Bow module for a modular watercraft, modular watercraft, and use of an inflatable and dimensionally stabilisable float

Abstract

The invention relates, inter alia, to a bow module (30) for a modular watercraft (20), the watercraft (20) comprising interconnectable modules, a stern module (22) and a bow module (30) being provided which can be releasably connected by means of a first connection mechanism (26), the stern module (22) being connectable to a jet-propulsion module (24). The bow module (30) comprises a connection element (40) and a float (50), the connection element (40) being connectable to the stern module (22) by means of the first connection mechanism (26), and a dimensionally stable float receptacle (42) for receiving the float (50), the float (50) being inflatable by means of compressed air and being dimensionally stabilisable and, in an inflated state, being clampable or clamped into a receptacle (48) of the float body receptacle (42).

Description

[0001] Bow module for a modular watercraft, modular watercraft and use of an inflatable and shape-stabilizable buoyancy body

[0002] Description

[0003] The invention relates to a bow module for a modular watercraft, a modular watercraft and the use of an inflatable and shape-stabilizable buoyancy body for a modular watercraft with a jet propulsion module.

[0004] From DE 10 2019 1 16 689 A1 of the applicant, a watercraft with a jet propulsion module is known, wherein the watercraft comprises modules that 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, and furthermore a jet propulsion module and a power supply module are provided as detachably connectable to the stern module.

[0005] The modular design of a 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, boogie board, or canoe, and the bow module can be configured as the corresponding bow of the respective watercraft.

[0006] The variety of different modules and their flexible combinability enables different watercraft and numerous application possibilities. This results in special requirements, particularly regarding stability and safety, for connections between modules and for connections between components within a module. For example, permanent bonding is known as a connection, which has low flexibility and may require the use of environmentally harmful adhesives.

[0007] This gives rise to the task of making the connections between modules or within modules of a modular watercraft more stable, safer and more environmentally friendly.

[0008] The object is achieved by a bow module for a modular watercraft, 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 the stern module can be connected to a jet propulsion module, wherein the bow module is developed in such a way that the bow module has a connecting body and a buoyancy body, wherein the connecting body can be connected to the stern module by means of the first connecting mechanism and has a dimensionally stable buoyancy body receptacle for receiving the buoyancy body, wherein the buoyancy body is designed to be inflatable and dimensionally stabilized by means of compressed air and, in an inflated state, can be clamped or is clamped into a recess in the buoyancy body receptacle.

[0009] The basic idea of ​​the invention is that the bow module has a buoyancy body and a connecting body with a buoyancy body receptacle, wherein the buoyancy body is designed to be inflatable using compressed air. By clamping the buoyancy body into a recess in the buoyancy body receptacle, the buoyancy body can be securely connected or releasably connected to the stern module. Due to the small transport volume and weight of a buoyancy body when not filled with compressed air, the transport of a bow module is significantly simplified. This allows a user of a modular watercraft, for example, to carry different bow modules or at least different buoyancy bodies for different applications. A clamp connection provides a stable and secure connection between the buoyancy body and the connecting body, which is environmentally advantageous because it does not require any adhesive.

[0010] The modular watercraft is specifically an electrically motorized surfboard or bodyboard.

[0011] The buoyancy body is preferably connected in the buoyancy body receptacle by means of a force-fitting connection. In particular, the buoyancy body can be clamped into the recess of the buoyancy body receptacle by inflation using compressed air. In this embodiment, the buoyancy body is clamped into the recess by inflation. It is advantageous if a clamping effect is created in the recess by increasing the volume of the buoyancy body by filling it with compressed air. Advantageously, the connecting body and / or the buoyancy body receptacle is / are made at least partially, in particular predominantly or completely, from plastic. The plastic is in particular dimensionally stable plastic. For example, the plastic is polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, glass fiber reinforced polyester or epoxy resin. The connecting body is preferably made of polyethylene.In one embodiment, the connecting body is hollow. Due to its low weight, such a connecting body is particularly buoyant and / or floatable. This is useful when assembling a modular watercraft in the water. Advantageously, the connecting body is manufactured using a rotational molding process or rotational casting.

