SYSTEM FOR ASSISTANCE TO THE MOTORIZATION OF A WATERCRAFT

Abstract

The invention relates to an assistance system (100) for the motorization of a nautical vessel (1) extending in a longitudinal direction (L) comprising: - at least one flap (2), - at least one means (3) for converting mechanical energy into electrical energy, - at least one mechanical connection means (10) between the at least one flap and the at least one conversion means (3) allowing at least one pivoting movement of the at least one flap around an axis orthogonal (T) to the longitudinal direction, the at least one connection means (10) comprising at least one connecting rod / crank system (4) and at least one pivoting arm (51, 52, 53, 54) connected to the at least one connecting rod / crank system, to the at least one flap and at least one intermediate point (6) comprising at least one pivoting connection, the at least one intermediate point being located between the at least one system connecting rod / crank (4) and at least one flap. Figure to be published with the abstract: Fig. 1

Description

Title of the invention: SYSTEM FOR ASSISTANCE TO THE MOTORIZATION OF A WATERCRAFT

[0001] The present invention relates to a system for assisting the motorization of a nautical vessel.

[0002] The invention aims to propose a simple, compact, economical and easy-to-maintain solution. SUBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0003] To this end, and according to a first aspect, the invention proposes a system for assisting the motorization of a nautical vessel extending in a longitudinal direction comprising:

[0004] - at least one flap intended to be placed in a fluid,

[0005] - at least one means for converting mechanical energy into electrical energy comprising at least one rotating shaft,

[0006] - at least one mechanical connection means between the at least one shutter and the at least one at least one energy conversion means allowing at least one pivoting movement of the at least one flap around an axis orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the boat.

[0007] According to the invention, the at least one connection means comprises:

[0008] - at least one connecting rod / crank system comprising at least one connecting rod and at least a crank, and

[0009] - at least one pivot arm connected to the at least one connecting rod / crank system, the at least one flap and at least one intermediate point comprising at least one pivot connection, the at least one intermediate point being located between the at least one connecting rod / crank system and the at least one flap, so that the at least one arm pivots around the axis passing through the at least one intermediate point.

[0010] For the above and for the remainder of the description, the following terms are understood to mean:

[0011] - shutter, a structural element which can be rigid, allowing very little deflection formation, or flexible having elastic properties and allowing elastic deformation, the flap being able to have any shape, the flap having at least one wall arranged to cooperate with a fluid or be engaged with a fluid;

[0012] - membrane, a part extending in a geometric plane, in particular when the membrane is at rest, for example a planar membrane. Preferably, the membrane has the shape of a sheet having elastic properties allowing it to be curved so as to create undulations and / or successive oscillations. Regardless of the shape, membrane means a part comprising at least one flexible or deformable part arranged to produce one or more undulations and / or oscillations;

[0013] - longitudinal direction or flow direction, the direction of movement of the fluid flow generating device and / or the direction of movement of the fluid, in particular when said device is static during its operation, or the direction of movement of the device, in particular when the device is mobile during its operation;

[0014] - fluid, a liquid, gaseous, homogeneous or non-homogeneous, uncharged or loaded, for example, with fluidizable materials such as powder, foam or granules;

[0015] - intermediate point, a point or axis or area connected to a fixed point, in par in particular a frame, for example the frame of the assistance system or the hull of a boat, or the frame of one of the elements constituting one of the two aforementioned objects;

[0016] - connecting rod / crank system, a system known to those skilled in the art, making it possible to transform a rotational movement into a translational movement.

[0017] According to different embodiments of the motor assistance system, which may or may not be combinable with each other:

[0018] - the at least one energy conversion means is a rotating electrical machine arranged to operate in motor mode or in generator mode;

[0019] - the at least one energy conversion means comprising electronic means of electrical signal conversion;

[0020] - the at least one connecting rod / crank system is connected directly to the rotation shaft of the at least one conversion means, preferably the at least one connecting rod or at least one crank is mounted on the at least one rotation shaft;

[0021] - the at least one connecting rod / crank system comprises two cranks and two connecting rods, preferably arranged in parallel;

