Underwater electric powered motorized boat

Abstract

The invention relates to a motor boat (1) comprising: a rigid chassis (2); a first float, called a directional float (3), mounted to pivot relative to the chassis (2); a second float, called a propulsion float (4), mounted integral with the chassis (2) and adapted to be able to float under the weight of an individual (50) piloting the boat (1), and; a device (5) for propelling the boat (1), associated with said propulsion float (4); characterized in that the propulsion device (5) comprises a propulsion member (6) capable of maintaining a flow of water flowing in a conduit (7) passing through said propulsion float (4) between a water inlet mouth (8) extending on the lower face (9) of said propulsion float (4) and a water expulsion mouth (10) extending on the rear face (11) of said propulsion float (4) so ​​as to propel the boat (1) by reaction. Figure for the abstract: Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Motorized boat with underwater electric propulsion

[0001] The invention relates to a boat - in particular a boat intended for sporting or leisure use - motorized with underwater electric propulsion and an on-board pilot.

[0002] FR2283819 discloses a jet-propelled water scooter, comprising: - a main hull housing a thermal engine and acting as a float when the water scooter is stationary on a body of water; - the engine being a drive motor for a propeller pump propelling the scooter by suction of water and expulsion of a jet of water at high speed at the rear of the scooter above its waterline; - a rear ski placed under the main hull adapted to allow, in cooperation with a front ski, the movement of the scooter by hydrodynamic lift; - a propulsion pump interposed between the hull and the rear ski, so that the propulsion pump is submerged when the scooter is stationary on the water and emerges when the vehicle reaches its cruising speed, and; - a steering device comprising an oblique column passing through the front part of the hull and the lower end of which is mounted to rotate with the front ski.

[0003] Due to its thermal engine, the mass of the FR2283819 water scooter is significant. It therefore requires specific means of transport for its land transport to an aquatic environment. The scooter is therefore not perfectly suited for coastal use. It is even less suited to such coastal use since it has - particularly when stationary and at low speed - a significant draft extending vertically between the underside of the rear ski and the waterline of the hull. Its coastal use in a shallow watercourse is therefore difficult, if not impossible.

[0004] Due to its thermal engine, the FR2283819 water scooter is polluting. It is polluting due to the emission of exhaust gases into the atmosphere. But it is also polluting due to the noise pollution produced by the internal combustion engine. In addition, the FR2283819 water scooter requires the use of a fossil energy source that is not renewable for its operation.

[0005] Furthermore, the FR2283819 water scooter is equipped with support skis allowing high travel speeds to be reached while limiting the forces of friction of the main hull on the water. Its handling is nevertheless delicate due to this lift.

[0006] The invention therefore aims to overcome these drawbacks.

[0007] The invention aims in particular to propose a motorized boat which is easy to pilot and which in particular does not require for its use to reach a high minimum lift speed.

[0008] The invention relates to a motorboat comprising: - a rigid chassis; - a first float, called a directional float, mounted to pivot relative to the chassis; - a second float, called a propulsion float, mounted integral with the chassis and adapted to be able to float under the weight of an individual piloting the boat, and; - a propulsion device for the boat, associated with said propulsion float; characterized in that the propulsion device comprises a propulsion member capable of forming and maintaining a flow of water flowing in a conduit passing through said propulsion float between a front mouth for water inlet into the conduit, extending on the lower face of said propulsion float and a rear mouth for expelling the flow of water, arranged on the rear face of said propulsion float so as to be able to propel the boat by reaction.

[0009] Throughout the text, the terms "front", "rear", "lower" and "upper" are defined in relation to the usual position and direction of advancement of the boat. Thus, said directional float extends to the front of the boat relative to said propulsion float which extends to the rear of the boat and said propulsion float extends to the rear of the boat relative to said directional float. The lower face of said propulsion float is intended to be in contact with the liquid medium - in particular water - of the body of water on which the boat is intended to progress and the upper face of said propulsion float is adapted to be able to support an individual piloting the boat.