[0012] In particular, buoyancy bodies and connecting bodies, in particular the buoyancy body holder, are made of different materials, for example different plastics.

[0013] The stability of the bow module is increased when the buoyancy body and the connecting body are detachably connected or releasably connected by at least one bolt connection. A bolt connection in addition to a clamp connection enables greater stability of the connection between the buoyancy body and the connecting body, allowing such a bow module to be used in flexible applications and mounted very securely and precisely.

[0014] Advantageously, a nose module is further developed in that the buoyancy body receptacle has an upper side receiving section and a lower side receiving section, and in that the buoyancy body has a buoyancy body upper side and lower side and buoyancy body side surfaces, wherein the nose module has at least one bolt receptacle for receiving a bolt, wherein the at least one bolt receptacle comprises an upper side bolt opening in the upper side receiving section of the buoyancy body receptacle and a lower side bolt opening in the lower side receiving section of the buoyancy body receptacle and a buoyancy body bolt opening in the buoyancy body, wherein the buoyancy body bolt opening is arranged in a rear-side part of the buoyancy body and extends through the buoyancy body from the buoyancy body upper side to the buoyancy body lower side, wherein the upper side bolt opening and the lower side bolt opening are arranged in alignment with one another,The buoyancy body bolt opening is arranged or can be arranged in alignment with the upper side bolt opening and the lower side bolt opening. The bow module has a bolt for connecting the buoyancy body and the connecting body for each of the at least one bolt receptacle. In particular, each bolt is dimensioned to match the respective bolt receptacle and can be inserted into the respective bolt receptacle. Such a geometry provides a resilient bolt connection between the connecting body and the buoyancy body.

[0015] In particular, the buoyancy body and the connecting body are detachably connectable or detachably connected by means of at least one bolt connection, wherein the at least one bolt receptacle and the at least one bolt effect the bolt connection.

[0016] Advantageously, the recess of the buoyancy body receptacle, into which the buoyancy body can be clamped or is clamped in an inflated state, is arranged between the upper side receiving section and the lower side receiving section. Clamping into the recess in this embodiment corresponds to insertion between the upper side receiving section and the lower side receiving section, with the compressed air in the buoyancy body exerting an outwardly directed force on the inner sides of the upper side receiving section and the lower side receiving section.

[0017] Providing essentially round topside bolt openings and / or bottomside bolt openings and / or buoyancy body bolt openings enables a simple design of the components as well as favorable force effects in favor of a stable connection.

[0018] Preferably, the upper side receiving section is double-walled, with a top side wall and a bottom side wall being provided, which are connected by at least one bolt opening side surface. Preferably, the bolt opening side surfaces form a partition between the upper side receiving section and the upper side bolt opening. In particular, the upper side receiving section is made hollow. In this case, the bolt opening side surfaces provide additional stability for the upper side bolt opening.

[0019] Advantageously, the underside receiving section is double-walled, with a top side wall and a bottom side wall, which are connected by at least one bolt opening side surface. Preferably, the bolt opening side surfaces form a partition between the underside receiving section and the bottom bolt opening. In particular, the underside receiving section is hollow. In this case, the bolt opening side surfaces provide additional stability for the top bolt opening.

[0020] In particular, a bolt inserted into a buoyancy body bolt opening creates a positive connection. In one embodiment, the walls of a bolt opening exert a force against the associated bolt when the buoyancy body is inflated, and in the deflated state, the walls of a bolt opening exert no force on the associated bolt. In another embodiment, the diameter of at least one bolt opening is smaller than the diameter of at least one bolt, so that the at least one bolt, in the deflated state, enlarges the diameter of the bolt opening when driven through the bolt opening. The buoyancy body is made in particular from an elastic material, so that it, in particular the bolt openings, can be adapted to a bolt in certain embodiments. An inflated state of the buoyancy body is in particular a state in which the buoyancy body is filled with compressed air.

[0021] Advantageously, a nut or a sleeve nut is detachably fastened or fastenable, for example screwed or screwable, to at least one end of the bolt.

