EP1995168A1 - Buoyant body and pontoon bridge made of same - Google Patents

Abstract

The floating bodies (2a-2e) have a floating elements, and a propulsion device attached to the floating elements, where the propulsion device has drives e.g. pump jets (5a, 5b), that are controllable completely or around 360 degrees. The drives have a shallow water design, and an electrical driving device is provided for the drive. The electrical driving device provides a continuous speed regulation that is fed over a converter. Power connection devices (7) are arranged for connecting the propulsion device to external power supply devices (9) at the floating body by power connecting units (8).

Description

The present invention relates to a floating body according to the preamble of claim 1 and a pontoon thereof.

In the present documents is defined as a pontoon a single float or a composite of at least two releasably interconnected floats. The floating body may itself consist of a single floating element or a plurality of pre-connected floating elements, such as joints of pre-connected floating elements, to allow for space-saving transport. As a floating body in the context of the present invention are not boats in the traditional sense to understand, but it is platforms, by means of which, for example, work equipment can be positioned on the water, but not designed for transporting such work equipment on the water and used become. Such floats in the context of the present invention may also mobile, but after setting up and setup at least temporarily stationary bridges or simple ferries that do not cover any and larger distances on the water, but to allow a translation, for example, a river. Accordingly, under a float in the context of the present invention is not to be understood a boat in the conventional sense, but a buoyant body that has to be maneuvered to a predetermined location and there then temporarily remains stationary, or instead of a boat a consistent way, so to speak a shuttle service to transport objects and people over a short distance can. In this respect, such a floating body, as it is to be understood in the context of the present invention, be referred to as Fährenschwimmkörper, Arbeitsplattformschwimmkörper or generally Plattformschwimmkörper or bridge or bridge floating body. These features are considered and included in the present documentation as a clear distinction from boats and vessels and inherent in the term "float".

Pontoons are used primarily in the military, but also in the civilian area to form consisting of a single floating body or from several floats or in other words from a floating body composite existing ferries and / or swimming bridges. The latter are referred to as pontoon bridges and serve in particular as temporary transitions over rivers and other water surfaces or as a replacement for damaged or under construction bridges. Pontoon or folding bridges usually consist of several floats and are characterized by high mobility and rapid applicability. The floats of such pontoons are by special trucks or air freighted.

But there are also other uses for floats or pontoons. They are used as floating body elements or in the floating body composite, for example, use as a floating jetty for boats and ships, or generally as a floating platform. The floats usually have no own drive and usually not a streamlined shape. The floats are usually formed in a rectangular or square shape, but other useful forms, such as hexagonal, are conceivable. Floating pontoons or jetties offer a water level independent mooring opportunity for ships. This is especially beneficial for waters with tidal range. Floats or a composite thereof are also used as working platforms. They are usually brought by tugs to their destination and anchored there. On the float or floating body composite are then all necessary for the work task facilities (tools, cranes, material), sometimes accommodation for the workers. Floats or a composite of them are also used for theatrical stages that float on the water surface.

All materials used in shipbuilding are used as materials. The most commonly used is sheet steel and concrete, as well as wood, light metal and plastic constructions.

As already stated, unpowered floats or a composite thereof are known. These consist of one or more floating body (s) in a rigid or eg foldable design, ie, each with a floating body of several floating elements. Furthermore, for example, from the DE 30 14 020 C2 Float known with independent drives, which are used for moving and moving also unpowered floats.

Essential in the use of a floating body or a pontoon thereof and especially when using multiple floats is the maneuverability to easily, quickly and accurately realize the desired application, such as in particular a desired or required arrangement and / or position, especially in or with a Take composite of floats.

The present invention has and achieves the goal of creating a maneuverable float as well as possible. Furthermore, the present invention has and aims to provide a simple, fast and accurate to build pontoon with at least one float or a floating body composite.

According to the invention, therefore, a floating body with at least one floating element and associated with this propulsion devices created that contain at least one 360 ° or all around controllable drive.

Preferably, the propulsion devices contain two 360 ° or completely controllable drives. It is likewise preferred if at least one controllable drive is a controllable pump jet and / or if each controllable drive and in particular pump jet has a flat-water design. The term "pump jet" is generally referred to herein as pump jet propulsion and is further generalized to a propulsion propulsion device, each as noted above, preferably in a particularly flat design or construction.

It can be provided with preference that electrical drive means are provided for one or more drives or pump jets, and / or that a stepless speed control is included, wherein in particular the stepless speed control is fed via an inverter.