[0010] The invention therefore relates to a motor boat of the type comprising a first float, called a propulsion float, at the rear provided with means for propelling the boat in a propulsion direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of said propulsion float and a second float, called a directional float, before adjusting the direction of advance of the boat. According to the invention, the conduit passes through said propulsion float in the thickness of said propulsion float.

[0011] The inventors have determined that the motorboat according to the invention, when placed stationary on a body of water, has very high stability. On the one hand, the motorboat naturally orients itself so that the face on upper face of said propulsion float is substantially horizontal and parallel to the waterline. On the other hand, the motorboat naturally resumes its equilibrium orientation in which the upper face of said propulsion float is horizontal, even after this equilibrium has been disturbed.

[0012] The inventors have determined that it is particularly advantageous, for propelling a motorboat according to the invention, to integrate the propulsion device of said motorboat within the internal volume of said propulsion float so that the propulsion member forms and maintains a flow of water substantially free of air in the conduit passing through said propulsion float between the front mouth for water inlet into the conduit and the rear mouth for expulsion of the water flow, arranged on the rear face of said propulsion float. In this configuration, when the individual is in a position to pilot the motorboat according to the invention, the front mouth for water inlet into the conduit provided in said propulsion float is necessarily submerged due to the weight of the individual piloting the boat exerted on said propulsion float, so that the flow of fluid flowing in the conduit is essentially a flow of water.Such a flow of fluid formed essentially of water - that is to say substantially free of air - flowing in the conduit and expelled by the rear expulsion mouth makes it possible to promote the progression of the boat according to the invention by reaction and the propulsion efficiency. In addition, due to the weight of the individual piloting the boat exerted on said propulsion float, it results that the rear expulsion mouth of the water flow, arranged on the rear face of said propulsion float is necessarily - at least partially - immersed in the water of the body of water, thereby making it possible to promote the progression of the boat according to the invention by propulsion.

[0013] Furthermore, due to the position of the rear water flow expulsion mouth, the movement in the longitudinal direction of said propulsion float, of the center of gravity of the assembly formed by said propulsion float and of the individual piloting the boat by movement of the individual longitudinally relative to said propulsion float makes it possible to modulate the position of the rear water flow expulsion mouth, the depth of expulsion of the water flow, the direction of expulsion of the water flow, and therefore the efficiency of the propulsion of the boat.

[0014] The motor boat according to the invention is free from any support member for the boat, intended to allow the boat to be raised above the body of water when the speed of movement of the boat on the body of water increases.

[0015] According to certain preferred embodiments, said propulsion float is adapted to be able to accommodate a single individual in a standing position piloting the boat. However, nothing prevents provision being made for said propulsion float to be sized to accommodate the individual in a standing position piloting the boat and another individual separate from the individual in a standing position piloting the boat.

[0016] According to certain embodiments, the propulsion member is chosen from the group formed by a propeller and a turbine. The propeller and / or the turbine are sized and driven in rotation so that the flow of water formed in the conduit allows the propulsion of the boat.

[0017] According to certain advantageous embodiments, the propulsion member extends entirely within an internal volume delimited laterally and longitudinally by the duct. According to these embodiments, the propulsion member - in particular the propeller and / or the turbine - driven in rotation is not directly accessible so that the risks of injury by unintentional contact with the propulsion member are limited.

[0018] According to certain embodiments, the propulsion member comprises at least one rotor driven in rotation by an electric motor. In these embodiments, the boat according to the invention has at least one of the following characteristics: - said propulsion float comprises a waterproof housing sized to contain the electric motor. Advantageously, said propulsion float comprises a waterproof box forming the housing; - the housing contains a battery for supplying the electric motor with electrical energy; - the housing contains at least one power converter operatively interposed between the supply battery and the electric motor, adapted to control the electrical power supplied to the electric motor; - the battery is a lithium battery.

[0019] According to certain embodiments, the propulsion member may be mounted so as to be steerable in a plane substantially parallel to the upper face of said propulsion float, the orientation of the propulsion member being controlled by the individual piloting the boat. Such a steerable propulsion member may contribute at least in part to steering the motorboat.

[0020] According to certain embodiments, said propellant float comprises an internal core formed of a rigid foam and a coating covering the core, made of at least one fluid-tight material of high mechanical resistance.

