Replacement element for mounting on and / or dismounting from a watercraft from the outside under water

Abstract

The invention relates to a replacement element (20) for a watercraft (36), wherein the replacement element is designed to be mounted on and / or dismounted from the watercraft (36) from the outside under water. The replacement element comprises a first connection partner (22), which is designed to establish a temporary connection to a corresponding second connection partner (22') arranged on the watercraft (36), and a fastening element (24), which is designed to engage into a corresponding receptacle in the watercraft (36) in order to establish a permanent connection to the watercraft (36).

Description

[0001] Replacement element for external assembly and / or disassembly on a watercraft under water

[0002] Description

[0003] The invention relates to replacement elements, i.e., components, in particular electrical components, that can be mounted and / or dismounted underwater from the outside in the outer hull of a watercraft, in particular an underwater vehicle, e.g., a manned underwater vehicle, such as a submarine. Furthermore, the invention relates to a watercraft in conjunction with the replacement element.

[0004] Replacement elements for (underwater) vehicles can, for example, contain sensors. The replacement elements are often located below the water surface, such as underwater sound transducers used, for example, in sonar systems. If the sensors are defective, they must be replaced. However, bringing the (underwater) vehicle into dry dock for this purpose would take too much time. Furthermore, the journey would have to be undertaken without the defective sensor. Depending on the defective sensor, this can also be a safety risk. Accordingly, the replacement elements are typically replaced underwater by a diver. However, there is currently a comparatively high risk during replacement that the diver will lose the replacement element during assembly or disassembly. This can lead to the technical know-how contained in the replacement element being lost. This must be avoided, especially in military applications.Furthermore, the loss of a replacement element during installation also represents a financial loss. On surface vehicles, it is possible to lower the replacement element from the deck, for example, using a rope, thus avoiding this loss. However, this requires a suitable winch. This is not possible on underwater vehicles, especially during a dive.

[0005] The object of the present invention is therefore to create an improved concept for replacement elements. This object is achieved by the subject matter of the independent patent claims. Further advantageous embodiments are the subject matter of the dependent patent claims.

[0006] Embodiments show a replacement element for a watercraft, in particular for an underwater vehicle. The replacement element can comprise, for example, a sensor, in particular a waterborne sound transducer, for example a Doppler-based navigation support system (also referred to as Sonar Doppler Log (Dolog)). The replacement element is designed to be mounted and / or dismounted underwater from the outside of the watercraft. In particular, a diver is used for the assembly / disassembly, who removes a defective replacement element and installs a new replacement element carried along into the watercraft.

[0007] Furthermore, the exchange element comprises a first connection partner which is designed to establish a temporary, i.e. provisional, connection with a corresponding second connection partner arranged on the watercraft. Advantageously, a force other than gravity is required to release the temporary connection. For example, the temporary connection is a twist-and-plug connection. The twist-and-plug connection is characterized in that a head of a pin is pushed through an opening. By turning the head of the pin, the head is guided into an undercut, from which the head of the pin cannot be removed vertically, but usually only by turning in the opposite direction up to the opening. However, it is also possible to establish a frictional connection between the two connection partners, for example. Underwater, without a firm base, establishing e.g.However, a positive connection is easier for the diver than creating a frictional connection. An example of a twist-and-swivel connection is a bayonet lock.

[0008] In addition, the replacement element has a fastening element, for example a threaded bolt. The watercraft has a receptacle for the fastening element, for example a thread, corresponding to the fastening element. The fastening element is then designed to establish a permanent connection with the watercraft using the receptacle, for example by screwing the threaded bolt into the thread. The fastening element is congruent with the receptacle, in particular when the temporary connection is completely fixed, e.g., when the twist-and-plug connection has been turned to the stop, e.g., to the maximum.

[0009] The idea is that the diver can initially use both hands to temporarily secure the replacement element to the vessel, and then have both hands free to establish the permanent connection using the fastening element. This avoids the diver having to hold the replacement element while only having one hand free to establish the permanent connection, for example, by tightening a screw.

