DE102015221096A1 - Underwater storage device - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an underwater storage device having at least two chambers.

Description

The invention relates to an underwater storage device for a watercraft. Furthermore, the invention relates to a watercraft, in particular a submarine with an underwater storage device.

For underwater operations, storage containers are often installed on the outside of submarines. Divers can leave the submarine in submerged condition and remove equipment from the storage container. Here it is important that a diver quickly comes to his equipment in order not to unnecessarily consume dive time and breathing air, which is then lacking in the actual use. On the other hand, the storage container must be designed in such a way that a diver with the motor skills restricted under water can easily open the storage container and remove the contents.

From the DE 10 2007 041 724 A1 are outside of a submarine mitführbarer container with a stored within the container support frame known.

Such externally entrained containers have a number of disadvantages. On the one hand, these externally carried containers change the flow behavior and the signature of the boat. On the other hand, unloading is only possible when the boat is at a standstill, since the lids would have to be pivoted by the hinges against a current.

The object of the invention is to provide a storage room, which can also be opened while driving.

This object is achieved by an underwater storage device having the features specified in claim 1 and by an underwater vehicle with the features specified in claim 12. Advantageous developments emerge from the subclaims, the following description and the drawings.

The underwater storage device according to the invention for a watercraft has at least a first chamber and at least one second chamber, wherein the at least one first chamber has a first lid and the at least one second chamber has a second lid. The first lid and the second lid are connected to a lid strut and the first lid, the second lid and the lid strut are rotatably mounted together.

The cover strut can be designed so that it is arranged as a connecting strut between the first cover and the second cover and connects them. Alternatively, the cover strut can be arranged above (on the side facing away from the chambers) of the first cover and the second cover. This embodiment is particularly preferred since only the cover strut thus determines the flow behavior of the underwater storage device and at the same time optimization of the cover with regard to the pressure-tight closure of the chambers can be optimized. Alternatively, the cover strut may be designed so that it forms the first cover and the second cover, the cover strut and the two covers are formed in one piece.

By the construction of two separate chambers with a common opening mechanism for the lids of the two chambers is a good integrability in the often relatively complex design and often in terms of space already efficiently used submarines possible.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the first cover, the second cover and the cover strut are rotatably mounted together about a rotation axis, wherein the axis of rotation between the at least one first chamber and the at least one second chamber is arranged and the axis of rotation is arranged perpendicular to the cover strut. By this construction, it is simplified that the underwater storage device can be opened while driving, since the symmetrical structure causes a reduction of the forces occurring.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the underwater storage device has an axis of symmetry along the axis of rotation with respect to the openings of the chambers which can be closed by the covers. Particularly preferably, the underwater storage device has a twofold symmetry axis (C ₂ point group according to Schönflies) along the axis of rotation.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the underwater storage device is integrated in an underwater vehicle. The integration can be permanent, the underwater storage device is thus an integral part of the underwater vehicle. Alternatively, the underwater storage device, for example, as a mission module only be installed as needed. The underwater vehicle may in this case have installation spaces and connection devices for the underwater storage device.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the underwater storage device is integrated into an underwater vehicle between the pressure body and the outer skin. Underwater vehicles often have, at least in the bow and / or tail area, an outer skin separated from the pressure body. In this area, the underwater storage device can be comparatively easily integrated. In particular, the underwater storage device may be removably mounted in the bow area in the area which is used as access area for the weapon takeover. For a weapon takeover, the underwater storage device is removed. However, this is not problematic, since the arms takeover is extremely complex overall and must not be feasible in a battle situation. In this way, the otherwise unusable space can be used during the mission.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the first cover, the second cover and the cover strut are arranged parallel, in particular plane-parallel, to the outer skin of the watercraft. As a result, the underwater storage device is integrated flow optimized in the vessel. Particularly preferably, the first cover, the second cover and the cover strut close the closed state in a form-fitting manner with the outer skin of the watercraft.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the at least one first chamber and the at least one second chamber are pressure-resistant. This allows items to be stored dry. Another advantage is that the contents of the underwater storage device is thus not exposed to the normally corrosive environment. In a further embodiment of the invention, the at least one first chamber and the at least one second chamber are cylindrical, in particular circular cylindrical. Preferably, a base of the cylinder is formed by the lid.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the first cover, the second cover and the cover strut are rotatably mounted together via a lifting pivot cylinder. The stroke swivel cylinder first raises the first lid, the second lid and the lid strut, and then rotates them. This is particularly advantageous if the first cover, the second cover and the cover strut in the closed state are part of the outer skin or are arranged below the outer skin.