[0021] In certain embodiments, the rigid foam of said propellant float is formed from at least one polymer material. Advantageously, said propellant float has a density of less than 1 g / cm3. It may be an expanded foam, in particular bare polystyrene foam. However, nothing prevents said propellant float from being free of foam, the internal space of said propellant float being occupied by air. Said propellant float may be formed from any other material suitable for allowing said propellant float to float under the weight of a individual piloting the motorboat.

[0022] In certain advantageous embodiments according to the invention, the coating of said propellant float is formed from at least one composite material containing fiberglass as a filler. Such a composite material is chosen to ensure the sealing of said propellant float to liquids and to provide mechanical protection of the rigid foam. In certain advantageous embodiments according to the invention, the coating is a fiberglass.

[0023] Said directional float of the boat according to the invention can be of any type. It can be formed from at least one floating material with a density of less than 1 g / cm3. For example, it can be formed from at least one composite material comprising fibers and at least one resin. Nothing prevents said directional float from being made of wood. Nothing prevents provision being made for said directional float to comprise an internal core formed from a rigid foam and a coating covering the core, made from at least one fluid-tight material of high mechanical strength. The rigid foam of said directional float can be formed from at least one polymer material. It can be an expanded foam, in particular bare polystyrene foam. However, nothing prevents said directional float from being free of foam, said directional float forming an internal volume occupied by air.According to certain advantageous embodiments, said directional float having an elongated shape, at least one - in particular both - of the two longitudinal ends of said directional float is curved in the shape of a spatula. Such a spatula makes it possible to optimize the glide of said directional float and to improve the stability of the boat.

[0024] The motor boat according to the invention comprises a handlebar for orienting said directional float, adapted to allow adjustment of the direction of movement of the boat and supporting means for controlling the propulsion device or the propulsion member.

[0025] According to certain embodiments, the boat according to the invention has at least one of the following characteristics: - said propulsion float has a greater length of between 0.60 m and 1.20 m, in particular of the order of 0.90 m; - said propulsion float has a greater width of between 0.30 m and 0.80 m; - at least one - in particular each - of said propulsion float and of said directional float has a drift extending in a plane substantially vertical and parallel to the longitudinal axis of the corresponding float.

[0026] According to certain embodiments, the rigid chassis comprises two lateral side members substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of said propulsion float and pa related to the propulsion direction of the boat, the two side members supporting said propulsion float. According to certain embodiments, the rigid chassis is a U-shaped tubular chassis in which each of the two longitudinal ends of the U-shaped tubular chassis are fixedly attached to a sleeve cooperating with a pivoting shaft supporting said directional float. In these embodiments, the sleeve extends substantially in a median plane of the boat.

[0027] According to certain embodiments, said directional float being mounted pivotally relative to the chassis along a longitudinal axis of the pivoting shaft, the pivoting shaft is mounted integral in rotation with the steering handlebar.

[0028] According to certain embodiments, the boat according to the invention is provided with identification signage for users of the same body of water. This may be signage specific to a waterway. Such signage then allows night-time use of the boat according to the invention. It may allow such use on the high seas and / or on busy waterways.

[0029] The motor boat according to the invention is intended to be used for aquatic leisure activities. However, nothing prevents the boat according to the invention from being used in a competitive sports context. It can be used by individuals who own their boat. It can also be offered for rental.

[0030] The vessel according to the invention can be used on any body of liquid water. This can be a body of water extending outdoors. It can be a body of running water, such as a river or stream, or a body of calm and substantially stagnant water, such as a canal, a lake, a pond or a pond. It can also be a body of maritime water (sea or ocean) subject to tides and / or swell, preferably to moderate swell. In particular, the body of liquid water can be a waterway.

[0031] Said propulsion float is mounted integrally in the rear part of the rigid chassis, said directional float being mounted integrally with the pivoting shaft in the front part of the rigid chassis.

