Floating vessel

Abstract

The invention relates to a floating vessel comprising a hull, at least one seat, and two outriggers arranged laterally to the hull and connected directly or indirectly to the hull, wherein a drive unit, separately controllable in its drive output, and comprising a respective at least one propeller driven by a motor, in particular an electric motor, is assigned to each outrigger. A helm of the floating vessel is thereby connected to a proportional transducer, and a control signal from the proportional transducer is supplied to a control unit which directly or indirectly controls the motors in accordance with the control signal from the proportional transducer. Thus, a precisely controllable and yet easily disassemblable floating vessel is provided.

Claims

1. A floating vessel comprising: a hull; at least one seat and two outriggers arranged laterally to the hull and coupled to the hull; a drive unit assigned to each of the at least two outriggers, each drive unit separately controllable in its respective drive output and comprising at least one propeller driven by a motor; a proportional transducer coupled to a helm of the floating vessel, and configured to supply a control signal to a control unit; a motor controller with a power regulator arranged in each of the at least two outriggers and coupled to the control unit; wherein the control unit is configured to convert an analog control signal of the proportional transducer into at least one digital control signal, and the digital control signal is sent by data connections to the motor controllers arranged in or on the at least two outriggers, which control the power of the respectively associated motor in dependence on the digital control signal, and wherein the data connection between the control unit and the motor controllers occurs by data lines or by radio links, and wherein a steering column, supported by the helm, is hinged to the hull.

2. The floating vessel of claim 1, wherein the control unit is furnished with a speed signal of a speed regulator of the floating vessel, and wherein the control unit is configured to control the motors further based on the speed signal.

3. The floating vessel of claim 2, wherein the control unit forms at least one digital actuation signal from the control signal of the proportional transducer and the speed signal of the speed regulator and supplies it to the motor controllers.

4. The floating vessel of claim 2, wherein the control unit forms a digital speed signal from the speed signal of the speed regulator and supplies it to the motor controllers.

5. The floating vessel of claim 1, wherein the proportional transducer is designed as an incremental encoder or as a potentiometer or as a capacitive proportional transducer.

6. The floating vessel of claim 1, wherein the data connection is bidirectional.

7. The floating vessel of claim 1, wherein: each motor is coordinated with a battery pack consisting of interconnected storage batteries, a charge status of the battery pack is detected and sent via a data connection to the control unit, and the control unit is configured to limit the maximum available power of the motors equally for both motors in dependence on the charge status of the furthest discharged battery pack.

8. The floating vessel of claim 7, wherein any one or more of a temperature of the motors, a temperature of the storage batteries, and a temperature of the control unit is detected and taken into account for the limiting of the maximum available power of the motors.

9. The floating vessel of claim 1, wherein the at least two outriggers are detachably connected to the hull.

10. The floating vessel of claim 1, wherein the data lines between the control unit and the motor controllers are detachable.

11. The floating vessel of claim 2, wherein one or more electric motor-driven control elements are arranged on each of the at least two outriggers and in that these electric motor-driven control elements are actuatable in dependence on any one or more of the control signal, the speed signal, and at least one digital actuation signal formed from the analog control signal and the speed signal.

12. The floating vessel of claim 11, wherein any one or more of control flaps, rudders pivotably attached to the at least two outriggers, pivotably arranged deflection nozzles, and pivotably arranged azimuth thrusters are actuatable as electric motor-driven control elements.

13. The floating vessel of claim 1, wherein a thrust direction of the drive units is reversible.

14. A floating vessel comprising: a hull; at least two outriggers arranged laterally to the hull and coupled to the hull; a drive unit assigned to each of the at least two outriggers, each drive unit separately controllable in its respective drive output and comprising at least one propeller driven by a motor; a proportional transducer coupled to a helm of the floating vessel, and configured to supply a control signal to a control unit; a steering column supported by the helm and hinged to the hull; wherein the control unit is configured to control the motors in dependence on the control signal of the proportional transducer.

15. The floating vessel of claim 14, wherein: the control unit is configured to convert an analog control signal of the proportional transducer into at least one digital control signal, and the at least one digital control signal is sent by data lines to motor controllers arranged in or on the at least two outriggers, which control the power of the respectively associated motor in dependence on the digital control signal, and the data lines are led through a hinge connection between the steering column and the hull.

