WATERCRAFT WITH A JET PROPULSION MODULE

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a watercraft. WO 2016 / 055410 A1 discloses a surfboard that can be disassembled into two parts, comprising an inflatable hull component and a drive component with an electric drive. The drive component has a rigid outer casing and includes an electric motor and a battery.

[0002] WO 2016 / 193382 A1 discloses an inflatable water sports device that can be disassembled into two parts, namely an inflatable hull component and a drive component. The drive component has an electric drive and forms, or at least co-forms, a stern of the water sports device. This makes the water sports device easier to transport. The drive component can be inserted into the recess of the inflatable hull component with a form-fitting fit without forming a gap.

[0003] WO 2013 / 163445 A1 discloses a watercraft in the form of a jet ski, which is assembled from several modules.

[0004] US 2019 / 168851 A1 shows a watercraft in the form of a surfboard into which a propulsion module and a battery module can be inserted.

[0005] From US 7,121,909 B1, a watercraft in the form of a surfboard is known, which is assembled from various interlocking bow, middle and stern modules in order to change the aquadynamic properties.

[0006] KR 1020150072180 A shows a waterboard with jet propulsion and a battery module, which are arranged in different modules.

[0007] CN 205 675 196 U shows a surfboard consisting of a propulsion module and an inflatable module, which are fixed together to form a hull of the surfboard.

[0008] The object of the present invention is to provide a watercraft that enables a lightweight yet stable construction and extremely high variability.

[0009] This object is achieved by a watercraft with a jet propulsion module, wherein the watercraft comprises modules which can be connected to one another, wherein a stern module and a bow module are provided which can be detachably connected by means of a first connecting mechanism, wherein in addition the jet propulsion module is detachably connectable to the stern module, wherein a power supply module is provided which is arranged in the stern module above the jet propulsion module and can be detachably connected to the stern module, wherein the power supply module provides the power supply of the jet propulsion module, wherein a flushing mechanism is provided which, during operation of the watercraft, directs water at least partially around the power supply module to dissipate heat, wherein the flushing mechanism comprises a gap between the stern module and the power supply module, wherein a discharge line is provided from the gap through the stern module.

[0010] The modular design of the watercraft makes it easy to operate a wide variety of watercraft with the same jet propulsion module and the same power supply module. For example, the stern module can be designed as the stern of a surfboard, a boogie board, or a canoe, and the bow module can be configured as the corresponding bow of the respective watercraft. The jet propulsion module can also be installed in a canoe, tender boat, or sailboat, for example. By providing a separate, particularly replaceable, power supply module, this can also be easily replaced to extend the operation of the watercraft in a simple and efficient manner.

[0011] The jet propulsion module preferably provides an electrically powered jet propulsion system. For this purpose, the jet propulsion system has an electric motor. The power supply module preferably has a rechargeable battery.

[0012] It is particularly preferred if the first connection mechanism is only accessible when the power supply module has been removed from the stern module. This means that the first connection mechanism is concealed by the power supply module or is no longer accessible when the power supply module is accommodated in the stern module, so that detaching the first connection mechanism is not possible when the watercraft is in the operational state. Rods or tubes, for example, can be provided as the first connection mechanism, which are preferably rotated into the bow module or firmly connected in some other way. If the bow module is made at least partially from a plastic, shaping is possible simply and efficiently in a rotation process in a mold.The rear module can be provided with appropriate receptacles into which these rods can be inserted, as well as a fixing mechanism such as a locking mechanism with a lever that can snap into a groove in a rod, for example. Other fastening means can also be provided, such as snap fasteners or clamp fasteners without similar closures.

[0013] Preferably, a second connection mechanism is provided for connecting the jet propulsion module to the tail module, which second connection mechanism is only accessible when the power supply module is removed from the tail module.

[0014] As a second connection mechanism, the jet propulsion module can be screwed or fastened into the rear module with screws. The screws can, for example, be inserted from above through holes provided in the rear module and then screwed into the jet propulsion module, so that a jet propulsion module inserted into the rear module from below is secured from above. Other fixing mechanisms can also be used here, such as a bayonet lock, a clip lock, or a snap lock. However, screws are preferred here, as they enable a low-vibration connection to the rear module. A user can only access the second connection mechanism when the power supply module has been removed from the rear module. Access to the second connection mechanism is therefore not possible when the power supply module is inserted into the rear module.