[0032] In certain advantageous embodiments, said propulsion float and said directional float of the motorboat according to the invention are arranged relative to each other so that the lower face of said directional float (when said directional float is oriented so that its longitudinal axis is parallel to the longitudinal axis of said propulsion float) is raised relative to the lower face of said propulsion float. Thus, in this configuration, the weight of the individual piloting the boat, embarked on said propulsion float, is applied essentially or almost exclusively to said propulsion float and only to a small extent to said directional float, by increasing the draft of said propulsion float so that the water expulsion mouth of the device propulsion is submerged and allows the boat to be propelled by reaction. Advantageously, said directional float is arranged relative to said propulsion float so that the water expulsion mouth of said propulsion float extends in depth relative to said directional float. In some of these advantageous embodiments, said directional float extends substantially at the level of the upper face of said propulsion float.

[0033] The invention also relates to a motorboat characterized, in combination or not, by all or part of the characteristics mentioned above or below. Whatever the formal presentation given thereof, unless explicitly indicated otherwise, the different characteristics mentioned above or below must not be considered as closely or inextricably linked to each other, the invention being able to relate to only one of these structural or functional characteristics, or only part of these structural or functional characteristics, or only part of one of these structural or functional characteristics, or any grouping, combination or juxtaposition of all or part of these structural or functional characteristics.

[0034] Other aims, characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the following description given without limitation of some of its possible embodiments and which refers to the appended drawings, in which:

[0035] [Fig-1] [Fig. 1] is a general three-quarter rear bird's eye view of an embodiment of a motorboat according to the invention;

[0036] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a bottom view of a detail of a motorboat according to a particular embodiment of the invention;

[0037] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a median longitudinal sectional view along plane III-III described in [Fig.2] of a detail of a motorboat according to a particular embodiment of the invention, and;

[0038] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is a cross-sectional view along plane IV-IV described in [Fig.3] of a motorboat according to a particular embodiment of the invention.

[0039] A particular embodiment of a motor boat 1 according to the invention is shown in [Fig.l]. In this embodiment shown, the motor boat 1 comprises a rigid chassis 2 of which a rear part 40 (in the direction of advance of the boat) is formed by folding a tube 27 into a “U”. The rear part 40 of the rigid chassis 2 forms two lateral side members 22 connected to each other by a connecting hoop 28. In the embodiment shown, the central sections of each lateral side member 22 are substantially parallel to each other. The respective sections of each lateral side member 22 extend in the same plane, in particular in the same substantially horizontal plane in normal use of the boat 1 au- car.

[0040] In this embodiment shown, the rigid chassis 2 comprises, in its front part 30 (in the direction of advance of the boat), a sleeve 26 welded to the two front ends of the lateral side members 22. The sleeve 26 is arranged to guide a pivoting shaft in rotation relative to the sleeve 26. The sleeve 26 extends in a median plane of the rigid chassis 2, inclined relative to the vertical from front to rear and from bottom to top.

[0041] The material(s) forming the rigid chassis 2, the cross-sectional shape of the tube(s) 27 of the rigid chassis 2 and the thickness of the material forming this tube 27 are chosen to give the chassis 2 the required rigidity, in particular sufficient rigidity to be able to support, without significant deformation, the weight of the individual piloting the boat. For example, the material(s) forming the rigid chassis 2 may be chosen from the group consisting of steels, stainless steels, carbon fibers, aluminum, polymer materials - in particular thermosetting resins and thermoplastic resins - and composite materials with a polymer matrix. The rigid chassis 2 is designed to be resistant to bending. In this regard, the cross-sectional shape of the tube(s) 27 of the rigid frame 2 may be circular, elliptical or polygonal, in particular in the shape of a regular square, pentagonal or hexagonal polygon.The rigid 2 chassis is also designed to be shock resistant.