16. The floating vessel of claim 14, wherein: the control unit is configured to convert an analog control signal of the proportional transducer into at least one digital control signal, and the at least one digital control signal is sent by data lines to motor controllers arranged in or on the at least two outriggers, which control the power of the respectively associated motor in dependence on the digital control signal, contacts associated with the data lines are connected when the steering column is hinged into a first position, wherein actuation of the motors is enabled, and contacts associated with the data lines are broken when the steering column is hinged into a second position, wherein actuation of the motors is disabled.

17. The floating vessel of claim 14, wherein the proportional transducer puts out a digital control signal that is sent by data connections to motor controllers arranged in or on the at least two outriggers, which control the power of the respectively associated motor in dependence on the digital control signal.

18. A floating vessel comprising: a hull; at least two outriggers arranged laterally to the hull and coupled to the hull; a drive unit assigned to each of the at least two outriggers, each drive unit separately controllable in its respective drive output and comprising at least one propeller driven by a motor; a proportional transducer coupled to a helm of the floating vessel, and configured to supply a control signal; a speed regulator configured to supply a speed signal; wherein any one or more of control flaps, pivotably arranged rudders, pivotably arranged deflection nozzles, and pivotably arranged azimuth thrusters are arranged on each of the at least two outriggers as electric motor-driven control elements; and wherein the one or more electric motor-driven control elements are actuatable in dependence on any one or more of the control signal, the speed signal, and at least one digital actuation signal formed from the analog control signal and the speed signal.

19. The floating vessel of claim 18, wherein the proportional transducer puts out a digital control signal that is sent by data connections to motor controllers arranged in or on the at least two outriggers, which control the power of the respectively associated motor in dependence on the digital control signal.

20. A floating vessel comprising: a hull; at least one seat and two outriggers arranged laterally to the hull and coupled to the hull; a drive unit assigned to each of the at least two outriggers, each drive unit separately controllable in its respective drive output and comprising at least one propeller driven by a motor; a proportional transducer coupled to a helm of the floating vessel, and configured to supply a control signal to a control unit; a motor controller with a power regulator arranged in each of the at least two outriggers and coupled to the control unit; wherein the control unit is configured to convert an analog control signal of the proportional transducer into at least one digital control signal, and the digital control signal is sent by data connections to the motor controllers arranged in or on the at least two outriggers, which control the power of the respectively associated motor in dependence on the digital control signal, wherein the data connection between the control unit and the motor controllers occurs by data lines or by radio links, wherein the control unit is furnished with a speed signal of a speed regulator of the floating vessel, and wherein the control unit is configured to control the motors further based on the speed signal, wherein one or more electric motor-driven control elements are arranged on each of the at least two outriggers and in that these electric motor-driven control elements are actuatable in dependence on any one or more of the control signal, the speed signal, and at least one digital actuation signal formed from the analog control signal and the speed signal, and wherein any one or more of control flaps, rudders pivotably attached to the at least two outriggers, pivotably arranged deflection nozzles, and pivotably arranged azimuth thrusters are actuatable as electric motor-driven control elements.

Description

(1) The invention shall be explained more closely below with the aid of a sample embodiment represented in the drawings. There are shown:

(2) FIG. 1 a floating vessel in perspective side view,

(3) FIG. 2 the floating vessel shown in FIG. 1 in a side view,

(4) FIG. 3 the floating vessel shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 in a rear view,

(5) FIG. 4 a hull of the floating vessel shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 in a transport position and in a side view,

(6) FIG. 5 the floating vessel shown in FIG. 4 in a perspective side view,

(7) FIG. 6 the floating vessel of FIG. 1 with additionally mounted control flaps,

(8) FIG. 7 the floating vessel of FIG. 2 with additionally mounted rudders,

(9) FIG. 8 the floating vessel of FIG. 3 with additionally mounted control flaps and rudders,

(10) FIG. 9 a nozzle arrangement for a floating vessel, and

(11) FIG. 10 a block diagram representing a control system of the floating vessel of FIG. 1.

