CA3149316A1 - Device for moving a watercraft - Google Patents

Abstract

The present description relates to the maritime sector. In particular, the invention relates to a device (100) for moving a watercraft, the device comprising: - at least one propulsion chamber (50) comprising a first inlet section for a liquid, referred to as the upstream edge (50a), and a second outlet section for the liquid, referred to as the downstream edge (50b); - at least one flexible membrane (M1) housed in the chamber; and - at least one actuator (A1) configured to produce thrust from the vehicle through corrugation of the membrane between the upstream edge and the downstream edge.

Description

Description Title: Movement device of a nautical vehicle Background of the invention This description relates to the field of marine transport. More Specifically, aspects of this disclosure relate to a device displacement for nautical vehicle.

[0002] For decades, means of moving ships have been known based on the principle of propulsion. In particular, the propulsion of boats at means of one or more propellers has been known since the 1830s.

[0003] In general, a propulsion (or traction) propeller of a vehicle nautical uses the phenomenon of action-reaction to apply a thrust.
Thus, the propulsion of a ship is based on a rotational movement of a plurality of blades, called blades, distributed around a central axis of a Helix submerged in water, and arranged inside or outside this vessel.

[0004] In operation, the rotation of the blades results in the application of a strength to the liquid on which the vessel is floating, said force being equal and opposite to strength applied by this liquid on the axis of the propeller, and therefore on the ship, with a intensity which is proportional to the mass of accelerated liquid.

[0005] Under the effect of the rotational movement of the propeller blades, a difference pressure is generated between the front and rear of the propeller, this difference of pressure causing a displacement of the liquid in the same direction, and therefore, by reaction, from the ship the other way.

[0006] However, and despite its widespread use, the propulsion of nautical vehicles by means of a propeller has various disadvantages.

[0007] Firstly, the propeller motors used in the field of transport show very low yields. Rather than directly propelling the water in a given direction, these motors tend to brew it in all directions.

[0008] In addition, such motors have high consumption in terms of fuel, in particular petrol or diesel. This consumption is all the greater as the size and mass of the nautical vehicle to be moved East important, which causes considerable environmental pollution. That pollution results for example from poor quality fuels, tides black or even outgassing.

[0009] The environmental impact of known propeller engines also involves a significant noise pollution, as these are generally noisy and disturb the underwater fauna and flora due to the significant mixing and multidirectional liquid they cause nearby.

[0010] In addition, known propeller motors pose safety problems due to the rotational movement of the blades, which can cause serious damage or even injury in accidents.

[0011] Furthermore, the handling of propeller engines is often costly in because of the number and complexity of their mechanical parts, for example blades, crankshafts, reducers or spark plugs that they behave.
Subject matter and summary of the invention

[0012] In order to improve the situation and to respond to this or these disadvantages, a general object of the invention is to provide a propulsion device for a nautical vehicle that respects the environment.

The propulsion device provided by the invention also reduces the risk of injury considerably.

[0014] Furthermore, the propulsion device provided by the invention is at the times compact and efficient.

[0015] In particular, a first object of the invention relates, so general, a moving device for a watercraft, said device including:
- at least one propulsion chamber comprising a first inlet section of a liquid, called the upstream edge, and a second outlet section of said liquid, said downstream edge;
- at least one flexible membrane housed in said chamber; and - at least one actuator configured to generate a thrust of said device by undulation of the membrane between the upstream edge and the downstream edge.

[0016] Herein, the liquid in question is typically water, kind that the displacement device described applies directly to vehicles nautical. However, it will be understood that the present also applies to devices allowing propulsive movement of vehicles in any type of liquids, for example oil or gasoline.

[0017] In the present, a watercraft designates any type of vehicle floating or submersible adapted to move on a liquid and/or in this liquid, especially water. Such a vehicle may be partially or completely immersed in the liquid. This vehicle can be driven by anyone means on board, remotely, or independently.

[0018] Examples of floating watercraft include boats, motorized or not, such as sailboats, yachts, pleasure boats, from boats, marine drones, model-making machines, buoys, personal watercraft, personal watercraft, rigid hull boats, semi-rigid boats (or zodiacs), inflatable canoes, water toys like paddle boards (or paddles, in English) platforms motorized boats, water bikes, pedal boats, levitation devices hydropropelled, motorized surfboards on foils or not, amphibious vehicles submersibles and transport vessels such as ferries, tankers, from trawlers, freighters, barges or hovercraft.

[0019] Examples of submersible vehicles include any type of gear configured to operate underwater for prolonged periods. For example, a submersible vehicle can be a submarine, a torpedo, a vehicle amphibious submersible, a submersible drone, a remotely operated underwater vehicle, a toy nautical as a diving thruster, submersible model making, or even a bathyscaphe.

[0020] The displacement device makes it possible to convert a power mechanical power into hydraulic power, said power corresponding to the product of a flow by a pressure, for a given liquid.

[0021] In particular, said moving device for a watercraft allows, by the thrust generated during the undulation of the membrane, to propel it relatively to the liquid and in a direction opposite to the movement of the liquid in said propulsion chamber.

[0022] For example, a nautical vehicle can be moved by forward or reverse.

[0023] Herein, the pressure differences produced between the edge upstream and the downstream edge of a propulsion chamber of a device for shift according to any of the described embodiments are typically of the order of a hundredth of a bar or a tenth of a bar, but can also be the order of the bar or several bars.

[0024] Preferably, when the membranes used are membranes elastomer hoses, these pressure differences are less than 16 bars.

[0025] In addition, the flow rates produced may vary depending on the properties and the dimensions of the displacement devices, the propulsion chambers, the flexible membranes and actuators used.

[0026] According to a specific example, the device comprises at least two propulsion chambers, for example two, three or four propulsion chambers propulsion, each of the propulsion chambers comprising a first liquid inlet section, called upstream edge, and a second outlet section said liquid, called the downstream edge.

According to another specific example, the device comprises at least one propulsion chamber in which at least two flexible membranes are accommodated, for example two, three or four flexible membranes.

According to yet another specific example, the device comprises at less two actuators, for example two, three or four actuators, configured for generate thrust of the device by undulating at least one membrane between an upstream edge and a downstream edge of at least one chamber propulsion that includes the device.

[0029] According to possible variants, the specific examples previously cited may be considered alone or in combination.
5 [0030] According to a particular embodiment, said thrust is produced by the undulation of the membrane with a predetermined frequency and amplitude.
[0031] In the present, an undulation of a membrane can be understood as an alternation of a direction of movement of said membrane.
[0032] Advantageously, a particular choice of a frequency and a amplitude of undulation for a given membrane makes it possible to adjust the thrust generated and therefore the propelling force of the moving device, which can be useful depending on the desired speed, the loading of the device, or even conditions environmental conditions in which the device evolves, for example the temperature, the swell or the weather.
[0033] Herein, a ripple frequency of a membrane is typically greater than 0 hertz and less than 1000 hertz, and preferably, greater than 0 hertz and less than 200 hertz.
[0034] Herein, a peak-to-peak ripple amplitude of a membrane is typically less than half the length of this membrane between its upstream edge and its downstream edge, and preferably, lower than one-fifth of the length of this membrane.
[0035] For example, it is advantageous to select a frequency ripple substantially equal, within a few hertz, to a natural frequency or to a beat frequency of the membrane or an actuator in order to transmit optimal power to the liquid as it moves through the device, Where to reduce the vibrations produced when it is in operation.
[0036] Advantageously, the number of wavelengths between the upstream edge and the downstream edge is less than five undulations. For example, the number of lengths wave is less than a wave in the case of stiff membranes allowing higher hydraulic powers than those of flexible membranes.