[0042] In the embodiment shown in [Fig. 1], the rigid chassis 2 is formed of steel tubes having a circular cross-section and a diameter of 33.7 mm. The rear part 40 of the rigid chassis 2 is U-shaped, comprising a rear arch 28 and two lateral longitudinal members 22 extending in the same horizontal plane, substantially parallel to each other and spaced apart from each other and providing between them a space receiving a box 34 forming a housing 16 housing the propulsion device 5 of the boat 1. The box 34 is mounted integral with the lateral longitudinal members 22 of the rigid chassis 2 and fixed relative to the rigid chassis 2. Any suitable mounting means may be used. The box 34 has a hatch 35 opening onto the upper face 47 of said propulsion float 4 and means 36 for sealing this hatch 35.The closure means 36 may comprise a plate 38 of rigid material arranged so as to close the hatch 35 and at least one sealing joint arranged between the hatch 35 and the plate 38. The box 34 and the closure plate 38 are provided with complementary locking members (not shown) for locking the plate 38 in the position of sealing the hatch 35, in a first position of the locking members, and for extracting the plate 38 in a second position of the locking members in which the hatch 35 is open and the propulsion device 5 is made accessible. Only for information purposes. indicative concerning a motor vessel 1 according to the invention as represented in [Fig.l], the box 34 has a greater length of the order of 720 mm, a greater width of the order of 160 mm and a greater height of the order of 220 mm.

[0043] In the embodiment shown in [Fig.l], the rear part 40 of the rigid chassis 2 is sealed in the rigid foam 14 of said propulsion float 4 by inclusion of the lateral longitudinal members 22 in the foam 14. A covering 15 formed of at least one fluid-tight material of high mechanical strength covering the foam 14 forms a watertight barrier and contributes to keeping said propulsion float 4 fixedly secured to the rigid chassis 2.

[0044] In the embodiment shown in [Fig.l], the rigid chassis 2 has: - along its longitudinal axis (extending between the hoop 28 and the sleeve 26) a length of between 900 mm and 1300 mm, in particular of the order of 1100 mm, and; - along its vertical axis (extending between said directional float 3 and the handlebar 18) a height of between 400 mm and 1150 mm, in particular of the order of 650 mm.

[0045] These dimensions are given for guidance only and may be adapted to take into account the size of the individual piloting the craft, so that it may be sized for use by children or a small person, or by large people. These dimensions may also be adapted to be compatible with the integration of a hydraulic or spring suspension device chosen for a pleasant and comfortable ride.

[0046] The pivoting shaft 24 (shown in [Fig.3]) passing longitudinally through the sleeve 26 is rotatably mounted relative to the sleeve 26 so as to allow a rotational stroke of the pivoting shaft by an angle value of the order of 180°, in particular of the order of 120°, in particular of the order of 90° or less. The pivoting shaft 24 has at its lower longitudinal end, a fork 29 with two branches, the ends of which are provided with means 31 for fixing - in particular by screwing - integral with a directional float 3 at the lower longitudinal end of the pivoting shaft 24, so that the rotation of the pivoting shaft 24 by an angle value a results in a rotation of said directional float by an angle value a. In the embodiment shown, the branches of the fork 29 are spaced laterally and allow stabilization of the boat 1, particularly at low travel speed.The upper end of the pivoting shaft 24 is mounted integral in rotation with a handlebar 18 for orienting the course of the boat 1. Said directional float 3 is fixed to each of the two branches of the fork 29 by means of removable assembly members such as, for example, bolts.

[0047] Said directional float 3 may be formed of a plate 32 made of floating material as shown in [Fig.l]. However, nothing prevents said directional float 3 from being formed of a structure comprising an internal core formed of a rigid foam and a coating covering the internal core, made of at least one fluid-tight material. Advantageously, the coating has high mechanical strength. The plate 32 of said directional float 3 may be formed of glued laminated wood coated with a protective and waterproofing layer. It has raised longitudinal ends forming two spatulas 33. The plate 32 of said directional float 3 may be made of a resin, a polymer material or a composite material. Said directional float 3 may have stiffness reinforcements. Said directional float 3 may have at least one fin improving the control of the direction of the boat 1.

[0048] The motor boat 1 according to the invention shown in [Fig.l] comprises a float, called the propulsion float 4, mounted integrally with the rigid chassis 2 in the rear part 40 thereof. Said propulsion float 4 is formed of an internal core 14 consisting of a rigid foam and a covering 15 covering the core 14 and forming a watertight barrier. The covering 15 is formed of at least one fluid-tight material of high mechanical strength. The covering 15 may be formed, for example, of fiberglass cloths, glued in successive layers, giving the covering 15 its mechanical strength and sealing properties. The rigid foam 14 may be a low-density polymer foam suitable for giving said propulsion float 4 buoyancy: - sufficient to allow the flotation of the motor boat 1 and of the individual piloting the boat and maintaining it, and; - sufficiently weak to allow the immersion of the propulsion device.

