Position light for a submersible watercraft

Abstract

Position lamp (10) for a submersible watercraft, wherein the position lamp (10) comprises a lamp housing and a light element (20) arranged within the lamp housing, wherein the lamp housing comprises a base element (30), a closure element (40) and a window element (50) arranged between the base element (30) and the closure element (40), wherein the window element (50) surrounds the light element (20), wherein the base element (30) and the closure element (40) are connected to each other by at least three screw elements (60), wherein the screw elements (60) are arranged outside the window element (50), characterized in that the light element (20) has a horizontal beam angle and a vertical beam angle, wherein the closure element (40) partially projects beyond the window element (50).wherein the part of the closure element (40) projecting beyond the window element (50) has a chamfer with a first angle on the side facing the window element (50), the first angle corresponding to at least half the vertical radiation angle, wherein the base element (30) partially projects beyond the window element (50), wherein the part of the base element (30) projecting beyond the window element (50) has a chamfer with a second angle on the side facing the window element (50), the second angle corresponding to at least half the vertical radiation angle.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a position lamp for a submersible watercraft, with the further features according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] Even a submarine needs the standard, legally required navigation lights for surface navigation. However, when diving, these lights are not only completely submerged in water but also exposed to the diving pressure. The DE 10 2011 111 804 A1 is known to have a submarine with side lights. A rotating beacon for a ship is known from JP S55-44043A. A sealed lamp unit is known from US 3 757 104 A. A position light is known from DE 20 2022 105 848 U1.

[0003] Accordingly, the navigation lights must not only meet general, especially legal, requirements such as beam angle, color, and intensity, but also the demands resulting from the pressure load. To make matters more complicated, submarines are typically built in very small numbers, making the qualification of all components, especially electronic ones, according to all prescribed standards extremely complex.

[0004] The purpose of the invention is to create a simple position light for a submersible underwater vehicle.

[0005] This problem is solved by the position lamp with the features specified in claim 1. Advantageous further developments are described in the dependent claims, the following description, and the drawings.

[0006] The navigation light according to the invention is for a submersible watercraft. For the purposes of this invention, submersible watercraft include not only submarines, but all watercraft that can be largely or completely submerged. For example, semi-submersible watercraft are also known as submersible watercraft, as described in DE 10 2020 202 486 A1. Likewise, according to the invention, the term "submersible watercraft" also includes unmanned objects, as described in DE 10 2017 200 078 A1. A key characteristic of a submersible watercraft, as defined by this invention, is that it has a first operating mode for surface navigation, in which navigation lights must be properly fitted, and a second operating mode in which these navigation lights are located underwater.

[0007] The position lamp comprises a lamp housing and a light source located within the lamp housing. This separation allows the lamp housing to be responsible for water resistance and pressure stability, while the light source handles the electrical functionality. This enables the use of a suitable and already qualified light source, which itself does not need to be designed or suitable for use in submerged conditions. The light source may include at least a housing, a light source, and an electrical supply. In this embodiment, the light source and electrical supply are located within the housing. The light source may be water-resistant, particularly splash-proof, but not submersible or pressure-resistant.For example, the lighting element housing is sealed against splashing water and water vapor to water depths of up to 10 meters. In particular, the light source may consist of a series of LED lamps arranged across the outer surface of the lighting element. The lamp housing forms a closed unit, either alone or together with the ship's hull.

[0008] The lamp housing comprises a base element, a closure element, and a window element positioned between the base element and the closure element. The window element surrounds the light source. The base element and the closure element are connected by at least three screws. These screws are located outside the window element. These at least three screws press and secure the closure element onto the window element and the window element onto the base element, thus creating a closed enclosure around the light source. At the same time, three screws, for example, do not significantly obstruct the window element.Furthermore, this eliminates the need for any form of direct connection of the window element, meaning that the window element itself does not need to be suitable for receiving screw connections; the window element is held and sealed with pressure solely by the cage structure consisting of the base element, screw elements and locking element.

[0009] In simple terms, the base element connects to the ship's hull, the window element creates a cavity to house the light element, and the closure element seals the entire assembly like a lid. Normally, the base element is located at the bottom and the closure element at the top. However, it is also conceivable that the base element could be attached to, for example, a turret rudder from below, in which case the closure element would be located at the bottom.

[0010] In the simplest case, a screw element can be a threaded rod or a screw which can be screwed into a suitable threaded bore of the base element and fixed above the locking element, for example with a nut.

[0011] In a further embodiment of the invention, the window element has the shape of a cylindrical shell. Preferably, the window element has smooth surfaces on its sides without grooves, depressions, indentations, bores, or the like. Since the window element must be made of a transparent material, the choice of material is limited, particularly with regard to compressive strength. By completely eliminating potential weak points and thus reducing the shape to a simple cylindrical shell, the maximum possible stability is achieved for this element.