According to a particular example, said undulation comprises a movement of at least one end of the membrane by at least one actuator.
[0038] When at least one membrane housed in a propulsion chamber is set into oscillation by at least one actuator, a traveling wave is produced and propagates along said membrane. This traveling wave then causes a displacement of the volume of liquid located in the chamber of propulsion, with a speed and a direction substantially identical to those of the wave propagating through the membrane.
[0039] According to a particular example, the propulsion chamber comprises at least at least one volume, the volume being formed by at least one wall connecting the edge upstream and the downstream edge.
[0040] In the present, the wall or walls connecting the upstream edge and the edge downstream of a propulsion chamber are called flanges. This or these flanges has or have the function of isolating the moving liquid inside the room of propulsion of the rest of the device, which makes it possible to increase the differential of pressure created by the undulation of the membrane, to generate propulsion.
[0041] Preferably, the inlet and outlet sections are arranged, and can possibly be adjustable, in operation or not, so as to give optimum thrust and speed to a vehicle comprising the device.
[0042] For example, the inlet and outlet sections are arranged to allow adjustment of the attitude of the propulsion chamber or of the vehicle.
[0043] According to a particular example, the device comprises at least two propulsion chambers arranged in series or in parallel.
[0044] In the present, two propulsion chambers are said to be arranged in series when the downstream edge of one of said chambers is located substantially in aligning the upstream edge of the other of said chambers. In particular, the edge downstream of a chamber can serve as the upstream edge of another chamber.
[0045] Two propulsion chambers are also said to be arranged in series when they are connected by a circuit, in particular a circuit hydraulic, so that the fluid is directed from the downstream edge of the first chamber towards the edge upstream of second chamber. Thus, two chambers arranged in series are not not necessarily geometrically aligned.
[0046] In the present, two propulsion chambers are said to be arranged in parallel when the downstream edge and the upstream edge of one of said chambers is substantially parallel to the downstream edge of the other of said chambers and when the edge upstream of one of the chambers is substantially parallel to the upstream edge of the other bedrooms.
[0047] Two propulsion chambers are also said to be arranged in parallel when they are connected by a circuit, in particular a circuit hydraulic, so that the fluid is directed from the upstream edges of the first and the second chamber towards the downstream edges of the first and second chamber.
[0048] In a particular case, two propulsion chambers arranged in parallel may have an upstream edge and/or a common downstream edge(s).
[0049] Arrange, in a moving device, several chambers of propulsion in series, in parallel or according to other configurations allows proportionally increase the thrust or speed generated by the device, and therefore the thrust or speed provided to a watercraft comprising such a device, compared to a device which would comprise only one propulsion chamber.
[0050] Compared to a device consisting of a single propulsion chamber, a example comprising several propulsion chambers arranged in parallel makes it possible to increase the flow for a pressure which varies little, which makes it possible to valuing thrust at the expense of speed.
[0051] As a variant, and with respect to a device consisting of a chamber of propulsion, an example comprising several propulsion chambers arranged in series makes it possible to increase the pressure for a flow rate which varies little, and therefore of valuing speed at the expense of thrust.
[0052] When several flexible membranes are housed in the same chamber, this increases the thrust or speed generated by the displacement device without considerably increasing the dimensions of this device.

[0053] According to a particular embodiment, at least two membranes accommodated in the same undulating chamber, thanks to at least one actuator, with a phase shift of an angle chosen from a group comprising: an angle substantially equal to 00, an angle substantially equal to 90 , an angle noticeably equal to 180 , an angle substantially equal to 270 , and an angle substantially equal at 360 divided by the number of membranes in said chamber.
[0054] In the present, a phase shift angle substantially equal to another is an angle whose value is equal to the value of this other angle with a precision of plus or minus 10 , and preferably, with a precision of more than Where minus 5.
[0055] In the present, two membranes which undulate with a phase shift of an angle substantially equal to 360 , equivalent to an angle substantially equal to 0 , are said to be undulating in phase. Two membranes that undulate with a phase shift of an angle substantially equal to 180 , are said to be undulating in phase opposition.
[0056] Advantageously, and for example, when two membranes housed in two propulsion chambers, for example two chambers in series, undulate in phase, such a configuration allows the liquid flowing through the of them chambers to present a greater laminarity and to reduce the turbulence and therefore pressure drops through the displacement device.
[0057] Advantageously, and for example, when two membranes arranged in two chambers in series undulate in phase opposition, this makes it possible to provide more thrust.
[0058] In addition, an undulation of two membranes in phase opposition makes it possible to compensate for the unbalances due to the displacements of masses of liquid by these membranes, and to the masses of the moving parts of the actuator(s), since the first membrane undulates in a first direction and the second membrane undulates in a second direction, opposite to the first direction.
[0059] Furthermore, operation in phase opposition makes it possible to produce an occlusion between the membranes, which makes it possible to increase the performances of the device.

[0060] When at least two membranes housed in the same chamber wave with a phase shift of an angle substantially equal to 3600 divided by the number of membranes in said chamber, these membranes are said as undulating in multi-phase mode, i.e. said device comprises as much propulsion and phase chambers.
[0061] Two membranes, or more, can for example undulate with other phase shift values, to favor particular movement modes or to reduce noise or vibration produced by the operation of the moving device.
[0062] For example, it is possible to have three membranes housed in a same chamber and undulating relative to each other with a phase shift of 360 divided by three, or 120, thus providing a three-phase mode.
[0063] In the case of a displacement device comprising three chambers of propulsion and operating in three-phase mode, each propulsion chamber of this device comprises an undulating membrane with a phase shift of 360 divided by the number of phases, i.e. here three phases, to have a phase shift of 120 .
[0064] This makes it possible to control such a device with multi-channel electronics.
phased, for example three-phase, and also to reduce the vibrations propagating in the movement device, and therefore in a nautical vehicle which would include a such device.
[0065] According to a particular embodiment, said at least one membrane flexible and said at least one actuator are configured to generate energy to from a movement of the actuator by the flexible membrane.
[0066] In addition to the possibility of functioning as a means of propulsion, this allows the device to function as an energy generator.
[0067] It is thus possible, for example, to recover energy for recharge one or more batteries, or other energy retaining means, when the device, and therefore the watercraft, has a difference in speed by relative to liquid.

[0068] In this particular embodiment, at least one actuator can to be connected to a membrane.
[0069] When the device, and therefore the propulsion chamber in which is housed the membrane, is immobile with respect to a moving liquid at the 5 through said propulsion chamber, this liquid causes a ripple of the or membranes lodged in the chamber due to the difference in speed between the chamber and the liquid. The undulation of the membrane then leads to the least one actuator, which can then generate energy if connected to that membrane. This energy can be transformed into electricity to allow a 10 charging or recharging batteries, for example.
[0070] As a variant, the membrane can be constrained between its upstream and downstream, forcing it to present undulations between these, undulations which increase the resistance of the membrane to the movement of the fluid and which increase the power generated.
[0071] According to a particular embodiment, the upstream edge or the downstream edge includes at least one liquid deflector.
[0072] This makes it possible to modify the direction of movement of the device or the thrust generated by choosing the orientation direction of each deflector by relative to the propulsion chamber.
[0073] This also makes it possible to limit turbulence near the device of displacement and, in particular, near the upstream edge or the downstream edge of said at least one propulsion chamber.
[0074] At least one deflector is located close to at least one end of the membrane makes it possible to direct the liquid around it and to limit the turbulence in the propulsion chamber.
A second object targeted by the present invention is to provide a vehicle boat comprising a hull and a displacement device according to one any of the foregoing objects and embodiments.
[0076] Advantageously, an admission and a discharge of the liquid take place respectively at the front of the area where the movement device is located, and in particular, of at least one propulsion chamber comprised by said device shift.
[0077] This admission and this discharge make it possible to propel the vehicle nautical, and favor a specific direction of movement according to the arrangement of the upstream edge and the downstream edge of the propulsion chamber(s) from displacement device relative to the orientation of the nautical vehicle.
[0078] According to a particular embodiment of this second object referred to by the present invention, a first element of the hull consists of the upstream edge of at least one propulsion chamber and a second element of the hull consists of the downstream edge of the propulsion chamber of said device.
[0079] Advantageously, an admission and a discharge of the liquid used to propelling the nautical machine is done respectively in front of the area where is installed the displacement device and at the rear of this area, to to favor a sense of direction of this nautical device, when the latter requires a direction preferential (normal operation in forward gear).
[0080] Advantageously, such displacement devices make it possible to to supply to a nautical vehicle with motor powers of less than 10,000 Watts for the model making, less than 40,000 Watts for nautical toys, greater than 200 watts for recreational watercraft, and above 100,000 Watts for nautical vehicles for the transport of goods or people.
Brief description of the drawings [0081] Other characteristics, details and advantages will appear on reading of detailed description below, and analysis of the accompanying drawings, on which :
[0082] [Fig. 1], Figure 1, shows a schematic view of a device of displacement according to a first embodiment of the invention;
[0083] [Fig. 2], Figure 2, shows a schematic view of a device of movement according to a second embodiment of the invention;