[0015] The jet propulsion module can have a jet propulsion system housed in a rigid housing or a solid body. A rigid housing contains or has, in particular, inherent strength, i.e., strength that results in dimensional stability of the housing of the jet propulsion module without aids such as air pressure. A rigid housing or a solid housing is therefore, in particular, not an inflatable housing, such as an inflatable fuselage component according to WO 2016 / 193382 A1.

[0016] The stern module for receiving the jet drive module preferably comprises a receiving body which comprises at least one frame made of a solid material or has a solid material, wherein the frame is adjacent to the jet drive module or touches the jet drive module. In the context of the invention, the solid material is also understood to mean a rigid material. The solid material has a corresponding inherent strength and is therefore dimensionally stable without aids such as air pressure. This measure enables a very stable connection between the jet drive module and the stern module. In particular, this also results in fewer vibrations. This variant is particularly preferred because it prevents water entering any slot between the jet drive module and the stern module from causing this slot to become larger during operation of the watercraft and thus impairing the sliding properties orThe handling characteristics of the watercraft are impaired, as can occur when a jet drive is incorporated into a stern made of an inflatable material, as described, for example, in WO 2016 / 193382 A1. Preferably, the material of the receiving body and the material of the housing of the jet drive module or the housing material of the jet drive are made of a material of equal stiffness or rigidity.

[0017] The receiving body preferably has a recess that complements the shape of the jet propulsion module. The housing of the jet propulsion module is thus preferably complementary in shape to the recess of the receiving body. This also enables precise fixation and positioning of the jet propulsion module in the stern module. In particular, it is provided that the waterline in the transition from the jet propulsion module to the stern module is uninterrupted or essentially uninterrupted. The underwater surfaces of the jet propulsion module and stern module are preferably aligned or continuous. The recess for the jet propulsion module is preferably arranged at the bottom of the stern module.

[0018] Preferably, the rear module has an upper recess for accommodating the power supply module. Providing an upper recess for accommodating the power supply module makes it very easy to replace the power supply module. This also ensures that the connecting mechanisms are securely covered when the power supply module is inserted into the upper recess.

[0019] A flushing mechanism is provided which, when the watercraft is in operation, directs water at least partially around the power supply module to dissipate heat. For this purpose, the flushing mechanism comprises a gap between the stern module and the power supply module, with a discharge line being provided from the gap through the stern module. This allows water to enter the gap and absorb heat from the power supply module and preferably to escape from the gap through the stern module via the discharge line. The discharge line preferably ends in a side surface of the stern module so that the cooling water flow is not directly visible when the watercraft is in operation. The discharge line preferably ends in the lower half of the side surface of the stern module.

[0020] Preferably, a locking mechanism is provided for releasably securing the power supply module, which locking mechanism is particularly flush with the surface of the rear module. For example, a clamping mechanism or a lever mechanism can be provided to provide locking, with the upper part of the lever preferably being flush with the upper surface of the rear module. Preferably, other parts of the power supply module are also flush or aligned with the surface of the rear module. The locking mechanism can also be a bayonet lock or a folding lever with a tongue and groove connection.

[0021] Furthermore, the bow module preferably has a fixed end section body for connection to the rear module. A fixed end section body can also be understood as an inherently rigid or rigid end section body. In the context of the invention, a fixed end section body is understood in particular to mean a non-inflatable end section body. For example, this can be manufactured using a plastic rotational molding process. An inflatable bow module part can be provided on the end section body in the front region of the bow module, which is connected to the end section body in order to keep the bow module very easy to transport and simultaneously enable a secure connection of the bow module to the rear module.

[0022] Preferably, at least in the area where the end section body of the bow module connects to the stern module, the material of the end section body is the same as the material of the stern module in the area where it connects to the bow module, in order to keep any gap between the stern module and the bow module constant during operation of the watercraft. A seal is preferably provided between the stern module and the bow module.

[0023] Furthermore, the bow module is preferably hollow and, in particular, at least partially floodable with water, thus enabling the use of an underwater scooter as a watercraft. The bow module is floodable with water in such a way that the watercraft as a whole preferably has an average specific density that essentially corresponds to the specific density of water.

