Propulsion assembly for a marine vessel

Abstract

The invention relates to a propeller assembly (10) for a marine vessel (1), comprising a main body (12) comprising a duct (20) having a longitudinal axis (L) and a first end (20.1) and a second end (20.2), a support structure (14) for a propeller (16) comprising a propeller shaft (18) at the centre line of the duct (20), a propeller (16) positioned in the duct (20) and attached to the propeller shaft (18), wherein the propeller (16) comprises at least three blades (22) and a hub (24) supported to the shaft (18) and further comprises a circular rim (26) to which the radial tips (22') of the blades of the propeller are attached, wherein a circumferential slot (28) is provided which opens inside the duct between the first end (20.1) and the second end (20.2), the circular rim (26) being arranged to extend radially into said slot, and at least one gas inlet (30) arranged to open into the slot (28). The invention also relates to a transverse tunnel thruster and a steerable azimuth thruster provided with the propeller assembly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a propulsion assembly for marine vessels. Background Technology

[0002] Ocean-going vessels utilize various propulsion systems or units. The main propulsion unit, or multiple main propulsion units, is typically located at the stern. In addition to this main propulsion unit, ocean-going vessels usually require a separate steering propeller for safe and efficient port maneuvering. Steering propellers are typically fixed or azimuthal. Fixed propellers are arranged in a propeller tube extending laterally from one side of the hull to the opposite side. Therefore, fixed propellers can generate lateral forces on the vessel. Azimuthal propellers are supported so as to be able to rotate vertically relative to the hull, thus enabling the vessel to be steered in any selected direction.

[0003] Publication EP0306642B1 discloses a transverse thruster comprising a transverse thrust channel formed within a hull and including a tunnel tube, and the transmission housing disposed within the transverse thrust channel and having a propeller. EP0306642B1 teaches providing air exhaust openings formed in or at the walls of the tunnel tube at both ends. The purpose of this solution is to reduce noise during startup. The air exhaust openings are connected to an air compressor via at least one air supply pipe and are appropriately sized to form a finely distributed airflow.

[0004] EP3009342A1 discloses an electric transverse tunneling thruster driven by a motor arranged to the rim of a propeller. The thruster includes: a cylindrical housing open on both sides in its axial direction; a thruster body disposed inside the cylindrical housing; and a fairing duct detachably mounted to a corresponding side surface of the thruster body inside the housing. The thruster body includes an annular stator, an annular rotor disposed inside the stator, and propeller blades disposed on the inner circumferential surface of the rotor.

[0005] WO2018193149A1 discloses a propeller in which a nozzle duct is arranged around the propeller of the propeller. The nozzle duct is supported to the hub of the propeller by blades extending inwardly within the duct. A rim drive motor is provided for driving the propeller. The rim drive motor includes a rotor rim and a stator. The rotor rim is arranged on the outer periphery of the propeller, i.e., on the outer tip of the propeller blades. The rotor rim rotates in an annular groove extending radially outward from the inner surface of the nozzle.

[0006] While these may be advantageous, improvements are still needed in the operation of propulsion components for marine vessels. In particular, the object of the present invention is to improve the efficiency of such components and reduce noise levels. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The objectives of this invention can be substantially achieved.

[0008] A propulsion assembly for marine vessels according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: - A main body, the main body including a pipe having a longitudinal axis and a first end and a second end; - A support structure for the propeller, the support structure including a propeller shaft at the centerline of the pipe; - A propeller, positioned within the duct and attached to a propeller shaft, wherein the propeller includes at least three blades and a hub supported to the shaft, and the propeller further includes a circular rim, the radial ends of the propeller blades being attached to the circular rim, wherein... - A circumferential groove is provided, which opens inside the pipe between the first end and the second end, the circular rim is arranged to extend radially into the groove, and the propulsion assembly further includes at least one gas inlet arranged to lead to the groove.

[0009] Gas, preferably air, is introduced through the gas inlet, maintaining an air layer between the circular rim of the pipe and the groove. This air layer provides advantageous effects, such as minimizing frictional resistance on the outer wall of the rim and reducing noise.

[0010] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a space is radially arranged between the bottom of the groove and the outer surface of the rim, and the at least one gas inlet is arranged to lead to the space.

