EP1021331B1 - Twin-hulled vessel with variable widths - Google Patents

Abstract

A multi-hulled vessel of variable width is disclosed, in which two floats (1, 2) are connected with one another by means of a variable connection device (4). By means of the connection device, the distance between the floats can be varied. At the maximum distance between them, the vessel features optimum seaworthiness, while at the minimum distance between them it has a small berthing space requirement. The connection device (4) supports the central unit (3), which encompasses a useful area unit (5). The floats (1, 2) do not have a continuous deck height over their entire length, but feature recesses (120, 220). These recesses (120, 220) are pushed beneath the useful area unit (5) when the floats are adjusted to their minimum interval spacing.

Description

The present invention relates to a watercraft, more precisely, it refers to sailed multihull boats like catamarans.

The special seaworthiness of multihull boats is now proven, yet there are some obstacles to it the spread of multihull boats, especially the Catamarans stand in the way of cruising.

Because of its width, a catamaran has a large one Space requirement, which among other things when visiting a marina in increased mooring fees. Beyond that in some ports there is no space for catamarans or Catamarans are in remote areas of the harbor directed.

The financial disadvantages and inconveniences mentioned prevent many interested parties from buying a catamaran, although it depends on the seaworthiness of this vehicle are convinced.

In addition, catamarans have a shallower draft than comparable monohull vehicles. So you were too excellently suited for inland navigation. Here it turns out However, the width of the catamaran is an obstacle to Driving on small waterways.

From the German patent DE 3228579 C2 is a catamaran variable width known at which the bridge to reduce the width can be pushed into the hulls. This in The construction principle disclosed in DE 3228579 C2 allows one simplified road transport of the catamaran. However is this catamaran only in the extended state without Impairable habitable because with the insertion of the The headroom goes into the bridge into the habitable hulls Hulls lost.

A catamaran is still from the prior art variable width known, in which a residential gondola of two Floats are carried using aluminum rods in the horizontal towards the midships line below the gondola can be swung in. So that is Habitability regardless of the width set Catamaran.

The catamaran described, however, leaves the for in the stern area the buoyancy reserves required for seaworthiness miss because the flat lines in the rear area of the In particular, swimmers can aft swell cause significant problems.

The flat lines are due to the design, because this is the only way for the swimmers to get under the residential gondola be swung in.

It is therefore the object of the present invention overcome the disadvantages outlined by a Watercraft is provided, which is a lesser Space requirements without restrictions in comfort in the port and yet has seaworthiness. This task will solved according to the invention by the watercraft more variable Width according to the independent claim 1. Others Aspects and advantages of the present invention result from the dependent claims, the Description and the drawings.

The claims are the first, not restrictive Attempted formulation to understand the present invention to define generally. According to the invention Watercraft, in particular a catamaran, of variable width provided that the usual at maximum width Exhibits seaworthiness of a multihull boat and at minimal width has a significantly reduced space requirement.

The floats of the watercraft are as rigid floats trained, the lateral distance to the vehicle center axis is variably adjustable.

The swimmers support a central unit, which is a Usable space unit, preferably a residential gondola.

The swimmers have no continuous flat deck surface but over the total length of the usable space unit a lowering is provided so that the float in the area the lowering can be pushed under the usable space unit can, if the width of the vehicle is reduced.

The subsidence according to the invention in the decks of the swimmers extend in the longitudinal direction of the float, but end they are spaced from the bow and stern ends of the floats. In the Bugund The decks of the swimmers therefore have full stern areas Altitude to increase sufficient buoyancy reserves guarantee. The decks preferably face the float full height with at least 35% of the length.

The reductions go from that of the vehicle center axis facing side of the float, however, the height should the side wall on the outside of the float Height of the deck area can be designed.

Preferably the swimmers are considered uninhabitable Designed for swimmers. This enables lowering in the Deck area regardless of comfort, such as for example the room height.

The central usable space unit is preferably a residential gondola designed, which further preferably an adult offers normal standing height, i.e. it has one inside Room height from 2.0 m to 2.4 m.

Due to the subsidence in the floats, the Residential gondola can still be arranged so deep that they can Wind offers a small area of attack.

The underside of the residential gondola is sufficiently high above the Water surface arranged to be a normal Exclude adverse effects from the sea.

