submersible vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a submersible vehicle, in particular a submersible sled, with a hull (10), wherein a flow channel (13) is associated with the hull (10) or wherein a flow channel (13) is arranged in the hull (10), wherein a water acceleration device, in particular a propeller, is arranged in the flow channel (13), wherein the hull (10) has a display (61) in the area of ​​its upper section (11) and wherein control handles (30) are arranged on the starboard and port sides, on which a user can each hold onto a handle section (31), wherein the upper section (11) has a support surface (17) in the area behind the display (61) on which a user can at least partially support his upper body, and wherein the handle section (31) of the control handles (30) is inclined in the direction of travel.Improved vehicle control can be achieved if the handle section (31) is provided to have a widened palm rest (32) in the area of ​​its lower handle end, in particular forming a widening of the handle section (31) in the direction towards the opposite side of the vehicle and / or in the direction towards the rear (15).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a submersible vehicle, in particular a submersible sled, with a hull, wherein a flow channel is associated with the hull or wherein a flow channel is arranged in the hull, wherein a water acceleration device, in particular a propeller, is arranged in the flow channel, wherein the hull has a display in the area of ​​its upper section and wherein control handles are arranged on the starboard and port sides, on which a user can each hold onto a handle section, wherein the upper section has a support surface in the area behind the display on which a user can at least partially support their upper body, wherein the handle section of the control handles has an upper handle end oriented towards the top of the hull and a lower handle end oriented towards the underside of the hull.wherein the upper end of the handle is at least partially offset in the direction of travel running from the stern towards the bow, such that the handle section runs inclined in the direction of travel.

[0002] Such a submersible vehicle is known from DE 10 2017 101 146 A1.

[0003] The user can control the underwater vehicle according to the invention by shifting their weight. This changes the position of the body relative to the vehicle. Additionally, the user can also apply steering impulses to the control handles to change the underwater vehicle's attitude. In this way, the underwater vehicle's turning maneuver can be controlled both above and below the water.

[0004] The purpose of the invention is to create a submersible vehicle of the type mentioned above, which is characterized by improved steering behavior.

[0005] This task is accomplished by providing the handle section with a widened palm rest at its lower end, specifically one that widens the handle section towards the opposite side of the vehicle and / or towards the rear. By applying force to the palm rest, the user can effectively transmit a manual steering impulse to the submersible. The palm rest, positioned at a distance from the handle section, effectively allows for the generation of torque in the control handle. This assists the rotation of the submersible and thus its turning maneuvers. The ascent and descent of the submersible can also be made more dynamic as a result.

[0006] Preferably, the palm rest projects laterally, i.e., perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the handle section, beyond the handle section. This allows a torque to be generated in which the palm rest forms a lever arm that projects laterally along the longitudinal axis of the handle section.

[0007] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the palm rests can be inclined relative to a central longitudinal plane of the submersible vehicle extending in the direction of travel, such that the palm rests face each other. With this arrangement, the user can rest the palm of their hand on the palm rest. On the opposite side, they can ergonomically grip behind the palm rest with their fingers. Thus, they can apply force to the control handle in opposite directions, both via their palm and their fingers, to steer the vehicle.

[0008] An ergonomically favorable design results when it is provided that the palm rests are formed by bulges, especially convex bulges, of the grip sections.

[0009] To reduce the number of parts required, it may also be provided that at least one of the control handles has a coupling piece at its lower handle end below the palm rest, by means of which it is attached in a grip recess of the fuselage.

[0010] To achieve an attractive appearance, the coupling piece may be designed so that, on one of its upper surfaces facing the palm rest, it forms a surface section that seamlessly integrates into the surface of the grip section, and so that, on the opposite underside, the coupling piece has a connecting section that is attached to a supporting structure of the torso, in particular by screws. The connection point is thus visually concealed behind the surface section.