[0022] - the at least one connecting rod / crank system comprises means for adjusting the position of at least one pivot arm, also called the position of at least one flap;

[0023] - preferably, the adjustment means are arranged at one end of the at least a connecting rod, in particular opposite the end connected to the at least one crank;

[0024] - the at least one connecting rod has a generally arched or non-rectilinear shape;

[0025] - the at least one pivot arm is pivotally connected to the at least one connecting rod in a connecting rod point, at the at least one flap at a flap point and at an intermediate point located between the connecting rod point and the flap point, such that the at least one arm pivots around the axis passing through the at least one intermediate point;

[0026] - according to one embodiment, the system comprises at least one pair of two pivot arms, each pair of arms being connected to a connecting rod and a flap, to the at least one of the two arms of the couple being connected to the at least one intermediate point.

[0027] - preferably the two arms are spaced along the longitudinal direction;

[0028] - preferably the two arms have different lengths;

[0029] - preferably the system comprises at least two pivot arms arranged pa rallying and connected to each other by the pivot connection of the intermediate point;

[0030] - according to one embodiment the intermediate pivot connection is a shaft of pivot extending along an axis orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the boat;

[0031] - the intermediate point or the intermediate pivot connection if located halfway- length of the at least one pivot arm;

[0032] - according to an alternative embodiment, the system comprises two connecting rod / crank, two means for adjusting the flap position, each means being arranged at one end of a connecting rod extending each connecting rod and forming a non-zero angle with said connecting rod, four pivot arms, forming two pairs of arms, one arm of each pair being connected to an adjustment means and the other arm being connected to the junction between the connecting rod and the means for adjusting the flap position;

[0033] - in the case of a pair of longitudinally spaced pivot arms, at least a reinforcement rod can connect the arms of a couple;

[0034] - according to another embodiment, the at least one pivot arm is or corresponds to the at least one connecting rod and the system comprises at least one groove in which the at least one intermediate point slides;

[0035] - the system may comprise several components.

[0036] According to a second aspect, the invention proposes a boat or a nautical craft comprising an assistance system according to one or more of the characteristics of the first aspect.

[0037] Thus, the invention makes it possible to propose a motor assistance system for boats. The system can also be used to recover electrical energy from the pitching of the boat. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0038] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge from the detailed description of the invention which follows with reference to the appended figures and in which:

[0039] [Fig.l] [Fig.l] is a perspective view of a system for assisting the motorization of a nautical vessel according to one embodiment, in which said system comprises a motor / generator, a flap, connection means comprising two cranks, two connecting rods extended by flap inclination adjustment means, four pivot arms connected on the one hand to the connecting rods and on the other part of the shutter and two arms being connected to an intermediate pivot axis;

[0040] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a side view of a system according to [Fig.l], showing a substantially horizontal flap position;

[0041] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a rear view of a system according to Figures 1 and 2;

[0042] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is a side view of a system according to Figures 1 and 2, showing the flap in a pivoting phase in which the upstream edge of the flap is located just above the downstream edge;

[0043] [Fig.5] [Fig.5] is a side view of a system according to figures 1, 2 and 4, showing the flap in a pivoting phase in which the upstream edge of the flap is located above the downstream edge and oriented several angular degrees relative to the horizontal plane;

[0044] [Fig.6] [Fig.6] is a side view of a system according to figures 1, 2, 4 and 5, showing the flap in a pivoting phase in which the upstream edge of the flap is located above the downstream edge and oriented several angular degrees relative to the horizontal plane;

[0045] [Fig.7] [Fig.7] is a side view of a system according to figures 1, 2, 4 and 5, showing the flap in a pivoting phase in which the upstream edge of the flap is located below the downstream edge and oriented several angular degrees relative to the horizontal plane;

[0046] [Fig.8] Figures 4 to 8 are side views of a system according to [Fig.l], showing the system in different positions, [Fig.8] is a side view of a system according to figures 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, showing the flap in a pivoting phase in which the upstream edge of the flap is located below the downstream edge and oriented by several angular degrees relative to the horizontal plane;

[0047] [Fig.9] [Fig.9] is a perspective view of a system for assisting the motorization of a nautical vessel according to another embodiment, in which said system comprises a motor / generator, a flap, connection means comprising two cranks, two connecting rods, two pivot arms connected on the one hand to the connecting rods and on the other hand to the flap and the arms being connected to an intermediate groove;

[0048] [Fig. 10] [Fig. 10] is a side view of a system according to the preceding figure, showing a substantially horizontal flap position.