(12) FIG. 1 shows a floating vessel 10 in perspective side view. The floating vessel 10 is constructed from a hull 20 and two outriggers 20, 30 arranged laterally thereto and set back in the direction of the rear 21 of the floating vessel 10. The hull 20 carries a seat 50 with a sitting surface 52, a backrest 51 and a headrest 53. The backrest 51 is hinged by an articulated connection 54 to the sitting surface 52. In front of the sitting surface 52, the hull 20 forms a foot area 23. A control system 90 is associated with a steering column 91 and a helm 93. The steering column 91 is oriented from a prow 21 of the floating vessel 10 slanting upward toward the seat 50. At its end facing the prow 21, the steering column 91 is joined by a hinge connection 92 to the hull 20. Opposite this, the helm 93 is joined by a hinge 95 to the steering column 91. The helm 93 in the design variant shown has two control handles 93.1, 93.2, on which the operating elements 94 shown in FIG. 6 are arranged. Furthermore, a display facing the seat 50 and not represented is arranged at the helm 93. In an alternative variant embodiment, the helm may also be designed as a control wheel or steering wheel.

(13) Adjacent to the hull 20 a slide plate 80 is provided between the outriggers 30, 40. In the folded-out operating position shown, a top side 81 of the slide plate 80 faces away from the water surface, while a slide surface 82 of the slide plate 80 shown in FIG. 3 points toward the water surface. Webs 83.1, 83.2 are arranged on the slide plate 80 at the side. The webs 83.1, 83.2 are secured by hinge connections 84.1, 84.2 in an articulated manner to bearing blocks 24.1, 24.2, which are arranged on bearing webs 25.1, 25.2 arranged on the hull 20 at the side. Holders 60, 70 for securing the outriggers 30, 40 are arranged on the webs 83.1, 83.2 of the slide plate 80. Holding devices 33, 43 are arranged on the top sides 31, 41 of the outriggers 30, 40. The holding devices 33, 43 form U-shaped holding sections 33.1, 43.1 in which the holders 60, 70 are inserted. Opposite the holding sections 33.1, 43.1, the holders 60, 70 have fastening seats 61, 71 in the form of boreholes. The holders 60, 70 are connected by fastening elements 62, 72, which are led through the fastening seats 61, 71, to the holding devices 33, 43. Opposite the top sides 31, 41, the outriggers 30, 40 form bottom sides and 32, 42 facing the water.

(14) FIG. 2 shows the floating vessel 10 shown in FIG. 1 in a side view. Between the backrest 51 of the seat 50 and the top side 81 of the slide plate 80 shown in FIG. 1 is arranged an inflatable cushion 11. Uninflated, the cushion 11 can be stowed in the backrest 51 of the seat 50. Alternatively or additionally, an air mattress (not shown) may be integrated in the backrest 51 or in the slide plate 80. The air mattress can be inflated when needed and be pulled by the floating vessel 10. For this purpose, the air mattress is preferably attached to the floating vessel 10. The air mattress affords room for a second passenger and may also be used as rescue gear in an emergency situation.

(15) The slide plate 80 is arranged in its operating position such that its lower slide surface 82 shown in FIG. 3 directly adjoins an underside 28 of the hull 20. The hull underside 28 and the slide surface 82 thus form a continuous surface passing seamlessly into each other and facing the water. Drive units 100, 110 are arranged in the outriggers 30, 40. The drive units 100, 110 comprise motors 140 arranged in the outriggers 30, 40. The motors are preferably designed as electric motors. The power supply in the case of electric motors comes from storage batteries 138, which are hooked up as battery packs 137 and likewise arranged in the outriggers 30, 40. The motors drive propellers 102, 112 via drive shafts 103, shown in FIG. 3. The propellers 102, 112 are arranged inside flow channels 101, 111.

(16) FIG. 3 shows the floating vessel shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 in a rear view.