[0024] The bow module preferably has an inlet opening in the front area and an outlet opening in the rear area. Water can enter the inlet opening, which can be designed, for example, as a slot or a valve, to appropriately weight the bow or the bow module. The water can then exit the bow module through the outlet opening, which can also be designed as a slot and is preferably located either in or on the rear of the bow module and has a transition to the rear module, or is designed as a slot in the lower rear area of the bow module.

[0025] Preferably, the stern module is hollow and can also be at least partially flooded or filled with water. In this case, it is even easier to flood the watercraft with water accordingly, so that the specific density of the watercraft can be more easily adapted to the specific density of the water. Water can, for example, enter the cavity of the bow module via a transition. Alternatively or additionally, a valve or a vent can be provided on the bow module to allow water to flow in. Both variants can also be provided.

[0026] When the watercraft is being used as a diving scooter, for example, the bow can be pushed under water to allow water to enter the inlet. The inlet can be designed as a slot on the front side of the bow module, or as a slot on the surface or top of the bow module, or in the form of one or more valve openings or closable openings. The valve openings or openings can be designed to be mechanically, automatically, or electrically openable and / or closable. Instead of valve openings, other mechanically and / or electrically controllable openings can be provided. If the stern module is also to be flooded with water, a slot can be provided on the top or top of the bow module.A valve or a preferably resealable opening into which water flows can also be provided on the surface of the rear module, or alternatively or additionally, a transition of the water from the bow module to the rear module can be provided via a transition opening.

[0027] To allow water to drain automatically from the bow module, a slot can be provided in the lower section of the bow module. To improve handling, the underside of the bow module can be slightly curved downward in the area of the outlet.

[0028] To drain water from the rear module, it is preferably provided to arrange pipes from the rear area of the rear module, leading from the cavity to the outlet of the jet propulsion module. During operation of the jet propulsion module, water is pumped out of the jet propulsion module's outlet at high speed. This creates a vacuum, so that water from the rear module, which is located in the cavity of the rear module, is sucked out of the rear module through the pipes.

[0029] A particularly efficient and compact power supply module is achieved when it is designed symmetrically to the longitudinal axis of the vessel.

[0030] The watercraft according to the invention is preferably designed as a surfboard, canoe, tender boat or diving scooter.

[0031] Further features of the invention will become apparent from the description of embodiments of the invention together with the claims and the accompanying drawings. Embodiments of the invention may incorporate individual features or a combination of several features.

[0032] Within the scope of the invention, features marked with "in particular" or "preferably" are to be understood as optional features.

[0033] The invention is described below without limiting the general inventive concept by means of exemplary embodiments under

[0034] The invention will be described with reference to the drawings, with express reference to the drawings for all details of the invention not explained in detail in the text. They show: Fig. 1 a schematic three-dimensional exploded view of a watercraft according to the invention, Fig. 2 a schematic three-dimensional view of the watercraft from Fig. 1 in the assembled state, Fig. 3 is a schematic side view of a watercraft according to the invention in another embodiment, Fig. 4 is a schematic side sectional view through an embodiment of a bow module, Fig. 5 is a schematic bottom view of a stern module and Fig. 6 is a schematic sectional view through an embodiment of a watercraft.

[0035] In the drawings, identical or similar elements and / or parts are provided with the same reference numbers, so that a repeated presentation is omitted.

[0036] Fig. 1shows a schematic three-dimensional exploded view of a watercraft 10 according to the invention in a first embodiment. A bow module 11 is provided, which is made of a plastic such as polyethylene, for example, using a known rotation process. Connecting rods 16 and 17 and a fixing rod 15 are firmly connected to the bow module 11. The bow module 11 has a recess in a connection area, which is complementary in shape to a bulge in the stern module 12. The stern module 12 has corresponding openings for receiving the connecting rods 16 and 17, which are a precise size match to the diameters of the connecting rods 16 and 17. In addition, a through hole orAn opening 18 is provided through which the fixing rod 15 can be inserted, so that the fixing rod 15 is closed with a locking mechanism, which can be a snap lock, a clip lock, or the like, so that the front module can no longer detach from the rear module and thus a stable fixation of the front module to the rear module is possible. The rear module also has a receiving body 20, which in this exemplary embodiment is also made of a plastic such as polyethylene and has a lower recess 21 for receiving the jet propulsion module 13 and a recess 22 above it for receiving the power supply module 14.