[0012] In another embodiment of the invention, the window element consists of an acrylate, preferably polymethyl methacrylate. Alternatively, the window element consists of polycarbonate. For example, the window element has a wall thickness of 5 mm to 20 mm.

[0013] In a further embodiment of the invention, a first sealing element is arranged between the window element and the closure element. Preferably, the closure element has a first recess for receiving the first sealing element.

[0014] In a further embodiment of the invention, a second sealing element is arranged between the window element and the base element. Preferably, the base element has a second recess for receiving the second sealing element.

[0015] The sealing elements can be designed as a sealing ring, but are not limited to a round cross-section.

[0016] The recess is preferably less deep than the thickness of the sealing element. This compresses the sealing element within the recess, resulting in a better seal.

[0017] The use of sealing elements is particularly preferred. Due to the spatial arrangement, the water pressure during diving would act on the sealing element from the outside, i.e., laterally, which in turn causes the sealing element to be pressed more strongly against the two elements to be sealed, thus sealing better and better with increasing depth and therefore increasing pressure.

[0018] In a further embodiment of the invention, the base element has a raised section within the window element. This raised section is thus surrounded by the window element, so that it is located inside the position lamp. Preferably, the raised section is directly adjacent to the window element and arranged around its perimeter. The raised section serves to facilitate the installation of the window element and to center it.

[0019] In a further embodiment of the invention, the distance between the window element and the light element is less than 5 mm, preferably less than 2 mm. The light element thus almost completely fills the interior of the window element.

[0020] In particular, the lighting element can have a diameter that corresponds to the inner diameter of the cylindrical window element reduced by 5mm or less.

[0021] The gap between the window element and the light element can be filled with glycerin, for example, which has practically the same optical refraction as PMMA.

[0022] In a further embodiment of the invention, the window element has a first height and the lighting element has a second height. The ratio of the first height to the second height is preferably in the range of 0.5 to 2.0, and particularly preferably in the range of 0.8 to 1.2. Furthermore, the lighting element has a radiating surface with a third height. If the lighting element has several radiating surfaces arranged one above the other, the sum of the heights of the radiating surfaces (i.e., without any gaps between them) is to be understood as the height. The ratio of the first height to the third height is in the range of 1.0 to 3.

[0023] In a further embodiment of the invention, the distance between the locking element and the light element is less than 5 mm, preferably less than 2 mm. Preferably, a heat-conducting element is arranged between the locking element and the light element. Every light element, even an energy-saving light element, for example based on LED technology, produces heat in addition to light, which should be dissipated. Preferably, the heat-conducting element consists of a polymeric material.

[0024] According to the invention, the luminaire element has a horizontal beam angle and a vertical beam angle. These angles are typically specified by law as minimum requirements. The closure element projects partially beyond the window element. The portion of the closure element projecting beyond the window element has a chamfer with a first angle on the side facing the window element. The first angle corresponds to at least half the vertical beam angle. The base element also projects partially beyond the window element. The portion of the base element projecting beyond the window element has a chamfer with a second angle on the side facing the window element. The second angle corresponds to at least half the vertical beam angle.This creates an opening cone from the light source, the luminaire, that corresponds to or exceeds the vertical beam angle to avoid obstructing the light emitted by the luminaire. This has the advantage that an already certified luminaire, which therefore meets general requirements, can be used easily, even if it is not itself suitable for underwater use. The beam angle is thus not affected by the lamp housing.

[0025] The horizontal beam angle of the light element can be influenced, especially if it is very wide, for example by a screw element. However, this only has a slightly attenuating effect, comparable to the window structure of a lighthouse. The beam angle itself is not negatively affected.

[0026] In a further embodiment of the invention, the base element has a recess for receiving a connecting element. The connecting element is designed to facilitate electrical contacts to the light-emitting element. Although electrical contact can also be made through the base element, separation is advantageous because it simplifies manufacturing and testing.

[0027] In a further embodiment of the invention, a third sealing element and a fourth sealing element are arranged between the base element and the connecting element. Preferably, one of the sealing elements serves for axial sealing and the other for radial sealing.

[0028] In a further embodiment of the invention, the connecting element has a third recess for receiving the third sealing element and a fourth recess for receiving the fourth sealing element.

[0029] In a further embodiment of the invention, the base element can be connected to an adapter plate. The use of an adapter plate allows for easy adaptation to different boats, each requiring only a specific adapter plate.

[0030] In a further embodiment of the invention, at least one sealing element consists of acrylonitrile butadiene rubber.