(17) In FIGS. 1 to 3, the floating vessel 10 is shown in its folded-out operating position. The outriggers 30, 40 are connected by the holders 60, 70 to the hull 20. The seat 50 is folded out and affords room for a passenger. The steering column 91 stands in its operating position, so that the helm 93 and the operating elements 94 can be operated by the passenger. The propulsion of the floating vessel 10 comes from the described drive units 100, 110. For this, the propellers 102, 112 are driven by the motors. The steering of the floating vessel 10 is done via the helm 93 and the operating elements 94 arranged on it. For this, the passenger may grasp the control handles 93.1, 93.2 and turn the helm 93 at the hinge 95 relative to the steering column 91. In the area of the hinge 95 is arranged an electronic proportional transducer 130, as represented in FIG. 10. This is moved by turning the helm 93, which alters a control signal 131 as the output signal of the proportional transducer 130. The control signal is relayed to a control unit 134. The control unit 134 is arranged inside the helm 93 or the steering column 91. A speed regulator 132 is provided on the helm 93 or alternatively in the foot space 23 of the hull 20 for adjusting the speed of the floating vessel 10. A speed signal 133 as the output signal of the speed regulator 132 is likewise supplied to the control unit 134. The control unit 134 forms from the control signal and the speed signal a digital actuation signal for actuating the motors 140. Alternatively, the proportional transducer 130 may already be designed to provide a digital control signal. The digital actuation signal is relayed by data connections to two motor controllers 136, which are arranged in the outriggers 30, 40. The data transmission occurs by data lines 135, or by radio links 135 between the control unit 134 and the motor controller 136. The motor controllers 136 have electronic power regulators 139. These are hooked up between the battery packs 137 and the electric motors 140. With the aid of the power regulators 139, the power of the motors 140 is adjusted in dependence on the actuation signal. A speed adjustment by the speed regulator 132 results in an equal adjustment at the motors, so that the floating vessel 10 runs straight. Preferably, the motors 140 are variable-speed type, so that a good straight running of the floating vessel 10 is achieved. A control signal of the helm 93 results in one of the motors being operated with higher power and thus speed than the other motor. Thus, for example, when it is desired to turn to the right and the helm 93 is turned to the right, the left motor and thus the left propeller 102 is driven more strongly than the right motor with the right propeller 112. This brings about a change in direction of the floating vessel 10. How high the power of the motors will be after a control movement is preferably dictated by the speed setting of the speed regulator 132. Thus, it may be provided that, for a speed setting of zero, a control signal by the helm 93 results in no actuation of the motors or only an actuation with little power. In this way, it can be prevented that the floating vessel 10 is set in motion or set in strong motion by an unintentional steering movement, for example when the passenger is sitting down. In a medium speed setting of the floating vessel 10, the power or speed of one motor can be reduced and that of the opposite motor increased as a result of a steering movement. It is likewise possible to maintain the power of one motor unchanged and only increase or decrease the power of the opposite motor. At the maximum speed setting, on the other hand, it is provided that the power and thus the speed of one motor is reduced, while the opposite motor continues to be operated at maximum power or speed. It is likewise possible to reverse the direction of thrust of one drive unit 100, 110, while the opposite drive unit 100, 110 continues to operate in the forward direction. This actuating of the drive units 100, 110 makes it possible to move through a narrow curve.

(18) The proportional transducer 130 may be designed as an incremental encoder, as a potentiometer or as a capacitive proportional transducer. It provides an analog output signal 131, which is proportional to the position angle of the helm 93. Such proportional transducers are cheap and robust. At the same time, they have a high precision in the relation of their output signal to the position angle of the helm 93, so that a precise steering of the floating vessel 10 is made possible. According to one alternative variant embodiment of the invention, it may also be provided that the proportional transducer puts out a digital signal directly in dependence on its set position.

(19) When there is a data connection between the control unit and the motor controllers via data lines 135, these are connected detachably, preferably in the manner of a plug, to the hull 20 and the outriggers 30, 40. For the disassembly of the outriggers 30, 40, the data lines may thus be easily separated. The plug connections are accordingly designed water-tight. In one possible embodiment of the invention, the data lines are laid in the holders 60, 70. In event of a radio link 135 between the control unit and the motor controllers, advantageously no data or signal lines are needed between the hull 20 and the outriggers 30, 40, which further simplifies the assembly and disassembly of the outriggers 30, 40.

(20) In the sample embodiment shown, the actuation signal for the actuating of the motors is formed by the control unit 134 from the analog control signal 131 of the helm 93 and the speed signal 133 of the speed regulator 132 and relayed to the motor controllers 136. Alternatively, it is also possible to relay the control signal and the speed signal separately to the motor controllers 136. These form therefrom the respective actuation signal for the power setting of the motors 140. It is likewise possible to arrange the power regulators 139 in the hull 20, for example integrated at the control unit 134. But the drawback here is that cables of the power circuit need to be laid between the outriggers 30, 40 and the hull 20.