[0037] The jet propulsion module 13 is pushed into the recess 21 of the rear module 12 from below, or the rear module 12 is inserted onto the jet propulsion module 13 from above. The jet propulsion module 13 can be firmly connected to the rear module 12 using screws 23.

[0038] The power supply module 14 can then be inserted from above into the recess 22 of the rear module 12 and fixed by means of a fixing mechanism or connecting mechanism not shown.

[0039] For the electrical connection of the power supply module 14 to the jet propulsion module 13, electrical contacts 24 of the jet propulsion module 13 are provided, which can be inserted into corresponding plug contacts of the power supply module 14. The electrical components are preferably encapsulated or sealed to prevent contact with water.

[0040] The jet propulsion module 13 is located relatively far back in the stern, allowing a good supply of water during operation of the watercraft. The design of the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 show surfboards made of a relatively rigid polyethylene material.

[0041] In a further embodiment, which is Fig. 3As shown schematically, the rear module 12 is also made of a relatively rigid material such as polyester. For connection to the bow module 11, the bow module 11 has an end section body 30, which can also be made of a plastic such as polyethylene, for example. Towards the bow, an inflatable bow part 31 is provided in the end section body 30, which can be made of a drop stitch material, for example, in which two or more plastic fabric panels, preferably denier polyester fabric panels, are laid on top of one another, wherein the plastic fabric panels are connected to one another by a plurality of polyester threads. The two fabric panels are kept at a distance from one another so that the space between the fabric panels filled with polyester threads can later be filled with compressed air. With regard to production, reference is made in particular to WO 2016 / 193382 A1.The fabric panels can be rotated in for connection to the end section body 30 of the bow module 11 or glued to the bow module 11. This results in a very lightweight watercraft 10 that is very easy to transport.

[0042] The stern module 12 can also be partially made of an inflatable fabric material. It should be noted that it is advisable for at least the receiving body 20 with the recess 21, which serves to accommodate the jet propulsion module 13, to be made of a rigid material in order to keep a possible gap between the jet propulsion module 13 and the receiving body 20 constant during operation. This improves the operation of the watercraft 10. For example, the rear part of the bow module 11 can then be designed to be inflatable.

[0043] The power supply module 14 is cooled during operation by water flowing over the power supply module 14, but also by water being able to enter the gap 26 between the power supply module 14 and the rear module 12. This water can be drained away via a discharge line 25, the outlet of which is connected to the Fig. 1 and 2 can be seen on the side of the rear module 12, are released back into the surrounding water.

[0044] Preferably, the watercraft 10 is constructed from at least four modules.

[0045] Fig. 4 shows schematically in a sectional view an embodiment of a bow module 11 according to the invention for using the watercraft as a diving scooter.

[0046] The bow module 11 has a connecting rod 16 in the rear area and a handle 34 or one for each hand on the surface 27 or top side. In the front area, above the normal waterline, there is an inlet opening 32 for water, which can be slit-shaped. If the driver of the watercraft pushes the bow module into the water at the front, water can get into the bow module and flood the bow module so that the watercraft can be used as a diving scooter. The water can then escape from the outlet opening 33, which is formed on the underside 28 of the bow module 11. The underside 28 is preferably slightly curved downwards in the area of the outlet opening 33 to improve the driving characteristics. The inlet opening 32 and the outlet opening 33 preferably have a height of 2 to 30 mm.

[0047] Fig. 5shows a schematic bottom view of another embodiment of a rear module 12. The jet propulsion module 13 is inserted into a recess 21. The jet propulsion module 13 has a water inlet 40 on the underside, into which water for the jet propulsion module flows, and a water outlet 41, from which water exits.

[0048] In Fig. 5 The rear module 12 is also hollow so that water can be absorbed in the rear module 12. For this purpose, Fig. 5Water inlet openings (not shown) are provided, for example in the form of one or more valves or closable openings. These can be arranged on the underside, on the top, or on the sides. In order to drain water from the rear module or to enable water to flow through the rear module 12 during diving operation, pipes 42, 43 are provided which drain water from the rear module, specifically in the area of the water outlet 41 of the jet propulsion module 13. The water escaping there is moved out of the jet propulsion module 13 at such a high speed that a negative pressure is created at the respective end of the pipes 42, 43, thereby drawing out the fluid in the rear module.

