Vessel with at least one wind propulsion unit

Abstract

A propulsion assembly for a ship comprises a wind propulsion unit (100) elongated in a generally vertical direction in a use position and comprising one or more propulsion elements (111, 112), and a supporting structure (200) configured to be received in a cavity of the ship. The supporting structure comprises a set of uprights (201a-201d) along which a platform (210) supporting the wind propulsion unit is guided. At least two uprights comprise racks (230a-230d) fixed to the uprights and extending parallel to each other, and the platform comprises at least two motorized toothed wheels (222) synchronized with each other, the toothed wheels being engaged with respective racks, so as to ensure in a stable manner the raising of the platform and the propulsion unit to an active position of the propulsion unit and the lowering of the platform and the propulsion unit to a retracted, inactive position of the propulsion unit.

Description

[0001] Title

[0002] Vessel with at least one wind propulsion unit

[0003] Field of invention

[0004] The present invention relates generally to the wind propulsion of ships, in particular wind propulsion assistance for merchant ships.

[0005] State of the art

[0006] Document WO2023119244A1 discloses in particular a ship comprising at least one wind propulsion unit elongated in a generally vertical direction in the position of use and comprising one or more propulsion elements and a mast.

[0007] The structure of the ship inherently comprises transverse structural elements capable of defining at least in part at least one cavity for a wind propulsion unit, in that it comprises at least one wind propulsion unit generally located above a cavity, and in that it further comprises a support for said wind propulsion unit. The support is movable in a generally vertical direction within the cavity, and drive means for selectively moving said support between an erected position of use and a retracted position of storage.

[0008] Summary of the invention

[0009] The present invention aims to improve the design and / or robustness and / or reliability of such movement mechanisms.

[0010] To this end, it is provided a propulsion assembly for a ship, the assembly comprising a wind propulsion unit elongated in a generally vertical direction in a use position and comprising one or more propulsion elements, and a supporting structure configured to be received in a cavity of the ship, characterized in that the supporting structure comprises a set of uprights along which a platform supporting the wind propulsion unit is guided, in that at least two uprights comprise racks fixed to the uprights and extending parallel to each other, and in that the platform comprises at least two motorized toothed wheels synchronized with each other and the toothed wheels being engaged with respective racks, so as to ensure in a stable manner the raising of the platform and the propulsion unit to an active position of the propulsion unit and the lowering of the platform and the propulsion unit to a retracted, inactive position of the propulsion unit.

[0011] Preferred but non limiting aspects of the assembly comprise the following features, taken individually or in technically compatible combinations:

[0012] * the assembly further comprises means for locking the platform at a predetermined height on the uprights, these means being distinct from the toothed wheels.

[0013] * the locking means comprise male-female elements provided at the periphery of the platform and at the uprights, respectively.

[0014] * the locking means comprise toothed pads provided at the periphery of the platform and capable of selectively engaging by translation with the racks.

[0015] * the locking means are operable at least in a high position of the platform.

[0016] * the locking means are also operable in a low position of the platform.

[0017] * the locking means are also operable in an intermediate position of the platform.

[0018] * a number of motors equal to the number of toothed wheels is provided.

[0019] *a number of motors is provided which is less than the number of toothed wheels, and means for synchronous transmission from a motor to at least two toothed wheels.

[0020] Also provided is a supporting structure configured to be part of an assembly as defined above.

[0021] Further provided is a ship, characterized in that it comprises at least one assembly as defined above.

[0022] Brief description of the drawings

[0023] Other aspects, aims and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent upon reading the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment thereof, given by way of non-limiting example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: - Figure 1A is a diagrammatic perspective view of the assembly of a retractable wind propulsion unit and its retraction structure, in a first, erected position,

[0024] - Fig. 1 B is a diagrammatic view of the assembly of Fig. 1 A in a second, retracted position,

[0025] - Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a region of the set of Figs. 1 A and 1 B,

[0026] - Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the same region, in greater detail,

[0027] - Fig. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of part of Fig. 3,

[0028] - Figs. 5A to 5D respectively are perspective, plan, front and side views of an embodiment of a platform belonging to the set of Figs. 3 and 4,

[0029] - Fig. 6 is a schematic side view of a version of a device for locking in position a platform of the assembly, and

[0030] - Fig. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the upper region of a wind propulsion unit of the assembly of one of the preceding figures, in a retracted position.

[0031] Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments

[0032] We will now describe a set of a wind propulsion unit and a retraction structure for a ship. It can be used, for example, on a merchant navy ship to allow the propulsion unit to be retracted within the ship.

[0033] For example, two rows of propulsion units can be arranged on the ship, positioned along its port and starboard sides.

[0034] In this particular embodiment, the wind propulsion unit 100 comprises two flaps 111 , 112, in this case two identical rigid flaps, pivotally mounted on a base or boom 113. The two flaps 11 1 , 1 12 may optionally be connected to each other at their upper ends at the level of their pivot axes.

