A flap rotation structure for a suction sail

Abstract

This application relates to a flap rotation structure for a suction-type sail, comprising a cylinder, a suction device, flaps, and a first drive module and a second drive module with identical structures. The first and second drive modules adopt a synchronous drive mode, with one of them being the active drive; the other drive module is driven based on the force information of the flaps. The first drive module further includes a first drive gear, a first gear, and a second gear, which are fixedly connected via the same transmission shaft. The output shaft of the drive motor of the first drive module is fixedly connected to the first drive gear, and the first drive gear meshes with the first gear. A first flap gear is fixedly installed inside the flap, and the second gear meshes with the first flap gear. This application improves the structural strength of the suction-type flap sail, reduces the weight of the device, and increases the efficiency of the device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of suction-type flap sail technology, and in particular to a flap rotation structure for suction-type sails. Background Technology

[0002] In the marine industry, wind propulsion systems have become a hot topic due to their ability to achieve zero carbon emissions for ships. Among them, suction-type flap sails have gained widespread favor among shipowners due to their simple structure, low cost, and high efficiency. Suction-type flap sails mainly consist of a hull, flaps, and suction equipment. During operation, adjusting the position of the flaps and the angle between the hull and the wind direction allows the suction equipment to adsorb gas, creating a pressure difference and generating thrust that propels the ship forward, thus improving energy efficiency. The flaps need to be able to rotate around the hull within a certain angle range, and this rotation mechanism penetrates part of the hull, affecting the strength of the hull and the entire system. Because its operation is on a ship, in a variable and harsh marine environment, ensuring the reliability of the overall system's strength is crucial. Conventional flap installation and transmission methods can easily lead to a decrease in hull strength, requiring additional reinforcement devices, increasing the overall weight, and consequently affecting the efficiency of the wind propulsion system. Meanwhile, suction-type flap sails typically have an aspect ratio greater than 5, and their flap structure is a slender rod model. Modularizing and segmenting them would significantly increase the transmission structure, thereby weakening the overall longitudinal strength. Therefore, the flap transmission structure and method can be optimized to improve the operational efficiency of suction-type flap sails.

[0003] The suction-type flap sail requires the flaps to rotate within a certain range around the cylinder during operation, which presents two significant challenges. First, the flap's transmission structure is installed along the longitudinal height of the cylinder, requiring power to be transmitted from inside the cylinder to the outside. This can easily disrupt the structural continuity along the longitudinal height of the cylinder, affecting the overall structural strength and reliability. The flap transmission structure needs to be optimized to reduce its impact on the overall structural strength. Second, the flap's overall length is that of a slender rod, which is prone to deformation when driven to rotate. The flap rotation scheme needs to be optimized.

[0004] Therefore, we propose a flap rotation structure for suction-type sails. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In response to the shortcomings of the existing production technology, the applicant provides a flap rotation structure for a suction-type sail, thereby improving the structural strength of the suction-type flap sail, reducing the weight of the device, and increasing the efficiency of the device.

[0006] The technical solution adopted in this application is as follows: A flap rotation structure for a suction-type sail includes: cylindrical body; A suction device, installed inside the cylinder, is used to generate negative pressure; The flaps are located on the outside of the cylinder and can rotate around the cylinder's axis. The first and second drive modules have identical structures and adopt a synchronous drive mode. One of the first and second drive modules is actively driven, while the other of the first and second drive modules is driven according to the force information of the flap. The first drive module includes a first drive gear, a first gear, and a second gear. The first gear and the second gear are fixedly connected by the same transmission shaft. The drive motor, the first drive gear, and the first gear of the first drive module are installed inside the cylinder. The output shaft of the drive motor of the first drive module is fixedly connected to the first drive gear. The first drive gear meshes with the first gear. The cylinder is provided with a first opening at the second gear. Part of the tooth surface of the second gear passes through the first opening. A first flap gear is fixed inside the flap. The second gear meshes with the first flap gear.

[0007] Its further features are: The outer wall of the cylinder extends outward to form a first platform and a second platform. Each of the first and second platforms is equipped with a sliding guide rail, and a sliding slider is mounted on the sliding guide rail. The slider is fixedly connected to the flap.

[0008] The flaps have a slender airfoil structure, and the aspect ratio of the flaps ranges from 5 to 10.

[0009] The distance between the first drive module and the second drive module in the height direction of the cylinder is H1, and the overall height of the flap in the height direction of the cylinder is H, where H1≈2 / 3H.