[0011] Further improved steering behavior for the submersible vehicle is achieved when the handle section is designed with a thumb rest at its upper end, projecting beyond the handle section in the direction of the submersible's longitudinal plane. This allows the user to apply pressure in one direction to the steering handle simultaneously with their thumb and the palm of their hand to assist in turning. It is also conceivable that pressure can be applied using only the thumb rest or the palm rest. This can assist in diving or surfacing the submersible.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the invention, the thumb rest of the control handle(s) can be located laterally adjacent to the display, and the display can have one or more control elements, in particular at least one power controller, in the grip area of ​​the thumb rest(s). In this embodiment, the display can be manufactured together with the at least one control element as a single unit and installed in the submersible. This has the advantage that this unit can be manufactured separately, which significantly reduces the number of parts required. Furthermore, the integration of the at least one control element means that this unit can be easily manufactured as a component that is, at least partially, waterproof. During operation, the user can conveniently reach the control element(s) with their thumb without having to release the control handle.In other words, he can hold both control handles with both hands and simultaneously operate the control(s). Therefore, the term "within the grip area" means that when the user holds the control handle, he can reach the control within the range of motion of his thumb.

[0013] Preferably, a power controller is arranged in the grip area of ​​at least one of the two control handles. The power controller allows the power output of the motor driving the propeller, preferably the electric motor, to be varied.

[0014] For example, one power controller assigned to one side of the submersible vehicle may be used to reduce power output, while the other power controller on the opposite side of the vehicle may be used to increase power output.

[0015] With at least one power controller, the motor power can be changed continuously and / or in steps.

[0016] It is possible that the display has at least one opening in which the control element is located or through which the control element can be operated.

[0017] A submersible vehicle according to the invention can also be configured such that a control panel is arranged in the area between the two control handles, the control panel having at least one operating element. At least one function of the submersible vehicle can thus be controlled via this at least one operating element. Preferably, at least one operating element of the control panel can be arranged in the grip area of ​​the thumb rest. This improves user comfort.

[0018] Preferably, the control panel is positioned directly or indirectly behind the cockpit display, towards the stern of the submersible. It can be located in the area between the two control handles.

[0019] One possible embodiment of the invention is such that the control handle carries an upper connecting piece in the region of its upper handle end, and that the upper connecting piece has a connecting element, in particular a screw receptacle, which is screwed to a supporting structure of the submersible. To reduce the number of parts and the assembly effort, the connecting piece can be designed to form the thumb rest.

[0020] A preferred embodiment of the invention is such that the control handle(s) has a support, preferably made of metal, and that the support is at least partially coated with a covering of plastic material, in particular EPDM plastic, wherein the covering forms the palm rest and / or the thumb rest. The support provides the control handle with sufficient strength and rigidity so that the applied forces can be reliably transmitted. The plastic covering improves the haptics, in particular the slip resistance. Thus, the user can hold the control handle securely and with reduced effort.

[0021] For the purpose of simplified manufacturing and improved stability, the connecting piece at the lower end of the handle and / or the connecting piece at the upper end of the handle may be formed by the carrier. If, in addition, the covering is designed to conceal at least one of these connecting pieces on the outside, the appearance is also improved, as the connecting piece is then no longer, or only partially, visible from the outside.

[0022] One possible embodiment of the invention is such that the hull has a recessed handle on both the starboard and port sides, that the recessed handles are covered on the upper surface by a bridging section, and that the control handles are arranged at least partially within the recessed handles and at least partially below the associated bridging section. This allows for a compact design in which the control handles are aerodynamically integrated within the recessed handles. The bridging sections also provide protection against external mechanical impact, for example, during transport of the submersible. For this purpose, it can also be provided, additionally or alternatively, that the cockpit display is located in the area between the bridging sections.With appropriate design of the bridging sections, light entering from the side is also blocked to a certain extent, thus improving the visibility of the display.

[0023] The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to an embodiment illustrated in the drawings. The drawings show: Fig. 1. A submersible vehicle in perspective view from behind, Fig. 2 an enlarged detail view of a section of the submersible in perspective side view, Fig. 3. A perspective view from a rear angle shows the cockpit of the submersible. Fig. 4 an exploded view of the control handle of the submersible and Fig. 5 the control handle according to Fig. 4 in assembled representation.