[0022] The reliability of the connection within the nose module is further increased if the nose module has at least two bolt receptacles, each comprising a top side bolt opening, a bottom side bolt opening and a buoyancy body bolt opening and at least two bolts.

[0023] In some embodiments, at least two bolt receptacles and / or at least two bolts are each identically designed. This simplifies the construction. In another embodiment, each bolt is adapted to the respective bolt receptacle.

[0024] It is advantageous for at least one bolt to be designed as a fitting bolt, wherein in particular the at least one bolt designed as a fitting bolt forms a positive connection with a bolt receptacle. A fitting bolt here is a bolt with little or no play in the bolt opening. For example, a fitting bolt is a fitting screw with a head and partial thread. In another embodiment, the bolt is elastic and has a slightly larger diameter than a bolt receptacle, in particular a buoyancy body bolt opening, so that the bolt is additionally held in the bolt receptacle, in particular in the buoyancy body bolt opening, by means of a force-fitting connection.

[0025] Preferably, each bolt is made at least partially, especially predominantly, of plastic. This allows for a low weight of the bolts and thus of the bow module while maintaining high stability. For example, the plastic can be polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, glass-fiber-reinforced polyester, or glass-fiber-reinforced epoxy resin.

[0026] In particular, the bolt is designed as a hollow bolt. In another embodiment, it is made of solid material. In particular, the bolt is made of dimensionally stable plastic.

[0027] Preferably, each bolt has a diameter of at least 5 cm, at least 8 cm, at least 10 cm, or at least 12 cm. In a particularly preferred range, each bolt has a diameter of at least 5 cm and a maximum of 15 cm.

[0028] Furthermore, each buoyancy body pin opening is advantageously spaced from the buoyancy body side surfaces by at least 5 cm, at least 8 cm, at least 10 cm, or at least 12 cm. In a particularly preferred range, each buoyancy body pin opening is spaced from the buoyancy body side surfaces by at least 10 cm and a maximum of 25 cm.

[0029] In particular, each bolt has a first end and a second end, wherein a releasably attached first securing bolt plate is provided at the first end for securing the bolt, wherein a releasably attached or non-releasably attached second securing bolt plate is provided at the second end.

[0030] In one embodiment, the first and second locking bolt plates are components of the bolt. Advantageously, the bolt and the second locking bolt plate are formed as a single piece. For example, a first locking bolt plate is disc-shaped, or a first locking bolt plate is a sleeve nut or a sleeve with a collar.

[0031] Particularly convenient use is enabled if the first locking bolt plate is arranged or can be arranged flush with an upper side of the upper-side receiving section or flush with an underside of the lower-side receiving section. In this case, flush means, in particular, that the outer surface of the locking bolt plate is arranged in a plane spanned by the upper side or underside of the buoyancy body receptacle. This results in a flat surface from the surface of the connecting body including the locking bolt plate(s).

[0032] Advantageously, the buoyancy body receptacle has at least one recess into which a locking bolt plate can be inserted and which is, in particular, suitably dimensioned. Preferably, in the assembled state, a locking bolt plate exerts a force against an upper side of the upper side receiving section and / or an underside of the lower side receiving section. Particularly simple assembly is possible if the first locking bolt plate has a hexagon socket, wherein the first locking bolt plate can be fastened by means of the hexagon socket. For example, a hexagon socket is arranged in a sleeve nut. In another embodiment, the second locking bolt plate has a hexagon socket, wherein the second locking bolt plate can be fastened by means of the hexagon socket.

[0033] Furthermore, the object is achieved by a modular watercraft, comprising a bow module as described above and a stern module and a jet drive module, wherein the stern module is detachably connectable to the jet drive module, wherein in particular the stern module has a recess complementary in shape to the jet drive module.

[0034] Such a modular watercraft has the same advantages as the bow module described above, so that explicit reference is made to the preceding description to avoid repetition.

[0035] Preferably, the jet propulsion module can be accommodated and / or integrated into the stern module. In particular, the modular watercraft has features of a modular watercraft according to DE 10 2019 1 16 689.

[0036] In order to provide a power supply for the jet module with simple construction effort, the watercraft has a power supply module that can be detachably connected to the rear module, wherein the power supply module provides the power supply for the jet propulsion module.