It is another aspect of the present invention, despite the mobility of the swimmers with respect to each other and central usable space unit, a sufficiently rigid connection to ensure that the seaworthiness of the vehicle is guaranteed.

For this purpose, a connection device is provided both at the central usable space unit as well as anchored to the floats. This Connection device provides the mechanical functions Ready to change the distance of the swimmers from each other.

Fig. 1

eine perspektivische Gesamtdarstellung des erfindungsgemäßen Wasserfahrzeugs mit auseinandergefahrenen Schwimmern;

Fig. 2a und b

schematische perspektivische Darstellungen des Wasserfahrzeuges mit zusammengefahrenen (a) und auseinandergefahrenen (b) Schwimmern;

Fig. 3

eine schematische Skizze der Schwimmer in Wechselwirkung mit dem Verbindungselement;

Fig. 4

einen Schnitt entlang der Linie IV-IV in Fig. 1, mit auseinandergefahrenen Schwimmern;

Fig. 5

einen Schnitt wie in Fig. 4 mit zusammengefahrenen Schwimmern;

Fig. 6

eine Detaildarstellung des Bereiches VI in Fig. 4.

The invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Show:

Fig. 1

an overall perspective view of the watercraft according to the invention with the floats moved apart;

2a and b

schematic perspective representations of the watercraft with the floated (a) and apart (b) floats;

Fig. 3

a schematic sketch of the float interacting with the connecting element;

Fig. 4

a section along the line IV-IV in Figure 1, with the floats apart.

Fig. 5

a section as in Figure 4 with floats together.

Fig. 6

4 shows a detailed representation of area VI in FIG. 4.

In the following the invention is exemplified using the example described a catamaran.

First, reference is made to FIGS. 1 and 2. In Fig. 1 the two floats 1 and 2 of the catamaran are shown, which support the central unit 3. The floats 1, 2 can be variable with the connecting device in the distance can be adjusted to each other so that the width of the Vehicle can vary significantly. 2b shows one Catamaran in the state of maximum width in which the swimmers have maximum distance from each other. In this state points the catamaran has the usual seaworthiness.

If the floats 1, 2 by means of the variable Connecting device can be reduced in distance, the width of the vehicle also decreases. Fig. 2a shows the vehicle is in a minimal width condition. In this condition the catamaran has a significantly reduced space requirement, so that an ordinary berth in a marina is sufficient is. The floats protrude in the sketched arrangement laterally beyond the usable space unit. However, it is possible to design the float so that it is in the state minimum distance not laterally over the usable space unit protrude.

The operating principle of the catamaran is described below 3 to 6 described. 3 corresponds approximately to FIG. 1, the central unit has been omitted. This is the Connection device 4 visible. The connecting device 4 connects the two floats 1, 2 to the central unit 3, the connecting device 4 being sufficiently strong is designed to support the central unit 3. For this purpose, the central unit is on both float 1 and Float 2 mechanically anchored. Preferably, the Connection device 4 in the area of the depressions 120, 220 in the deck 110, 210 of the floats 1, 2 arranged. As in Fig. 4 shown in more detail, the connecting device 4 comprises one Central section 430 and side sections 410, 420. The Central section has at least one, preferably two or more cross bars 431, 432, which are substantially extend perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The Side sections 410, 420 of the connecting device 4 include side rails 413, 414, 423, 424 which are paired with the crossbars are connected. The side rails are in oriented essentially in the direction of the cross bars 431, 432 and slidable in the longitudinal direction. That is, the Side bars 413, 414, 423, 424 serve as variable Extensions to the cross bars 431, 432. The side bars 413, 414, 423, 424 are anchored to the floats 1, 2, so that the distance between the two floats 1, 2 from each other Moving the side rails relative to the cross rails varies can be.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the Cross bars 431, 432 designed as a hollow profile. This Hollow profile can be any polygonal or round Have cross-section, with a triangular or quadrangular Cross section is preferred.

The hollow profiles should preferably be static Calculation should be designed so that it can withstand the forces withstand those that occur during rough seas. As in 4 and 5, the side rails 413, 414, 423, 424 as an inner runner in the hollow profile of the crossbar inserted. The inner runners are on their outer Surface at suitable intervals with ball-bearing rollers provided to move the inner runner in the cross member facilitate.