[0011] According to an embodiment of the invention, a gas inlet is arranged to open into the space at the lowest position of the space.

[0012] According to an embodiment of the invention, the groove is formed into the body as a horizontal recess from the inner wall of the pipe.

[0013] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the groove is formed to the body as a radially inwardly extending circumferential protrusion, and the circumferential protrusion is provided with the circumferential groove.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the protrusion includes a first fairing at a first side of the propeller and a second fairing at a second side of the propeller, with the groove between the fairings.

[0015] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the protrusion includes a first axial end and a second axial end. The outer diameter of the protrusion at the first end and the second end is substantially the same and equal to the inner diameter of the pipe. The inner diameter of the protrusion at the first axial end is substantially equal to the inner diameter of the pipe, and the inner diameter of the protrusion at its second axial end is smaller than the outer diameter of the circular rim.

[0016] According to an embodiment of the invention, the component includes at least four gas inlets arranged to lead to the slot.

[0017] According to an embodiment of the invention, the component includes one to four gas inlets arranged to lead to the slot.

[0018] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the component includes uniformly distributed gas inlets with an angle of 5 to 30 degrees between the gas inlets.

[0019] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the component includes a circumferentially extending gas pressurization chamber connected to the main body, the main body having a plurality of substantially uniformly distributed gas inlets arranged to lead to the slot.

[0020] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the gas pressurization chamber surrounds the pipeline.

[0021] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the propeller shaft is a driven shaft. The propeller shaft can be driven by a bevel gear connection device or by an electric motor that directly drives the shaft.

[0022] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the propeller shaft is a non-driven shaft.

[0023] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the propeller is provided with a rim drive.

[0024] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the propeller is provided with a mechanical rim drive.

[0025] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the propeller is provided with an electric motor, wherein the rim includes the rotor portion of the electric motor, and the main body of the duct is provided with the stator portion of the electric motor.

[0026] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the propulsion assembly is a transverse tunnel thruster, wherein the pipe of the propulsion assembly is a straight pipe.

[0027] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the propulsion assembly is an axial propulsion system, wherein the main body of the pipe of the propulsion assembly is rigidly attached to the hull of the vessel, and the shaft extends through the hull of the vessel via a stern tube.

[0028] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the propulsion assembly is a steerable azimuth thruster, wherein the body includes a nozzle duct, and the hub of the propeller is connected to the shaft in a support structure extending radially from the hub for rotatably connecting the azimuth thruster to a ship.

[0029] A transverse tunneling propulsion device for marine vessels according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: - A main body, the main body including a pipe having a longitudinal axis and a first end and a second end; - A support structure for the propeller, the support structure including a propeller shaft at the centerline of the pipe; - A propeller, positioned within the duct and attached to a propeller shaft, wherein the propeller includes at least three blades and a hub supported to the shaft, and the propeller further includes a circular rim, the radial ends of the propeller blades being attached to the circular rim, wherein... - A circumferential groove is provided, the circumferential groove opening inside the pipe between the first end and the second end, the circular rim being arranged to extend radially into the groove, and further... - At least one gas inlet is arranged to lead to the slot, wherein the conduit of the transverse tunnel thruster includes a straight pipe.

[0030] A directional thruster for a marine vessel, according to an embodiment of the present invention, comprises: - A main body, the main body including a pipe having a longitudinal axis and a first end and a second end; - A support structure for the propeller, the support structure including a propeller shaft at the centerline of the pipe; - A propeller, positioned within the duct and attached to a propeller shaft, wherein the propeller includes at least three blades and a hub supported to the shaft, and the propeller further includes a circular rim, the radial ends of the propeller blades being attached to the circular rim, wherein... - A circumferential groove is provided, the circumferential groove opening inside the pipe between the first end and the second end, the circular rim being arranged to extend radially into the groove, and further... - At least one gas inlet is arranged to lead to the slot, and wherein the body includes a nozzle pipe, and the hub of the propeller is connected to the shaft in a support structure that extends radially from the shaft for rotatably coupling the azimuth thruster to the ship.

[0031] This invention allows propellers to be designed with a high load at the blade tip, improving propeller efficiency and enabling smaller diameter tunnels. This has a positive impact on overall cost and lower ship drag, which in turn leads to fuel savings.

