Transmission system for a membrane device for generating a fluid flow

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (100) for generating a fluid flow or recovering energy from a fluid flow, arranged to move a fluid or recover energy from a fluid in a direction of movement (D), the device comprising: - a frame; - at least one planar membrane (11) arranged to move the fluid, having an upstream edge (8) and a downstream edge (9); and - at least one actuator moving the at least one membrane or being actuated by the movement of the at least one membrane, characterised in that the frame comprises an offset frame (15), and the device comprises at least one actuation system 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.

Description

TRANSMISSION SYSTEM FOR MEMBRANE FLUID FLOW GENERATING DEVICE TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a mechanical transmission system for a membrane fluid flow energy generating or recovery device.

[0002] The device relates in particular to a device for generating fluid flow, or recovering energy from a fluid flow, with a preferably hydraulic membrane, for example a hydraulic thruster, preferably intended for boats or ships, a pump, a fan, a compressor, a mixer, or a hydrogenerator.

[0003] The invention relates more particularly to a hydraulic membrane 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 membrane, and comprising a system for actuating at least one lateral end of the upstream edge of the membrane.

[0004] Fluid flow generating devices are known, in particular hydraulic or aeraulic flow generating devices.

[0005] However, he is keen to offer a simple, economical, ecological solution, allowing adjustment of the power and / or flow rate and / or pressure, and offering reduced space requirements. 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 the energy of a fluid in a direction of movement, the device comprising:

[0007] - a frame, called the main frame,

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

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

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

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

[0012] The fluid flow generating device according to the invention has the advantages of offering a reduced footprint and of allowing a high-frequency back-and-forth movement. This arrangement also makes it possible to offer a fluid flow generating device offering low manufacturing and maintenance costs.

[0013] The device according to the invention makes it possible to propose an alternative embodiment to those known for membrane fluid flow generating devices. In addition, it makes it possible to improve the guidance of the at least one membrane when initiating the oscillation or undulation movement.

[0014] For the above and for the remainder of the description, the term "planar membrane" means a membrane extending in a geometric plane, in particular when the membrane is at rest. Preferably, the membrane has the shape of a sheet having elastic properties allowing it to be curved so as to produce successive undulations and / or oscillations.

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

[0016] For the above and for the remainder of the description, the term 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 above and for the remainder of the description, fluid means a liquid, gaseous, homogeneous or non-homogeneous medium, uncharged or charged, for example by fluidizable materials of the powder, foam or granule type...

[0018] According to different embodiments of the at least one membrane which can be combined:

[0019] - the 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] - the at least one membrane comprises at least one membrane of polygonal shape, preferably rectangular, or triangular, or trapezoidal, or hexagonal, preferably planar.

[0023] For the above and for the rest of the description, we can also call the actuation system a transmission system.

[0024] According to various improvements which can be combined with each other and combined with the previous embodiments, the device can comprise one or more of the following characteristics:

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

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

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

[0028] – the 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 the at least one membrane, preferably a distance measured along the upstream edge of the membrane;

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

[0031] – preferably the at least one gripping part extends into the offset frame;

[0032] - the offset frame comprises at least one flank extending along the lateral edge of the 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 the at least one membrane, so as to delimit the span of the at least one membrane;

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

[0035] – in particular, the flange is a wall facing the at least one membrane, the flange cooperates with the at least one membrane in order to locally pressurize the fluid present in order to locally produce an 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 planar membrane in particular in combination with the at least one sidewall;

[0038] – according to one embodiment, the offset frame has a profile in the shape of an airplane wing, or a profile having symmetry with respect to a horizontal and / or vertical geometric plane, preferably having 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 and its longitudinal length is substantially parallel to the direction of movement during operation of the device;

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

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

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

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

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

[0046] - the at least one actuating system is 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;

[0047] – the device further comprises at least one offset system between the at least one actuator and the at least one membrane, this characteristic makes it possible to move the main frame away from the offset frame carrying the actuation system;

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

[0049] – according to a particular embodiment, the device comprises a single actuator, a membrane 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 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 the at least one actuation system comprises at least two connecting rod / crank systems or cam systems, each arranged 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 the at least one rotary / linear mechanical conversion system comprises at least two connecting rod / crank systems or cam systems, each arranged at one end of the offset frame;

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

[0053] – preferably in the case of two membranes arranged on either side of the offset frame, the cam system(s) comprises 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, a crank, a connecting rod and two compass-shaped return parts may be provided, connected to the connecting rod by a proximal end, the distal end of a return part 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 the 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 patent application whose filing number is 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, the at least one membrane may have the following characteristics:

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

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

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

[0063] Preferably the membrane used comprises elastomeric, plastic, metallic, or polymeric materials, natural or not.