[0049] Fig. 6shows a schematic bottom view of another watercraft according to the invention, comprising a bow module 11, a stern module 12, and a jet propulsion module 13. In this case, a transition 44 is provided between the cavity of the bow module, which can be flooded with water, and the cavity of the stern module, which can be flooded with water. Valves 45 and 46 are also shown here in the bow module 11 and stern module 12, respectively. These can also be arranged at other locations. The inlet opening 32 and / or the outlet opening 33, as well as the valves 45 or 46, can also be provided as rotary closures, rotary openings, hinged closures, or hinged openings.

[0050] In the event that the user of the watercraft no longer wishes to dive, they can also position the watercraft in the water so that it floats. If it floats, the water in the cavities or the cavity is drained or sucked out through pipes 42, 43, making the watercraft lighter and allowing it to travel faster above the water surface again.

[0051] All features mentioned in independent claim 1 are List of reference symbols

[0052] 10Watercraft 11Bow module 12Aft module 13Jet propulsion module 14Power supply module 15Fixing rod 16Connecting rod 17Connecting rod 18Opening 20Receiving body 21Recess 22Recess 23Screw 24Electrical contact 25Discharge line 26Gap 27Surface 28Underside 30End section body 31Inflatable bow section 32Inlet opening 33Exit opening 34Handle 40Water inlet 41Water outlet 42Pipe 43Pipe 44Transition 45Valve 46Valve

Claims

1. A watercraft (10) having a jet drive module (13), wherein the watercraft (10) comprises modules which can be connected to one another, wherein a stern module (12) and a bow module (11) are provided, which can be detachably connected by means of a first connecting mechanism (15-18), wherein, in addition, the jet drive module (13) can be detachably connected to the stern module (12), wherein a power supply module (14), which is arranged in the stern module (12) above the jet drive module (13) and which can be detachably connected to the stern module (12), is provided, wherein the power supply module (14) provides the power supply of the jet drive module (13), wherein a flushing mechanism is provided, which, when the watercraft (10) is operating, conducts water at least partially around the power supply module (14) in order to dissipate heat, characterized in that the flushing mechanism comprises a gap (26) between the stern module (12) and the power supply module (14), wherein a discharge line (25) is provided from the gap (26) through the stern module (12).

2. The watercraft (10) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the first connecting mechanism (15-18) is only accessible when the power supply module (14) is removed from the stern module (12).

3. The watercraft (10) according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a second connecting mechanism (23) is provided for connecting the jet drive module (13) to the stern module (12), which second connecting mechanism is only accessible when the power supply module (14) is removed from the stern module (12).

4. The watercraft (10) according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the stern module (12) for receiving the jet drive module (13) comprises a receiving body which comprises at least one frame made of a solid material or has a solid material, wherein the frame is adjacent to the jet drive module (13) or touches the jet drive module (13).

5. The watercraft (10) according to Claim 4, characterized in that the receiving body (20) has a recess (21) which has a complementary shape to the jet drive module (13).

6. The watercraft (10) according to any one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the stern module (12) has an upper recess (22) for receiving the power supply module (14).

7. The watercraft (10) according to any one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that a locking mechanism is provided for detachably fixing the power supply module (14), which is in particular flush with the surface (27) of the stern module (12).

8. The watercraft (10) according to any one of Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the bow module (11) has a solid end portion body (30) for joining to the stern module (12).

9. The watercraft (10) according to any one of Claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the bow module (11) is hollow and can in particular be at least partially flooded with water.

10. The watercraft (10) according to Claim 9, characterized in that the bow module (11) has an inlet opening (32, 45) in the front region and an outlet opening (33, 44) in the rear region.

11. The watercraft (10) according to any one of Claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the power supply module (14) is configured symmetrically to the longitudinal axis of the watercraft (10).

12. The watercraft (10) according to any one of Claims 1 to 11, characterized in that it is configured as a surfboard, canoe, tender boat or diver propulsion vehicle.