[0010] The first flap gear and the second flap gear are both located on the outside of the cylinder, and the first flap gear and the second flap gear are respectively set on the first platform and the second platform.

[0011] The first flap gear and the second flap gear have tooth surfaces only within their rotation range.

[0012] The flap has a three-position rotation mode, which includes position I, position II and position III arranged in sequence. During the operation of the suction flap sail, the flap needs to rotate between position I on one side of the sail and position III on the other side. In addition, if the sail is not working, the flap needs to be kept in position II in the middle position.

[0013] Rotation limit devices are installed on the outer sides of positions I and III, and on both sides of position II, to ensure that the flaps can accurately move to the designated position when rotating.

[0014] The second drive module also includes a second drive gear, a third gear, and a fourth gear. The third gear and the fourth gear are fixedly connected by the same transmission shaft. The drive motor of the second drive module, the second drive gear, and the third gear are disposed inside the cylinder. The output shaft of the drive motor of the second drive module is fixedly connected to the second drive gear. The second drive gear meshes with the third gear. The cylinder is provided with a second opening at the fourth gear. Part of the tooth surface of the fourth gear passes through the second opening. A second flap gear is fixed inside the flap. The fourth gear meshes with the second flap gear.

[0015] The suction device includes a suction fan and an air duct.

[0016] The beneficial effects of this application are as follows: This application features a compact and reasonable structure, and is easy to operate. It solves the problem of flap rotation jamming that easily occurs in suction-type flap sails with an aspect ratio greater than 5 and less than 10 by using a synchronous drive method, reducing flap deformation. Simultaneously, the connection structure between the flap and the cylinder is located at the cylinder extension, employing a two-stage gear transmission to transmit the power source inside the cylinder to the flap, driving its movement. This method minimizes the size of the first and second openings of the cylinder, thereby improving overall structural strength, reducing the weight of the entire device, and enhancing energy efficiency. Furthermore, the two-stage transmission mode allows for more flexible changes to the transmission system structure, providing direction for cylinder structure optimization and leaving room for internal air passage optimization. Three positions are set in the flap rotation mode, and a limiting device is added to ensure that the flap moves to the accurate position during rotation. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall module of the suction-type flap sail of this application.

[0018] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the flap drive structure of this application.

[0019] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the gear transmission system of this application.

[0020] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the flap rotation positions in this application.

[0021] The components are: 1. Suction device; 2. Flap; 3. Cylinder; 4. First drive module; 5. Second drive module; 6. First platform; 7. Second platform; 8. First gear; 9. Second gear; 10. Third gear; 11. Fourth gear; 12. First flap gear; 13. Second flap gear; 14. First drive gear; 15. Second drive gear. Detailed Implementation

[0022] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of this application more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of this application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of this application. However, this application can be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar modifications without departing from the spirit of this application. Therefore, this application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0023] In the description of this application, it should be understood that if terms such as "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential" appear, these terms indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

[0024] Furthermore, where the terms "first" and "second" appear, these terms are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, where the term "multiple" appears, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0025] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise expressly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0026] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the use of descriptions such as "above" or "below" the second feature indicates that the first and second features are in direct contact or indirect contact via an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. Similarly, "below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0027] It should be noted that if an element is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intervening element. If an element is considered to be "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. If so, the terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used in this application are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.

[0028] like Figures 1-4 As shown, a flap rotation structure for a suction-type sail includes a suction device 1, a flap 2, a cylinder 3, a first drive module 4, and a second drive module 5.

[0029] The suction device 1 is installed inside the cylinder 3 to generate negative pressure; the flap 2 is located on the outside of the cylinder 3 and can rotate around the axis of the cylinder 3; the outer wall of the cylinder 3 extends outward with a first platform 6 and a second platform 7.

[0030] The cylinder 3 is cylindrical and is fixedly installed on the base.

[0031] Flaps 2 have a slender airfoil structure, and their aspect ratio ranges from 5 to 10.

[0032] In one embodiment, the suction device 1 includes a suction fan, air duct, etc., for creating negative pressure on the surface of the flap 2 to generate auxiliary thrust.

[0033] The first drive module 4 and the second drive module 5 have the same structure and are used to transmit the power of the drive motor to the flap 2, driving the flap 2 to rotate. The first drive module 4 and the second drive module 5 are arranged at intervals along the height direction of the cylinder 3.

[0034] The first drive module 4 and the second drive module 5 adopt a synchronous drive mode, with one of them being the active drive; the other is driven based on the force information of the flap 2. This approach can reduce the force deformation of the flap 2 during rotation and avoid the problem of jamming during flap 2 rotation.