A further preferred embodiment consists in that energy connection devices for connecting the propulsion devices by means of energy-connecting devices to external power supply devices are arranged on the floating body or the propulsion devices connected thereto. In an alternative embodiment, energy supply devices are provided which contain at least one energy supply unit, which represents a separate structural unit with respect to the floating body, and are associated with energy connection devices for connecting the propulsion devices by means of energy connection devices to the at least one energy supply unit the floating body or the propulsion devices connected thereto are. Such a power supply unit preferably contains at least one generator set, which itself in turn contains in particular an internal combustion engine and / or a gas turbine as well as a generator; alternatively or additionally, the generator set may include a fuel cell.

With regard to the power supply unit, in particular the generator set, may also be provided with preference that it or it is at least temporarily disposable with respect to the floating body and on the at least one float, wherein the power supply unit, in particular the generator set, preferably for a shunting or ferry operation of the float on the at least one floating element is at least temporarily arranged. In connection with these embodiments may also be provided with preference that energy-connecting devices include pluggable cable connections, which are designed for simultaneous fixing of the float to another floating body. Further advantageous embodiments are that a dinghy coupled with a bridge constructed from the floating bodies or safety boat of the bridge simultaneously serves as an energy supplier and provides the external energy supply facilities.

Another preferred embodiment is that a control for the propulsion devices is provided. In this case, it can be further preferably provided that the controller contain input receiving devices for wireless input devices or control connection devices for wired input devices that can be connected to the controller via control connection devices, wherein furthermore in particular the wireless input transmission devices or the wired input devices are mobile with respect to the at least one floating element and on the at least a floating element at least temporarily can be arranged.

The invention also provides a pontoon with at least one floating body to achieve said object, as explained in various embodiments above, wherein at least two floating bodies are detachable with each other are connected, of which at least one float has propulsion devices.

As a further development of this, it can be provided with preference that at least two floating bodies each have propulsion devices.

If the propulsion devices of at least one floating body contain at least one drive or pump jet with electric drive devices, it is further preferred that external power supply devices for the propulsion devices are provided with propulsion devices with respect to the at least one floating body. In this case, it can preferably also be provided that the external energy supply devices contain at least one energy supply unit for the common energy supply of the propulsion devices of at least two floats, or that are provided for the propulsion devices of at least one float external power supply devices or their at least one power supply unit / is. Further preferred embodiments in this connection are that the external energy supply devices or their at least one energy supply unit for the propulsion devices of at least two floats are central and / or land based, or that the external energy supply devices or their at least one energy supply unit for a shunting or ferry operation of at least two interconnected floating bodies on a float at least temporarily can be arranged / is. It can also be provided with preference that energy-connecting means for connecting the external power supply means or their at least one power supply unit are provided and pluggable cable connections, which are designed for simultaneously fixing a floating body to another floating body.

Yet another preferred embodiment is that for the propulsion devices of each floating body provided with propulsion devices there is provided a control arranged on or in the respective floating body, which contains input receiving devices for wireless input transceivers or wired input device control connection devices via control connection means are connectable to the controller, and that the wireless input transmitting devices or the wired input devices are mobile with respect to each float provided with propulsion devices. In this case, it can furthermore preferably be provided that the wireless input transmission devices or the wired input devices are temporarily arranged or placed on a floater provided with propulsion devices during an operating requirement of the propulsion devices, or that the wireless input transmission devices or the wired input devices are external and in particular during an operating requirement of the propulsion devices centrally and / or land-based with respect to all contained floating bodies are arranged or placed.

These above embodiments can be further developed by virtue of the fact that devices for, in particular, automatic recognition of the number of floating bodies involved in the pontoon composite with and / or without propulsion devices and the positions and / or arrangements of all floating bodies in the pontoon composite are used. Composite and for transmitting the detected states to at least the control of the propulsion devices of a float and preferably the controls of all participating propulsion devices are provided, and that the controller or the controls is / are designed, the respective propulsion devices taking into account the detected and transmitted number, positions and Arrangement of floating bodies involved in the pontoon composite with and / or without propulsion devices as appropriate to control a desired or to cause necessary movement of the entire pontoon composite. An alternative preferred embodiment is that means for particular automatic detection of the number of all participating in the pontoon composite floats with and / or without propulsion devices and the positions and / or arrangements of all involved in the pontoon composite floating body in pontoon composite and Communicating the detected states to the wireless input transceivers or the wired input devices, and that the wireless input transceivers or the wired input devices are configured via the respective controller (s) of the propulsion devices taking into account the detected and transmitted number, positions and Arrangement of the floating body involved in the pontoon composite with and / or without propulsion devices as appropriate to control to effect a desired or required movement of the entire pontoon composite. In both embodiments, in addition, in particular also be provided that on each float control coupling means are provided, via which the controls of all participating floats are operatively coupled with propulsion devices and / or about or about the state of the facilities for particular automatic detection of the number of all the pontoon composite floating body with and / or without propulsion devices and the positions and / or arrangements of all involved in the pontoon composite floating body in the pontoon composite the number of all participating in the pontoon composite floats with and / or without propulsion devices and the positions and / or arrangements of all involved in the pontoon composite float in pontoon composite recognize.