6, the cross bars 431, 432 on their Underside slit-shaped openings through which Fasteners 415, 416, 425, 426; 417, 418, 427, 428 for attaching the side rails to the floats protrude.

The fastening elements 415, 416, 425, 426, 417, 418, 427, 428 can be directly in the area of the depressions 120, 220 Floats 1, 2 must be anchored.

To increase vehicle stability, it is preferable if the side rails on each side of the vehicle with at least one, preferably two or more in parallel longitudinal spars extending to the vehicle axis are connected. So are, for example, those on the right side of the vehicle arranged side rails 413, 414 by means of Fastening elements 415, 416, 417, 418 with the longitudinal bars 411, 412 connected while on the left side of the vehicle arranged side rails 423, 424 by means of Fastening elements 425, 426, 427, 428 with the longitudinal spars 421, 422 are connected. The longitudinal bars 411, 412, 421, 422 are then in each case in the floats 1, 2 in the area of Anchors 120, 220 anchored.

To further increase the mechanical strength of the vehicle increase, additional bearing elements 437, 438 are provided, which either on the central unit or on the Connection device can be attached. In a preferred embodiment are the bearing elements 437, 438 designed as a double-T profile. In a particularly preferred Embodiment connects a T-profile 437 each End portions of the cross bars 431, 432 on a vehicle side. Optionally, the double T profiles can also be on the lower edge be attached to the usable space unit. The double T profiles 437, 438 run parallel to the longitudinal spars 411, 412, 421, 422, and they are designed so that they each have one side can hold a longitudinal beam precisely.

In Fig. 6 is the storage of the longitudinal spar 412 in the bearing element 437 shown as an example. This configuration will taken when the side rail 413 is fully extended. In In this state, the floats 1, 2 have a maximum distance from each other, so that the vehicle is optimally seaworthy having. By storing the longitudinal spars 412, 422 in the Bearing elements 437, 438 are floats 1, 2 in addition on the central unit 3 or on the central section 430 of the Connection device 4 fixes what the mechanical Strength, especially the torsional stiffness, of Vehicle in the state of maximum width increased.

If, on the other hand, the float is kept to a minimum distance are set, then the outer longitudinal spars 411, 421 are supported in the bearing elements 437, 438. In this way, the Minimum width configuration stabilizes the is usually taken in port.

In another embodiment, another Combinations of coupling elements and complementary ones Bearing elements used for additional mechanical To achieve coupling.

For example, one spar can be used on each float an inward sawtooth profile and one after sawtooth profile on the outside. The Bearing elements on the underside of the usable space unit are then to be complementary to these coupling elements.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the Coupling elements and bearing elements of identical construction Sawtooth profiles designed so that they can engage with each other.

In addition to a sawtooth profile, other shapes are also conceivable. For example, the coupling elements can be a series of tapered protrusions like pyramids, Truncated pyramids, prisms, truncated prisms, cones, Truncated cones or similar be designed. The one with the ledges designed coupling elements ensure a better Coupling with the bearing elements as they are between the double T profile and a longitudinal spar can be achieved.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, some are or all bearings or connecting elements between the Floats 1, 2 of the connecting device 4 and the Central unit 3 stored in damping elements. This Damping elements can for example be made of wear-resistant Rubber or a synthetic elastomer.

Come to adjust the distance between the floats various automatic and manual mechanisms in Question. 4 shows a hydraulic cylinder, for example 435, which drives the scissor arms 433, 434 over which the Distance between side sections 410 and 420 is set.

In another embodiment, hydraulic drives are in the cross bars 431, 432 integrated and act directly on the Side rails 413, 414, 423, 424. Instead of the Hydraulic cylinders can also use worm gears which are either with an electric motor or by hand are driven.

In a particularly preferred embodiment Covers are provided which cover the depressions 120, 220 of decks 110, 210 of floats 1, 2 cover if that Is in a seaworthy state, i.e. the Floats are set to maximum distance. To this Way is a continuous deck surface on the floats 1, 2 ensures that the swimmers are easier to walk on are.