[0084] [Fig. 3], Figure 3, shows a schematic view of a device of movement according to a third embodiment of the invention;
[0085] [Fig. 4], Figure 4, corresponds to views 4A and 4B which represent, respectively, a perspective view and a vertical view of a device movement according to a fourth embodiment of the invention;
[0086] [Fig. 5], Figure 5, shows a schematic view of a device of movement according to a fifth embodiment of the invention;
[0087] [Fig. 6], Figure 6, corresponds to views 6A and 6B which represent, respectively, a perspective view and a vertical view of a device movement according to a sixth embodiment of the invention;
[0088] [Fig. 7], Figure 7, shows a schematic view of a device of movement according to a seventh embodiment of the invention;
[0089] [Fig. 8], Figure 8, shows a schematic view of a device of movement according to an eighth embodiment of the invention;
[0090] [Fig. 9], FIG. 9, represents a schematic view of a device of movement according to a ninth embodiment of the invention;
[0091] [Fig. 10], FIG. 10, represents a schematic view of a device of displacement according to a tenth embodiment of the invention;
[0092] [Fig. 11], FIG. 11, corresponds to views 11A, 11B and 11C which represent different modes of operation of a moving device according to an eleventh embodiment of the invention;
[0093] [Fig. 12], FIG. 12, represents a schematic view of a device of displacement according to a twelfth embodiment of the invention;
[0094] [Fig. 13], Figure 13, shows a schematic view of a device of movement according to a thirteenth embodiment of the invention;
[0095] [Fig. 14], Figure 14, shows a perspective view of a vehicle nautical comprising a displacement device according to a fourteenth mode of realization of the invention;

[0096] [Fig. 15], FIG. 15, corresponds to views 15A and 15B which represent respectively a perspective view of a watercraft comprising a moving device according to a fifteenth embodiment of invention, and a perspective view of a movement device that comprises this nautical vehicle;
[0097] [Fig. 16], Figure 16, corresponds to views 16A, 16B and 160 which respectively represent a perspective view, a sectional view in perspective and a schematic sectional view of a moving device according to a sixteenth embodiment; and [0098] [Fig. 17], FIG. 17, corresponds to views 17A, 17B and 170 which respectively represent a perspective view, a sectional view in perspective and a schematic sectional view of a moving device according to a seventeenth embodiment.
[0099] Unless otherwise indicated, elements common or similar to several figures bear the same reference signs and present identical or analogous characteristics, so that these common elements do not are generally not described again for the sake of simplicity.
Description of embodiments [0100] The drawings and the description below contain, for the most part, from certain character elements. They will therefore not only be able to serve better to make this disclosure understood, but also to contribute to its definition, the optionally.
[0101] Reference is now made to Figure 1, which shows a view schematic of a movement device for a watercraft 100 according to a first embodiment of the invention.
[0102] As shown, the device 100 comprises a propulsion chamber 50 defining a cavity located between a first edge, said upstream edge 50a, and a second edge, said downstream edge 50b.

In operation, the device 100 is partially submerged or completely in liquid, especially water, and is on the move by relative to this liquid with a given relative velocity.
[0104] According to a variant of operation, the device 100 is not immersed but at least part of a nautical vehicle that comprises said device East submerged and arranged to suck up water.
[0105] For example, the device 100 can be moving according to a first speed with respect to a moving volume of water according to a second other gear. The device 100 can thus move relative to a body of water that is stationary or moving with a speed and a direction any.
[0106] Herein, the upstream edge 50a is defined so as to correspond to the inlet section through which water enters the propulsion chamber with a flow F1, and in general, in the displacement device.
[0107] In the present, the terms flow and rate are used in a manner equivalent.
[0108] Herein, the downstream edge 50b is defined so as to correspond to the outlet section through which water is discharged from the chamber propulsion with a flow F2, and in general, out of the displacement device.
[0109] In the present, and in a nonlimiting manner, it will be understood that the movement of the device, and therefore of the propulsion chamber, can reverse in operation so that the upstream edge 50a then corresponds to the section outlet and so that the downstream edge 50b corresponds to the inlet section.
[0110] In general, the propulsion chamber 50 is surrounded by two walls, called flanges 10 and 20, which can define various and varied profiles.
The propulsion chamber 50 may also include at least one asperity.
[0111] In the present, a flange is generally a rigid wall, but of non-limiting way, can also be a flexible wall having a some elasticity. For example, a flange defining a wall of a bedroom of propulsion can be a hull element of a watercraft, for example a hull element of a boat.
[0112] For example, and as represented here, the flanges 10 and 20 are arranged so as to give the propulsion chamber 50 a convergent profile, that is 5 say that the section corresponding to the downstream edge 50b has a surface lower than the section corresponding to the upstream edge 50a.
[0113] In a non-limiting way, the flanges 10 and 20 can also be arranged so as to give the propulsion chamber 50 a profile diverge, that is to say that the section corresponding to the downstream edge 50b has a area 10 greater than the section corresponding to the upstream edge 50a.
[0114] The flanges 10 and 20 can also be arranged so as to confer at the propulsion chamber 50 a constant profile, that is to say that the section corresponding to the downstream edge 50b has a surface substantially equal to the section corresponding to the upstream edge 50a.
[0115] Advantageously, the convergent profile given to the chamber thanks to the flanges 10 and 20 reinforces this pressure difference, and therefore increases the thrust generated by the undulation of the membrane M1 in the chamber of propulsion, by displacement of the liquid from the upstream edge 50a towards the edge downstream 50b.
[0116] According to an example not shown, the displacement device comprises additionally an additional part arranged close to the downstream edge of the propulsion chamber, outside of it and in line with it. That piece, has an inlet cross section substantially equal to the outlet cross section of the propulsion chamber. Said part can in this case act as a nozzle useful to the steering and makes it possible to increase the speed of the outgoing liquid and therefore of one nautical vehicle comprising the displacement device comprising such additional room.
The device 100 further comprises a flexible membrane M1, said membrane being housed in the propulsion chamber 50 of the device 100.
[0118] In the present, and in a nonlimiting way, a flexible membrane is any type of membrane arranged to oscillate with an amplitude and a predetermined frequencies. Such a flexible membrane can have a geometry specific, for example rectangular, discoidal or tubular.
[0119] A flexible membrane preferably consists of a sheet of deformable material, elastic or not, a deformation of this membrane which can for example be made at least in bending around an axis of the membrane.
[0120] As a variant, a flexible membrane is made of material non-deformable, the actuator is then designed to give flexibility to the membrane in particular by allowing a shift of the actuated edge of the membrane.
[0121] According to various embodiments, a flexible membrane is contoured or not and comprises one or more materials, said materials being able to be of different shapes, thicknesses, and dimensions, variable from the upstream edge to the edge downstream, and characterized by different values of resistance, limit elastic, Young's modulus, shear modulus, Poisson's ratio, etc.
[0122] For example, a flexible membrane can be composed of a plurality of parts or slats hinged together, which can directly or indirectly be fixed on a deformable structure.
[0123] Preferably, an attachment of the flexible membrane M1 is placed artwork at least one attachment point Pi, this attachment point P1 connecting the membrane hose M1 to at least one actuator Ai, for example a device for mechanical movement such as a piston, connecting rod, or moving part magnetic or not.
[0124] Preferably, the housing of a flexible membrane in the chamber is implemented so that a first end of the membrane is located at near the upstream edge of the chamber and that a second end of the membrane is located close to the downstream edge.
[0125] In general, the flexible membrane M1 has an edge attack, located near the upstream edge 50a, and a trailing edge, located near the edge downstream 50b.

