Watercraft

Description

I. Area of ​​application

[0001] The invention relates to a watercraft comprising a support element for carrying a load, a buoyancy generator for generating a buoyancy force acting on the watercraft, and an internal or external propulsion system for moving the watercraft along a direction of travel. The invention further relates to a method for operating such a watercraft. II. Technical background

[0002] Watercraft of this type are known from the prior art, which can be used to carry a load, for example containers or the like, and are propelled either by means of an internal propulsion system, i.e. a propulsion system attached to the watercraft itself, or by means of an external propulsion system, i.e. a propulsion system attached to another watercraft or the like, which can be connected to the watercraft.

[0003] Such watercraft can be used, for example, to transport containers or other goods via rivers or other bodies of water. However, it should be noted at this point that, although the invention will be partially described below using an example of container transport, no limitation of any kind can be derived from this.

[0004] To provide buoyancy, vessels of this type also include a buoyancy generator. If the vessel is a platform, such as a pontoon or a work platform, such buoyancy generators can be designed as floating bodies in the form of air chambers, which can be arranged below the platform.

[0005] The floats can be made of aluminum, for example, which gives them high rigidity, but makes them very susceptible to pitting corrosion and associated leaks and other damage compared to floats made of plastic, especially in chemically polluted waters, unless particularly expensive aluminum alloys are used.

[0006] Furthermore, such floating bodies, especially when designed to bear heavy loads and ensure sufficient stability against capsizing, exhibit relatively high resistance during movement, meaning that the internal or external propulsion system must be relatively powerful and / or only comparatively low speeds can be achieved.

[0007] Publication KR 2003 0039258 A discloses a watercraft according to the preamble of claim 1. Reference is also made to publications US 2016 / 368565 A1, US 2017 / 341722 A1 and DE 12 66 659 B. III. Description of the invention a) Technical task

[0008] It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a watercraft of the type mentioned at the outset and a method for operating such a watercraft which has a reduced driving resistance compared to known watercraft in conjunction with high reliability and is also suitable for transporting heavy loads. b) Solution of the task

[0009] This problem is solved according to the invention by a watercraft according to claim 1 and a method according to claim 13. Advantageous embodiments are described in the dependent claims.

[0010] Regarding the WatercraftThe problem is solved by making the buoyancy generator a temporary buoyancy generator.

[0011] In the context of the present invention, the term "temporary buoyancy generator" is to be interpreted as meaning that the buoyancy generator is designed to generate buoyancy temporarily, i.e., not permanently. Compared to permanent buoyancy generators, such as buoyancy bodies, this offers the advantage that the buoyancy generator can only generate buoyancy when it is needed. Furthermore, according to the invention—unlike permanent buoyancy generators—the density of the temporary buoyancy generator, preferably of the entire watercraft, does not necessarily have to be less than the density of water.

[0012] If the watercraft according to the invention is used, for example, to transport a load that is itself buoyant, the buoyancy generator can be designed such that, while it does not generate buoyancy when the watercraft is stationary, it generates a buoyant force acting on the watercraft while it is moving along its direction of travel, such that the load being transported is only partially or no longer submerged in the water. This reduces the resistance that the watercraft's propulsion system has to overcome along its direction of travel.

[0013] The propulsion system can be designed as an internal propulsion system, i.e., a propulsion system attached to the watercraft itself, or as an external propulsion system, which is merely associated with and functionally connected to the watercraft, but is not a component of the watercraft. The external propulsion system can be part of another watercraft, which is coupled to the watercraft and serves as a towing vessel.

[0014] To generate the buoyancy force supporting the watercraft, the temporary buoyancy generator comprises at least one flow-guiding element which has an angle of attack relative to the flow direction and / or a cross-sectional profile such that the buoyancy force is generated when the flow passes over the flow-guiding element along the flow direction. However, if the watercraft includes such a flow-guiding element, the buoyancy force is only generated when the watercraft is moved by means of its internal or external propulsion system, i.e., when it has a speed greater than zero. In this case, the external or internal propulsion system is therefore functionally considered a component of the temporary buoyancy generator.