[0024] Fig. Figure 1 shows a submersible vehicle designed to be used for both surface and underwater travel. A user can dynamically switch between surface and underwater modes.

[0025] The submersible has a hull 10. A flow channel 13 is arranged in this hull 10. A water acceleration device, in particular a propeller, is arranged in the flow channel 13. This device draws water from the surroundings into the flow channel 13. The water is accelerated in the flow channel 13 by means of the water acceleration device. The water then exits through at least one flow outlet 13.1 in the region of the stern 15 of the submersible to form a water jet for propulsion.

[0026] It may be provided that, in addition to the flow channel 13, a flooding chamber is arranged in the hull 10. The flooding chamber may be designed separately from the flow channel 13 or may partially merge into the flow channel 13. Preferably, however, the flooding chamber is designed separately from the flow channel 13.

[0027] The flooding chamber is preferably connected to the surroundings via at least one water inlet and at least one water outlet. During surface travel, water from the surroundings is drawn into the flooding chamber via the water inlet. After the water has flowed through the flooding chamber, it exits via the at least one water outlet. Preferably, the at least one water inlet is located in the bow 14 region of the vessel. More preferably, the at least one water outlet is located in the stern 15 region of the vessel.

[0028] It is possible that at least one electrical component is located in the flooding chamber to be cooled by the water flowing through it during the journey. This electrical component could, for example, be at least a battery, an electric motor, a control unit, and / or another electrical component, at least partially housed in the flooding chamber.

[0029] The electrical component releases waste heat to the water during operation, thus enabling effective cooling.

[0030] When the flood chamber is filled with water, the submersible's buoyancy decreases, thus enabling the submersible to dive. During surface travel, the flood chamber empties at least partially, resulting in increased buoyancy. This stabilizes the submersible's movement above water.

[0031] The hull 10 may have a superstructure 11. This superstructure 11 may preferably be formed from at least one plastic shell. In the area of ​​the superstructure 11, the watercraft has a support surface 17, which is located behind a cockpit 60 of the submersible. A user can rest part of their upper body on the support surface 17. The support surface 17 has lateral armrests 16. The armrests 16 lead to control handles 30. One control handle 30 is located on each of the starboard and port sides of the submersible 30. A user can hold onto the control handles 30 during travel and be towed through the water by the submersible.

[0032] Approximately in the middle section of the submersible, between the stern 15 and the bow 14, a carrying handle 16.1 is arranged on each side of the submersible. The submersible can be carried by these carrying handles 16.1 when it is launched into or lifted out of the water.

[0033] Evidentiously Fig. 1. It is possible that a coupling connection 17.1 is arranged in the area of ​​the upper hull 11, preferably in the area of ​​the support surface 17. A towing harness can be anchored to this coupling connection 17.1. It is conceivable that a user's harness is attached to the coupling connection 17.1 in order to reduce the tensile load acting on the arms during travel.

[0034] Fig. Figure 1 further shows that the hull 10 forms a lower hull 12 on its underside. The lower hull 12 can be formed from at least one plastic shell. Preferably, the upper hull 11 can be separated from the lower hull 12 in order to open the submersible for maintenance purposes.

[0035] As mentioned above, the submersible has a cockpit 60 on its upper surface. This cockpit 60 is located in the area between the control handles 30. The cockpit 60 can be configured to include a display 61. Operating states of the submersible can be shown to the user on this display 61.

[0036] Preferably, one or more control elements 62, 63, 64 are arranged to the side of the display 31, as shown here. Fig. Figure 3 shows this more clearly. Functions of the submersible can be activated or changed using controls 62, 63, and 64.

[0037] Evidentiously Fig. 3. It can be arranged that a control element, designed in the form of a power controller 62, is arranged on each side of the display 61. The power output of the electric motor that drives the propeller can be changed by means of the power controllers 62. Preferably, the power output can be reduced with one power controller 62, for example, the power controller 62 located on the left in the direction of travel, and the power output can be increased with the power controller 62 on the right (or vice versa).