When the membrane M1 is set in oscillation by the actuator Ai, by example from an attachment point P1 located near the leading edge, the flexible membrane M1 becomes the seat of a progressive wave which propagates along along the membrane between the leading edge and the trailing edge.
[0127] According to one example, the characteristics of the flexible membrane, for example its elasticity, its tension or its dimensions, are chosen so as to ensure that these optimize the speed of wave propagation progressive in the volume of the membrane.
[0128] This undulation causes a deformation of the flexible membrane M1 according to a progressive wave which moves from a first edge of the membrane, here the edge of the membrane located near the attachment point Pi, at a second edge, so that at least one point of the membrane located between these two edges to track animated by a transverse oscillating movement.
[0129] The coupling of the undulating membrane with the liquid in the chamber 50 creates a pressure field progressing with the traveling wave, producing so a pressure difference between the upstream edge 50a and the downstream edge 50b. It results in a variation in the pressure of the liquid, resulting here in a variation the speed of the incoming flow Fi to give a speed of the outgoing flow F2 of higher value.
[0130] Herein, a membrane can be defined by a tension given, for example if its leading edge and/or its trailing edge is attached by a fixing means or an actuator. In this case, the membrane tension can exist in its resting state or under stress mechanical.
[0131] In particular, under the effect of a voltage resulting from the application of two forces in opposite directions and applied to the leading edge and the trailing edge of the membrane, an actuator can make it undulate, thus causing in the membrane, a propagation of a wave in the direction of said tension.
[0132] In the present, an actuator can be any type of means actuation.
[0133] According to different embodiments, an actuator can be chosen among: an electric motor, a heat engine, a nuclear engine, a hydrogen engine, a hybrid engine, a piezoelectric engine, or even a mechanical engine. The motor can provide a movement similar to a rotary, linear or radial motion, and may include parts of conversion movement to transform one movement into another.
[0134] According to different embodiments, an actuator can be powered by an energy source chosen from: an electric battery, a battery electric, a battery or a nuclear cell, a battery or a fuel cell, a battery or a hydrogen fuel cell, a photovoltaic panel, a fuel such as petrol, diesel or biofuel, or fuel liquid such as an alcohol, an ether or a hydrocarbon.
[0135] According to different embodiments, an actuator is controlled mechanically or electronically. This control can be done by means of a power electronics making it possible to control the movement of at least one membrane, for example by generating the appropriate signal in frequency, strength and/or in position for optimal propulsion depending on the type of navigation desired, for example depending on whether more or less thrust and speed is necessary for movement.
According to different embodiments, an actuator is controlled from manner instantaneous, for example by means of a signal comprising a frequency sample high, or average, i.e. using the average of several periods of oscillation.
[0137] Advantageously, this makes it possible to avoid shocks between the membrane and the flanges in case of air intake, due for example to the presence of bubbles or of one vehicle jumping over a wave due to lower load. the movement can be electronically regulated in a closed loop.
[0138] In the case of an electrical actuation means, the current at its terminals can also be used to implement closed loop control.
[0139] Advantageously, the position of at least one membrane can be determined by a sensor, for example a sensor included in the device Where the propulsion chamber, to help control the device.

[0140] Advantageously, an electronically controlled actuator makes it possible to animate at least one actuator of a sinusoidal movement to allow the membrane to oscillate sinusoidally. The electronic means used for the pilot can also communicate with other instruments on board the nautical vehicle that includes the device, or located remotely.
In operation, the actuator Al implements a displacement alternative of the attachment point P1 in two opposite directions. An extremity of the membrane Mi, here the end located close to the upstream edge 50a of the propulsion chamber 50, is then moved alternately in a direction substantially transverse to the movement of the water in the chamber of propulsion 50.
[0142] Preferably, the attachment point P1 is located on or close to a end of the membrane M1.
[0143] Preferably, the flexible membrane M1 is housed in the chamber 50 and connected to an actuator Al by at least one attachment point located close to the edge upstream 50a or close to the downstream edge 50b.
[0144] As shown, the actuator Al is located outside the chamber of propulsion 50, in a sealed manner or not. Generally, however, a actuator connected to at least one flexible membrane housed in the chamber can be located inside the propulsion chamber 50, for example between the flanges 10 and 20 or even inside one of these flanges.
[0145] In a non-limiting manner, at least one membrane, at least one propulsion chamber and at least one flange or a wall of said at least a propulsion chamber have various and varied geometries.
Three examples of geometry are described below.
[0147] According to a first example of geometry, an undulating membrane and/or at least one associated flange are defined by a rectangular geometry, or assimilated, like a trapeze. In this case, the walls of the chamber of propulsion can delimit a flat parallelepipedic or tubular space, in which a rectangular membrane is arranged to be oscillated.

[0148] Advantageously, such a rectangular membrane is positioned in a plane parallel to the direction of travel of the displaced liquid in the propulsion chamber.
[0149] This makes it possible to provide a displacement device whose 5 characteristics are suitable for a watercraft whose propulsion requires more thrust than speed, for example for a boat of recreational or commercial, sailboat or motorboat type.
[0150] According to a second example of geometry, an undulating membrane and/or at least one associated flange are defined by a discoidal geometry. In this 10 cases, two coaxial walls can delimit the propulsion chamber, which then has the shape of a flattened cylinder or a stack of layers. The undulating membrane, in the shape of a disc, is arranged to be put in oscillation between these walls.
[0151] Advantageously, such a disc-shaped membrane is positioned 15 in a plane perpendicular to the direction of movement of the liquid propelled into the propulsion chamber.
[0152] This makes it possible to provide a displacement device whose characteristics are suitable for a watercraft whose propulsion requires more speed than thrust, for example for a personal watercraft or 20 a jet ski.
[0153] According to a third example of geometry, an undulating membrane and/or at least one associated flange are defined by a tubular geometry. In this case, the propulsion chamber can be delimited by two walls of revolution and coaxial between which is placed the undulating membrane of the shape tubular.
[0154] Depending on the type of geometry, the undulation of the membrane can be make in a parallel or transverse plane with respect to a main axis of the propulsion chamber and/or the movement device itself.
Regardless of the aforementioned geometries, however, the orientation of the plane in which the ripple takes place has no direct consequence as to the flow of liquid.

[0155] If the membrane undulates in a transverse plane with respect to flow of the liquid, the resulting halftone in the water will be greater.
[0156] Reference is now made to Figure 2, which shows a view schematic of a movement device for a watercraft 110 according to a second embodiment of the invention.
[0157] As shown, the device 110 comprises a propulsion chamber 51 in which are housed two flexible membranes M1 and M2.
In the present case, the propulsion chamber 51 is formed by two flanges 11 and 21 substantially parallel and defining a constant profile.
One single Al actuator is connected to the two diaphragms, which are aligned manner substantially parallel in the propulsion chamber 51. The chamber of propulsion 51 has any upstream edge and any downstream edge and which does not are not necessarily aligned with flanges 11 and 21.
[0159] According to an example not shown, at least one flange can be a wall waterproof. Such a watertight wall can be split on either side of the membrane, which makes it possible to provide two flanges, one upper and the other inferior.
[0160] The upstream edge defines any inlet section through which the liquid enters the chamber with a flow Fi, and the downstream edge defines a section any outlet through which water is discharged from the chamber with a flow F2, and in general, out of the displacement device.
Between the two membranes M1 and M2 is arranged an intermediate flange, said separator 31, acting as a deflection means for the water flowing at through the propulsion chamber 51. In the present case, the separator 31 has a profile such that it can be considered that the membranes M1 and M2 each wave in a distinct and respective sub-cavity, whose profile is convergent by the shape of the separator 31.
[0162] Advantageously, the separator 31 makes it possible to reduce the disturbances and turbulent pressure drops resulting from the displacement of liquid located Between the membranes M1 and M2.