[0015] According to the invention, the at least one flow-guiding element comprises at least one flow-guiding plate which has an angle of attack relative to an oncoming flow direction, which is preferably adjustable. The oncoming flow direction is a direction substantially opposite to the direction of travel of the watercraft. The flow-guiding plate preferably has a profile that essentially corresponds to a flat plate, so that it does not generate lift when oriented substantially parallel to the direction of travel, i.e., when there is no angle of attack. Only the angle of attack causes a deflection of the water flow impinging on the at least one flow-guiding plate during the watercraft's movement on the water surface along the direction of travel, resulting in a lift force acting on the watercraft.The angle of attack must be selected in accordance with the load to be carried, as it must be sufficiently high to achieve the necessary lift force, but should only be as high as necessary, since an increasing angle of attack increases the deceleration effect generated by the flow guide plate and thus the drag of the watercraft.

[0016] To generate lift similar to that of a hydrofoil boat and preferably achieve particularly low-friction movement of the watercraft, including any load it carries, relative to the water surface, the at least one flow-guiding element may additionally or alternatively comprise at least one flow-guiding wing with an airfoil profile. Preferably, the flow-guiding wing may also have an adjustable angle of attack relative to the flow direction in order to control the lift as desired. The airfoil profile is preferably designed such that, upon reaching a predetermined speed, the lift force causes the watercraft, including the support element and any load it carries, to rise relative to the water surface along the direction of travel.To achieve particularly low drag, the support element glides on the water's surface along the direction of travel once the predetermined speed is reached. Alternatively, after reaching the predetermined speed, preferably only the flow-guiding wing and / or, if applicable, the support element may remain submerged in the water.

[0017] If the watercraft according to the invention includes at least one flow-guiding element, it is also advantageous that an effective area of ​​the at least one flow-guiding element is dimensioned such that it corresponds to more than 10%, preferably more than 50%, of the base area of ​​the supporting element. As a result, a high lift force can be achieved even at comparatively low speeds along the direction of travel.

[0018] In order to generate sufficient buoyancy during a standstill of the watercraft, i.e., in a state in which the watercraft is not moving or is only moving slightly, a further embodiment of the invention proposes that the temporary buoyancy generator comprise a fluid jet delivery unit, in particular a water jet delivery unit or an air jet delivery unit, which is configured to emit a fluid jet directed away from the support element, in particular downwards, wherein the fluid jet delivery unit preferably includes a pump, for example an impeller pump. The fluid jet delivery unit is preferably also pivotably mounted on the watercraft about a pivot axis that runs substantially parallel to a transverse direction of the watercraft, so that the direction of emission of the fluid jet can be adjusted.The fluid jet delivery unit can also be pivoted about an axis that is essentially parallel to the vertical, either additionally or alternatively. This allows the direction of travel of the watercraft to be influenced further.

[0019] To provide the propulsive force driving the watercraft in the direction of travel, mainly an internal or external propulsion system is provided, which may preferably be in the form of a propeller propulsion system or in the form of a fluid jet propulsion system, preferably a water jet propulsion system or an air jet propulsion system.

[0020] If the watercraft includes an internal propulsion system, this can be arranged on or in the supporting element to achieve a compact design of the watercraft and to ensure a low center of gravity of the watercraft.

[0021] If the temporary lift generator is designed as a swiveling fluid jet delivery unit as described above, it can also act as a drive unit, depending on the set swivel angle.

[0022] Furthermore, it is conceivable to provide a plurality of fluid jet delivery units, whereby a predetermined first number of the plurality of fluid jet delivery units can be used to generate the lift force, while a predetermined second number of the plurality of fluid jet delivery units can be used to generate the driving propulsion force along the direction of travel.

[0023] In order to ensure sufficient loading space for transporting the load, for example one or more containers, as well as good access for loading and unloading the watercraft, the supporting element is designed in a plate-like form, for example in the form of a support platform, according to the invention.

[0024] If a weight-saving and compact design of the support element is desired, the support element can additionally or alternatively include a frame. Furthermore, to achieve a particularly compact design, it is conceivable to integrate the lift generator, especially over a large area, into the frame.

[0025] Furthermore, depending on the size and shape of the load to be transported, the supporting element can be essentially polygonal, preferably rectangular, or essentially circular or essentially elliptical in a top view.