[0038] Fig. Figure 3 shows a further preferred embodiment of the invention. As this illustration demonstrates, an additional control element 64 may be assigned to a power controller 62, or it may be located at any other point in the cockpit 60. A so-called "boost function" can be implemented by means of this control element 64. When this control element 64 is activated, a higher power output than the currently set power output is activated in order to effect an immediate increase in the thrust of the submersible.

[0039] Fig. Figure 3 also shows that preferably the display 61 is covered by a transparent pane, in particular a glass pane. The at least one control element 62, 63, 64 has a button that can be operated by the user to activate the control element 62, 63, 64. The transparent pane has an opening in which the button is located or through which the button can be operated.

[0040] Fig. Figure 3 further illustrates that a control panel 65 can be arranged behind the display 61 in the direction of travel. Preferably, this control panel 65 is arranged between the control handles 30. The control panel 65 may have at least one further control element 66 for controlling functions of the submersible. For example, the on / off switch of the submersible may be located in the control panel 65.

[0041] Finally, it shows Fig. 3. It is also agreed that a charging port 19 may be arranged, preferably in the area of ​​the upper hull 11 of the submersible. Preferably, the charging port 19 is located in an easily accessible position, offset towards the stern 15 behind the control panel 65. The accumulator that powers the electric motor driving the water acceleration device can be charged via the charging port 19.

[0042] Fig. Figure 1 illustrates that the control handles 30 are arranged laterally on the submersible, at least partially, within grip recesses 20. In the direction of flow forward of the grip recesses 20, the upper hull 11 forms laterally projecting deflectors 18.3. The deflectors 18.3 are arranged and designed to guide the water flowing along the submersible from the bow 14 to the stern 15 laterally past the control handles 30, at least partially. This results in improved flow dynamics.

[0043] Bridging sections 18 can be arranged on both sides of the submersible in the cockpit area 60. These bridging sections 18 are connected to the upper hull 11 by means of a rear coupling 18.1 and a front coupling 18.2. In the area between the front coupling 18.2 and the rear coupling 18.1, the bridging section 18 bridges the handhold 20 with a connecting section 18.4. Preferably, the display 61 of the cockpit 60 is arranged in the area between the bridging sections 18. An opening is formed between the two bridging sections 18 through which the user can view the display 18.

[0044] Preferably, the bridging sections 18 form a passageway to the starboard and port sides, through which access to the cockpit is created from the starboard and port sides, respectively.

[0045] Preferably, the control handles 30 run at least partially below the connecting section 18.4 of the bridging section 18.

[0046] The control handles 30 can be arranged such that they are inclined both in the direction of travel, i.e., in the direction from the stern 15 towards the bow 14. Additionally or alternatively, the control handles 30 can also be inclined relative to the longitudinal center plane of the submersible, with the longitudinal center plane extending from the stern 15 to the bow 14 and in Fig. 1 extends from top to bottom.

[0047] The following refers to Fig. 4 The construction of the control handles 30 is explained by way of example. As this illustration shows, the control handle 30 has a handle section 31 that extends in the direction of the longitudinal extent of the control handle 30 between an upper coupling piece 33 and a lower connecting piece 35. Thus, the control handle 30 forms a longitudinal axis that runs along the handle section 31 and preferably penetrates the coupling piece 33 and the connecting piece 35.

[0048] The control handle 30 has a palm rest 32 that projects laterally and transversely beyond the handle section 31. The palm rest 32 has an upper surface on which the palm of the hand can rest when a user grips the handle section 31 of the control handle 30. On the opposite side, the palm rest 32 forms an underside against which the user's fingers can rest when gripping the control handle 30. As the illustration shows, the palm rest 32 can be designed as a convex projection.

[0049] The control handle 30 may have a carrier 36, which may be made of metal, for example. This carrier 36 is coated with a covering 37, for example, a plastic covering, preferably made of an EPDM material. The carrier 36 provides the control handle 30 with stability and structure. The covering 37 serves to improve the feel and slip resistance of the control handle 30.