In the present case, the separator 31 is placed so that the flow Fi incoming water separates into two components Fil and F12, the first of these Fil components corresponding to the part of the flux deviated towards the first membrane M1 and the second of these components F12 corresponding to the part from the diverted stream to the second part of the stream.
[0164] At the exit, a thrust is generated by the undulation of the two membranes M1 and M2, possibly in a synchronized manner.
[0165] Assuming an incompressible fluid, the flow rates are noticeably identical when the sizes of the inlet and outlet sections are identical.
On the other hand, the pressures are higher at the thruster outlet. Thereby, when the outlet section size is smaller, the pressures increase more so, just like the velocity of the fluid, while the flow rate remains the same.
[0166] This makes it possible to provide a compact displacement device, comprising several membranes, and in which the outgoing flow F2 has a direction different from that of the incoming stream Fi.
[0167] Reference is now made to FIG. 3, which represents a view schematic of a movement device for a watercraft 120 according to a third embodiment of the invention.
[0168] As shown, the displacement device 120 comprises a propulsion chamber 52 in which are housed two flexible membranes M1 and M2, here arranged in series.
In the present case, the two membranes M1 and M2 are substantially aligned along the same overall axis in the propulsion chamber 52, this axis global being for example aligned with the orientation of the flange 22, described below after.
[0170] Each of the two membranes M1 and M2 is connected to one of the two actuators Al and A2. The actuator Ai, which is connected to the membrane M1 in one point attachment P11, is separate from the actuator A2 which is connected to the membrane M2 in one other attachment point P12.
[0171] The displacement device 120 thus comprises a single chamber of propulsion 52, two membranes M1 and M2 housed in this chamber and two actuators Al and A2 arranged to undulate the separate membranes M1 and M2, this ripple being able to be synchronized or not. Actuators can be either in phase or out of phase.
[0172] In the present case, the propulsion chamber 52 is formed by two flanges 12 and 22, the flange 12 having a sawtooth shape and the flange 22 having a substantially linear shape along an axis of the propulsion chamber 52.
[0173] The respective shapes of the flanges 12 and 22 are such that the membranes M1 and M2 each undulate in a respective sub-cavity of profile substantially convergent. In particular, the upstream edge and the downstream edge of the chamber 52 are substantially aligned with flange 22 but not necessarily with the flange 12, which creates a linear reduction progressive of the section of each of these two sub-cavities between the upstream edge and the edge downstream of the propulsion chamber 52.
In operation, the undulation of the first membrane M1 by the first actuator Al makes it possible to generate an intermediate thrust of the liquid penetrating from the upstream edge with an incoming flow Fi. This push intermediate corresponds to an intermediate flow F3, the liquid thus displaced over there first membrane M1 then reaching the second membrane M2, whose setting in undulation by the second actuator A2 makes it possible to obtain an outgoing flow F2.
[0175] This makes it possible to reduce the appearance of unbalance in the event of a phase shift Between the membranes. This also limits vibrations in the device, and so the vibrations in a watercraft incorporating this device.
[0176] In the present case, such a displacement device makes it possible to provide a gain in pressure or flow compared to other devices such as those described in the previous figures. In particular, when several membranes are arranged in series, a pressure gain is obtained. When several membranes are arranged in parallel, a gain in throughput is obtained.
[0177] Advantageously, such a moving device also allows at least least two membranes, housed in series and/or according to different setups, to undulate by touching or without touching. At least two membranes can also wave in phase or with a given phase shift.
Reference is now made to views 4A and 4B of FIG. 4, which represent respectively a perspective view and a vertical view of a displacement device for a watercraft according to a fourth mode of realization of the invention.
As shown, the displacement device 125 has a mode of operation substantially identical to that of the displacement device 120, the latter comprising a single propulsion chamber in which are housed two flexible membranes M1 and M2 in series.
[0180] In particular, the propulsion chamber that includes the device of displacement 125 has an upstream edge located close to the leading edge of the first membrane M1, and a downstream edge located close to the trailing edge of the second diaphragm M2. The trailing edge of the first membrane M1 is located close to the leading edge of the second membrane M2.
In the present case, three actuators are configured to generate a thrust of the displacement device 125 by undulating each membrane.
In particular, two actuators Ail and Al2 are connected to the edge attack of the first membrane M1 and a single actuator A13 is connected to the edge of leak by Ml. Similarly, two actuators A21 and A22 are connected to the edge drive of the second membrane M2 and a single actuator A23 is connected to the trailing edge of M2.
Preferably, the Ail and Al2 actuators are synchronized with each other, and the actuators A21 and A22 are also synchronized with each other.
[0184] Advantageously, the synchronization between actuators can be such than the second membrane M2 prolongs the traveling wave of the first membrane Mr.
If the membranes M1 and M2 are identical, these can undulate in phase by synchronizing actuators Ail and Al2 with actuators A21 and A22, for example. Among other operating modes, only one of the two membranes can be crimped, or both membranes can be undulation in phase opposition.
[0286] Among other possible operating modes, an inversion of 5 thrust can be produced by the displacement device 125, by example for dampen the device in a liquid. Such braking can be obtained, by example, using only actuators A13 and A23 to undulate the membranes M1 and M2.
[0187] FIG. 5 represents a schematic view of a device for shift 10 for watercraft according to a fifth embodiment of the invention.
In the present case, the displacement device 130 comprises a alone propulsion chamber, formed by two flanges 13 and 23, and in which are housed two membranes M1 and M2, in parallel.
[0189] As shown, an actuator Al is used to put the two 15 M1 and M2 membranes in undulation simultaneously, synchronously or asynchronous, said two membranes not necessarily being aligned or same dimensions.
[0190] Unlike the second embodiment of the invention such as previously described, no separator is present in the chamber of 20 propulsion. This allows the two membranes M1 and M2 to touch or touch each other during their respective undulations, thus creating a seal relative between them, and making it possible to save on the size of the separator for allow the passage of larger objects for example.
[0291] Views 6A and 6B of the corresponding FIG. 6 represent, 25 respectively, a perspective view and a vertical view of a device movement for watercraft according to a sixth embodiment of the invention.
In the present case, and similarly to the fifth mode of embodiment described above, the displacement device 135 comprises a single propulsion chamber in which are housed two membranes M1 and M2 in parallel.

[0293] Still in the present case, the two membranes M1 and M2 are of rectangular shapes and housed one above the other, and each membrane can be undulated by at least one actuator.
[0294] Thus, undulation of the flexible membrane M1 can be obtained from its leading edge by means of the actuator Ail and/or Al2, or at its trailing edge by means of actuator A13.
[0195] In the present, the actuation of the upstream edge and of the downstream edge is not not necessarily do at the same time.
[0296] In a similar way, undulation of the flexible membrane M2 can be obtained from its leading edge by means of actuator A21 and/or A22, or at its trailing edge by means of actuator A23.
FIG. 7 represents a schematic view of a device for shift for watercraft according to a seventh embodiment of the invention.
In the present case, and similarly to the fifth mode of embodiment described above, the displacement device 140 comprises a single propulsion chamber 54, without separator, in which are housed of them membranes M1 and M2 in parallel.
[0199] The walls of the propulsion chamber 54 include two flanges 14 and 24.
[0200] Two separate actuators Al and A2 are present here to put in undulation the flexible membranes M1 and M2, the actuator Al being connected to the first membrane M1 by the attachment point P1 and the actuator A2 being connected to the second membrane M2 by the attachment point P2.
[0201] As a variant, the actuators Al and A2 can be one and the same actuator but comprising two moving parts which oscillate independently, synchronously, with a phase shift, or not.
[0202] In particular, the actuator Al is located on the side of the flange 14 and the actuator A2 is located on the side of the flange 24, which makes it possible to isolate the two actuators.

[0203] Advantageously, one or the other of the actuators can be placed in a sealed chamber and, for example, makes it possible to undulate the membrane at which it is connected through a wall seal.
[0204] In the present, a sealed chamber is a chamber which is not in contact with the liquid propelled by the moving device.
However, if the displacement device is placed inside the nautical vehicle, the actuator is not necessarily in a sealed chamber; he can however, be sheltered from external environmental conditions, e.g.
example bad weather.
[0205] Reference is now made to FIG. 8, which represents a view schematic of a movement device for a watercraft according to a eighth embodiment of the invention.
[0206] In the present case, the displacement device 150 comprises a alone propulsion chamber 55, without separator, in which are housed three membranes M1, M2 and M3 in parallel. The walls of the propulsion chamber 55 comprise two flanges 15 and 25. In an example not shown, it is possible also provide four membranes, five membranes or more than five membranes in parallel.
[0207] As shown, one and the same actuator Al is used to put the three membranes M1, M2, and M3 in undulation simultaneously, synchronous or asynchronous, said three membranes not necessarily being aligned or of the same dimensions.
[0208] Reference is now made to FIG. 9, which represents a view schematic of a movement device for a watercraft according to a ninth embodiment of the invention.
[0209] As shown, the device 160 comprises two chambers of propulsion 56A and 56B in each of which is housed a flexible membrane, M1 or M2.
[0210] Preferably, the two membranes are positioned in planes parallels.