[0035] The boom 113 is pivotally mounted on a support or foot 114 around an axis arranged here in a median manner between the pivot axes of the two flaps. The pivot axes of the two flaps 111 , 112 can be connected together in the upper part by a stiffening element or horn 115.

[0036] The control of the rotation of the boom relative to the foot and of the flaps relative to the boom is carried out by motorized systems (not shown), for example systems with a toothed crown associated with one or more motors carrying a toothed wheel or pinion on their axis.

[0037] Typically, the boom and two flaps can be rotated 360°. The flaps are rigid or semi-rigid, self-supporting or mast-mounted. Alternatively, they could be any other propulsion technology, including a rotor propulsion system, a suction wing, etc.

[0038] The supporting structure 200, allowing retraction, here comprises four parallel pillars or uprights 201 a-201 d fixed in a cavity or cage P defined in the structure of the ship.

[0039] Depending on the type of ship, these pillars can be added to the ship's structure and fixed to it, or at least partly belong to the pre-existing structure of the ship.

[0040] The supporting structure further comprises a generally square or rectangular platform 210 comprising a central barrel 211 (see Fig. 5A) in particular in which the foot 114 of the propulsion unit 100 is mounted, preferably in its center.

[0041] Guide arrangements 220 are provided at the four comers of the platform to ensure its translation with limited or zero play (for example thanks to a play compensation mechanism) along a vertical axis defined by all four pillars and preferably parallel to the axis A of the propulsion unit.

[0042] These guide arrangements may include, for example, rollers, rollers with a limited coefficient of friction, or any combination of these elements.

[0043] Means are also provided for driving the platform along the pillars along the vertical axis. These means here comprise four electric motors 221 mounted on the sides of the platform in the vicinity of its respective comers, each driving a toothed wheel 222.

[0044] Each of these four toothed wheels is engaged with a corresponding rack mounted along each pillar, respectively 230a-230d (some being invisible in the figures).

[0045] It is understood that the control of the four motors 221 in synchronism makes it possible to raise or lower the platform 210, and consequently the propusion unit that it supports, while maintaining the platform in a constant orientation, typically in a horizontal plane.

[0046] Synchronous control can be ensured by any suitable means, for example using displacement measuring sensors (optical, magnetic, etc.) provided in association with each of the comers of the platform 210, with control of each motor on the associated sensor.

[0047] The electrical power supply to the motors 221 and, where appropriate, the command and control signals is provided via flexible conductor layers 224 extending from the upper region of the pillars and connected to a control cabinet (not shown) located, for example, on the deck of the ship.

[0048] Alternatively, a single motor may be provided that drives a set of four gears using a synchronous transmission device, the motor then preferably being located in the central region of the platform. The synchronous transmission device may include gear trains mounted on shafts, toothed belts, etc.

[0049] According to yet another variant, two motors can be provided, each controlling a pair of toothed wheels.

[0050] According to yet another variant, a number of pillars other than four can be provided, for example three or six pillars, depending on the configuration of the ship receiving the retractable propulsion system.

[0051] Generally, the number of motors is between 1 and the number of pillars, and the number of toothed wheels cooperating with a respective rack is between 2 and the number of pillars.

[0052] In the configuration described here, for example, in a simplified version, two electric motors could be provided at two diagonally opposite comers of the platform 210, with two toothed wheels and two racks.

[0053] According to yet another variant, it is possible to provide hydraulic motorization of the platform, or even to couple the platform motorization to the ship's marine propulsion system.

[0054] The platform and propulsion unit movements are between a high position and a low position, illustrated in Figs. 1A and 1 B. In the high position, the wind propulsion unit extends upward from the deck (or from a superstructure) of the vessel and is in an active position to assist propulsion.

[0055] In the lowered position, the wind propulsion unit 100 is retracted in whole or in part under the deck of the ship, or within a superstructure, or both within a superstructure and under the deck of the ship. In the case of a two- flap propulsion unit, it is preferable that, before retracting the propulsion unit 100, the means for driving the flaps 111 , 112 (or where appropriate one of the two flap if this proves sufficient) are actuated to bring the two flaps essentially head to tail against each other, so as to reduce the size of the propulsion unit in a horizontal plane and to be able to accomodate it between the four pillars.

[0056] With the platform's motorization system, the wind propulsion unit can also be brought and maintained in a suitable intermediate height position, particularly for maneuvering purposes, for passing under a bridge, in the event of excessive wind, in the event of excessive pitching or rolling, for maintenance operations, etc.

[0057] According to one aspect, the retractable wind propulsion system comprises locking means, separate from the rack and toothed wheel assemblies, to ensure that the platform and therefore the propulsion unit are held in its high position and / or in its low position or in any useful intermediate position.

[0058] This avoids mechanical stress on the rack and toothed wheel assemblies, particularly when the propulsion unit is erected and extremely high stresses, linked to the transmission of the propulsive wind force, appear at the mechanical interface between the propulsion unit and the ship.