[0050] As illustrated, the support 36 can form the coupling piece 33 and / or the connecting piece 35. According to one embodiment, the support 36 can have at least one screw receptacle 33.1, 35.1 in the area of ​​the coupling piece 33 and / or the connecting piece 35.

[0051] The upper end of the control handle 30 can be connected to the fuselage 10 by means of the coupling piece 33. The lower end of the control handle 30 can be connected to the fuselage 10 in the handle recess 20 via the connecting piece 35. Screws 38, for example, can be used for the connection, which are screwed into the screw receptacles 33.1, 35.1, as shown here. Fig. 4 shows.

[0052] It is possible that at least one of the control handles 30 is connected to a switching element 50. This switching element 50 is located on the rear side of the handle section 31 opposite the palm rest 32. The switching element 50 can preferably be used to activate or deactivate a sensor 56. When the switching element 50 is pressed, the sensor 56 detects the presence of a user. When the switching element 50 is not pressed, the sensor 56 detects the absence of a user and deactivates the drive of the submersible. In other words, a "dead man's switch" can be implemented, for example.

[0053] The switching element 50 can be pivotally connected to the control handle 30. For this purpose, the switching element 50 can, for example, have a bearing element 51 which is pivotally connected to the handle 31. The bearing element 51 can be configured such that it integrally supports an axle 52 on each of its opposite sides. These axles 52 are each rotatably mounted in a bearing receptacle of a bearing block 53 to form the rotary bearing. It is conceivable that the bearing blocks 53 are designed as separate components which are preferably connected by means of screws 38 to connecting sections 33.2 formed by the coupling element 33.

[0054] The switching element 50 forms a grip area 55 on the back of the handle section 31, which is connected in one piece to the bearing piece 51 via a transition section 54. The user can operate the switching element 50 at the grip area 55.

[0055] To enable the switching element 50 to return automatically, a spring element 40 is used. When the switching element 50 is deflected at the handle area 55, this occurs against the preload of the spring element 40. Thus, the spring element 40 automatically returns the switching element to its original position when it is released.

[0056] The spring element 40 may have a holder 41 with screw receptacles 44. The holder 41 supports a spring section 42. Facing away from the holder 41, the spring section 42 has a switching element 43. Preferably, the spring element 40 is manufactured in one piece from a blank of sheet steel.

[0057] The spring element 40 can be connected to the coupling piece 33 using its holder 41. For this purpose, the screw receptacles 44 are aligned with the screw receptacles of the connecting sections 33.2 and the spring element 40 is then fastened here with the screws 38.

[0058] Evidentiously Fig. 4. The sensor 56 can be inserted into the control handle 30, preferably into the handle section 31 of the control handle 30, such that the switching range of the sensor 56 is assigned to the switching element 43. A cable 57 is connected to the sensor 56, which can be inserted into the fuselage 10 in a protected manner in the area of ​​the coupling piece 33. A sensor holder 58 is used to attach the sensor 56 to the handle section 31.

[0059] As the illustrations show, the control handles 30 can be installed in the handle recess 20 such that the upper surface of the coupling piece 33 covers an area of ​​the handle recess 20. The areas of the handle recess 20 adjoining the coupling piece 33 can be covered with one or more recess covers 21, 22, as shown in the Fig. 1 and Fig. Show 2.

[0060] These drawings also show that at least one of the control handles 30, preferably both control handles 30, has a thumb rest 34 which is arranged in the area of ​​the upper end of the handle section 31.

[0061] The thumb rest 34 is inclined towards the opposite side of the vehicle. Accordingly, the thumb rests 34 of both control handles 30 may be arranged facing each other.