In a further embodiment, the at least one first chamber and the at least one second chamber are fixedly connected to one another by at least one support strut, and the lifting swivel cylinder is fastened to the support strut.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the underwater storage device is flush with the outer skin. As a result, a flow-optimized outer skin in the region of the underwater storage device, which does not change the signature, allows.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the cover strut is connected via a gas spring with the vessel. The gas spring causes the lids are stored shockproof.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the underwater storage device is designed as a module. Advantage of the modular design is that the underwater storage device must be carried only if this is mission-related desirable. On the other hand, such a module can be introduced into an area which at times must be used elsewhere, for example the already mentioned access area for the takeover of weapons.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the module forms part of the outer skin. Thus, the module can be removed as a whole and replaced by a molded on the outside piece of outer skin.

The underwater storage device may include other components. For example, the underwater storage device may have means for equalizing the pressure of the chambers, individually or jointly. This is advantageous to allow pressure equalization before opening the underwater storage device. Alternatively or additionally, the underwater storage device may comprise a device for discharging the articles transported into the chambers. This is for example in the case of decoys but also of rescue objects, e.g. Liferafts, beneficial. Furthermore, the underwater storage device may have a connection to the power supply and / or hydraulics of the submarine. The underwater storage device may additionally or alternatively also have an energy store and / or compressed-air storage. As a result, on the one hand, the functionality can be ensured independently of the other ship systems. Likewise, such an introduction into existing boats is possible without any intervention in the pressure hull is necessary.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the underwater storage device has a control device. The control device has at least one first actuating device, wherein the control device triggers the opening operation of the underwater bearing device after actuation of the first actuating device. In this case, an active control and control by the control device be provided. The control device may be configured such that it first actuates a means for pressure equalization of the chambers and then a means for opening the lid. Preferably, the first actuating device is arranged in the interior of the pressure vessel. Alternatively or additionally, in addition to the first actuating device, which is arranged in the interior of the pressure vessel, the control device may have a second actuating device on the underwater bearing device itself, wherein the second actuating device is to be actuated from the outside.

It is of course also conceivable that the underwater storage device, for example, two first chambers and two second chambers, wherein the chambers are preferably constructed symmetrically about the axis of rotation, more preferably in a linear arrangement. This embodiment is preferred when an elongated clearance is to be utilized by the underwater storage device.

In a further aspect, the invention relates to underwater vehicles with an underwater storage device according to the invention. In particular, the underwater vehicle is a submarine.

Of course, the underwater storage device can also be arranged, for example, in the underwater area of a surface vehicle.

The underwater storage device can be designed to carry a variety of objects. For example, items for divers can be carried there, and divers can remove these items in the dipped state and possibly even at low speed. Furthermore, the underwater storage device can be designed to hold drones, weapons, in particular mines, radio buoys, rescue equipment or decoys. In this case, an application while driving the watercraft is very beneficial. Alternatively or additionally, the storage space thus obtained can also be used for example for provisions.

Below, the underwater storage device according to the invention is explained in more detail with reference to exemplary embodiments illustrated in the drawings.