Further preferred and / or advantageous embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the claims and their combinations as well as the entire present application documents.

Fig. 1

in einer schematischen Draufsicht ein erstes Ausführungsbeispiel eines Pontons mit einem Schwimmkörper zeigt,

Fig. 2

in einer schematischen Draufsicht ein zweites Ausführungsbeispiel eines Pontons mit einem Schwimmkörper zeigt,

Fig. 3

in einer schematischen Draufsicht ein drittes Ausführungsbeispiel eines Pontons mit fünf Schwimmkörpern zeigt,

Fig. 4

in einer schematischen Draufsicht ein viertes Ausführungsbeispiel eines Pontons mit mindestens fünf Schwimmkörpern zeigt,

Fig. 5

in einer schematischen Draufsicht ein fünftes Ausführungsbeispiel eines Pontons mit mindestens fünf Schwimmkörpern zeigt,

Fig. 6

in einer teilweise längs geschnittenen Ansicht ein Detail des fünften Ausführungsbeispiels des Pontons in Form eines zusätzlichen Bootes zeigt, und

Fig. 7

in einer bezüglich der Ansicht in der Fig. 6 um 90 ° gedrehten schematischen Längsschnittansicht das Zusatzboot des fünften Ausführungsbeispiels des Pontons zeigt.

The invention will now be described by way of example with reference to exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawing, in which

Fig. 1

shows in a schematic plan view a first embodiment of a pontoon with a floating body,

Fig. 2

shows in a schematic plan view a second embodiment of a pontoon with a floating body,

Fig. 3

shows in a schematic plan view a third embodiment of a pontoon with five floats,

Fig. 4

shows in a schematic plan view a fourth embodiment of a pontoon with at least five floats,

Fig. 5

shows in a schematic plan view a fifth embodiment of a pontoon with at least five floats,

Fig. 6

in a partially longitudinal sectional view shows a detail of the fifth embodiment of the pontoon in the form of an additional boat, and

Fig. 7

in a respect to the view in the Fig. 6 rotated by 90 ° schematic longitudinal sectional view shows the auxiliary boat of the fifth embodiment of the pontoon.

With reference to the embodiments and examples of application described below and illustrated in the drawings, the invention will be explained only by way of example, that is, it is not on these embodiments and applications or on limited the feature combinations within these embodiments and applications. Process and device features result analogously also from device or process descriptions.

Individual features that are indicated and / or illustrated in connection with a specific embodiment, are not limited to this embodiment or the combination with the other features of this embodiment, but may in the context of the technically possible, with any other variants, even if they are in are not treated separately.

The same reference numerals in the individual figures and illustrations of the drawing designate the same or similar or the same or similar components. On the basis of the representations in the drawing, those features are also clear, which are not provided with reference numerals, regardless of whether such features are described below or not. On the other hand, features that are included in the present description but are not visible or illustrated in the drawing will be readily understood by those skilled in the art.

In the Fig. 1 is shown schematically in plan view a first embodiment of a pontoon 1 with a float 2a. However, it could also be that the floating body 2a consists of several vorverbundenen floating elements, such as two or three floating elements, which may be together or possibly hinged on possibly parallel aligned joints, to be easier to transport, as is known in the practice.

The floating body 2a of the pontoon 1 further comprises propulsion devices 4 in the form of two pump jets 5a and 5b which can be controlled by 360 °. The pump jets 5a and 5b are merely exemplary of general drives addressed, the can be controlled all around or 360 °; In the following, therefore, instead of the technical realization in the form of a pump jet or any other suitable design of drives can be used in general and the present invention is fully applicable to such other designs without restrictions.