[0026] To ensure particularly high rigidity of the support element, so that even in heavy seas only minimal twisting occurs, the support element can, according to one embodiment, be made at least partially of a substantially rigid material. This can prove particularly advantageous for transported loads that would themselves be very sensitive to any twisting.

[0027] However, if the aim is to ensure that the load being transported is affected as little as possible by the wave action, the supporting element can alternatively be made at least partially from a substantially elastic material. This allows the supporting element to compensate for the influence of the wave action through local deformations that follow the wave motion, thus achieving increased safety against oscillation and potential tipping of the supporting element and the load being transported.

[0028] Furthermore, to enable the simultaneous transport of a large number of individual loads, the watercraft can also include multiple support elements, preferably arranged in the direction of travel and / or substantially transversely to the direction of travel. This can also be helpful for transporting loads that, while relatively large, have only a low weight, so that point support and a comparatively low buoyancy force are sufficient. Consequently, a particularly low drag can be achieved.

[0029] To ensure a secure connection of the individual support elements, the majority of the support elements are preferably coupled to each other by essentially rigid coupling elements, in particular detachable ones.

[0030] It should also be added that the load-bearing element can comprise a plurality of supports, which are supported at one end by the load-bearing element or a part connected to it, and which bear the load at the other end. The supports are preferably telescopic and / or spring-loaded. If the supports are telescopic, the distance between the load and the load-bearing element can be adjusted as needed. If it is preferable to keep the load away from waves that may occur on the water's surface, a correspondingly increased distance can be set, while a smaller distance may be advantageous to ensure a low center of gravity for the watercraft.

[0031] Regarding the procedure The task is solved by launching the watercraft into the water and generating a buoyant force that acts temporarily on the watercraft.

[0032] It should be noted at this point that all the advantages and effects explained with regard to the watercraft according to the invention also apply to the method according to the invention.

[0033] The temporary lift force can be generated by moving the watercraft along a direction of travel, in particular by means of a flow-guiding element, for example a flow-guiding wing with an airfoil profile and / or at least one flow-guiding plate. Preferably, the lift force generated by the movement is adjustable, in particular by changing the angle of attack of the flow-guiding element.

[0034] Additionally or alternatively, it is conceivable to generate the temporary buoyancy force while the watercraft is stationary, particularly by means of a fluid jet delivery unit. This is especially advantageous if the load to be transported is not itself buoyant.

[0035] Depending on the type and size of the load to be transported, it can be placed on the vessel before or after launching. For example, if the load is buoyant and is intended to provide buoyancy while the vessel is stationary, it may be advantageous to place the load on the support structure before launching. If the temporary buoyancy is generated while the vessel is stationary on the water's surface, the load can be placed on the support structure only after launching. c) Examples of implementation

[0036] Embodiments according to the invention are described in more detail below by way of example. The figures show: Figure 1a: a side view of an exemplary watercraft according to a non-inventive embodiment, Figure 1b:a front view of the exemplary non-inventive watercraft, Figure 1c: Figure 2a: a side view of a first exemplary non-inventive embodiment of a temporary buoyancy generator for the watercraft, Figure 2b: a side view of a second exemplary non-inventive embodiment of the temporary buoyancy generator for the watercraft Figure 2c: a side view of a third exemplary non-inventive embodiment of the temporary buoyancy generator for the watercraft, Figure 3: a view of the exemplary non-inventive watercraft, which is supplemented by a further supporting element, Figures 4a and 4b: Each a side view of a modification according to the invention of the first embodiment of the temporary buoyancy generator.

[0037] In Figure 1ais an example of a watercraft not according to the invention, generally designated by 100, which serves only for illustration.

[0038] The watercraft 100 comprises a support element 1, which, in the illustrated non-inventive embodiment, has a support frame 1.1. A load L to be carried rests on the support frame 1.1 via a front support 1.2, lateral supports 1.3, and a rear support 1.4. The supports 1.2, 1.3, and 1.4 may preferably be telescopic and / or spring-loaded. The load L to be carried consists of a control section Ls and a loading section LB, which, in the illustrated embodiment, is loaded with containers Lc. The control section Ls may be designed to accommodate a person (not shown) who steers the watercraft 100 and may include corresponding control devices (also not shown) for controlling the operation of the watercraft 100, as well as the temporary buoyancy generators 2 and the propulsion system 3 of the watercraft 100, which are described in more detail below.