1 Cross section through an underwater storage device

2 Modular underwater storage device prior to installation in a submarine

3 Modular underwater storage device installed in a submarine

4 Underwater storage device in the closed state

5 Underwater storage device partially opened

6 Underwater storage device in the open state

In 1 An underwater storage device is shown in cross section. The underwater storage device has a first chamber 10 and a second chamber 12 on. The first chamber 10 and the second chamber 12 are designed as a circular cylinder. Locked are the first chamber 10 through the first lid 20 and the second chamber 12 through the second lid 22 , The first lid 20 and the second lid 22 are above the cover strut 30 connected with each other. Here is the cover struts 30 designed so that these in the closed state as shown with a positive fit with the outer skin 40 is and makes these in this area. The cover strut 30 can by a lifting swivel cylinder 50 over a gas spring 60 be raised and turned. The rotation thing around which the first cover 20 , the second cover 22 and the cover strut 30 rotate, runs in the longitudinal direction through the stroke-swivel cylinder 50 and thus lies in the middle between the first chamber 10 and the second chamber 12 , The gas spring 60 ensures a shock-proof storage of the cover strut 30 , The first lid 20 and the second lid 22 are below the cover strut 30 arranged and slightly curved, so that the first lid 20 the first chamber 10 and the second lid 22 the second chamber 12 can close pressure-tight.

2 shows a submarine 70 with a pressure body 72 and an outer skin 40 , In the pressure hull 72 there is a lock for the takeover of weapons 74 , Above this area must be the outer skin 40 be removable and have adequate clearance without fixed facilities to transfer weapons through the lock to the arms 74 take over and be able to deliver. In this resulting free space can be integrated as a module underwater storage device after the arms acquisition and for the period of use, as this example, in 1 is shown. In 3 is the submarine 70 shown with integrated underwater storage device.

In 4 to 6 the process of opening the underwater storage device is shown. First, the underwater storage device is in 4 shown closed. Optionally, the first chamber 10 and the second chamber 12 to At this time, it will be flooded with surrounding water via a valve (not shown) to equalize the pressure. Then we the cover strut 30 through the stroke swivel cylinder 50 raised as in 5 shown. Here are the first lid 20 from the first chamber 10 and the second lid 22 from the second chamber 12 raised. This is the cover strut 30 advantageously raised so far that the first lid 20 and the second lid 22 above the outer skin 40 are arranged to this at the subsequent, in 6 not to touch shown rotation. After the rotation are the first chamber 10 and the second chamber 12 freely accessible, the contents of the chambers can be removed or ejected.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

first chamber

12

second chamber

20

first lid

22

second lid

30

cover strut

40

shell

50

Stroke swing cylinder

60

Gas spring

70

submarine

72

pressure vessels

74

Lock for the takeover of weapons

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 102007041724 A1 [0003]

Claims (13)

An underwater storage device for a watercraft, the underwater storage device comprising at least a first chamber and at least one second chamber, the at least one first chamber having a first lid and the at least one second chamber having a second lid, characterized in that the first lid and the second lid are connected to a cover strut and the first cover, the second cover and the cover strut are rotatably mounted together. Underwater storage device according to claim 1, characterized in that the underwater storage device is integrated in an underwater vehicle. Underwater storage device according to claim 2, characterized in that the underwater storage device is integrated in an underwater vehicle between the pressure body and the outer skin. Underwater storage device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first cover, the second cover and the cover strut are arranged parallel, in particular plane-parallel, to the outer skin of the watercraft. Underwater storage device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one first chamber and the at least one second chamber are pressure-resistant. Underwater storage device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one first chamber and the at least one second chamber are cylindrical. Underwater storage device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first cover, the second cover and the cover strut are rotatably mounted together via a lifting pivot cylinder. Underwater storage device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the underwater storage device is flush with the outer skin. Underwater storage device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cover strut is connected via a gas spring with the watercraft. Underwater storage device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the underwater storage device is designed as a module. Underwater storage device according to claim 10, characterized in that the module forms part of the outer skin. Underwater vehicle with an underwater storage device according to one of the preceding claims. Underwater vehicle according to claim 12, characterized in that the underwater vehicle is a submarine.

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