[0032] The exemplary embodiments of the invention presented in this patent application should not be construed as limiting the applicability of the appended claims. The verb "comprising" is used in this patent application as an open-ended limitation, which does not exclude the presence of features not listed. Features described in the dependent claims may be freely combined with each other unless expressly stated otherwise. Novel features considered characteristic of the invention are specifically set forth in the appended claims. Attached Figure Description

[0033] In the following description, the invention will be illustrated with reference to the accompanying exemplary schematic diagrams, wherein: Figure 1 A propulsion assembly for a marine vessel according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown; Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 Sectional view II-II; Figure 3 Details of a propulsion assembly for a marine vessel according to an embodiment of the present invention are shown; Figure 4 A propulsion assembly for a marine vessel according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown; Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of a propulsion assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown; Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of a propulsion assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown; Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of a propulsion assembly according to yet another embodiment of the present invention is shown, and Figure 8 A propulsion assembly for a marine vessel according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown in cross-section, and Figure 9 A propulsion assembly for a marine vessel is shown according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0034] Figure 1 A submersible propulsion assembly 10 for a marine vessel 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention is schematically shown. The propulsion assembly is a thruster assembly, and it includes a body 12, which in turn includes a conduit 20 through which water flows to generate thrust. This conduit may be referred to as a pipe or tunnel. The conduit 20 has a longitudinal axis L and a first end 20.1 and a second end 20.2. More precisely, Figure 1The propulsion assembly in this design is a transverse tunnel propulsion, in which case the pipe 20 is a straight pipe with a first diameter D1. Pipe 20 may also be referred to as a tunnel. The transverse tunnel propulsion is rigidly mounted to the hull of the vessel, typically inside the hull, such that the first end 20.1 and the second end 20.2 open to the surrounding water on opposite sides of the hull, i.e., it is mounted transversely to the longitudinal direction of the vessel. The propulsion assembly 10 includes a propeller 16 and a support structure 14 for the propeller 16. The support structure includes a propeller shaft 18 arranged at the centerline L of the pipe, to which the propeller 16 is attached. Depending on the practical implementation, the propeller shaft may be driven or undriven.

[0035] The propeller 16 includes at least three blades 22 and a hub 24 supported to a shaft 18. The propeller further includes a circular rim 26 attached to the radial ends 22' of the blades 22, and vice versa. The rim 26... Figure 1 The diagram shows a cylindrical rim portion with an axial length shorter than the propeller hub 24. The rim has a radially outer surface with a second diameter D2. This second diameter is smaller than the first diameter D1, allowing the propeller with the rim 26 to be easily assembled to and disassembled from the shaft 18. The rim is parallel to the hub 24 and has an equal radius at its axial ends. The rim reduces tip vortices generated by the propeller, reducing noise generation and also improving propeller efficiency.

[0036] The component 10 has a circumferential groove 28 on its inner surface, such that a circular rim 26 extends at least partially into the groove 28 in a radial direction. The circumferential groove 28 opens inside the pipe 20 between a first end 20.1 and a second end 20.2. The groove 28 has substantially radially extending sidewalls 28'. Similarly, the circular rim 26 has substantially radially extending sidewalls 26', with the sidewalls of the groove and the rim at least partially overlapping radially. Thus, the radially extending sidewalls 26', 28' form a radial gap between the groove 28 and the circular rim 26.

[0037] At least one gas inlet 30 is arranged to lead to the groove 28. A space is radially arranged between the bottom of the groove and the outer surface of the rim, and the at least one gas inlet is arranged to lead to this space. Gas, preferably air, is introduced through the gas inlet, such that an air layer is maintained between the conduit 20 and the circular rim 26 in the groove 28. The air layer provides advantageous effects, such as noise reduction and minimizing the frictional resistance of the outer wall of the rim 26.

[0038] A space is radially arranged between the bottom of the groove 28 and the radially outer surface of the rim 26, wherein at least one gas inlet 30 is arranged to lead to the space thus formed. The gas inlet may be arranged to the bottom wall of the groove 28.