[0064] The movement of the membrane is achieved by an alternating translational displacement of one end.

[0065] For example, the membrane may be 2D or 3D, of the planar or planar type, of the cylindrical type, for example discoidal or ovoid, of the polygonal type, for example 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 the at least one membrane or along the wall of the at least one membrane.

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

[0067] Each membrane is composed of or is made of one or more specific materials, for example marine, food, biocompatible, or hydrocarbon. For example, each membrane includes 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 speed generated by the device without increasing the dimensions of this device. In the case where these membranes operate in phase opposition, this also makes it possible to counteract imbalances.

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

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

[0071] – Shore A hardness from 50 to 90 ShA,

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

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

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

[0075] – a hydraulic thruster for the propulsion of nautical craft characterized in that it comprises a fluid flow generating device according to one or more of the characteristics of the first aspect;

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

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

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

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

[0080] – a nautical craft comprising a hydraulic thruster according to one of the above aspects, and the at least one actuator arranged to set in motion the at least one membrane being arranged in the nautical craft, in particular within the hull of said craft. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0081] 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:

[0082] This 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 comprises two sides so as to laterally surround the two membranes;

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

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

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

[0086] Lamontre several embodiments of assemblies of a motorized watercraft connected to a hydraulic thruster with an undulating membrane under said craft, Figure 5a showing a craft having a horizontal drive shaft, Figure 5b showing a craft having a downwardly inclined drive shaft, Figure 5c showing a craft having a vertical drive shaft;

[0087] 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 deployed or spread apart, or so-called high, Figure 6b representing a position in which the gripping means are picked up, or so-called low, Figure 6c representing the positions of Figures 6a and 6b superimposed;

[0088] shows another embodiment of a mechanical conversion system comprising a gear arrangement 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 so-called high, Figure 7b representing a position in which the gripping means are picked up, or so-called low, Figure 7c representing the positions of Figures 7a and 7b superimposed;

[0089] 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 to be high, Figure 8b representing a position in which the gripping means are picked up, or said to be low, Figure 8c representing the positions of Figures 8a and 8b superimposed;

[0090] shows another embodiment of a mechanical conversion system comprising a gear arrangement;

[0091] shows another embodiment of a fluid flow generating device in which the offset frame extends vertically;

[0092] shows yet another embodiment and seen from the side of a fluid flow generating device in which the offset frame extends vertically, comprising a rectangular flange arranged 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] is a perspective view of the device in accordance with the ;

[0094] is a perspective view of the device according to the, without a horizontal side;

[0095] shows a perspective view of a fluid flow generating device according to figures 11 to 13, comprising a rectangular membrane on each side of the flange and connected to a mechanical conversion mechanism seen partially, one conversion mechanism being arranged at least partly in an upper horizontal flank and being connected to an upstream end of the associated membrane, and another conversion mechanism being arranged at least partly in a lower horizontal flank and being connected to the upstream end of the associated membrane;

[0096] is a profile view of the device conforming to the ;

[0097] is a front view of the device according to the, showing in particular the two membranes in a curved position due to the action of the mechanical conversion mechanisms generating waves propagating by the movements of the membranes.

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

[0099] According to the embodiment represented by the, the fluid flow generating device is according to the embodiment represented a hydraulic membrane thruster 100 comprising a mast connecting an offset frame 15 and two planar membranes 11 arranged on either side of the offset frame.

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

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

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

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

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

[0105] - a rotary actuator arranged in a main frame that is not visible,

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

[0107] – an offset means arranged between the main frame and the offset frame in order to transmit the rotary movement, for example a mast shaft connected on the one hand to the actuator and on the other hand to the offset shaft via gears or splines to form an angle transmission, the offset means being housed in the mast (illustrated by the dotted lines on the),

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

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

[0110] Preferably, the device comprises two conversion systems: one per flank 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 has the shape of a disc. The system 150 comprises two connecting rods 152, one crank end of which is connected to the crank and the opposite end is connected to a gripping part 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 membranes are set into motion in phase opposition. Finally, the system comprises two gripping parts 151 guided in translation relative to the offset frame, each arranged between a connecting rod 152 and a lateral end 81 of an upstream edge 8 of a membrane 11.

[0112] With reference to the, another type of conversion system is proposed comprising a cam system 160. This system comprises a wheel with double opposing cams 163 replacing the crank 153, and two actuating rods 161 guided in translation relative to the offset frame.