[0049] Said propulsion float 4 has on its upper face 47 an additional layer formed of a non-slip material allowing the individual piloting the boat to ensure his position, laterally and longitudinally, on said propulsion float 4. In the embodiment shown in [Fig.l], the non-slip material also extends over the external face of the plate 38 for closing the hatch 35 of the box 34.

[0050] Solely for illustrative purposes of a motorboat 1 according to the invention, said propulsion float 4 may have: - a greater horizontal dimension (length) extending along the longitudinal axis of said propellant float 4 of between 600 mm and 1200 mm, in particular of the order of 900 mm, and; - a second horizontal dimension (width) extending in a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of said propellant float 4 between 220 mm and 720 mm, notably in the order of 520 mm.

[0051] These dimensions may however vary in order to respond to changes in the regulatory provisions in force relating to the practice of a nautical activity in relation to the use of a motorized vehicle and / or to respond to commercial requirements.

[0052] A detail of a particular embodiment of a propulsion float 4 in bottom view is shown in [Fig.2]. Said propulsion float 4 has longitudinally, a central part 39 extending in relief relative to the lateral parts 41 of said propulsion float 4. According to this particular embodiment, the central part 39 extending in relief can itself act as a drift 20 improving the control of the direction of the boat 1. However, nothing prevents the lower face 9 of said propulsion float 4 from being substantially flat and devoid of a central part in relief. In this embodiment, nothing prevents the lower face 9 of said propulsion float 4 from being equipped with at least one drift extending in a median plane of said propulsion float 4 intended to improve the control of the direction of the boat 1.

[0053] Said propulsion float 4 shown in [Fig.2] comprises an inlet mouth 8 for a flow of water into the propulsion device 5. The inlet mouth 8 may be oval or oblong in shape. In the embodiment shown in [Fig.2], the opening of the inlet mouth 8 has a greater length (along the longitudinal axis of said propulsion float 4) of the order of 200 mm and a greater width of the order of 120 mm. That being said, the propulsion device 5 may comprise a single inlet mouth 8 or a plurality of mouths arranged symmetrically with respect to the median plane of said propulsion float 4, so as to ensure propulsion along the longitudinal axis of said propulsion float 4.In the embodiment shown, the inlet mouth 8 extends on the lower face 9 of said propellant float 4: - in a substantially central median position relative to said propellant float 4 and relative to the central part 39 of said propellant float 4, and; - longitudinally in the third rear third of this lower face 9. In the embodiment shown, the opening of the inlet mouth 8 extends in a plane 44 parallel to the main plane of said propulsion float 4. However, nothing prevents the opening of the inlet mouth 8 from extending in a secant plane parallel to the main plane of said propulsion float 4 and in such a way that the inlet mouth forms a scoop whose mouth is oriented towards the front of said propulsion float 4 and of the motorboat 1. Nothing also prevents the scoop from being a scoop that can be oriented between a deployed position of the scoop in which the mouth is oriented towards the front of said propulsion float and a retracted position in which the mouth extends in a plane 44 parallel to the plane main of said float 4 propellant.

[0054] Said propulsion float 4 shown in [Fig.2] comprises a water expulsion mouth 10 arranged on the rear face 11 of said propulsion float 4 so as to propel the boat 1 by reaction. A flow 42 of water (represented by the arrows 42) is formed in the conduit 7 of the propulsion device 5 between the water inlet mouth 8 and the water expulsion mouth 10. The flow 42 of water is formed due to the rotational drive of a rotor of a turbine or a propeller (not visible in [Fig.2]) by a rotating shaft 43 driven by an electric motor (not visible in [Fig.2]), whereby the boat is propelled by reaction.