[0010] In exemplary embodiments, the first connection partner comprises a head pin or a receptacle for a head pin. The second connection partner comprises the corresponding counterpart. Head pins are sometimes also referred to as mushroom-head pins. Head pins can be inserted laterally into an undercut to create a positive connection there in the axial direction.

[0011] In further embodiments, the replacement element comprises a third connection partner configured to establish a temporary connection with a corresponding fourth connection partner arranged on the watercraft. Advantageously, the temporary connection requires a force other than gravity to be released. A better temporary connection can be established by means of the third and fourth connection partners. Furthermore, rotating the replacement element is easier due to the better guidance of two connection partner pairs in a twist-and-plug connection, and the risk of jamming the replacement element is reduced.

[0012] Advantageously, the first connection partner and the third connection partner differ in shape, so that establishing the temporary connection using the first and fourth connection partners or the third and second connection partners is not possible. This provides a twist lock. This ensures that the replacement element can only be installed in one direction. This is advantageous, for example, for sensors that are intended to face in a specific direction.

[0013] As a different shape it is possible, for example, to have different thicknesses, different lengths or a different geometric shape or any combination thereof.

[0014] In exemplary embodiments, the replacement element comprises a shackle, wherein a pin for closing the shackle is passed through a bore (also referred to as an opening) in the fastening element. A shackle is a substantially U-shaped element that is connected to the fastening element by means of the pin. This allows the diver to attach the replacement element to their body using the shackle and has both hands free, for example to swim or remove another replacement element from the watercraft. The shackle can be released, thus releasing the fastening element, in this case advantageously the bolt, and establishing the permanent connection, in particular by screwing the bolt into the corresponding thread.

[0015] In embodiments, the fastening element, in the mounted state, is flush with the outer surface of the replacement element. This means that the fastening element neither protrudes nor recesses. This prevents the fastening element from causing turbulence when the watercraft travels with the mounted replacement element. With regard to the exemplary embodiment described above, it is only after the shackle has been removed that the bolt is flush with the outer surface of the replacement element. Furthermore, the fastening element, which is flush with the outer surface of the replacement element, enables the outer surface of the replacement element to have an overall flat surface without any protruding elements. Furthermore, a watercraft with a cavity for receiving the replacement element is disclosed. The watercraft further comprises the corresponding second connecting element and the receptacle for the fastening element.The first and the corresponding second connecting elements are designed such that, when the temporary connection is established, the fastening element and the corresponding receptacle are congruent. In particular, this makes it possible to screw a bolt as a fastening element into the thread serving as the corresponding receptacle.

[0016] In exemplary embodiments, the cavity is designed such that the installed replacement element is flush with the outer skin of the vessel. In conjunction with a flat surface of the replacement element, this prevents turbulence caused by the replacement element while the vessel is underway. Turbulence is always disadvantageous when the vessel is intended to travel quietly, for example, when locating an underwater vehicle using sonar is to be avoided.

[0017] In embodiments, the watercraft has a cable with a plug, wherein the cable has a length that allows contacting a socket corresponding to the plug on the replacement element by means of the plug outside the outer skin of the watercraft.

[0018] A method for mounting a replacement element underwater from the outside of a watercraft is also disclosed, comprising the following steps: - moving the replacement element, in particular by means of a diver, to a mounting position on the outer hull of the watercraft; - electrically contacting the replacement element by means of a plug electrically connected to the watercraft; - inserting the replacement element into a receptacle provided for this purpose in the outer hull of the watercraft; - rotating the replacement element relative to the outer hull until a first connection partner of the replacement element and a second connection partner of the watercraft establish a temporary connection, wherein the temporary connection requires a force other than gravity to be released;- Establishing a permanent connection of the replacement element to the vessel, for example by screwing the fastening element into a corresponding thread in the vessel;

[0019] Preferred embodiments of the present invention are explained below with reference to the accompanying drawings. They show:

[0020] Fig. 1: a schematic perspective view of a replacement element, wherein in Fig. 1a an upper side and in Fig. 1b an underside of the replacement element is visible;

[0021] Fig. 2: a schematic perspective view of the replacement element with the focus on two connection partners, for installation in a cavity of the watercraft, also shown;

[0022] Fig. 3: a schematic perspective view of a bolt head as part of the fastening element with two openings for receiving a pin from a shackle.