(21) In the sample embodiment shown, electric motors 140 are furthermore provided for the propulsion of the floating vessel 10. The power setting of the electric motors is then done advantageously by power regulators 139 provided at the motor controllers 136, especially by suitable power transistors. These are hooked up between storage batteries 138, interconnected as battery packs 137, and the electric motors 140, with one battery pack being arranged in each outrigger 30, 40. Advantageously, the data connection 135 between the control unit and the motor controllers is bidirectional. Furthermore, the motor controllers 136 are advantageously designed to detect the charge status of the battery packs 137 and transmit this to the control unit 134. The control unit can then take the charge status of the battery packs into account when setting the motor powers. In the sample embodiment shown, it is provided that the motor power or speed of the motors is limited in dependence on the charge status of the furthest discharged battery pack. This prevents one motor from being operated with a lower maximum power or speed than the other motor on account of different charge statuses of the battery packs. Advantageously, in addition to the charge status of the battery packs, the temperature of the motors, the temperature of the storage batteries and/or the temperature of the control unit is detected and taken into account for the limiting of the motor power or speed.

(22) Alternatively to the electric motors, internal combustion engines may also be used, being arranged in the outriggers 30, 40. Advantageously, in this case, electric motor-driven actuators are arranged in the outriggers 30, 40, which set the power or speed of the motors in dependence on the actuation signal put out by the control unit 134.

(23) The outriggers 30, 40 are connected by the holders 60, 70 to the slide plate 80. Alternatively, however, the holders 60, 70 may also be secured to the hull 20. The holding devices 33, 43 and the fastening elements 62, 72 are designed such that the outriggers 30, 40 can be quickly and easily loosened from the holders 60, 70 and attached to them. This makes possible a quick and easy assembly and disassembly of the outriggers 30, 40. Furthermore, the holders 60, 70 comprise several fastening seats 61, 71. These make it possible to arrange and secure the outriggers 30, 40 in different positions relative to the hull 20. In this way, the riding qualities of the floating vessel 10 may be adapted to the respective circumstances or the wishes of the driver.

(24) The slide plate 80 is hinged to the rear 21 of the hull 20 and lies, in the operating position shown, with its slide surface 82 on the water surface. The slide plate 80 improves the sliding properties of the floating vessel 10 so that the floating vessel 10 switches from displacement movement to sliding movement already at relative low speeds. The inflatable cushion 11 provides for additional buoyancy, especially during slow travel or at standstill of the floating vessel 10. Furthermore, the inflatable cushion 11 brings about a mutual bracing of the backrest 51 of the seat 50 and the slide plate 80, which results in additional stabilization of the positions of the backrest 51 and the slide plate 80, especially at high speeds of the floating vessel 10. The slide plate 80, the backrest 51 and the steering column 91 are locked in the operating position.

(25) FIG. 4 shows a hull of the floating vessel 10 shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 in a transport position and in a side view and FIG. 5 shows the floating vessel shown in FIG. 4 in a perspective side view.

(26) The outriggers 30, 40 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 have been dismounted from the holders 60, 70. The steering column 91 is folded up at the hinge connection 92 toward the foot space 23 of the hull 20. The helm 93 is thus situated in front of the sitting surface 52 in the foot space 23 of the hull 20. The backrest 51 of the seat 50 is folded up at the hinge connection 54 toward the steering column 91 according to a double arrow 12 shown in FIG. 5. It rests with its headrest 53 against the steering column 91. The slide plate 80 is likewise folded up into its transport position relative to the prow 21 of the hull 20 according to the double arrow 12. For this purpose, the slide plate 80 is pivoted about the hinge connections 84.1, 84.2, as shown in FIG. 1. The hinge connections 84.1, 84.2 are situated at the top end of the webs 83.1, 83.2 and on the bearing blocks 24.1, 24.2, which are arranged at the upper end of the bearing webs 25.1, 25.2. Owing to this spacing of the slide plate 80 from the hinge connections 84.1, 84.2, the slide plate 80 can be pivoted so that it rests, in the transport position shown, with its top side 81 against the backrest 51 or the headrest 53 of the folded-up seat 50. The slide surface 82 is turned outward and covers the seat 50, the steering column 91 with the helm 93 and the foot space 23. In this way, they are protected during transport. The holders 60, 70 are folded forward with the slide plate 80. Advantageously, the slide plate 80 and the backrest 52 as well as the steering column 91 are locked in their transport positions.