[0113] With reference to the, an alternative embodiment of the conversion system 170 is proposed comprising two compass-shaped return parts 174. The rotary / linear mechanical conversion system comprises a crank 173 connected to a rotary offset shaft inside the offset frame. The crank 173 has the shape of a disc. The system 170 comprises a connecting rod 172, one crank end of which is connected to the crank and the opposite end is connected to two return parts 174. According to the embodiment shown, the crank end of the connecting rod 172 is located at the periphery of the crank 173. The return parts 174 are arranged symmetrically with respect to a horizontal geometric plane passing through the offset frame. Each return part comprises two branches, a connecting rod branch and a gripping branch.Preferably, the two branches are connected to a connection point 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 return part is connected, by a mechanical pivot connection with an axis parallel to the transverse direction of the offset frame, with respect to the offset frame 15. This arrangement makes it possible to carry out a vertical back-and-forth movement of the gripping end of the gripping branch. The arrangement of the return parts 174 makes it possible to carry out movements of the membranes in phase opposition. Finally, the system comprises two gripping parts 171 guided in translation with respect 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 by figures 5a, 5b and 5c, it may be provided to add a hydraulic thruster with undulating membrane(s) as described previously to an existing boat comprising an actuator 10 within its hull. This family of embodiments makes it possible to use the rotation at the output of an already integrated motor. The major difference with respect to the previous family is the connection between the actuator of the boat, replacing the actuator of the main frame of the hydraulic thruster, and the offset frame. With reference to figure 5a, a horizontal connection or offset shaft 101 may be provided. With reference to figure 5b, an inclined connection or offset shaft 101 may be provided between the actuator 10 of the boat and the membrane device 100.With reference to Figure 5c, a vertical connecting or offset shaft 101 may be provided between the actuator 10 of the boat and the membrane device 100, preferably without the need for an angle transmission, in particular a horizontal one.

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

[0116] With reference to figures 6a, 6b and 6c, a system is proposed comprising a toothed wheel 175 connected to an actuator, said toothed wheel 175 drives two conversion subsystems. In particular, the wheel 175 drives in rotation intermediate wheels 173 each performing a crank function of a subsystem. Each crank 173 is connected to a connecting rod 172 by a pivot connection arranged on one face of a wheel 173 and offset radially relative to the axis of rotation of said intermediate wheel 173. Each subsystem further comprises a return part 174, a proximal end of which is connected to the connecting rod 172. The return part 174 has a pivot axis fixed relative to the frame. The return part further comprises a gripping part or portion 171 which is connected to a membrane not shown by one end performing a reciprocating back and forth movement in operation.

[0117] With reference to Figures 7a, 7b and 7c, a variant of a conversion system is proposed which will be described by its differences with respect to Figures 6a, 6b and 6c. The 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 wheel with opposite double cams 163a 163b superimposed as a replacement for the crank 173. The system further comprises two rods 176 fixedly mounted perpendicular to each other forming a bracket. Each free end of each rod is connected to a separate cam among the two cams of the double cam wheel. Finally, a gripping part 171 is fixedly connected to the bracket 176 at the fixing ends of the two rods of the bracket. This fixing point further corresponds to a geometric point through which a pivot axis of the gripping part 171 passes.

[0119] With reference to the, 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 sets in rotation a crown or a toothed wheel 193 setting in motion the two subsystems. Each subsystem comprises a pivot axis 194 fixed to a face of the toothed wheel 193. It further comprises a slider 192 connected to the pivot axis 194 by a pivot connection, said slider 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 represented by which will be described by its differences with respect to the, 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 of the fluid in operation. The actuation and / or conversion system is the same.

[0121] In particular, the fluid flow generating device comprises a fluid flow generating member 221 pivotally mounted opposite the frame by means of a pivoting system (not visible) along a vertical axis PV.

[0122] Preferably, the pivoting system makes it possible in particular to reverse with a hydraulic membrane thruster and to adjust the trim of a nautical craft equipped with said thruster. It can also make it possible to reduce the speed or slow down the boat or said craft, or generally to slow down the flow.

[0123] The device comprises two membranes 222, each arranged on either side of said member, the central part of which forms a flange. The flange has the shape of an airplane wing and has two flange surfaces, each flange surface forming a flange for the facing membrane 222. According to the embodiment shown, each membrane has a substantially rectangular general shape.

[0124] According to yet another embodiment represented by figures 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16 which will be described by its differences compared to the, 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 of 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 comprises a flange 250 of rectangular shape arranged to cooperate with at least one undulating membrane 222, see figures 14, 15 and 16, and comprises two horizontal sides 14b of ovoid shape.

[0126] Preferably, the device comprises:

[0127] - a motor whose rotation shaft extends substantially vertically or substantially perpendicularly 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 by means of at least one toothed wheel to the wheels 175 or 195 of the conversion systems described above,

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

[0129] – a flange 250 with a vertical edge downstream of the offset shaft with respect to the direction of movement of the device or fluid.

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

Claims

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