[0055] [Fig. 3] is a longitudinal sectional view along plane III-III of [Fig. 2] of a boat 1 according to the invention in which the longitudinal and propulsion axes 23, 48 of said propulsion float 4 and longitudinal of said directional float 3 are aligned. As shown in [Fig. 3], said propulsion float 4 and said directional float 3 are arranged relative to each other so that the lower face 45 of said directional float 3 is raised relative to the lower face 9 of said propulsion float 4. Thus, in this configuration, the weight of the individual 50 piloting the boat 1, embarked on said propulsion float 4, is applied essentially or almost exclusively on said propulsion float 4, whereby the draft of said propulsion float 4 is increased so that the water expulsion mouth 10 of the propulsion device 5 is submerged and allows the propulsion of the boat 1 by reaction.In particular, said directional float 3 is arranged relative to said propellant float 4 so that the water expulsion mouth 10 of said propellant float 4 extends in depth relative to said directional float 3.

[0056] Said propulsion float 4 comprises a box 34 having a hatch 35 for opening the box 34 on the upper face of the box 34. The box 34 comprises a plate 36 for sealing the hatch 35 adapted to be able to form a closed and watertight housing 16 in the interior space of the box 34. The propulsion device 5 of the boat 1 is arranged in the housing 16. The propulsion device 5 comprises a water conduit 7 passing through said propulsion float 4 and adapted to guide a flow of water caused to flow in the conduit 7 between a water inlet mouth 8 and a water expulsion mouth 10 outside the conduit 7. The inlet mouth 8 is arranged on the lower face 9 of said propulsion float 4 (as shown in [Fig.2]) and the expulsion mouth 10 is arranged opposite 11 rear of said float 4 propeller.The conduit 7 is provided with a turbine 6 comprising a rotor driven in rotation by an electric motor 13 via a transmission shaft 43. Nothing prevents the transmission shaft 43 from comprising a coupling shaft interposed between a rotating shaft of the electric motor 13 and the rotor. In the embodiment shown in [Fig.3], the propulsion device 5 is produced by . 3D printing and includes a propeller 6 whose blades are adapted to describe a disc with a diameter of 100 mm. The transmission shaft 43 has a cross-sectional diameter of 10 mm. The propulsion device 5 has: - a larger dimension (Length) of the order of 400 mm; - a total height (in mid-section) of around 135 mm; - a suction mouth 8 of substantially oval shape with a larger diameter (in the longitudinal direction of the boat) of a value of the order of 200 mm, and a smaller diameter (in the transverse direction of the boat) of a value of the order of 120 mm; - a diameter of the conduit 7 at the right of the propeller 6 of the order of 100 mm, and - a truncated part 52 at the downstream outlet of the water flow with a smaller diameter of around 75 mm.

[0057] In the embodiment shown, the electric motor 13 is a three-phase motor of the “brushless motor” type, with a power of 6300W at a voltage of 60V. Any other suitable type of electric motor can be used, in particular a single-phase electric motor. The electric motor 13 is mounted integrally with the box 34 by means of vibration-absorbing silent blocks 49. The motor boat 1 is equipped with a cooling water circuit for the electric motor 13 comprising a pump driven by a secondary 12-volt electric motor, comprising a handlebar control 18. The turbine is so oriented that the rotation of the rotor of the turbine 6 makes it possible to suck in a flow of water entering the conduit 7 through the inlet mouth 8, circulating in the conduit 7 due to the rotation of the rotor and to expel the flow of water leaving the conduit 7 through the expulsion mouth 10, propelling the boat 1 by reaction.

[0058] The electrical power supply to the motor 13 is provided by a battery 17 arranged in the housing 16 of the box 34. The power battery 17 can be of any type. In certain embodiments, the power battery 17 is a battery with a voltage less than or equal to 50 volts, satisfying the regulatory provisions concerning river traffic. In the embodiment shown, the power battery 17 delivers a voltage of 48 V and an electrical charge of 20 Ah. In particular, the power battery 17 is a lithium battery and its dimensions are 265 mm x 140 mm x 70 mm (Length x Margin x Height).