(27) In its operating position, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the slide plate 80 rests with a stop surface 85 against an abutment surface 26 at the rear 22 of the hull 20 and is held here by retaining brackets 27.1, 27.2.

(28) In another embodiment of the invention, not shown, the holders 60, 70 may be further designed to be foldable or retractable, so that the outer dimensions of the hull 20 can be further reduced in its transport position.

(29) Owing to the easily removable outriggers 30, 40 and the easily separated data connections between the control unit and the motor controllers, the floating vessel 10 may thus be easily broken down for transport into its individual parts, namely, the hull 20 and the two outriggers 30, 40. Owing to the folding steering column 91, the folding seat 50 and the folding slide plate 80, the outer dimensions of the hull 20 can be significantly reduced for transport. Thus, the floating vessel 10 is present as subassemblies which can be carried by a single person, namely, the left and the right outriggers 30, 40, as well as the hull 20 in its reduced outer dimensions.

(30) The assembly of the floating vessel 10 can be easily done, for example, on the water. For this, the slide plate 80, the backrest 51 and the steering column 91 are folded into their operating position and locked there. Next, the outriggers 30, 40 are connected to the holders 60, 70. The desired positions of the outriggers 30, 40 with respect to the hull 20 are adjusted in the process. After this, the data lines 135 for transmission of the actuation signals are plugged into the corresponding sockets.

(31) FIG. 6 shows the floating vessel 10 of FIG. 1 with additionally mounted control flaps 34, 44. The control flaps 34, 44 are attached by means of joints 34.1, 44.1 to the left and right outrigger 30, 40. The control flaps 34, 35 constitute electromechanically movable control elements, which can be adjusted in their orientation to the outriggers 30, 40. For this, electromechanically operated actuators are provided, not being shown. These are actuated in dependence on the control signal of the helm 93. With the aid of the control flaps 34, 35, the maneuverability of the watercraft 10 can be further improved.

(32) FIG. 7 shows the floating vessel 10 of FIG. 2 with additionally mounted rudders 35, 45. FIG. 8 shows the floating vessel 10 of FIG. 3 with additionally mounted control flaps 34, 44 and rudders 35, 45.

(33) As can be seen especially from FIG. 8, the rudders 35, 45 are arranged in a prolongation of the flow channels 101, 111. Thus, they lie directly in the flow region of the water ejected by the propellers 102, 112. The rudders 35, 45 can be pivoted about corresponding rudder axes 35.1, 45.1 by electromechanically operated control elements, not shown, upon activating the helm 93 according to the double arrow 35.2, 45.2 shown. At the same time, the control flaps 34, 44 can be rotated about their axes of rotation 34.2, 44.2 formed by the joints 34.1, 44.1. Owing to the rudders 35, 45 and the control flaps 34, 44, the steerability of the floating vessel 10 can be improved as compared to a steering by the drive units 100, 110 alone.

(34) FIG. 8 shows a nozzle arrangement 120 for a floating vessel 10. The nozzle arrangement 120 is formed by a thrust nozzle 121 and a reversing nozzle 124 connected to the latter by a hinged connection 123. At the side, application points 122 are arranged on the reversing nozzle 124 in the region of the hinged connection 123.

(35) The nozzle arrangement 120 is part of a jet drive unit, which may be provided alternatively to the drive units 100, 110 shown. A jet drive unit is arranged each time in an outrigger 30, 40. In such a jet drive unit, a propeller in the form of an impeller driven by a motor is arranged in a flow channel. The impeller sucks in water from a water inlet opening and ejects it by the nozzle arrangement 120 shown toward the rear 22 of the floating vessel 10. The floating vessel 10 is propelled by the recoil produced in this way. To improve the steer ability of the floating vessel 10, the orientation of the deflecting nozzle 124 and thus the direction of ejection of the water jet may be changed. This is done in dependence on the control signal of the proportional transducer 130 by electromechanically operated control elements, not shown, which are connected to the application points 122.