[0037] Finally, the problem is solved by using an inflatable and shape-stabilizable buoyancy body as described above for a modular watercraft with a jet propulsion module.

[0038] The use combines the same advantages as the bow module described above and the modular watercraft described above, so there will be no repetition here.

[0039] 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.

[0040] Within the scope of the invention, features marked with “in particular” or “preferably” are to be understood as optional features.

[0041] The invention is described below, without limiting the general inventive concept, using exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawings, whereby express reference is made to the drawings for all details of the invention not explained in more detail in the text. They show:

[0042] Fig. 1 is a schematic, perspective exploded view of a first embodiment of a modular watercraft with a bow module according to the invention,

[0043] Fig. 2 is a schematic exploded top view of the first embodiment of a modular watercraft, Fig. 3 is a schematic top view of the top of an assembled first embodiment of a modular watercraft,

[0044] Fig. 4 is a schematic exploded side view of the first embodiment of a modular watercraft,

[0045] Fig. 5 is a schematic, perspective exploded view of a first embodiment of a connecting body with bolts,

[0046] Fig. 6 is a schematic perspective view of an assembled first embodiment of a connecting body with bolts, and

[0047] Fig. 7 is a schematic side view of an assembled first embodiment of a connecting body with bolts.

[0048] In the drawings, identical or similar elements and / or parts are provided with the same reference numbers, so that a repeated presentation is omitted.

[0049] Fig. 1 shows a schematic, perspective exploded view of a first embodiment of a modular watercraft 20 with an embodiment of a bow module 30. The watercraft 20 has a bow module 30 and a stern module 22. The stern module 22 is configured to accommodate a jet propulsion module 24 and a power supply module 28. For arranging the power supply module 28, the stern module 22 has a recess 29. The stern module 22 can be connected to the bow module 30 by means of a first connecting mechanism 26. The first connecting mechanism 26 is not shown in detail.

[0050] The bow module 30 has a connecting body 40 and a buoyancy body 50. The two components are connected to each other by means of the buoyancy body receptacle 42 of the connecting body 40. A bolt connection 60 further stabilizes the connection. The buoyancy body receptacle 42 has an upper side receiving section 46 and a lower side receiving section 47. A recess 48 is arranged between them, into which the buoyancy body 50 can be inserted.

[0051] In the assembled state, the upper side bolt openings 66 in the upper side receiving section 46 are aligned with the lower side bolt openings 67 in the lower side receiving section 47 and with the buoyancy body bolt openings 52. Due to the resulting alignment, bolts 64 with sleeve nuts 72 are guided as a counterpart to the locking bolt plate 70.

[0052] Fig. 2 shows a schematic exploded top view of the top side of the first embodiment of a modular watercraft 20 shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 2 thus shows essentially the same components from a different perspective. The bolts 64 are inserted into the bolt receptacles 62 of the buoyancy body receptacle 42. Due to the viewing direction shown, only the top side receiving section 46 of the buoyancy body receptacle 42 and the buoyancy body top side 56 are shown.

[0053] Fig. 3 shows the modules of a modular watercraft 20 depicted individually in Fig. 2 in an assembled form. The connecting body 40 is connected to the stern module 22 by means of the first connecting mechanism 26. The buoyancy body 50 is inserted into the buoyancy body receptacle 42 of the connecting body 40 and additionally secured by means of a bolt connection 60. The bolt connection 60 of the bolts 64 connects the topside receiving section 46, the buoyancy body bolt opening 52, and the bottomside receiving section 47.

[0054] For example, the buoyancy body pin openings 52 are designed such that, in the inflated state, the diameter of the buoyancy body pin openings 52 is slightly smaller than the diameter of the pins 64, so that the pins 64, by applying force, displace the elastic material of the buoyancy body pin openings 52 and temporarily enlarge the diameter of the buoyancy body pin openings 52. This results in a positive and non-positive connection.

[0055] Fig. 4 shows a schematic exploded side view of the first embodiment of a modular watercraft 20, which is shown in a similar form in Fig. 1 in a different representation. From Fig. 4, it is clearly evident that the buoyancy body 50 can be inserted into the connecting body 40.