The propulsion devices 4 could also be formed by only one pump jet or contain only one pump jet, in which case direction and / or orientation stabilization devices, such as a keel or a fin or a plurality of them, may advantageously be combined in order to be able to ensure directional propulsion , It is also possible to provide a drive, which can be controlled in particular with respect to the drive power, in terms of alignment with another drive of a different design even with a pump jet which can be controlled by 360 °. In the simplest form, however, a 360 ° controllable pump jet or other suitable drive alone may be sufficient to ensure targeted and directional propulsion. The design in concrete is also dependent on the particular application of the pontoon as a bridge, platform, ferry, etc.

The two pump jets 5a and 5b have a shallow-water configuration which is generally known and therefore need not be further explained or shown here. Furthermore, the two pump jets 5a and 5b each have electrical drive means, as they are also known in practice, so that a closer engagement can be omitted here. The same applies to an infinitely variable speed control of these electric drive devices, in particular via an inverter.

In the presentation of the Fig. 1 Furthermore, two plug-in connections 6a and 6b are shown on the floating body 2a, which serve, inter alia, to connect further floating bodies 2a. However, these connectors 6a and 6b can also additionally or alternatively connection and / or forwarding options for form or include other functional elements, as will be explained in more detail later.

Regarding the following information on the embodiments according to the FIGS. 2 to 4 reference is made to the previously described exemplary embodiments with regard to previously explained components and features, and components and features already explained are not described again, unless changes or deviations from the previously explained components and features are provided.

In the second embodiment according to the schematic plan view in the Fig. 2 Energy connection devices 7 are arranged for connecting the propulsion devices 4 by means of energy-connecting devices 8 to external power supply devices 9 on the float 2a. The energy-connection devices 7 are integrated in this embodiment in the connectors 6a and 6b to the float 2, wherein only the connectors 6a are used to connect to the power connectors 8 in the form of a power cable 10, the power to the devices. 9 leads, from there to conduct electrical energy or simply electrical power to the propulsion devices 4. In principle, in the present exemplary embodiment, but also in all other exemplary embodiments, purely mechanical and purely energy-transmitting connections can be provided physically separated from one another.

The power supply devices 9 contain a power supply unit 11, which represents a separate unit with respect to the floating body 2a. The energy supply unit 11 is formed in the present case by a generator set 12, but may also contain other means, such as in particular further generator sets. The generator set 12 includes an internal combustion engine 13 and a generator 14. Alternatively or additionally, the generator set may include a gas turbine and a generator contain. Another alternative for the generator set is a fuel cell as an energy supplier. There may also be provided in particular several different energy sources in the form of internal combustion engine and gas turbine, each with separate generators or a common, optionally driven by an internal combustion engine or a gas turbine generator, and fuel cells for the direct generation of electrical energy.

The energy supply unit 11, as in the present case the generator set 12, is mobile with respect to the one floating element 3 and only temporarily set up on the one floating element 3 as long as the propulsion devices 4 are required for driving or maneuvering. Thereafter, the connection means 8 can be released from the power connection means 7, and the power supply unit 11 can be removed from the floating member 3 of the floating body 2a. When the float 2a is in contact with land in its end position, the power supply unit 11 can be easily driven on land. Otherwise, the power supply unit 11 can be reloaded onto another floating body or a boat and brought to land, for example, where it is available, in particular, for supplying energy to further floating bodies. Also, e.g. with a helicopter, the power supply unit 11 can be picked up by the float 2a.

The mobility of the power supply unit 11 thus leads on the one hand to the advantage that a plurality of floating bodies are not required for a plurality of power supply units, but at minimum a power supply unit is sufficient for a plurality of floats, and also leads to the advantage that the entire surface of the Float 2a or pontoons 1 is available as a usable area and not even a partial area is lost by the power supply unit. All this is achieved in that the power supply unit, in particular the generator set, only temporarily for a shunting or a Fährbetrieb the present a float 2 a on the floating element 3 is arranged.

As already mentioned above, the energy connection devices 8 include a pluggable cable connection with the power cable 10. This pluggable connection is integrated in the plug connections 6a and 6b on the floating body 2a, which are designed for simultaneously fixing the floating body 2a to another floating body. as in connection with further embodiments later with reference to FIGS Fig. 3 and 4 is still shown and explained.

Like from the Fig. 2 is also apparent, a controller 15 is provided for the propulsion devices 4. This controller 15 is integrated in the present case in the floating element and acts on both pump jets 5a and 5b.