The two chambers 56A and 56B are separated. For example, these may comprise a common flange, or be separated from each other by a separator, the geometry of which allows for example to confer on the two chambers a convergent preference profile.
[0212] The upstream edge of the first chamber 56A acts as a section input for a first inflow Fi and the upstream edge of the second chamber 56B
made entry section office for a second incoming flow F3. The downstream edge of the first chamber 56A acts as an exit section for a first stream outgoing F2 of liquid propelled by the membrane M1 from Fi, and the downstream edge of the second chamber 56B acts as an exit section for a second stream leaving F4 of liquid propelled by the membrane M2 from F3.
[0213] At the exit, a thrust is generated by the undulation of the two membranes M1 and M2, possibly in a synchronized manner, so as to provide a sum of outgoing flows F2 and F4 greater than the sum of the flows incoming Fi and incoming water F3.
[0214] Advantageously, a single actuator Al connects the two membranes M1 and M2, which are aligned substantially in parallel and along the same axis in each of the propulsion chambers 56A and 56B.
[0215] As described, the movement device for watercraft 160 has an outlet section and a thrust generated which are increased, and in this case, increased in proportion to the number of rooms of propulsion present, whereas a single actuator suffices to generate said thrust.
[0216] FIG. 10 represents a schematic view of a device for movement for a water vehicle according to a tenth embodiment of the invention.
[0217] The displacement device 170 comprises two propulsion chambers 57A and 57B of substantially constant profile, which are aligned in parallel and separated by a separator 32 in which are located two actuators Al and A2.

[0218] The chamber 57A comprises a flexible membrane M1 which is connected to the first actuator Al and chamber 57B comprises a flexible membrane M2 which is connected to the second actuator A2.
[0219] At the exit, a thrust is generated by the undulation of the two membranes M1 and M2, possibly in a synchronized manner, so as to provide a total outgoing flow F2 greater than the sum of the incoming flows Fil and F12.
[0220] Reference is now made to views 11A, 11B and 110 of FIG.

corresponding, which represent a moving device for a vehicle boat 180 according to an eleventh embodiment of the invention.
[0221] In particular, each of the views 11A, 11B and 110 illustrates a mode of possible operation of the device 180, which comprises a single chamber of propulsion, a single flexible membrane M1 which is housed in it, and of them Al and A2 actuators connected to this same membrane.
[0222] The flanges of the propulsion chamber 58 are here arranged so as to give it a convergent profile. In a non-limiting way, this profile can be divergent or constant according to other possible variants.
According to one example, a first actuator Al is connected to the membrane hose M1 at a first attachment point Pll which is located close to its edge attack, and a second actuator A2 is connected to M1 at a second point attachment point P21 which is located close to its trailing edge.
[0224] In a case not shown, the actuator Al and the actuator A2 can be one and the same actuator, with different possible attachment points at the Ml membrane.
[0225] In other cases, the actuator Al can be composed of a part of actuator A2, or vice versa. In general, more power provided to undulate the leading edge of the membrane than the edge of trailing favors forward gear, while greater power provided to undulate the trailing edge rather than the leading edge of the membrane promotes reverse gear.

[0226] According to yet other cases, the upstream edge actuator is the same as that of the downstream edge, but can only operate one edge at a time.
[0227] This makes it possible to provide a means of controlling the outgoing flow F2 of the liquid propelled out of chamber 58, following its movement therein from the 5 upstream edge to the downstream edge.
[0228] For example, view 11A illustrates a normal operating mode, in which the membrane M1 is undulated by an alternating movement of the actuator Al as previously described. When only the Al actuator puts in undulation Ml, a thrust is generated from the upstream edge towards the downstream edge to 10 provide an outgoing flow F2 greater than the incoming flow Fi.
[0229] Furthermore, this figure also makes it possible to illustrate a mode of functioning reverse propulsion, in which the membrane M1 is undulated by reciprocating movement of actuator A2 only.
[0230] If actuator Al is stopped and if actuator A2 is in functioning, 15 the waves propagating in the membrane M1 have a direction of propagation reversed, which allows a displacement of the liquid from the downstream edge towards the edge upstream.
Indeed, when only the actuator A2 undulates M1, a thrust is generated from the downstream edge to the upstream edge to provide a higher outflow to incoming flow, and in opposite directions to those represented here by Fi and F2.
20 [0231] When only the actuator A2 undulates the membrane M1, this makes it possible to reverse the direction of movement of the liquid in the chamber 58, and therefore allows a watercraft that includes the device 180 to perform a reverse, without having to change the orientation of the device or the edge upstream of room 58.
[0232] This therefore provides an advantageous means of reverse thrust, in particular for large nautical vehicles, for which the device of movement can be massive and whose rotation can be all the more difficult to to achieve.
[0233] In addition, this also makes it possible to illustrate a mode of operation

30 synchronized in which the two actuators Al and A2 contribute together to undulate the membrane M1.

31 [0234] This also makes it possible to provide a motorization of the trailing edge of the flexible membrane M1, and therefore to actuate two of the edges of the membrane undulating, so that its undulation is conducive to travel modes specific, for example to limit the noise and vibrations of the room of propulsion, or the membrane which could touch the flanges during its ripple.
[0235] Advantageously, this actuating means also makes it possible to recover the energy of the downstream edge of the membrane M1 which would not have been completely transmitted to the liquid, for example when the nautical vehicle comprising the device 180 moves forward, i.e. when the actuator To the East in operation, or even when the incoming flow Fi of liquid in the propulsion chamber is too large, so that the M1 membrane does not not allow, by its characteristics, to provide an outgoing flow F2 superior.
This is for example the case when a watercraft comprising this device of displacement navigates a high-flow watercourse in the same direction, or again for sailboats sailing and having this device.
[0236] View 11B illustrates a propulsion type operating mode nothing , in which the actuators Al and A2 are used to position the membrane M1 along a flange of the propulsion chamber of the device 180, by example by moving the leading edge and trailing edge of M1 nearby from same flask.
[0237] In the present case, and although this is not represented, a single actuator can also be provided to position Ml. Indeed, if the actuator upstream is positioned close to a flange without a second actuator being present, the other edge of the membrane will naturally tend to place itself from side of the flange where the actuator positions it. A second actuator is not so not essential in this case.
[0238] In this case, no thrust is generated since the membrane M1 is not undulated and is placed away from liquid flow inside the chamber.

32 [0239] Advantageously, this placement apart makes it possible to shift the membrane towards a flange in operation when the membrane undulates, and so on adjust the membrane on an operation that suits it better.
[0240] Furthermore, this makes it possible to raise the membrane for, for example, pass a solid object that would be present in the liquid, for example from pebbles, pieces of plastic, or a scrap, so as not to damage the membrane. Furthermore, if the watercraft has another means of displacement, for example a sail or a heat engine, than the present displacement device, this mode of operation makes it possible to reduce and limit the screen due to the membrane in the liquid.
[0241] It is thus possible to improve the durability of the membrane, and in general, of the moving device.
[0242] This allows the membrane M1 to be stretched without using attachment points Where other means of tension. For example, the voltage can be adjusted by moving the actuator with respect to the membrane. This also makes it possible to limit the amplitude undulation of the membrane M1 and/or preventing it from hitting vs the flanges of the walls of the propulsion chamber 58.
[0243] View 11C illustrates a braking type operating mode, in which actuators A1 and A2 are used to position the edge of attack from M1 near a first flange and the trailing edge of Mile along a other flange of the propulsion chamber of the device 180, for example a flange who is opposed to him.
[0244] This makes it possible to provide active braking of a watercraft including the displacement device, rather than using the friction between the vehicle and the liquid to reduce its speed, which requires more time to to stop the nautical vehicle. This braking is also softer, since it increases simply the trainee.
[0245] In particular, this positioning can be implemented so as to block, by means of Ml, the flow of the liquid in the chamber, which closes the corresponding hydraulic circuit, such as a valve.