[0049] For clarity, identical or similar elements of the different embodiments are identified by identical reference signs throughout the figures. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0050] In relation to figures 1 to 8, a first embodiment of an assistance system 100 for the motorization of a nautical vessel 1 is described, preferably located at the stern of a vessel. According to a so-called generator mode of use, the assistance system allows the transformation of mechanical energy produced by the oscillation of the mechanical means of the assistance system, oscillation created by the pitching of the boat. According to another mode of use called motor, the assistance system allows the transformation of electrical energy into mechanical energy by oscillating the mechanical means becoming means of propulsion of said boat.

[0051] According to the embodiment described and with reference to figures 1, 2 and 3 the assistance system 100 comprises a flap 2 cooperating with the fluid which surrounds it, in particular flowing in the direction L corresponding to the longitudinal direction of the nautical craft equipped with said system. Preferably, the flap has a profile in the shape of an airplane wing. Preferably, the flap has a generally rectangular shape.

[0052] The assistance system comprises a rotating electrical machine 3 arranged to operate in motor mode or in generator mode. The frame of said machine is designed to be fixed to the hull of the boat. Similarly, according to the embodiment shown, the intermediate point 6 which will be described below is carried by a beam 61 designed to be fixed to the hull of the boat by fixing means 7.

[0053] The assistance system 100 comprises mechanical connection means 10 between the flap 2 and the rotating electrical machine 3 in order to transform the oscillating movements into rotational movements and vice versa. The mechanical connection means 10 comprise two connecting rod / crank systems 4 arranged in parallel comprising two cranks 41, 42 and two connecting rods 43, 44. The two cranks 41, 42 are connected directly to the rotation shaft of the rotating electrical machine 3. The cranks are arranged to operate synchronously. The two connecting rods 43, 44 each have a V shape. The two connecting rods each comprise means for adjusting the inclination of the flap 2. Each adjustment means is arranged at one end of a connecting rod. Each adjustment means has bores spaced from each other in order to insert a rotation shaft of a pivot arm. The bores are arranged at the end of the connecting rods 43, 44.

[0054] The mechanical connection means 10 comprise four pivot arms 51, 52, 53, 54 arranged between the connecting rod / crank systems and the flap 2. The pivot arms are arranged in pairs of two pivot arms spaced longitudinally in the direction L. There is the pair of arms 51, 53 connected to the connecting rod 43, called the port pair, and the pair of arms 52, 54 connected to the connecting rod 44, called the starboard pair. The ends of the arms 51, 52 are connected to the junction of the two branches of the V forming the connecting rods 43, 44. The ends of the arms 53, 54 are connected to the adjustment means 45, 46 or bores arranged at the ends of the connecting rods 43, 44. This arrangement makes it possible to promote or increase the angular movement of flap 2.

[0055] In order to enable the transformation of the oscillating movements, the assistance system comprises a beam 61. The arms 53 and 54 are connected to the beam 61 by a pivoting connection at an intermediate point 6 passing through an axis T orthogonal to the longitudinal direction, in particular by the same pivot shaft. The intermediate point is located between the connecting rod / crank systems 4 and the flap 2. Thanks to this intermediate pivoting connection, the arms 51, 52, 53, 54 pivot along orthogonal axes substantially parallel to each other. Similarly, the elements of the connecting rod / crank systems have pivoting axes substantially parallel to the orthogonal axes T shown in the figures.

[0056] Furthermore, the pivot arms 51, 52, 53, 54 are connected to the flap 2 by pivot connections along the orthogonal axis T. According to the embodiment shown, the pivot arms 51, 52, 53, 54 are connected near an edge, called the upstream edge of the flap 2.