In a further particularly user-friendly embodiment, the controller 15 includes input receiving devices 16 for wireless input transmitting devices 17, which are integrated in a freely movable control station 18. The control station 18, like the power supply unit 11, can be removed from the floating element 3 of the floating body 2a. This results in the same advantages as already explained above in connection with the mobility of the energy supply unit 11 or, in general, of the energy supply devices 9. Instead of the radio transmission version between the input transmitting means 17 and the input receiving means 16 of the controller 15, controller 15 may also be provided with controller connection means for connection by control connection means for wired input means of the controller. The full space advantage is thereby, as already mentioned, obtained by the fact that the wireless input transmitting devices 16 or the wired input devices with respect to the at least one floating element 3 are mobile and on the at least one floating element 3 only be temporarily arranged, just as long as a ferry or Rangierbetrieb is required.

In the Fig. 3 schematically is a plan view of a third embodiment with a pontoon 1 with a total of five floats 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d and 2e shown. The floating body 2a is identical to the floating body 2b, 2c, 2d and 2e equipped and temporarily provided with the mobile power supply unit 11 and the freely movable control station 18, wherein the other components and features also according to the details of the embodiment in the Fig. 2 are realized. Not only the mobile power supply unit 11 is connected to the propulsion devices 4 of the floating body 2 a via the plug connection 6 a to the floating body 2 a, but also a fixing of the floating body 2 a to the floating body 2 c takes place. This fixation is carried out detachable.

Not only the float 2 a but also the floats 2 b, 2 c, 2 d and 2 e contain propulsion devices 4, and these floats 2 b, 2 c, 2 d and 2 e are accordingly equipped like the floating body 2 a according to FIG Fig. 1 , The floats 2b, 2c, 2d and 2e are fixed to each other via their connectors 6a and 6b but releasably connected, as the float 2a is connected to the float 2c. However, the propulsion devices 4 of the floating bodies 2b, 2c, 2d and 2e are also connected to the energy supply unit 11 on the floating body 2a via the respective plug connections 6a and 6b. The respective individual propulsion devices 4 of the individual floats 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d and 2e themselves each contain a control 15 with input receiving devices 16 for the wireless input transmitting devices 17, which are integrated in the freely movable control station 18. The control station 18, like the power supply unit 11, can be removed from the floating element 3 of the floating body 2a. This results in the same advantages as already mentioned above in connection with the mobility of the energy supply unit 11 or generally the power supply devices 9 have been explained.

In operation, the pontoon 1 according to the Fig. 3 by connecting the individual floats 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d and 2e via their connectors 6a and 6b in the in the Fig. 3 shown arrangement of a bank A forth. Through the entirety of all propulsion devices 4, the pontoon 1 can be moved in each of its construction stages on the one hand to the opposite bank B and on the other hand are kept stable against the action of the flow direction of a flow S. In this case, all controls 15 of the respective propulsion devices 4 of all floats 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d and 2e simultaneously controlled by the control station 18 via its input transmitting devices 17 to the input receiving means 16 of the controllers 15 and control accordingly again to associated propulsion devices 4. As shown of the Fig. 3 it can be seen that it will be necessary to span the entire route between the bank A and the bank B, to connect two more floats.

The arrangement of the float 2 a with the mobile power supply unit 11 and the freely movable control station 18 in addition to the row arrangement of the floating body 2 b, 2 c, 2 d and 2 e and here further supplemented floating body has the advantage that immediately after completing the required number of floats to span the entire route between the shore A and the shore B and reaching the final position for this whole of the floating body, the mobile power supply unit 11 and the freely movable control station 18 need not be removed before the pontoon can be used as a bridge otherwise. Another advantage of this arrangement of a floating body 2a with the mobile power supply unit 11 and the freely movable control station 18 in addition to the series arrangement of the floating body 2b, 2c, 2d and 2e is that the mobile power supply unit 11 and the freely movable control station 18 for position stabilization the entire pontoon against the flow of the river crossed with the bridge formed at least a certain time until the pontoon 1 was moored, but use of the bridge is already possible, or can be permanently maintained, the mooring of the bridge is ever saved and more security is achieved.

It is readily apparent to a person skilled in the art that depending on the configuration of the propulsion devices 4 of the floating body 2 a, propulsion devices can be dispensed with in the floats 2 b, 2 c, 2 d and 2 e. However, a use of a plurality of floats with propulsion devices has the advantage that on the one hand the individual propulsion devices need not be designed to be large and strong, and on the other hand, the maneuverability of the entire pontoon 1 is greatly improved.