33 [0246] FIG. 12 represents a schematic view of a device for displacement according to a twelfth embodiment of the invention.
[0247] In the present case, the displacement device 190 comprises a propulsion chamber 59 of converging profile, a flexible membrane M1 and a actuator A1 connected to it.
[0248] In addition, the displacement device 190 comprises three deflectors D11, D12 and D21. In particular, two of these deflectors, D11 and D12, are arranged at near the upstream edge of chamber 59 and the third of these deflectors East arranged near the downstream edge of the chamber 59. The deflectors D11 and D12 modify the direction of the incoming flow F1 while the deflector D21 modifies the direction of outgoing flow F2.
[0249] When at least one deflector is placed close to the upstream edge, a orientation of this deflector in a direction substantially parallel to a axis main of the propulsion chamber allows to direct the liquid towards the first inlet section of said chamber, which increases the inlet flow.
[0250] As a variant, a deflector placed close to the upstream edge and oriented in a substantially different direction to a main axis of the chamber of propulsion avoids directing the liquid towards the first section entrance of the chamber, which decreases the inlet flow.
[0251] When at least one deflector is placed close to the downstream edge, this directs the liquid out of the propulsion chamber, which modify the direction of thrust generated.
[0252] A deflector is for example a rudder which can be oriented in all directions, and preferably around a transverse axis by report to the membrane in order to adjust the direction of the propelled liquid or along an axis parallel in order to adjust the inclination and/or trim.
[0253] In order not to impede the flow of the fluid, the rudder can be side of propellant, without being located in its flow. The deflector can also play the role of wing or braking means such as flaps (foils or flaps , in English), in order to reduce or increase the drag of the watercraft.

34 [0254] According to various examples not shown, the displacement device may include several horizontal and/or vertical deflectors. In particular, the displacement device may comprise at least one deflector.
[0255] According to other examples, a deflector can be positioned near from middle of an entry or exit section, or on either side of a section entry or exit.
[0256] According to still other examples, the walls of the propulsion chamber can be oriented to steer the moving device in the liquid, which then serve as deflecting walls.
[0257] FIG. 13 represents a schematic view of a device for movement according to a thirteenth embodiment of the invention.
[0258] In the present case, the displacement device 195 comprises a propulsion chamber 595 whose profile, defined by two flanges 19 and 29, East variable. Variability in the profile of the 595 propulsion chamber is allowed Grace to the possible mobility of at least one flange, here the flange 29.
[0259] A flexible membrane M1 is housed in the propulsion chamber 595 and is connected to an actuator Al by an attachment point Pl.
[0260] The displacement device 195 further comprises a second actuator A2 connected to flange 29 by an attachment point P20, while the actuator Al is also connected to this same flange 29 by an attachment point P10.
The actuator Al is thus connected both to the flexible membrane M1 and to the flange 29.
[0261] This makes it possible to adjust the spacing of the flanges in order to modify the volume of the propulsion chamber, to adjust thrust, speed, direction Where the trim of the watercraft. Such an adjustment can also be made manually, without actuator, and/or stopped.
[0262] Advantageously, the modification of the volume of a propulsion chamber can be implemented in a synchronized manner with the undulation of the flexible membrane Mi. For example, an actuator Al can move an edge leading or trailing edge of a flexible membrane M1 simultaneously with the movement of a flange to which it is also connected.

WO 2021/0286

35 PCT/FR2020/051438 [0263] According to various examples, several actuators can also be synchronized to move a flange of a propulsion chamber, simultaneously or not with the undulation of one or more housed membranes in this propulsion chamber.
5 [0264] According to an example not shown, at least one flexible membrane and at least one least one actuator are configured to generate power from a movement of the actuator by the flexible membrane.
[0265] In such a case, the displacement device operates as a energy-generating device, the characteristics of which, however, remain 10 similar to the embodiments described above. The actuator, however, functions here as a power-generating device. The flexible membrane is disposed in the propulsion chamber of the device energy generator, which therefore functions as a generating cavity of energy and the flanges of which delimit a conduit for a flow of liquid to 15 moving between the upstream edge and the downstream edge of the chamber.
[0266] Still in such a case, an operation as a device for electricity production can be implemented automatically from of a certain fluid flow velocity or of the nautical craft, for example for speeds above 5 knots.
[0267] Advantageously, during this energy generation phase, the system can automatically orient itself to achieve maximum generation possible.
[0268] In operation, the leading edge of the membrane M1 is subjected to a first tension and the trailing edge of the membrane M1 is subjected to a 25 second voltage of different values. Under the effect of the difference of tension, a flow of water circulating in the chamber causes the membrane to ripple ml, and generates wave propagation with a speed whose value depends on the resistance of the membrane M1 to the flow of liquid, and therefore, of the difference of the voltage values.
[0269] Preferably, the membrane M1 is placed in a part divergent of the device chamber. This part is shaped to marry the envelope

36 of the amplitude of the waves during their progression in the membrane M1. The mechanical characteristics of the membrane are preferably chosen to so that the propagation speed of the wave is always lower than the speed liquid flowing through the chamber.
[0270] Figure 14 shows a perspective view of a watercraft according to another embodiment of the invention.
[0271] In the present case, the nautical vehicle 1000 is a boat comprising a 1100 semi-rigid hull and a 1200 outboard motor, i.e. a motor located outside the 1100 hull.
[0272] In particular, the device 200 is fixed to the rear of the vehicle nautical 1000, and preferably on a transom.
[0273] Advantageously, the propulsion chambers that the device comprises can be placed in different positions and along a main axis of a nautical vehicle, for example along a roll axis, so that the thrust generated by all propulsion chambers moves the vehicle straight line along this axis.
[0274] The motor 1200 here comprises a displacement device 200 corresponding to any one of the embodiments previously described.
[0275] In particular, and when the vehicle 1000 is on the water, it is possible plan to arrange the engine 1200 so that only the propulsion chamber(s) of the device 200 and the membrane(s) they comprise are immersed in water, unlike actuators.
[0276] This engine can be steered by means of a rudder 1050 connected to the displacement device 200 and can be used manually or electronically. This allows to have a relative rotation of the chamber by compared to the nautical machine, for example to save a means actuation of the downstream edge by carrying out a reverse movement by a rotation engine complete.
[0277] Moreover, the relative height of the engine 1200 with respect to the water maybe adjusted. This prevents damage to the propulsion chamber(s) of the

37 device 200 when the water depth is shallow, or when the vehicle 1000 arrives on solid ground like a beach.
[0278] According to an example not shown, an engine comprising the device 200 can be attached to the vehicle 1000 by means of a flexible seal, for example a flange type seal.
[0279] This prevents the transmission of vibrations to the vehicle nautical or at least, to dampen the vibrations produced by the engine.
[0280] Such a configuration provides a simple, secure, and not requiring no significant transformation of the hull to accommodate the moving device.
[0281] Views 15A and 15B represent, respectively, a view in perspective of a watercraft comprising a movement device and a view in perspective of such a displacement device, according to yet another mode of realization of the invention.
[0282] In view 15A, the nautical vehicle 2000 is a boat comprising a rigid hull 2100 and an inboard engine 2200, i.e. an engine located inside the 2100 hull.
[0283] The motor 2200 includes a corresponding displacement device 300 to any of the previously described embodiments.
[0284] A first element 310 of the hull consists of the upstream edge of a propulsion chamber of the device 300 and a second element 320 of the shell consists of the downstream edge of said propulsion chamber.
[0285] According to one example, at least one of the upstream or downstream edges of a chamber propulsion of the device 300 is directly immersed in the liquid serving to propulsion. Advantageously, this is the upstream edge, to avoid any problem priming. Furthermore, both the upstream edge and the downstream edge can be formed in the hull 2100 of the vehicle 2000, so that the entry and the exit of the propulsion chamber are located in the hull.
[0286] According to an example not shown, the hull of the nautical vehicle can include a cant arranged so that the membrane and/or a flange of the

38 propulsion chamber either partially or totally located inside the shell.
[0287] For example, the upstream edge of the propulsion chamber of the device can be arranged so as not to be directly immersed in the liquid.
However, the device 300 may comprise a cavity immersed in the liquid serving to the propulsion, the latter connecting the propulsion chamber to the liquid.
[0288] Advantageously, this cavity can fill with liquid when the nautical vehicle is launched, which improves the start-up of the device shift.
[0289] Advantageously, a downstream edge of at least one propulsion chamber of the device is submerged, and is preferably located at the rear of the vehicle nautical when it has a preferential direction of movement, favoring an optimal propulsion of this one.
[0290] According to an example, at least one of the edges among the upstream edge and the edge downstream of a propulsion chamber of the device 300 is connected to the liquid serving to propulsion by a hydraulic circuit.
[0291] According to one example, the shell 2100 has at least one opening arranged to accommodate a hydraulic circuit. Preferably, this opening East located below the waterline of the vehicle 2000, immersed in the liquid.
In furthermore, this opening can be located at the fairing of the vehicle 2000, in below, on the sides, at the front as for example for thrusters bow, aft, between two portions of its hull, or obliquely to its hull of so as to avoid any booting problem of the device 300.
[0292] Advantageously, said opening can be located at the level of a inlet section or an outlet section of a propulsion chamber of the device 300, a propulsion chamber in which is housed a membrane M1 being located between the two, and at least one actuator of the device 300 being connected to this membrane by means of a sealed connection.
According to one example, the aforementioned hydraulic circuit can be arranged to promote a laminar flow of the liquid in the device of shift.