[0039] exist Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the groove 28 is formed to the conduit 20 by two radially inwardly extending circumferential protrusions 32, the protrusions being arranged such that the first of the protrusions 32 is axially located on a first side of the rim 26, while the second of the protrusions 32 is axially located on a second side of the rim 26. The protrusions are annular portions, optionally formed from several parts. The protrusions 32 are detachably assembled to the conduit 20, allowing the propeller with the rim 26 to be easily assembled to and detached from the shaft 18. The propeller and protrusions are mounted such that the protrusion 32 behind the propeller (viewed from the first end 20.1 of the conduit, or on the first side of the support structure 14) is first mounted and attached to the conduit 20, then the propeller is attached to the shaft 18, and then the protrusion 32 is located in front of the propeller 16 (viewed from the first end 20.1 of the conduit). The protrusion 32 is a circular component, or a circular segment assembly with a cylindrical outer surface. The radially inner surface of the protrusion provides a smooth change in inner diameter between the first and second axial ends of the protrusion 32.

[0040] The protrusions are formed to provide a first fairing on the first side of propeller 24 and a second fairing on the second side of propeller 26. Thus, even though the outer diameter of the rim, i.e., the second diameter D2, is smaller than the inner diameter of the pipe 20, i.e., the first diameter D1, the propeller efficiency remains at a good level due to the radial protrusions 32 on both sides of the rim 26. Hydrodynamic efficiency is improved when the channels are arranged between the protrusions (which have fairings on the sides that come into contact with the water flow during use). The fairings smoothly bridge the radial gap / step between the inner surface of the pipe and the inner surface of the rim, which has a smaller diameter. The protrusion 32 has a first axial end and a second axial end. Its inner diameter at the first axial end is substantially equal to the first diameter D1. The outer diameter of the protrusion 32 is substantially equal at its first and second ends. The inner diameter of the protrusion 32 at its second axial end is smaller than the second diameter D2.

[0041] The protrusion is designed as a detachable assembly of at least two parts to enable the installation and removal of the propeller.

[0042] from Figure 2 It can be clearly seen in the middle ( Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 (Example shown in sectional view II-II) The assembly includes a plurality of gas inlets 30 in the wall of the pipe 20, the gas inlets 30 leading to a slot 28. Assembly 10 includes gas inlets 30 uniformly distributed in the pipe 20, with an angle A of 5-30 degrees between two adjacent gas inlets 30. Assembly 10 includes a circumferentially extending gas pressurization chamber 42 connected to a body 12, the body 12 having a plurality of substantially uniformly distributed gas inlets 30 arranged to lead to a slot 28 within the pipe 20. Figure 2As shown, the gas pressurization chamber advantageously surrounds the body 12 outside the pipe 20. The pressurization chamber 42 and the gas inlet 30 are connected to the pressurized air source 38 via a pipe 40 arranged between the pressurized air source 38 and the pressurization chamber 42 and a control valve system 43.

[0043] Depending on the circumstances, the propeller shaft can be a driven shaft, meaning the shaft is attached to the propeller so that torque and axial thrust can be transmitted from the propeller to the shaft. Additionally, the shaft may be connected to a prime mover, such as an electric motor or a hydraulic motor.

[0044] The propeller shaft can be undriven, meaning the shaft is attached to the propeller so that axial thrust can be transmitted from the propeller to the shaft. In this case, the propeller can be equipped with a rim drive and be rim-driven, for example, driven by an electric motor 31, which has a rotor portion arranged to the rim and a stator portion arranged to the body. This particular feature is... Figure 3 As shown in the figure, Figure 3 The details of the connection between the rotor portion 34 and the rim 26, and the connection between the stator portion 36 and the body 12, are schematically shown. The propeller can also be mechanically driven via a suitable gear system, belt, or chain. Furthermore, hydraulic or pneumatic transmission via the propeller rim is also a feasible alternative for operating the propeller.

[0045] Figure 4 A submersible propulsion assembly 10 for a marine vessel, according to an embodiment of the present invention, is schematically shown. The propulsion assembly includes a body 12, which in turn includes a conduit 20 through which water flows to generate thrust. The conduit 20 has a longitudinal axis and a first end 20.1 and a second end 20.2. More precisely, Figure 4 The propulsion assembly 10 is a steerable azimuth thruster, in which case the duct 20 is a nozzle duct. The propeller hub 24 is connected to a support structure 14, which extends radially from the hub, for rotatably connecting the steerable azimuth thruster to the vessel 1 about a vertical axis as indicated by arrow A. The propulsion assembly 10 includes a propeller 16 and a support structure 14 for the propeller 16.