Because of the modular design of the watercraft, it is easy to disassemble the vehicle for transportation. On this way the vehicle can be in its final assembly individual modules can be delivered in road transport. Preferably, the owner should also be able to: Disassemble the vehicle into its modules, for example one Road transport to change territory without major Complications.

The central unit preferably has a length of between 5 m and 15 m and a width between 2.5 m and 5 m. In a the central unit has a particularly preferred embodiment a width of 4.7 m and a length of 10 m. The swimmers of a catamaran according to the invention preferably have one Length between 7 m and 17 m. In a particularly preferred Embodiment, the length of the float is 13 m. The The width of the float is preferably between 0.8 m and 2 m. In a particularly preferred embodiment the width of the floats 1.6 m.

The deck height of the swimmers is preferably between 1 m and 2 m above the water line. In a particularly preferred one The exemplary embodiment is 1.5 m above the deck height Waterline. The depressions are preferably located between 0.5 m and 1.5 m above the water line. In one particularly preferred embodiment are the Reductions 1 m above the water line.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the Usable space unit through an opening through which the front Deck surface of the float is walkable when on minimum distance are set. This is preferably Lockable opening.

In a further preferred embodiment, the Connection device in one piece with the central unit or the usable space unit.

The present invention has been described in detail using the example of a Described catamarans. Variations and changes are also conceivable without the basic idea of this invention departing.

The scope of protection is therefore not based on those described Examples, but is limited exclusively by the Claims defined.

Claims (28)

1. A catamaran capable of seagoing sailing, comprising:

   two non-inhabitable floats (1, 2) arranged essentially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the catamaran, the side distance from which to the centre axis of the catamaran can be variably adjusted by a horizontal displacement essentially perpendicular to the centre axis; and

   a central unit (3), which encompasses an accommodation gondola, in which situation the central unit is supported by the floats, characterised in that:

   the floats (1, 2) encompass in each case a deck (110, 210), which features a recess (120, 220) over the length of the accommodation gondola, with the result that the floats (1, 2) are capable of being positioned in the area of the recesses (120, 220) when the floats (1, 2) are adjusted to the minimum distance interval beneath the accommodation gondola (3),

   in which situation the recesses extend from the side of the float which is turned towards the centre axis of the vessel, and end before the outer walls of the floats, and in which situation the recesses extend in the longitudinal direction of the floats, while they end at a distance from the bow and stern ends of the float.
2. A catamaran according to Claim 1, further comprising:

   a connection device (4) for connecting the floats (1, 2) with the central unit (3), in which situation the lateral distance between the floats (1, 2) can be variably adjusted by means of the connection device.
3. A catamaran according to Claims 1 or 2, in which situation the central unit features a width B and the distance A between the keel lines of the floats (1, 2) is smaller than the width B when the floats are adjusted to the minimum distance between them, and in which situation the distance between the keel lines of the floats (1, 2) is greater than the width B when the floats are adjusted to the maximum interval space.
4. A catamaran according to one of the preceding Claims, characterised in that it encompasses further variable cover devices for covering the recesses (120, 220).
5. A catamaran according to Claim 4, characterised in that the floats (1, 2) in the maximum interval spacing state feature a deck surface which can be walked on continuously when the cover devices are covering the recesses (120, 220).
6. A catamaran according to one of Claims 2 to 5, characterised in that the connection device (4) comprises a central section (430), which is secured to the central unit (3), and two side sections (410, 420), which in each case are secured to the floats (1, 2), in which situation the side sections (410, 420) are movable in relation to the central section (430).
7. A catamaran according to Claim 6, characterised in that the central section (430) of the connection device (4) comprises at least one, and for preference two or more, transverse spars (431, 432), which extend essentially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the vessel; and that the side sections (410, 420) of the connection device (4) comprise side spars (413, 414, 423, 424), which are connected in pairs in the longitudinal direction of the transverse spars (431, 432), such as to be capable of displacement with the transverse spars (431, 432).
8. A catamaran according to Claim 7, in which situation, of the two side spars (413, 414, 423, 424) in each case, which are connected in pairs to a transverse spar (431, 432), one in each case is secured to one of the two floats (1, 2), and the other is secured to the other of the two floats (1, 2).
9. A catamaran according to one of Claims 7 or 8, in which situation at least one of the transverse spars (431, 432) is designed as a hollow profile, and the side spars (413, 414, 423, 424) comprise an inside runner, which is pushed into the transverse spar.
10. A catamaran according to Claim 9, in which situation
    the hollow profile of the transverse spar (431, 432) features in its two end sections in each case at least one slit-shaped aperture on its under side, in the longitudinal direction of the transverse spar, and
    located on the inside runners of the side spars (413, 414, 423, 424) is in each case at least one securing element (415, 416, 425, 426), which projects from the transverse spar through the corresponding slit-shaped aperture.
11. A catamaran according to Claim 10, in which situation each side spar (413, 413, 423, 424) features in its outer end section at least one outer securing element (417, 418, 427, 428).
12. A catamaran according to Claim 10 or 11, in which situation the securing elements (415, 416, 425, 426; 417, 418, 427, 428) serve to secure the side spars to the floats.
13. A catamaran according to one of Claims 6 to 12, characterised in that the side sections (410, 420) of the connection device (4) feature in each case at least one, and for preference two, longitudinal spars (411, 412, 421, 422), which are anchored to one of the two floats (1, 2) in its longitudinal direction.
14. A catamaran according to Claim 13, in which situation the securing elements (415, 416, 425, 426; 417, 418, 427, 428) are secured to the longitudinal spars (411, 421, 412, 422).
15. A catamaran according to one of the foregoing Claims, characterised in that the central unit (3) features in each case a bearing element (437, 438) on its lower right and left side edges, the said bearing element being adapted so as to accommodate with a precise side fit, with its side turned towards the centre of the vessel, an inner coupling element, when the two floats (1, 2) are adjusted to the maximum distance between them, in which situation the inner coupling elements are in each case anchored rigidly to a float.
16. A catamaran according to Claim 15, in which situation at least one of the bearing elements is further designed in such a way that is can accommodate with a precise fit an external coupling element in each case, with its side which is turned away from the centre of the vessel, when the two floats (1, 2) are adjusted to the minimum distance between them, in which situation the outer coupling elements are in each case rigidly anchored to a float.
17. A catamaran according to Claim 15, in which situation the longitudinal spars (412, 422) running the length of the inner sides of the floats serve as inner coupling elements.
18. A catamaran according to Claim 16, in which situation the longitudinal spars (411, 421) running the length of the outer side of the floats serve as outer coupling elements.
19. A catamaran according to one of Claims 15 to 18, characterised in that at least one of the bearing elements features a double T-profile, which extends essentially along the length of the accommodation gondola.
20. A catamaran according to Claim 15 or 16, further characterised in that the side of the coupling elements turned towards the bearing elements features in each case several tapering projections, and the bearing elements are designed with structures which are complementary to the projections, with the result that the projections engage with the corresponding structures when the floats are adjusted to the maximum or minimum space between them.
21. A catamaran according to Claim 20, in which situation the coupling elements feature a series of projections arranged next to one another, for preference in the form of prisms, prism stumps, pyramids, pyramid stumps, cones, cone stumps, or similar.
22. A catamaran according to one of the foregoing Claims, characterised in that the lateral distance between the floats (1, 2) can be automatically adjusted by means of a hydraulic device (435) or an electric motor.
23. A catamaran according to one of the foregoing Claims, in which situation the lateral distance between the floats can be adjusted by hand.
24. A catamaran according to one of the foregoing Claims, in which situation the lateral distance between the floats (1, 2) can be adjusted by means of at least one scissors extension element (434, 435).
25. A catamaran according to one of the foregoing Claims, characterised in that the mechanical connections between the various different components of the vessel feature damping or shock-absorbing elements at least in part.
26. A catamaran according to one of the foregoing Claims, characterised in that the accommodation gondola features in its interior a headroom of between 1.8 m and 2.2 m.
27. A catamaran according to one of the foregoing Claims, characterised in that the recess in the deck of the float lies between 0.3 m and 1.0 m, for preference 0.4 m to 0.8 m, and further for preference 0.5 m to 0.7 m, lower than the remaining deck of the float.
28. A catamaran according to one of the foregoing Claims, characterised in that the accommodation gondola features an aperture on its front side, through which the front area of the deck surfaces of the floats can be walked on, when the floats are adjusted to their minimum space interval.

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