[0056] In some embodiments, the buoyancy body 50 is inserted into the buoyancy body receptacle 42 in the deflated state and filled with compressed air in this arrangement. Such clamping of the buoyancy body in the buoyancy body receptacle can be sufficient to securely hold the two components together. For this purpose, it is advantageous if the buoyancy body receptacle has, in addition to a top-side receiving section and a bottom-side receiving section, at least one side receiving section. Such a section is not shown in Fig. 4. In other embodiments, the connection between the buoyancy body 50 and the buoyancy body receptacle 42 is further stabilized by a bolt connection 60 using bolts 64.

[0057] Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 show schematic, perspective views of a first embodiment of a connecting body 40 together with bolts 64. While Fig. 5 shows an exploded view, Fig. 6 is a view of an assembled embodiment.

[0058] A bolt 64 with a permanently attached locking bolt plate 70 is inserted from the outside into the top bolt opening 66. Each bolt 64 is joined to a locking bolt plate 70 designed as a sleeve nut 72, which is inserted from the outside through the bottom bolt opening 67. The bolt 64 is screwed into the sleeve nut 72 using a hexagon socket in the locking bolt plate 70 of the bolt 64.

[0059] Furthermore, the upper side bolt openings 66 have a recess into which the locking bolt plate 70 can be inserted. The locking bolt plate 70 is dimensioned to match the recess. This results in a flat surface consisting of the upper side of the upper side receiving section 46 and the locking bolt plate 70. In the assembled state, the locking bolt plates 70 of the bolts 64 exert a force against the upper side receiving section 46, and the locking bolt plates 70, designed as sleeve nuts 72, exert a force against the lower side receiving section 47.

[0060] A schematic side view of such an assembled first embodiment of a connecting body 40 with a bolt 64 and a securing bolt plate 70 in the form of a sleeve nut 72 is shown in Fig. 7. Not shown therein is a buoyancy body 50, which is inserted from the right in the plane of the drawing into the recess 48 of the buoyancy body receptacle 42. Subsequently, for the assembly of a bow module 30, the buoyancy body 50 is further fixed by means of the bolt connection 60 shown. The upper side of the upper side receptacle section 46 is substantially aligned with the securing bolt plate 70 of the bolt 64, and the underside of the underside receptacle section 47 is substantially aligned with the sleeve nut 72 as the securing bolt plate 70.

[0061] All mentioned features, including those revealed solely in the drawings as well as individual features disclosed in combination with other features, are considered essential to the invention, both individually and in combination. Embodiments according to the invention may be fulfilled by individual features or a combination of several features.

[0062]

[0063] 20 watercraft

[0064] 22 rear module

[0065] 24 Jet propulsion module

[0066] 26 first connection mechanism

[0067] 28 Power supply module

[0068] 29 Recess

[0069] 30 bow module

[0070] 40 connecting bodies

[0071] 42 Buoyancy body holder

[0072] 46 Top side receiving section

[0073] 47 Underside recording section

[0074] 48 recess

[0075] 50 buoyancy bodies

[0076] 52 Buoyancy body bolt opening

[0077] 56 Buoyancy body top

[0078] 57 Buoyancy body underside

[0079] 58 Buoyancy body side surface

[0080] 60 bolt connection

[0081] 62 bolt holder

[0082] 64 bolts

[0083] 66 Top bolt opening

[0084] 67 Bottom bolt opening

[0085] 70 safety bolt plates

[0086] 72 sleeve nut

Claims

Bow module for a modular watercraft, modular watercraft and use of an inflatable and shape-stabilizable buoyancy body 1. Bow module (30) for a modular watercraft (20), wherein the watercraft (20) comprises modules that can be connected to one another, wherein a stern module (22) and a bow module (30) are provided, which can be detachably connected by means of a first connecting mechanism (26), wherein the stern module (22) can be connected to a jet propulsion module (24), characterized in that the bow module (30) has a connecting body (40) and a buoyancy body (50), wherein the connecting body (40) can be connected to the stern module (22) by means of the first connecting mechanism (26) and has a dimensionally stable buoyancy body receptacle (42) for receiving the buoyancy body (50), wherein the buoyancy body (50) is designed to be inflatable and dimensionally stabilized by means of compressed air and, in an inflated state, can be clamped into a recess (48) of the buoyancy body receptacle (42) or is clamped.