[0035] The distance between the first drive module 4 and the second drive module 5 in the height direction of the cylinder 3 is H1, and the overall height of the flap 2 in the height direction of the cylinder 3 is H. H1≈2 / 3H, and the length of H1 is adjusted according to the actual structural design and strength verification.

[0036] The drive motors of the first drive module 4 and the second drive module 5 are installed inside the cylinder 3 for easy maintenance.

[0037] The first drive module 4 also includes a first drive gear 14, a first gear 8, and a second gear 9. The first gear 8 and the second gear 9 are fixedly connected via the same transmission shaft. The drive motor of the first drive module 4, the first drive gear 14, and the first gear 8 are disposed inside the cylinder 3. The output shaft of the drive motor of the first drive module 4 is fixedly connected to the first drive gear 14, and the first drive gear 14 meshes with the first gear 8. The cylinder 3 has a first opening at the second gear 9, and part of the tooth surface of the second gear 9 passes through the first opening. A first flap gear 12 is fixed inside the flap 2, and the second gear 9 meshes with the first flap gear 12. The first flap gear 12 drives the flap 2 to rotate.

[0038] Both the first platform 6 and the second platform 7 are equipped with sliding guide rails, and sliding sliders are provided on the sliding guide rails. The sliders are fixedly connected to the flaps 2. When the flaps 2 rotate, they drive the sliding sliders to move within the guide rails.

[0039] The second drive module 5 also includes a second drive gear 15, a third gear 10, and a fourth gear 11. The third gear 10 and the fourth gear 11 are fixedly connected through the same transmission shaft. The drive motor of the second drive module 5, the second drive gear 15, and the third gear 10 are arranged inside the cylinder 3. The output shaft of the drive motor of the second drive module 5 is fixedly connected to the second drive gear 15. The second drive gear 15 meshes with the third gear 10. The cylinder 3 is provided with a second opening at the fourth gear 11. Part of the tooth surface of the fourth gear 11 passes through the second opening. A second flap gear 13 is fixed inside the flap 2. The fourth gear 11 meshes with the second flap gear 13.

[0040] Both the first flap gear 12 and the second flap gear 13 are located on the outside of the cylinder 3. Only the sizes of the second gear 9 and the fourth gear 11 can affect the sizes of the first and second openings on the cylinder 3. The sizes of the second gear 9 and the fourth gear 11 can be optimized through the gear transmission system. With this structural arrangement, when the power unit is located inside the cylinder 3, the sizes of the first and second openings on the cylinder 3 can be minimized to the greatest extent, thereby improving the overall structural strength, reducing the weight of the entire equipment, and improving the energy-saving effect of the equipment.

[0041] In one embodiment, the first flap gear 12 and the second flap gear 13 are respectively disposed on the first platform 6 and the second platform 7.

[0042] In one embodiment, the first flap gear 12 and the second flap gear 13 have tooth surfaces only within their rotational range.

[0043] like Figure 3 As shown, the drive motor of the first drive module 4 drives the first drive gear 14 to rotate, the first drive gear 14 drives the first gear 8 to rotate, the first gear 8 drives the second gear 9 to rotate through the transmission shaft fixedly connected to the second gear 9, the second gear 9 drives the first flap gear 12 to rotate, and then drives the flap 2 to rotate. At the same time, the second drive module 5 drives according to the force information of the flap 2.

[0044] The two-stage transmission can effectively control and adjust the rotation speed of flap 2. At the same time, the gear size can be adjusted according to the internal space of the overall flap sail, flexibly changing the structure of the transmission system, providing a selectable direction for the optimization of the cylinder 3 structure, and also leaving room for the optimization of the overall internal air passage.

[0045] The flap 2 has three rotation modes, namely, position I, position II, and position III, arranged sequentially. For example... Figure 4 As shown, during the operation of the suction-type flap sail, flap 2 needs to rotate between position I on one side of the sail and position III on the other side. Furthermore, if the sail is not operating, flap 2 needs to remain in position II, the middle position. Therefore, a three-position operating mode is set in the flap rotation mode, with rotation limit devices installed on the outer sides of positions I and III, and on both sides of position II, to ensure that flap 2 can accurately move to the designated position during rotation.