[0046] exist Figure 4 In this embodiment, the groove is formed on the main body as a notch that is generally horizontally recessed from the inner wall of the pipe. In other words, in this embodiment, the radial inner wall of the rim is substantially flush with the wall of the pipe 20. The pressurization chamber 42 and the gas inlet 30 are connected to the pressurized air source 38 via a pipe 40 arranged between the pressurized air source 38 and the pressurization chamber 42, and a control valve system 43. In fact, in Figure 4 In the embodiments, the function of introducing gas corresponds to Figure 1 Their functions are interchangeable, and at least their main features are completely interchangeable.

[0047] Figure 5 by Figure 1 A cross-sectional view at section II-II in the figure discloses an embodiment of the invention. Component 10 includes a gas inlet 30 in the conduit 20, which is positioned to lead to the tank 26 at the lowest point of the conduit. The gas inlet 30 is connected to the pressurized air source 38 via a pipe 40 arranged between the pressurized air source 38 and the inlet 30, and a control valve system 43. This is the most direct way to introduce pressurized air into the tank.

[0048] Figure 6 by Figure 1 A cross-sectional view at section II-II in the diagram discloses an embodiment of the invention. Component 10 includes three gas inlets 30 in a conduit 20, one positioned at the lowest point of the conduit leading to a slot 26, while the others are equally distributed along the edges of the conduit. Each gas inlet 30 is connected to a pressurized air source 38 via a pipe 40 arranged between the inlet and a common pressurized air source 38, and a control valve system 43. This is in contrast to... Figure 5 Compared to the previous embodiment, the most direct way to introduce pressurized air into the tank is achieved through an improved gas introduction and distribution method.

[0049] Figure 7 by Figure 1 A cross-sectional view at section II-II in the diagram discloses an embodiment of the invention. Component 10 includes four gas inlets 30 in a conduit 20, one positioned at the lowest point of the conduit leading to a slot 26, while the others are equally distributed along the edges of the conduit. Each gas inlet 30 is connected to a pressurized air source 38 via a pipe 40 arranged between the inlet and a common pressurized air source 38, and a control valve system 43. This is in contrast to... Figure 6 This embodiment, compared to the most direct method of introducing pressurized air into the tank via improved gas introduction distribution, is suitable for applications requiring more than four gas inlets 30. Figure 2 The embodiment shown is considered the most feasible way to obtain air distribution into the tank.

[0050] Figure 8 A submersible propulsion assembly 10 for a marine vessel 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention is schematically shown. The propulsion assembly includes a conduit 20 through which water flows to generate thrust. The conduit 20 has a longitudinal axis L and a first end 20.1 and a second end 20.2. The conduit 20 is a straight pipe having a first diameter D1 at its second end 20.2, while the first end of the conduit has a diameter smaller than the first diameter. A rim 26 is present. Figure 8The image shows a cylinder with an axial length shorter than the propeller hub 24. The rim has a radially outer surface with a second diameter D2. This second diameter is smaller than the first diameter D1, allowing the propeller with the rim 26 to be easily assembled to and disassembled from the shaft 18 via the second end of the conduit 20.

[0051] exist Figure 8 In the illustrated embodiment, the groove 28 is formed to the pipe 20 by two radially inwardly extending circumferential protrusions 32, the protrusions being arranged such that the first of the protrusions 32 is axially located on a first side of the rim 26, while the second of the protrusions 32 is axially located on a second side of the rim 26.

[0052] It is worth noting that, due to the reduced diameter of the duct in front of propeller 22, the protrusion 32 is flush with the inner wall of the duct at its axial end furthest from the propeller. The protrusion is designed as a detachable assembly of at least two parts to allow for the installation and removal of the propeller. In other respects, Figure 8 The embodiments correspond to Figure 1 Examples of implementations.

[0053] Figure 9 A propulsion assembly 10 for a marine vessel according to an embodiment of the present invention is schematically shown. The propulsion assembly 10 is an axial propulsion system, wherein the body 12 of the propulsion assembly's pipe 20 is rigidly attached to the hull of the vessel 1, and the shaft 18 extends through the hull of the vessel 1 via a stern tube. The operation and features associated with the pipe 20, the trough 28, and the gas inlet 30 can be obtained from... Figures 1 to 8 As used in any of the embodiments shown. The rudder 8 is arranged to cooperate with the pipe 20 and the propeller 16 to achieve a steering effect for ship propulsion.