[0039] The watercraft 100 is in Figure 1a The diagram depicts a state in which the vehicle floats on a water surface W, with the support frame 1.1 and a portion of each of the front support 1.2, the side supports 1.3, and the rear support 1.4 located below the water surface W, while the load L is entirely above the water surface W. As a result, the sliding of the support frame 1.1 on the water surface W achieves a particularly low rolling resistance, with only the peak waves occurring during travel being cut.

[0040] As in Figure 1b , As can be seen from the front view of the watercraft 100, the support frame 1.1 in the illustrated embodiment has a profile shape with recesses 1.1a extending in the direction of the vertical 12. The provision of the recesses 1.1a provides sufficient installation space for a compact arrangement of one or more, in Figure 1b to enable a temporary lift generator 2 (not shown), which relates to the Figures 2a, 2b and 2c be described.

[0041] Figure 2a Figure 1 shows, as an example, a first non-inventive embodiment of a temporary lift generator 2, which is designed as a flow guide plate 2a. The flow guide plate 2a is pivotably mounted on the support frame 1.1 about a pivot axis S a which is substantially parallel to a transverse direction 11, from which in Figure 2a Only a section is shown. To generate a lift force acting on the support frame 1.1 and thus on the entire watercraft 100 in a direction essentially parallel to the vertical 12, the flow guide plate 2a has an angle of attack α a with respect to an onflow direction 10', which is opposite to the direction of travel 10 of the watercraft 100. The angle of attack α a is preferably determined by a Figure 2a The actuator (not shown) is adjustable and can be designed, for example, as a mechanically or electromechanically operated actuator.

[0042] Figure 2b However, Figure 1 shows, as an example, a second non-inventive embodiment of the lift generator 2, which is designed as a flow-guiding wing 2b with an airfoil profile. The airfoil profile of the flow-guiding wing 2b is designed such that, when the flow of air approaches the flow-guiding wing 2b along the direction of flow 10', analogous to the flow-guiding wing 2a according to Figure 2a, the following applies: Figure 2a , A lift force acting on the support frame 1.1 and thus on the watercraft 100 is generated. The flow-guiding wing 2b can also be pivotable about a pivot axis S b to regulate an angle of attack α b and thus the lift force, preferably also by a mechanically or electromechanically driven actuator.

[0043] Figure 2c Finally, as an example, a third non-inventive embodiment of the buoyancy generator 2 is shown, which is designed as a water jet delivery unit 2c. Analogous to the embodiments according to the Figures 2a and 2bThe water jet discharge unit 2c is also pivotably mounted on the support frame 1.1 about a pivot axis S c. When the water jet discharge unit 2c is in an orientation substantially parallel to the vertical 12, a water jet is discharged downwards when a pump (not shown) driving the water jet discharge unit 2c is operated, thus generating an upward buoyancy force acting on the support frame 1.1 and therefore on the watercraft 100 in a direction substantially parallel to the vertical 11. This orientation is preferably present when the watercraft 100 is stationary.By regulating an angle of attack α c in a direction essentially parallel to the direction of travel 10, a propulsive force driving the watercraft 100 in the direction of travel 10 can be generated in addition to the buoyancy force, so that the watercraft 100 can gain speed, similar to the principle of a vertical takeoff aircraft. In the illustrated embodiment, the water jet delivery unit 2c can therefore also be used as a propulsion system 3.

[0044] Figure 1c Finally, a top view of the example of the non-inventive watercraft 100 according to the Figures 1a and 1b .

[0045] As in Figure 1c As can be seen, the watercraft 100 comprises a plurality of water jet delivery units 2c, which can also be used as a propulsion system 3. As in Figure 1cFurthermore, it can be seen that the water jet delivery units 2c in the illustrated embodiment are also pivotable about a pivot axis S v which is essentially parallel to the vertical 12, in order to be able to make a rotational movement of the watercraft 100 about the vertical 12 and thus to correct the direction of travel 10.

[0046] In addition to the water jet delivery units 2c, several lift generators arranged in series in the form of flow guide plates 2a and / or flow guide wings 2b are provided, so that a comparatively high lift force can be generated even at low speeds along the direction of travel 10.