[0046] The synchronous drive method solves the problem of flap 2 jamming during rotation in suction-type flap sails with an aspect ratio greater than 5 and less than 10, reducing the deformation of flap 2. Simultaneously, the connection structure between flap 2 and the cylinder 3 is located at the extension of the cylinder 3, using a two-stage gear transmission to transmit the power source inside the cylinder 3 to the flap 2, driving its movement. This method minimizes the size of the first and second openings of the cylinder 3, thereby improving overall structural strength, reducing the weight of the entire device, and enhancing energy efficiency. Furthermore, the two-stage transmission mode allows for more flexible changes to the transmission system structure, providing direction for optimizing the cylinder 3 structure and leaving room for optimizing the internal air passages. Three positions are set in the flap rotation mode, and a limiting device is added to ensure that flap 2 moves to the accurate position during rotation.

[0047] The above description is an explanation of this application and not a limitation thereof. The scope of this application is defined by the claims. Within the scope of protection of this application, any form of modification may be made.

Claims

1. A flap rotation structure for a sail of a wind turbine, characterized in that, include: Cylinder (3); A suction device (1) is installed inside the cylinder (3) to generate negative pressure; The flap (2) is located on the outside of the cylinder (3) and can rotate around the axis of the cylinder (3); The first drive module (4) and the second drive module (5) have the same structure. The first drive module (4) and the second drive module (5) adopt a synchronous drive mode. One of the first drive module (4) and the second drive module (5) is an active drive; the other of the first drive module (4) and the second drive module (5) is driven according to the force information of the flap (2). The first drive module (4) also includes a first drive gear (14), a first gear (8) and a second gear (9). The first gear (8) and the second gear (9) are fixedly connected through the same transmission shaft. The drive motor of the first drive module (4), the first drive gear (14) and the first gear (8) are set inside the cylinder (3). The output shaft of the drive motor of the first drive module (4) is fixedly connected to the first drive gear (14). The first drive gear (14) meshes with the first gear (8). The cylinder (3) has a first opening at the second gear (9). Part of the tooth surface of the second gear (9) passes through the first opening. The flap (2) has a first flap gear (12) fixed inside. The second gear (9) meshes with the first flap gear (12).

2. The flap rotation structure for a suction-type sail as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The outer wall of the cylinder (3) extends outward to form a first platform (6) and a second platform (7). Both the first platform (6) and the second platform (7) are provided with sliding guide rails, and sliding sliders are provided on the sliding guide rails. The sliders are fixedly connected to the flaps (2).

3. The flap rotation structure for a suction-type sail as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The flap (2) is a slender airfoil structure, and the aspect ratio of the flap (2) is in the range of 5-10.

4. The flap rotation structure for a suction-type sail as described in claim 3, characterized in that: The distance between the first drive module (4) and the second drive module (5) in the height direction of the cylinder (3) is H1, and the overall height of the flap (2) in the height direction of the cylinder (3) is H, H1≈2 / 3H.

5. The flap rotation structure for a suction-type sail as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The first flap gear (12) and the second flap gear (13) are both located outside the cylinder (3), and the first flap gear (12) and the second flap gear (13) are respectively set on the first platform (6) and the second platform (7).

6. The flap rotation structure for a suction-type sail as described in claim 5, characterized in that: The first flap gear (12) and the second flap gear (13) have tooth surfaces only within their rotation range.

7. The flap rotation structure for a suction-type sail as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The flap (2) has a three-position rotation mode. The flap (2) includes position I, position II and position III arranged in sequence. During the operation of the suction flap sail, the flap (2) needs to rotate between position I on one side of the sail and position III on the other side. In addition, if the sail is not working, the flap (2) needs to be kept in position II in the middle position.

8. The flap rotation structure for a suction-type sail as described in claim 7, characterized in that: Rotation limit devices are installed on the outside of gear I and gear III and on both sides of gear II to ensure that the flap (2) can be accurately moved to the designated position when it rotates.

9. The flap rotation structure for a suction-type sail as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The second drive module (5) also includes a second drive gear (15), a third gear (10) and a fourth gear (11). The third gear (10) and the fourth gear (11) are fixedly connected through the same transmission shaft. The drive motor of the second drive module (5), the second drive gear (15) and the third gear (10) are set inside the cylinder (3). The output shaft of the drive motor of the second drive module (5) is fixedly connected to the second drive gear (15). The second drive gear (15) meshes with the third gear (10). The cylinder (3) has a second opening at the fourth gear (11). Part of the tooth surface of the fourth gear (11) passes through the second opening. The flap (2) has a second flap gear (13) fixed inside. The fourth gear (11) meshes with the second flap gear (13).

10. The flap rotation structure for a suction-type sail as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The suction device (1) includes a suction fan and an air duct.

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