[0031] In another embodiment of the invention, the lighting element is an above-water position lamp. The advantage is that this lamp is already certified separately with regard to beam angle and intensity, and is therefore ready for immediate use.

[0032] The position lamp according to the invention is explained in more detail below with reference to an embodiment shown in the drawings. Fig. 1 side view Fig. 2 Cross section

[0033] In Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 shows a position lamp 10, Fig. 1 shows the side view, Fig. 2 the cross-section perpendicular to the representation of the Fig. 1. The position lamp 10 has a lamp housing consisting of the base element 30, the window element 50, and the closure element 40, which surrounds the light element 20 in a pressure- and watertight manner. In the example shown, the base element 30 is connected to the ship's hull via an adapter plate 80 (indicated by the downward-protruding screws). The window element 50 consists of a simple PMMA or PC cylindrical shell or tube. The window element 50 itself is not permanently connected to the base element 30 or the closure element 40; instead, the base element 30 and the closure element 40 are connected to each other via three screw elements 60, thus exerting pressure on the window element 50.

[0034] Not shown for simplicity, a sealing element (not shown) is arranged between the window element 50 and the closure element 40, as well as between the window element 50 and the base element 30. These sealing elements are also subjected to pressure via the screw elements 60. The sealing elements are preferably designed as rubber O-rings.

[0035] To simplify the electrical connection of the lighting element 20, the base element 30 has a recess for receiving a connection element 70, which is connected to the lighting element via an electrical connection cable. Preferably, two sealing elements are arranged between the base element 30 and the connection element 70, one on the horizontal and the other on the vertical connecting surface. This ensures optimal sealing.

[0036] In the example shown, two identical lighting elements 20 are arranged one above the other. This increases the luminosity and creates redundancy. However, for the purposes of the invention, these two lighting elements 20 are considered as a single lighting element 20. Reference sign 10 Position lamp 20 lighting elements 30 Basic element 40 locking element 50 window elements 60 screw element 70 Connection element 80 adapter plate

Claims

[1] Position lamp (10) for a submersible watercraft, wherein the position lamp (10) comprises a lamp housing and a light element (20) arranged within the lamp housing, wherein the lamp housing comprises a base element (30), a closure element (40) and a window element (50) arranged between the base element (30) and the closure element (40), wherein the window element (50) surrounds the light element (20), wherein the base element (30) and the closure element (40) are connected to each other by at least three screw elements (60), wherein the screw elements (60) are arranged outside the window element (50), characterized by, that the luminaire element (20) has a horizontal beam angle and a vertical beam angle, wherein the closure element (40) partially projects beyond the window element (50), wherein the part of the closure element (40) projecting beyond the window element (50) has a chamfer with a first angle on the side facing the window element (50), wherein the first angle corresponds to at least half the vertical beam angle, wherein the base element (30) partially projects beyond the window element (50), wherein the part of the base element (30) projecting beyond the window element (50) has a chamfer with a second angle on the side facing the window element (50), wherein the second angle corresponds to at least half the vertical beam angle. [2] Position lamp (10) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the window element (50) has the shape of a cylindrical shell. [3] Position lamp (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the window element (50) is made of polymethyl methacrylate or polycarbonate. [4] Position lamp (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that a first sealing element is arranged between the window element (50) and the closure element (40). [5] Position lamp (10) according to claim 4, characterized by , that the closure element (40) has a first recess for receiving the first sealing element. [6] Position lamp (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that a second sealing element is arranged between the window element (50) and the base element (30). [7] Position lamp (10) according to claim 6, characterized by , that the base element (30) has a second recess for receiving the second sealing element. [8] Position lamp (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the base element (30) has a raised section within the window element (50). [9] Position lamp (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that there is a distance of less than 5 mm, preferably less than 2 mm, between the window element (50) and the light element (20). [10] Position lamp (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that there is a distance of less than 5 mm, preferably less than 2 mm, between the locking element (40) and the lighting element (20). [11] Position lamp (10) according to claim 10, characterized by , that a heat-conducting element is arranged between the locking element (40) and the lighting element (20). [12] Position lamp (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the base element (30) has a recess for receiving a connection element (70), wherein the connection element (70) is designed to carry out electrical contacts to the light element (20). [13] Position lamp (10) according to claim 12, characterized by , that a third sealing element and a fourth sealing element are arranged between the base element (30) and the connection element (70). [14] Position lamp (10) according to claim 13, characterized by , that the connecting element (70) has a third recess for receiving the third sealing element and a fourth recess for receiving the fourth sealing element. [15] Position lamp (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the base element (30) can be connected to an adapter plate (80). [16] Position lamp (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that at least one sealing element consists of acrylonitrile butadiene rubber. [17] Position lamp (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the light element (20) is an above-water position lamp.

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