[0057] Figures 4 to 8 illustrate the movements of both the shutter and the mechanical connecting means 10. To simplify the explanations, only one element among the cranks, connecting rods and a pair of arms are described. The crank 41 is arranged to pivot in an anti-clockwise direction. In relation to figures 4 and 5, the crank pushes on the connecting rod 43 and the arms 51, 53 pivot in a clockwise direction with respect to the intermediate point 6. Then with reference to [Fig.6], the crank 41 pulls on the connecting rod 43 so that the arms 51, 53 pivot in a counterclockwise direction with respect to the intermediate point 6. Then with reference to [Fig.7] and 8, the crank 41 pushes on the connecting rod 43 so that the arms 51, 53 pivot in a clockwise direction with respect to the intermediate point 6. In addition, the difference in length of the arms 51, 53 makes it possible to accentuate the inclination of the flap 2.Preferably, the difference in length is between 3% and 30% relative to each other, preferably between 5% and 20%, for example about 6%.

[0058] According to a second embodiment, described by its differences with respect to the first embodiment, the assistance system comprises two pivot arms 51, 52 connected to the non-visible connecting rod / crank systems. The system comprises a groove 62 in which the intermediate point 6 can translate and pivot. The arms are also connected by a pivot shaft. According to a particular feature, the groove 62 is made in the body of a rudder of the nautical vessel 1. Preferably, the dimensions of the groove or the dimensions of the window allowing the passage of the pivot shaft are chosen so as not to hinder the pivoting of the rudder.

[0059] Of course, the invention is not limited to the implementation mode(s) described and variant embodiments can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

Claims

Claims

1. Assistance system (100) for the motorization of a nautical vessel (1) extending in a longitudinal direction (L) comprising: - at least one flap (2) intended to be placed in a fluid, - at least one means (3) for converting mechanical energy into electrical energy comprising at least one rotation shaft, - at least one mechanical connection means (10) between the at least one flap and the at least one energy conversion means allowing at least one pivoting movement of the at least one flap around an axis orthogonal (T) to the longitudinal direction of the vessel, characterized in that the at least one connection means (10) comprises - at least one connecting rod / crank system (4) comprising at least one connecting rod (43, 44) and at least one crank (41, 42), and - at least one pivot arm (51, 52, 53, 54) connected to at least one connecting rod / crank system (4),at least one flap (2) and at least one intermediate point (6) comprising at least one pivot connection, the at least one intermediate point being located between the at least one connecting rod / crank system (4) and the at least one flap (2), so that the at least one arm (51, 52, 53, 54) pivots around the axis passing through the at least one intermediate point.,

2. Assistance system (100) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one energy conversion means is a rotating electrical machine arranged to operate in motor mode or in generator mode.

3. Assistance system (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one connecting rod / crank system (4) is connected directly to the rotation shaft of the at least one conversion means, preferably the at least one connecting rod is mounted on the at least one rotation shaft.

4. Assistance system (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one connecting rod / crank system comprises two cranks (41, 42) and two connecting rods (43, 44).

5. Assistance system (100) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the at least one connecting rod / crank system (4) comprises means (45, 46) for adjusting the position of the at least one pivot arm (51, 52, 53, 54).

6. Assistance system (100) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the at least one connecting rod (43, 44) has a generally arcuate, or non-rectilinear, shape.

7. Assistance system (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one pivot arm (51, 52, 53, 54) is pivotally connected to the at least one connecting rod at a connecting rod point, to the at least one flap at a flap point and at an intermediate point located between the connecting rod point and the flap point, such that the at least one arm pivots about the axis passing through the at least one intermediate point (6).

8. Assistance system (100) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one pair of two pivot arms (51, 52, 53, 54), each pair of arms being connected to a connecting rod and a flap, at least one of the two arms of the pair being connected to the at least one intermediate point (6).

9. Assistance system (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein the two arms (51, 52, 53, 54) are spaced along the longitudinal direction (L).

10. Assistance system (100) according to one of claims 8 or 9, in which the two arms have different lengths.

11. Assistance system (100) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the at least one pivot arm (51, 52, 53, 54) is the at least one connecting rod (43, 44) and the system comprises at least one groove (62) in which the at least one intermediate point (6) slides.

12. Watercraft (1) comprising an assistance system (100) according to one of the preceding claims.

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