[0023] Before exemplary embodiments of the present invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the drawings, it is pointed out that identical, functionally equivalent or equivalent elements, objects and / or structures in the different figures are provided with the same reference numerals, so that the description of these elements shown in different exemplary embodiments is interchangeable or can be applied to one another.

[0024] Fig. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a replacement element 20 for a watercraft. In Fig. 1a, an upper side of the replacement element 20 is visible, and in Fig. 1b, an underside of the replacement element 20. The replacement element comprises a first connection partner 22 and at least one fastening element 24a, 24b, 24c, 24d. The first connection partner 22 is designed to establish a temporary connection with a corresponding second connection partner arranged on the watercraft. The fastening element 24 is designed to engage in a corresponding receptacle in the watercraft in order to establish a permanent connection with the watercraft. Three fastening elements 24a, 24b, 24c are visible in the illustration in Fig. 1a, with a fourth fastening element 24d being hidden, as can be seen in Fig. 1b. It should be noted, however, that any number of fastening elements can be used.Furthermore, an optional third connection partner 26 is shown, as is an optional cable 28 for electrically contacting the replacement element 20. The first connection partner 22 and optionally the optional third connection partner 26 can be referred to as head pins.

[0025] Optionally, Fig. 1b also shows a shackle 30, which is connected to the fastening element 24a by means of a pin 32. The same arrangement is also shown on the further fastening element 24c. However, the two other fastening elements 24b, 24d have no shackle. In particular, it is advantageous if at least one fastening element has no shackle. Thus, the permanent connection can be established by means of the at least one fastening element before the shackle(s) are released in order to fasten, in particular screw in, the further fastening elements. The fastening elements 24 are shown as (threaded) bolts.

[0026] Fig. 2 shows a schematic perspective view of the replacement element 20, simplified compared to Fig. 1. Here, the focus is on the first connection partner 22 and the optional connection partner 26. The replacement element 20 can be inserted into a cavity 34 of a watercraft 36. The first connection partner 22 engages with a corresponding second connection partner 22' of the watercraft 36. Analogously, the optional third connection partner 26 can engage with a likewise optional fourth connection partner 26' of the watercraft 36. By slight rotation, the first connection partner 22 can engage with an undercut 22" adjoining the second connection partner 22' and establish a positive connection, the temporary connection. This is analogously possible for the third connection partner and an undercut 26" adjoining the fourth connection partner 26'.Arrows 38 indicate the position of the connecting partners after insertion into the cavity 34. Arrows 40 indicate the direction of rotation. The twist-and-plug connection can be established by rotation.

[0027] The first connecting partner 22 now has a different size than the third connecting partner 26. Thus, the first connecting partner cannot engage the fourth connecting partner 26'. This ensures anti-twist protection.

[0028] Fig. 3 shows a schematic perspective view of a head of the fastening element 24. The head has two openings 38 through which the pin of the shackle can be inserted in order to connect the shackle to the bolt.

[0029] The disclosed (water) sound transducers are designed for use underwater, particularly in the sea. The sound transducers can convert water sound into an electrical signal (e.g., voltage or current) corresponding to the sound pressure, the water sound signal. Furthermore, it is possible for the sound transducers to convert an applied electrical voltage into water sound. The sound transducers can therefore be used as water sound receivers and / or as water sound transmitters. The sound transducers can comprise a piezoelectric material, such as a piezoceramic, as the sensor material. The sound transducers can be used for (active and / or passive) sonar (sound navigation and ranging, dl: sound navigation and ranging). The sound transducers are preferably not suitable for medical applications and are not used for medical applications.