[0062] According to the Fig. 3. The thumb rests 34 are arranged in the area of ​​the display 61 of the cockpit 60 and preferably border directly on the display 61. Preferably, at least one of the control elements 62, 63, 64, 66 is arranged in the grip area of ​​the thumb rest 34. Thus, a user can operate the control element 62, 63, 64, 66 while holding the control handle 30 by its grip section 31. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 10 2017 101 146 A1

[0002]

Claims

[1] Submersible vehicle, in particular a diving sled, with a hull (10), wherein a flow channel (13) is associated with the hull (10) or wherein a flow channel (13) is arranged in the hull (10), wherein a water acceleration device, in particular a propeller, is arranged in the flow channel (13), wherein the hull (10) has a display (61) in the area of ​​its upper section (11) and wherein control handles (30) are arranged on the starboard and port sides, on which a user can each hold a handle section (31), wherein the upper section (11) has a support surface (17) in the area behind the display (61) on which a user can at least partially support his upper body, wherein the handle section (31) of the control handles (30) has an upper handle end oriented towards the top of the hull (10) and a lower handle end oriented towards the underside of the hull,and wherein the handle section (31) is inclined in the direction of travel , characterized by , that the handle section (31) has a widened palm rest (32) in the area of ​​its lower handle end, in particular forming a widening of the handle section (31) in the direction towards the opposite side of the vehicle and / or in the direction towards the rear (15). [2] Submersible vehicle according to claim 1, characterized by , that the palm rests (32) are inclined relative to a central longitudinal plane of the submersible vehicle which runs in the direction of travel, such that the palm rests (32) are facing each other. [3] Submersible vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the palm rests (32) are formed by protrusions, in particular convex protrusions, of the grip sections (32). [4] Submersible vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by, that at least one of the control handles (30) has a coupling piece (33) at its lower handle end below the palm rest (32), by means of which it is attached in a grip recess (20) of the torso (10). [5] Submersible vehicle according to claim 4, characterized by , that the coupling piece (33) forms a surface section on an upper side facing the palm rest (32) which merges seamlessly into the surface of the handle section (31) and that the coupling piece (33) has a connecting section (33.2) on the opposite underside which is connected to a supporting structure of the torso (10) on the underside, in particular screwed to it. [6] Submersible vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by , that the handle section (31) has a thumb rest (34) at its upper handle end, the thumb rest (34) projecting beyond the handle section (31) in the direction of the central longitudinal plane of the submersible. [7] Submersible vehicle according to claim 6, characterized by , that the thumb rest (34) of the control handle (30) or the thumb rests (34) of the control handles (30) are adjacent to the side of the display (61), and that the display (61) has one or more control elements (63, 64), in particular at least one power controller (62), in the gripping area of ​​the thumb rest(s) (34). [8] Submersible vehicle according to one of claims 6 or 7, characterized by , that in the area between the two control handles (31) a control panel (65) is arranged which has at least one control element (66), wherein preferably it is provided that the control element (66) is arranged in the gripping area of ​​the thumb rest (34). [9] Submersible vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by, that the control handle (30) carries an upper connecting piece (35) in the area of ​​its upper handle end, that the upper connecting piece (35) has a connecting element, in particular a screw receptacle (35.1) which is screwed to a supporting structure of the submersible vehicle. [10] Submersible vehicle according to claim 9, characterized by , that the connecting piece (35) forms the thumb rest (34). [11] Submersible vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized by that the control handle(s) (30) has a carrier (36), preferably made of metal, and that the carrier (36) is at least partially covered with a covering (37) made of plastic material, in particular an EPDM plastic, wherein the covering forms the palm rest (32) and / or the thumb rest (34). [12] Submersible vehicle according to claim 11, characterized by, that the connecting piece (33) at the lower end of the handle and / or the connecting piece (35) at the upper end of the handle is formed by the support (36), and that the covering (37) covers at least one of these connecting pieces (33, 35) on the outside. [13] Submersible vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized by , that the hull (10) has a handhold (20) on both the starboard and port sides, that the handholds (20) are each covered by a bridging section (18) in the area of ​​the upper surface (11), and that the control handles (30) are arranged at least partially in the area of ​​the handholds (20) and at least partially below the associated bridging section (18). [14] Submersible vehicle according to claim 13, characterized by , that the display (61) of the cockpit (60) is located in the area between the bridging sections (18).

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