[0054] While the invention has been described herein by way of example in conjunction with embodiments now considered to be the most preferred, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but is intended to cover various combinations or modifications of the features of the described embodiments and to cover several other applications included within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Where such a combination is technically feasible, the details mentioned in any of the foregoing embodiments may be used in conjunction with another embodiment.

Claims

1. A propulsion assembly (10) for a marine vessel (1), the propulsion assembly comprising: - Body (12), the body includes a pipe (20) having a longitudinal axis (L) and a first end (20.1) and a second end (20.2); - A support structure (14) for the propeller (16), the support structure including a propeller shaft (18) at the centerline of the pipe (20). - A propeller (16), the propeller being positioned in the conduit (20) and attached to the propeller shaft (18), wherein the propeller (16) includes at least three blades (22) and a hub (24) supported to the shaft (18), and the propeller (16) further includes a circular rim (26), the radial ends (22') of the propeller blades being attached to the circular rim, wherein - A circumferential groove (28) is provided, which opens inside the pipe between the first end (20.1) and the second end (20.2), and the circular rim (26) is arranged to extend radially into the groove. The propeller is equipped with a rim drive. The propeller is equipped with an electric motor (31), the rim (26) includes the rotor portion (34) of the electric motor, and the main body (12) is equipped with the stator portion (36) of the electric motor (31). The component is characterized in that it further comprises: - At least one gas inlet (30) is arranged to lead to the tank (28).

2. The propulsion component according to claim 1, characterized in that, A space is arranged radially between the bottom of the groove (28) and the outer surface of the rim (26), and the at least one gas inlet (30) is arranged to lead to the space.

3. The propulsion component according to claim 2, characterized in that, A gas inlet (30) is arranged to open into the space at the lowest point of the space.

4. The propulsion assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The groove (28) is formed to the body by a radially inwardly extending circumferential protrusion (32), which forms the sidewall of the circumferential groove (28).

5. The propulsion assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that, The protrusion (32) includes a first fairing on a first side of the propeller (16) and a second fairing on a second side of the propeller, with the groove (28) between the fairings.

6. The propulsion assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that, The protrusion (32) includes a first axial end and a second axial end, and the inner diameter of the protrusion (32) at the first axial end is substantially equal to the inner diameter of the pipe (20), and the outer diameter of the protrusion (32) at its first end and second end is substantially equal to the inner diameter of the pipe (20), and the inner diameter of the protrusion (32) at its second axial end is smaller than the outer diameter of the circular rim (26).

7. The propulsion assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, One to four gas inlets (30) are arranged to lead to the slot (28).

8. The propulsion assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The component includes more than four gas inlets (30) arranged to lead to the slot (28).

9. The propulsion assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The component includes a circumferentially extending gas pressurization chamber (42) connected to the body (12), the body (12) having a plurality of substantially uniformly distributed gas inlets (30) arranged to lead to the slot (28).

10. The propulsion assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The component includes uniformly distributed gas inlets (30) with an angle (A) of 5 to 30 degrees between the gas inlets (30).

11. The propulsion assembly according to claim 9, characterized in that, The gas pressurization chamber (42) surrounds the pipe (20).

12. The propulsion assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The propeller shaft is a non-driven shaft.

13. The propulsion assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The groove (28) is formed into the pipe (20) as a horizontal recess from the inner wall of the pipe (20).

14. The propulsion assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The propulsion assembly is a transverse tunnel thruster, wherein the pipe (20) of the propulsion assembly is a straight pipe.

15. The propulsion assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The propulsion assembly is an axial propulsion system, wherein the main body (12) of the pipe (20) of the propulsion assembly is rigidly attached to the hull of the vessel (1), and the shaft (18) extends through the hull of the vessel (1) via a stern pipe.

16. The propulsion assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The propulsion assembly is a steerable azimuth thruster, wherein the body (12) includes a nozzle duct (20), and the hub of the propeller is connected to the shaft (18) in a support structure (14) that extends radially from the shaft (18) for rotatably connecting the azimuth thruster to the vessel (1).

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