2. Bow module (30) according to claim 1, characterized in that the buoyancy body (50) and the connecting body (40) are detachably connectable or detachably connected by means of at least one bolt connection (60).

3. Bow module (30) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the buoyancy body receptacle (42) has an upper side receiving section (46) and a lower side receiving section (47), and in that the buoyancy body (50) has a buoyancy body upper side (56) and a buoyancy body lower side (57) and buoyancy body side surfaces (58), wherein the bow module (30) has at least one bolt receptacle (62) for receiving a bolt (64), wherein the at least one bolt receptacle (62) comprises a top side bolt opening (66) in the top side receiving section (46) of the buoyancy body receptacle (42) and a lower side bolt opening (67) in the lower side receiving section (47) of the buoyancy body receptacle (42), and a buoyancy body bolt opening in the buoyancy body (50),wherein the buoyancy body bolt opening (52) is arranged in a rear-side part of the buoyancy body (50) and extends through the buoyancy body (50) from the buoyancy body upper side (56) to the buoyancy body lower side (57), wherein the upper side bolt opening (66) and the lower side bolt opening (67) are arranged in alignment with one another, wherein the buoyancy body bolt opening (52) is arranged or can be arranged in alignment with the upper side bolt opening (66) and the lower side bolt opening (67), wherein the bow module (30) has a bolt (64) for each of the at least one bolt receptacle (62) for connecting the buoyancy body (50) and the connecting body (40), wherein in particular each bolt (64) is connected to the respective bolt receptacle, (62) is dimensioned to suit and can be inserted into the respective bolt receptacle (62).

4. Bow module (30) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the bow module (30) has at least two bolt receptacles (62) each comprising a top side bolt opening (66), a bottom side bolt opening (67) and a buoyancy body bolt opening (52) and at least two bolts (64).

5. Bow module (30) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that at least one bolt (64) is designed as a fitting bolt, wherein in particular the at least one bolt (64) designed as a fitting bolt forms a positive connection with a bolt receptacle (62).

6. Bow module (30) according to one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that each bolt (64) is made at least partially, in particular predominantly, of plastic.

7. Bow module (30) according to one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that each bolt (64) has a diameter of at least 5 cm, at least 8 cm, at least 10 cm or at least 12 cm.

8. Bow module (30) according to one of claims 3 to 7, characterized in that each buoyancy body bolt opening (52) is spaced from the buoyancy body side surfaces (58) by at least 5 cm, at least 8 cm, at least 10 cm or at least 12 cm.

9. Bow module (30) according to one of claims 3 to 8, characterized in that each bolt (64) has a first end and a second end, wherein a releasably attached first securing bolt plate (70) for securing the bolt (64) is provided at the first end, wherein a releasably attached or non-releasably attached second securing bolt plate (70) is provided at the second end.

10. Bow module (30) according to claim 9, characterized in that the first securing bolt plate (70) is arranged or can be arranged in alignment with an upper side of the upper side receiving section (46) or in alignment with an underside of the underside receiving section (47). 1 1. Bow module (30) according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the first securing bolt plate (70) has a hexagon socket, wherein the first securing bolt plate (70) can be fastened by means of the hexagon socket.

12. Modular watercraft (20), comprising a bow module (30) according to one of claims 1 to 11 and a stern module (22) and a jet propulsion module (24), wherein the stern module (22) is detachably connectable to the jet propulsion module (24), wherein in particular the stern module (22) has a recess complementary in shape to the jet propulsion module (24).

13. Modular watercraft (20) according to claim 12, characterized in that the watercraft (20) has a power supply module (28) detachably connectable to the rear module (22), wherein the power supply module (28) provides the power supply of the jet propulsion module (24).

14. Use of an inflatable and shape-stabilizable buoyancy body (50) according to one of claims 1 to 11 for a modular watercraft (20) with a jet propulsion module

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