39 [0294] As a variant, the hydraulic circuit can be curved or angled, which allow space saving and simplified installation of the moving device in the nautical vehicle.
[0295] View 15B represents a perspective view of the device for displacement 300.
[0296] The displacement device 300 comprises a propulsion chamber 350 in which is housed at least one membrane M1, said membrane being connected with two actuators Al and A2.
[0297] Said propulsion chamber 350 has a parallelepipedic geometry and formed by two rigid vertical walls 301 and 302 as well as two walls rigid horizontal 310 and 320.
[0298] In the present case, the propulsion chamber 350 forms an enclosure sealed in the nautical vehicle 2000. In particular, at least one wall rigid of this sealed enclosure acts as a flange for the propulsion chamber 350.
[0299] According to one example, at least the horizontal wall 310 acts as a flask upper part of the propulsion chamber 350 while the horizontal wall 320 East a lower flange formed by a part fixed to the body of the vehicle.
Ideally, this part is chosen and arranged in such a way as not to alter the watertightness of all.
[0300] According to another example, other rigid walls can be used as upper, lower or lateral flange of the propulsion chamber 350.
[0301] According to yet another example, the propulsion chamber 350 is arranged so that the membrane M1 housed therein does not face one of its sides only one flange, which may be the hull itself.
[0302] In a non-limiting way, the membrane M1 and/or the chamber of propulsion 350 may not be rectangular (or parallelepipedal) in shape, but fit the shape of the hull, which limits any modification to bring to the nautical vehicle during the installation of the device shift 300.

[0303] The actuator Al or A2 can be arranged to move the membrane M1 via a connecting axis A10 or A20, the latter passing through at least one wall, by example the wall 310.
[0304] In addition, at least one connecting pin can be provided with a trim 5 seal, this seal may be an O-ring or a bellows, for example.
[0305] Although the propulsion chamber 350 can be a sealed chamber, this may be crossed by at least part of a circuit hydraulic containing the membrane M1. This configuration allows, for example, to cool 10 the actuator or some of its elements thanks to the liquid present in bedroom, like its power electronics in the case of an electric motor.
[0306] According to an example not shown, the displacement device 300 further comprises at least one cup, located outside of at least one bedroom of propulsion and close to its downstream edge, and preferably outside of the 15 hull 2100 of the vehicle 2000, or outside the hull 1100 of the vehicle 1000.
[0307] This bucket is, preferably, a part arranged to push back the liquid exiting from the downstream edge towards the upstream edge of the propulsion chamber and via the outside of it.
[0308] By driving back the outflow of liquid from downstream to upstream, it is possible 20 to reverse the direction of the thrust generated and therefore to allow a reverse movement of the vehicle 2000.
[0309] In reverse, for example, the thrust generated causes a moving fluid forward of the vehicle and said vehicle is propelled in the same direction as the movement of the fluid in the propulsion chamber.
25 This can be implemented by actuating at least one membrane located near the downstream edge of a propulsion chamber.
[0310] It is also possible to provide a variant in which the chamber of propulsion and/or the bucket described above can be pivoted or rotated in the purpose of modifying the direction of the thrust generated by the device shift.

[0311] According to another example not shown, a propulsion chamber or a membrane of the displacement device is arranged to be able to rotate by with respect to an axis orthogonal to the direction of flow or propulsion of the liquid in the chamber. This rotation can be carried out inside the shell.
[0312] Advantageously, this makes it possible to modify the direction of the thrust generated by the moving device.
[0313] According to an example not shown, the displacement device comprises further at least one noise reducing means or damping means mechanical.
[0314] For example, the propulsion chamber or chambers that the device displacement can be attached directly to the nautical vehicle by means of anti-vibration feet.
[0315] Anti-vibration feet not only improve sealing of the engine, for example when they have the shape of a flange seal.
[0316] Views 16A, 16B and 16C of FIG. 16 illustrate a device for displacement 196 according to another embodiment.
[0317] As illustrated, views 16A, 16B and 16C respectively represent a perspective view, a perspective sectional view and a schematic view in section of device 196.
[0318] Preferably, the device is included in a cowling, said rollover exhibiting for example an asymmetrical NACA profile. The incoming flow Fi of liquid enters the device 196 via the upstream edge 51a and the outgoing flow F2 don't care extracted by the downstream edge 51b.
[0319] The device 196 comprises a propulsion chamber, a membrane M1 housed in this chamber, the membrane being undulated by a Al actuator.
[0320] The actuator is advantageously located directly next to the membrane, either in the water, upstream or downstream of it.
[0321] In the present example, said propulsion chamber has a tubular geometry, and the membrane M1 is discoidal in shape.

[0322] This configuration makes it possible to reduce the pressure near the edge upstream 51a of the nautical vehicle, and to increase it near the downstream edge 51b.
[0323] In addition, the pressure is distributed more optimally by outskirts of the diaphragm.
[0324] Views 17A, 17B and 17C of FIG. 16 illustrate a device for displacement 197 according to yet another embodiment.
[0325] As illustrated, views 17A, 17B and 17C respectively represent a perspective view, a perspective sectional view and a schematic view in section of device 197.
[0326] The device 197 comprises a propulsion chamber, a membrane M1 housed in this chamber, the membrane being undulated by a Al actuator.
In the present example, the membrane M1 is cylindrical. The diaphragm M1 surrounds an egg-shaped separator. Preferably, the bedroom propulsion is cylindrical.

Claims

Claims [Claim 1] Displacement device (100; 110; 120; 125; 130; 135 ;
140; 150; 160; 170; 180; 190; 195; 196; 197; 200; 300) for vehicle nautical, said device comprising:
- at least one propulsion chamber (50; 51; 52; 58; 59; 595) including a first inlet section for a liquid, called the upstream edge (50a; 51a; 52a;
56a;
57a), and a second outlet section of said liquid, called the downstream edge (50b;
51b;
52b; 56b; 57b);
- at least one flexible membrane (M1; M2; M3) housed in said chamber;
and - at least one actuator (A1; A2; Al 1, Al2, A13, A21, A22, A23) configured for generating a thrust of said vehicle by undulating the membrane between the upstream edge and the downstream edge.
[Claim 2] Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said thrust is produced by the undulation of the membrane with a frequency and a amplitude predetermined.
[Claim 3] Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said bet in undulation comprises a movement of at least one end of the membrane by said at least one actuator.
[Claim 4] Device according to any one of the claims above, wherein the propulsion chamber comprises at least one volume, the volume being formed by at least one wall (301, 302; 310, 320) connecting the upstream edge and the downstream edge.
[Claim 5] Device according to any one of the claims previous ones, comprising at least two propulsion chambers arranged in series or in parallel.

[Claim 6] Device according to any one of the claims above, in which several flexible membranes are housed in a same room.
[Claim 7] Apparatus according to claim 6, wherein at least of them membranes housed in the same chamber undulate with a phase shift of one angle chosen from a group comprising: an angle substantially equal to 00, a angle substantially equal to 90 , an angle substantially equal to 180 , an angle substantially equal to 270 and an angle substantially equal to 360 divided by the number of membranes in said chamber.
[Claim 8] Device according to any one of the claims previous steps, wherein said at least one flexible membrane and said at least less an actuator are configured to generate power from a movement of the actuator by the flexible membrane.
[Claim 9] Device according to any one of the claims above, wherein the upstream edge and/or the downstream edge comprises at least one liquid deflector (D11; D12; D21).
[Claim 10] Watercraft (1000; 2000) comprising a hull and a displacement device according to any one of the claims previous ones.
[Claim 11] A vehicle according to claim 10, wherein at least one first shell member consists of the upstream edge of at least one chamber of propulsion and at least a second element of the hull consists of the edge downstream of the at least one propulsion chamber of said device.