[0030] Although some aspects have been described in connection with a device, it is to be understood that these aspects also represent a description of the corresponding method, so that a block or component of a device can also be understood as a corresponding method step or as a feature of a method step. Analogously, aspects described in connection with or as a method step also represent a description of a corresponding block, detail, or feature of a corresponding device. The embodiments described above merely illustrate the principles of the present invention. It is to be understood that modifications and variations of the arrangements and details described herein will be apparent to others skilled in the art.Therefore, it is intended that the invention be limited only by the scope of the following claims and not by the specific details presented in the description and explanation of the embodiments herein.

[0031] List of reference symbols:

[0032] 20 replacement elements

[0033] 22 first connection partner 22' second connection partner

[0034] 24 Fastening element

[0035] 26 third connection partner

[0036] 26' fourth connection partner

[0037] 28 cables 30 shackles

[0038] 32 pin

[0039] 34 Cavity for receiving the replacement element

[0040] 36 watercraft

[0041] 38 arrows 40 arrows

[0042] 42 Opening for the shackle pin

Claims

Patent claims 1 . Replacement element (20) for a watercraft (36), wherein the replacement element is designed to be mounted and / or dismounted underwater from the outside of the watercraft (36), wherein the replacement element has the following features: - a first connection partner (22) which is designed to establish a temporary connection with a corresponding second connection partner (22') arranged on the watercraft (36); - a fastening element (24) which is designed to engage in a corresponding receptacle in the watercraft (36) in order to establish a permanent connection with the watercraft (36).

2. Replacement element (20) according to claim 1, wherein the first connection partner (22) is designed to enter into a rotary plug-in connection with the second connection partner (22') in order to establish the temporary connection.

3. Replacement element (20) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first connection partner (22) comprises a head pin or a receptacle for a head pin.

4. Exchange element (20) according to one of the preceding claims, with a third connection partner (26) which is designed to establish a temporary connection with a corresponding fourth connection partner (26') arranged on the watercraft (36).

5. Replacement element (20) according to claim 4, wherein the first connection partner (22) and the third connection partner (26) differ from each other in their shape, so that the establishment of the temporary connection by means of the first and the fourth connection partner or by means of the third and the second connection partner is not possible.

6. Exchange element (20) according to claim 5, wherein the first connection partner (22) and the third connection partner (26) have different thicknesses, different lengths or a different geometric shape.

7. Replacement element (20) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a shackle (30), wherein a pin (32) for closing the shackle is passed through a bore (42) in the fastening element (24).

8. Replacement element (20) according to claim 7, wherein the fastening element (24) is designed to engage in the corresponding receptacle after the shackle has been released from the fastening element (24).

9. Replacement element (20) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the fastening element (24) is flush with the outer surface of the replacement element in the assembled state of the replacement element.

10. Replacement element (20) according to one of the preceding claims, the outer surface of the replacement element has a flat surface in the absence of protruding elements.

11. Replacement element (20) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the replacement element is a Doppler-based navigation support system.

12. Replacement element according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the temporary connection requires a force other than gravity to be released.

13. Watercraft (36) with the following characteristics: - a cavity (34) for a replacement element according to one of the preceding claims; - the second connecting element and the receptacle corresponding to the fastening element (24); - wherein the first and the corresponding second connecting element are designed such that when the temporary connection is present, the fastening element (24) and the corresponding receptacle are congruent.

14. Watercraft (36) according to claim 13, - wherein the cavity (34) is designed such that the mounted replacement element is flush with the outer skin of the watercraft.

15. Watercraft (36) according to one of claims 13 or 14, - wherein the watercraft (36) has a cable (28) with a plug, wherein the cable (28) has a length which makes it possible to contact a socket corresponding to the plug on the exchange element by means of the plug outside the outer skin of the watercraft.

16. Method for mounting a replacement element underwater from the outside of a watercraft (36) with the following steps: - Moving the replacement element, in particular by means of a diver, to a mounting position on the outer hull of the vessel; - electrically contacting the replacement element by means of a plug electrically connected to the watercraft (36); - inserting the replacement element into a cavity (34) provided for this purpose in the outer hull of the vessel; - Rotating the replacement element relative to the outer shell until a first connection partner (22) of the replacement element and a second connection partner (22') of the watercraft establish a temporary connection; - Establish a permanent connection of the replacement element to the vessel.

Images