[0047] Figure 3 is a review of the example of the non-inventive watercraft 100 according to Figure 1c ,which is supplemented by a further support element 1' with a further support frame 1.1', on which a further load L' with further containers LC' is placed. The support element 1' can essentially correspond to the support element 1, but in contrast to the support element 1, which tapers to a point in the direction of travel 10, it has a substantially rectangular shape. To generate a buoyancy force acting on the support element 1', one or more buoyancy generators 2a and / or 2b and / or 2c can also be attached to the support element 1.1' according to the Figures 2a, 2b and 2c The support frame 1.1' is detachably connected to the support frame 1.1 via, preferably rigid, coupling elements 4, so that the drive unit 3 attached to the support frame 1.1 can be used as an external drive unit for the support element 1'.

[0048] As in Figure 3The watercraft 100, shown only schematically, can optionally be supplemented by more than one additional support element L'; that is, depending on the design of the propulsion system 3, any number of support elements can be joined together. If particularly high propulsion power or particularly precise maneuverability is required, it is also conceivable to couple several watercraft 100 together.

[0049] The Figures 4a and 4b Finally, they show a modification according to the invention of the first embodiment of the temporary buoyancy generator made of Figure 2a, in which a flow guide plate 2a is pivotably mounted about a pivot axis SA at a forward end 10 in the direction of travel and another flow guide plate 2a is mounted at a rear end 10 in the direction of travel. However, it should be noted that, if desired, only one flow guide plate may be provided, i.e., either only the flow guide plate 2a at the forward end of the support frame 1.1 or only the other flow guide plate 2a at the rear end of the support frame 1.1.

[0050] The Figure 4aFigure 1 shows a state in which the flow guide plates 2a exhibit the previously described angle of attack αa relative to the oncoming flow direction 10'. If a lift force is generated by an oncoming flow over the flow guide plates 2a along the oncoming flow direction 10', the support frame 1.1 can also assume a driving angle of attack αF relative to the oncoming flow direction 10', which is preferably less than the angle of attack αa, as shown in Figure 1. Figure 4b depicted.

[0051] As soon as the support frame 1.1 reaches the operating angle of attack α F relative to the oncoming flow direction 10', the angle of attack α a of the flow guide plates 2a is reduced to a value chosen such that the flow guide plates 2a are aligned parallel to the support frame 1.1. As a result, both the flow guide plates 2a and the support frame 1.1 assume the operating angle of attack α F relative to the oncoming flow direction 10' and therefore act together as the flow guide elements 2a and 2a1 with a correspondingly increased effective area.

[0052] It should also be added that the watercraft 100 can, if desired, preferably completely, submerge itself below the water surface W by means of appropriate control of the flow-guiding plates 2a and subsequently move like a submarine. Likewise, by appropriately controlling the flow-guiding plates 2a in the opposite direction, the watercraft 100 can be made to surface. Additionally or alternatively, if desired, a strong deceleration effect can be achieved by submerging the watercraft 100 above the water surface W while it is moving, in order to slow the watercraft 100 down. REFERENCE MARK LIST

[0053] 1. Support element, support platform 1.1. Support frame 1.2. Front support support 1.3. Side support support 1.4. Rear support support 1' Further support element 1.1' Further support frame 1.3' Further side support support 2. Buoyancy generator 2a. Flow guide plate 2b. Flow guide vane 2c. Fluid jet delivery unit, water jet delivery unit 3. Travel drive, water jet travel drive 4. Coupling element 10. Travel direction 10' Flow direction 11. Lateral direction 12. Vertical swivel axis S a Swivel axis S b Swivel axis S c Swivel axis S v Swivel axis SA Swivel axis α a Angle of attack α b Angle of attack α c Angle of attack α v Angle of attack α F Travel angle of attack 100 Watercraft L Load L'additional load Lc Container Lc'additional container LB Section to be loaded Ls Steering section W Water surface