[0059] In a first embodiment, and as illustrated in Figs. 3 and 4, these locking means comprise locking rods or fingers 310 mounted on the platform along two opposite stringers 211 and actuated for example by jacks (not shown) or by linear motors. These locking fingers are intended to cooperate with homologous, non-visible, fixed orifices arranged in the structure of the ship, open towards the cavity, at predetermined heights. By providing a first set of orifices at a first height (in the upper region of the cavity accommodating the propulsion unit) and a second set of orifices at a second height (in the lower region of the cavity), the platform 210, and consequently the propulsion unit 100, is locked in one of the two positions.

[0060] One or more intermediate positions may also be provided, as mentioned above.

[0061] In a second embodiment, with reference to Fig. 6, the locking means comprise sliding pads 350 each having a toothed working surface 352 complementary to that of an associated rack, and a support rod 351 slidably mounted in a structural element of the platform 210 and which can be moved horizontally by an actuator such as a jack or a linear motor to selectively apply the pad firmly against the associated rack when the platform and the propulsion unit have reached a given position and it is desired to immobilize them securely in this position. An advantage of this configuration lies in that the racks participate on the one hand (with separate means on the platform) in the vertical movement of the platform and on the other hand in its locking.

[0062] Once the platform has been locked, the motors associated with the toothed wheels for raising or lowering the propulsion unit can either be left engaged or disengaged.

[0063] It will be noted that, in the lowest position of the platform-propulsor assembly, it is simply possible to provide for the platform to rest by gravity on the bottom of the cavity in which the mechanism is received, for example by means of damping elements.

[0064] Now with reference to Figure 7, the upper region of the cavity P present or arranged in the ship and receiving a retractable propulsion unit, in particular a retractable propulsion unit as described above, is illustrated.

[0065] This cavity is closed by a cover, here consisting of two pivoting members 410a, 410b, capable of closing the cavity when the propulsion unit is in the retracted position.

[0066] These pivoting members comprise two recesses 411 intended to ensure wedging of the upper part of the propulsion unit 100, in this case of its horn or stiffening element 115, so as to stabilize the propulsion unit when it is in the stowed position. Preferably, this wedging is carried out without play and both in the longitudinal and transverse directions of the ship.

[0067] A retractable propulsion unit as described herein may be installed at any suitable location on the vessel. The vessel structure is, if necessary, adapted to accommodate and secure the supporting structure sufficiently.

[0068] It will be noted here that at least one of the pillars may inherently belong to the structure of the ship, and that two pillars located on the same side may take the form of a common wall or bulkhead of the ship, which then receives, in the embodiment described, two spaced racks.

[0069] It should also be noted that a for large propulsion unit, platform 210 is a working platform for technical installation or maintenance teams, and for this purpose includes all safety arrangements such as a guardrail 219.

[0070] The invention applies to propulsion units of all sizes, in particular to propulsion units with a height of a few tens of meters and a weight of a few tons to a few tens of tons. The structure with uprights, guide means and rack advantageously makes it possible to absorb the deformations of the ship structure during navigation, which are inevitably observed at such scales.

[0071] Of course, the present invention is in no way limited to the embodiments described above and illustrated in the drawings, but those skilled in the art will be able to make numerous variations or modifications thereto.

Claims

9Claims1. A propulsion assembly for a ship, the assembly comprising a wind propulsion unit elongated in a generally vertical direction in a use position and comprising one or more propulsion elements, and a supporting structure configured to be received in a cavity of the ship, characterized in that the supporting structure comprises a set of uprights along which a platform supporting the wind propulsion unit is guided, in that at least two uprights comprise racks fixed to the uprights and extending parallel to each other, and in that the platform comprises at least two motorized toothed wheels synchronized with each other and the toothed wheels being engaged with respective racks, so as to ensure in a stable manner the raising of the platform and the propulsion unit to an active position of the propulsion unit and the lowering of the platform and the propulsion unit to a retracted, inactive position of the propulsion unit.

2. An assembly according to claim 1 , characterized in that it further comprises means for locking the platform at a predetermined height on the uprights, these means being distinct from the toothed wheels.

3. An assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that the locking means comprise male-female elements provided at the periphery of the platform and at the uprights, respectively.

4. An assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that the locking means comprise toothed pads provided at the periphery of the platform and capable of selectively engaging by translation with the racks.

5. An assembly according to one of claims 3 and 4, characterized in that the locking means are operable at least in a high position of the platform.

6. An assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that the locking means are also operable in a low position of the platform.

7. An assembly according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the locking means are also operable in an intermediate position of the platform.

8. An assembly according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that a number of motors equal to the number of toothed wheels is provided.

9. An assembly according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that a number of motors is provided which is less than the number of toothed wheels, and means for synchronous transmission from a motor to at least two toothed wheels.

10. A supporting structure configured to be part of an assembly according to one of claims 1 to 9.

11. A ship, characterized in that it comprises at least one propulsion assembly according to one of claims 1 to 9.

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