[0059] The motorboat 1 according to the invention comprises a power converter 21 functionally interposed between the power supply battery 17 and the electric motor 13. The power converter 21 is arranged in the housing 16 of the waterproof case. The power converter 21 is adapted to transmit to the electric motor 13 a power of 3000 W at a voltage of 48 V. The power transmitted to the electric motor 13 can be adjusted by the individual 50 piloting the motor 13. the boat 1 by means of a handle 19 acting as a potentiometer and arranged on the handlebar 18. Thus, the potentiometer handle 19 acts as an accelerator / decelerator. In addition, advantageously, the boat 1 according to the invention has a display member 51 - arranged on the handlebar 18 - of data representative of the state of charge of the power battery 17 and / or of a malfunction of the power converter 21. In the embodiment shown, the dimensions of the power converter 21 are 265 mm x 140 mm x 70 mm (Length x Margin x Height).

[0060] Nothing prevents the power converter 21 from comprising means for limiting the power transmitted to the electric motor 13. Thus, for example, it is possible to provide for limiting the power transmitted to the motor to a power of 1500 W for use of the motorboat 1 by a child.

[0061] Each of the electrical components of the motorboat 1 is equipped with a fuse circuit breaker. In addition, the motorboat 1 comprises a general circuit breaker activated in the event of a fall or emergency. Of course, the use of a motorboat 1 according to the invention requires the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) including in particular a helmet and a life jacket.

[0062] The invention may be the subject of numerous variants other than those described above. In particular, it goes without saying that unless otherwise indicated the different structural and functional characteristics of each of the embodiments described above should not be considered as combined and / or closely and / or inextricably linked to each other, but on the contrary as simple juxtapositions. Furthermore, the structural and / or functional characteristics of the different embodiments described above may be the subject in whole or in part of any different juxtaposition or any different combination.

Claims

Claims

1. Motor boat (1) comprising: - a rigid chassis (2); - a first float, called a directional float (3), pivotally mounted relative to the chassis (2); - a second float, called a propulsion float (4), mounted integrally with the chassis (2) and adapted to be able to float under the weight of an individual (50) piloting the boat (1), and; - a device (5) for propelling the boat (1), associated with said propulsion float (4); characterized in that the propulsion device (5) comprises a propulsion member (6) capable of maintaining a flow rate (42) of water flowing in a conduit (7) passing through said propulsion float (4) between a water inlet mouth (8) extending on the lower face (9) of said propulsion float (4) and a water expulsion mouth (10) extending on the rear face (11) of said propulsion float (4) so ​​as to propel the boat (1) by reaction, and in that;said propeller float (4) is adapted to be able to receive a single individual (50) in a standing position piloting the motor boat (1);

2. Boat (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that said propulsion float (4) and said directional float (3) are arranged relative to each other so that the lower face (45) of said directional float (3) is raised relative to the lower face (9) of said propulsion float (4).

3. Boat (1) according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that said directional float (3) is arranged relative to said propulsion float (4) so ​​that the water expulsion mouth (10) of said propulsion float (4) extends in depth relative to said directional float (3).

4. Boat (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the propulsion member (6) is chosen from the group formed by a propeller and a turbine.

5. Boat (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the propulsion member (6) extends entirely in an internal volume (12) delimited laterally and longitudinally by the conduit (7).

6. Boat (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the propulsion member (6) comprises at least one rotor driven in rotation by an electric motor (13).

7. Boat (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that said propulsion float (4) comprises an internal core formed of a rigid foam (14) and a covering (15) made of at least one fluid-tight material of high mechanical resistance.

8. Boat according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that it is free from any support member.

9. Boat according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that it comprises a handlebar (18) for orienting said directional float (3), supporting means (19) for controlling the propulsion device (5).

10. Boat according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that at least one of said propulsion float (4) and said directional float (3) has a drift (20) extending in a substantially vertical plane and parallel to the longitudinal axis (23, 48) of the corresponding float (3, 4).

11. Boat according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the rigid chassis (2) comprises two lateral side members (22) substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis (23) of said propulsion float of the boat (1) and supporting said propulsion float (4).

12. Boat according to one of claims 9 to 11 in combination with claim 9, characterized in that said directional float (3) is mounted pivoting relative to the chassis (2), along a longitudinal axis of a pivoting shaft (24), the pivoting shaft (24) is mounted integral in rotation with the steering handlebar (18).

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