Claims

1. Watercraft (100), with - a support element (1, 1') for supporting a load (L, L'), - a buoyancy generator (2) for generating a buoyancy force acting on the watercraft (100), and - an internal or external propulsion system (3) for moving the watercraft (100) along a direction of travel (10), which may be a component of the buoyancy generator (2), wherein the buoyancy generator (2) is a temporary buoyancy generator (), and the support element (1, 1') for supporting the load (L, L') is plate-shaped and comprises a support frame (1, 1), and the temporary buoyancy generator (2) comprises at least one flow guide plate (2a) which has an angle of attack (αa) with respect to an oncoming direction (10'), wherein the at least one flow guide plate (2a) is pivotably mounted about a pivot axis (SA) at a front end of the support frame (1.1) in the direction of travel (10) and / or at a rear end of the support frame (1.1) in the direction of travel, the angle of attack (αa) of the at least one flow guide plate (2a) can be reduced to a value, as soon as the support frame (1.1) has reached a travel angle of attack (αF) which is less than the angle of attack (αa) with respect to the oncoming flow direction (10'), which is chosen such that the at least one flow guide plate (2a) is aligned parallel to the support frame (1.1), so that the at least one flow guide plate (2a) and also the support frame (1.1) assume the travel angle of attack (αF) with respect to the oncoming flow direction (10') and therefore act together with a correspondingly enlarged effective area, and the support element (1, 1') and the at least one flow guide plate (2a) are designed to slide on the surface of the water (W) along the direction of travel (10) after reaching a predetermined speed of the watercraft (100).

2. Watercraft according to claim 1, characterised in that the at least one flow guide element (2a) comprises at least one flow guide plate (2a) which has the angle of attack (αa) with respect to the oncoming flow direction (10'), which is preferably adjustable.

3. Watercraft according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the at least one flow guide element (2a) comprises at least one flow guide wing (2b) with a foil profile which preferably has an angle of attack (αb) that is adjustable with respect to the oncoming flow direction (10').

4. Watercraft according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that an effective surface of the at least one flow guide element (2a; 2b) is dimensioned such that it corresponds to more than 10%, preferably more than 50%, of a base surface of the support element (1).

5. Watercraft according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the temporary buoyancy generator (2) comprises a fluid jet delivery unit (2c), in particular a water jet delivery unit or an air jet delivery unit, which is configured to deliver a fluid jet directed away from the support element (1), in particular downwards, and wherein the fluid jet delivery unit (2c) preferably comprises a pump, for example an impeller pump.

6. Watercraft according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the internal or external propulsion system (3) is designed in the form of a propeller propulsion system or in the form of a fluid jet propulsion system, preferably a water jet propulsion system (3) or an air jet propulsion system.

7. Watercraft according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the internal propulsion system (3) is arranged on or in the support element (1, 1').

8. Watercraft according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that - the plate-shaped support element (1, 1') is designed in the form of a support platform and / or - the support element (1, 1') is, in a plan view. substantially polygonal, preferably rectangular, or substantially circular or substantially elliptical.

9. Watercraft according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that - the support element (1, 1') is at least partially made of a substantially rigid material and / or - the support element (1, 1') is at least partially made of a substantially elastic material.

10. Watercraft according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that - the watercraft (100) comprises a plurality of support elements (1, 1'), which are preferably arranged in the direction of travel (10) and / or substantially transversely to the direction of travel (10) and / or - the plurality of support elements (1, 1') are coupled to one another by substantially rigid coupling elements (4).

11. Watercraft according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the support element (1) comprises a plurality of supports (1.2, 1.3, 1.4) which are supported at one end on the support element (1) or a part connected thereto, and which at the other end support the load (L, L'), wherein the plurality of supports (1.2, 1.3, 1.4) are preferably telescopic and / or spring-loaded.

12. Method for operating a watercraft (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein - the watercraft (100) is launched, - a load (L) is placed on a plate-shaped support element (1, 1') and / or on a support frame (1.1) of the watercraft (100) before or after the watercraft (100) is launched, and - a lifting force that temporarily acts on the watercraft (100) is generated.

13. Method according to claim 12, characterised in that the temporary buoyancy force is generated by moving the watercraft (100) along a direction of travel (10), in particular by means of a flow guide element (2a; 2b), for example a flow guide foil (2b) with an foil profile and / or at least one flow guide plate (2a).

14. Method according to any of the preceding method claims, characterised in that the temporary buoyancy force is generated during a standstill of the watercraft (100), in particular by means of a fluid jet delivery unit (2c).

Images