151, 161, 171) of the membrane which is located directly above the lateral end of the upstream edge.

5. Device according to one of the preceding claims, in which the at least one actuation system comprises at least one rotary / linear mechanical conversion system (150, 160, 170) arranged between the at least one actuator and the at least one membrane, for example chosen from the following list of systems: a connecting rod / crank system, or a slide / crank system, or a connecting rod system coupled to a chain or a belt, or a cam system, or a pinion / rack system or a wheel and worm system, or a crankshaft system, or a crown and planetary pinion system or a combination thereof.

6. Device according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a single actuator, at least two membranes (11) and in which the at least one actuation system comprises at least two connecting rod / crank systems or cam systems, each arranged at one end

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

13.

14. of the offset frame. Device according to one of the preceding claims, in which the offset frame (15) comprises at least one flank (14) extending along the lateral edge of the at least one membrane, preferably extending from one end of said offset frame. Device according to one of the preceding claims, in which the offset frame forms a flange facing the at least one membrane, flange extending parallel to the at least one membrane. Device according to one of the preceding claims, comprising two membranes separated by the offset frame. Device according to one of the preceding claims, in which the offset frame extends parallel or transversely to the direction of movement. The device of claim 1, wherein the at least one actuator is the actuation system, the at least one actuator being a linear electric actuator. Hydraulic thruster for the propulsion of nautical craft characterized in that it comprises a flow generating device according to one of the preceding claims. Watercraft comprising a hydraulic thruster according to the preceding claim, and the at least one actuator (10) being arranged in the watercraft. Pump characterized in that it comprises a flow device according to one of claims 1 to 11.

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