Depending on the energy requirement of the propulsion devices 4 used, it is also possible to use a plurality of mobile energy supply units 11 or, in general, energy supply devices 9. If it is also possible to use a plurality of freely movable control stations, it is in any case advantageous if a control station 18 assumes, so to speak, the central control of all control stations. It is most advantageous, however, if the control of all controls 15 all propulsion devices 4 of all floats 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d and 2e and possibly further floating bodies with propulsion devices centrally from a control station 18, which is just about the radio transmission or via the control terminal devices for Connection with control connection devices for wired input devices for the control in the control station 18 is realized in a simple and space-saving manner, especially if the control connection devices are integrated into the plug connections 6a and 6b of the floating bodies 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d and 2e and possibly further floating bodies ,

The power supply from one floating body to the adjacent floating body via connecting cables, which thus act as energy connectors 8, and integrally or in combination therewith can control connection means for transmitting control commands for the controls of the floats 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d and 2e and possibly further Floating body starting from the helm 18 and then be carried out by a float to the other.

In a constellation, as in the Fig. 3 is shown and described above, in the floating body 2a can also be spoken by a base element of the floating body composite or pontoon.

It is also possible, as the representation of Fig. 4 illustrates that the power supply devices 9 and / or a control station 18 with input transmitting devices 17 or wired input devices connected, if necessary, with appropriate cables can also be positioned and remain on land. That this embodiment is not limited to five floats is symbolized by the fact that the float 2b is shown in dashed lines and stands, so to speak, symbolically for any number of floats.

A further facilitation in the construction and use of a pontoon of multiple floats is achieved when facilities for particular automatic detection of the number of all involved in the pontoon composite floats with and / or without propulsion devices and the positions and / or arrangements of all on the pontoon composite Floats involved in pontoon composite and for transmitting the detected states of at least the control of the propulsion devices of a floating body and preferably the controls of all the propulsion devices involved are provided.

The number and arrangement information can, of course, additionally or alternatively go to the input transmitting devices 17 or wired input devices, where they are taken into account in the control of all participating propulsion devices, so that a desired and coordinated movement of the pontoon 1 is possible. Further, the control or the controls or the input transmitting devices 17 or wired input devices are designed to suitably drive the respective propulsion devices with and without propulsion devices taking into account the detected and transmitted number, positions and arrangement of the floating bodies involved in the pontoon assembly to effect a desired or required movement of the entire pontoon composite.

With regard to the provision of such a device for particular automatic detection of the number of all participating in the pontoon composite floats with and / or without propulsion devices and the positions and / or arrangements of all involved in the pontoon composite floating body in the pontoon composite and for transmitting the recognized states for the purpose of correct and optimal control of all propulsion devices involved, it is readily apparent to those skilled in the art, which means he used to identify individual floats and their position / arrangement in the pontoon composite.

It can also be provided on each float control coupling devices via which the controls of all floating bodies are operatively coupled with propulsion devices and / or on or about the state of the facilities for particular automatic detection of the number of all involved in the pontoon composite floats with and / / or without propulsion devices and the positions and / or arrangements of all involved in the pontoon composite floating body in the pontoon composite, the number of all participating in the pontoon composite floats with and / or without propulsion devices and the positions and / or arrangements detect all participating in the pontoon composite float in pontoon composite.

In the Fig. 5 . 6 and 7 a fifth embodiment of a pontoon is shown. The show Fig. 5 in a schematic plan view of a pontoon with at least five floats, the Fig. 6 a partially longitudinal sectional view of the additional boat of the fifth embodiment, and the Fig. 7 a respect to the view in the Fig. 6 rotated 90 ° schematic longitudinal section view of the additional boat. The basic idea of the fifth exemplary embodiment is that a dinghy or safety boat coupled to a bridge constructed from the floats simultaneously serves as an energy supplier and provides the external energy supply devices.

In the Fig. 5 is schematically shown in a plan view, the fifth embodiment with a pontoon 1 with a total of five identical floats 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d and 2e. This fifth embodiment is very similar to the third embodiment according to the Fig. 3 , However, in the fifth embodiment, according to the Fig. 5 compared to the third embodiment according to the Fig. 3 instead of there temporarily provided with the mobile power supply unit 11 and the freely movable helm 18 floating body 2a in lateral contact on there (in the Fig. 3 ) floating body 2c now in the linear arrangement of the other floats 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e integrated and is docked to the float 2c side of a motorboat 19, which for the floats 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d and 2e at least temporarily a mobile power supply unit 11 and a control station 18 provides that is integrated in this embodiment in the boat control station 20 of the motor boat 19. The other components and features are according to the information to the previous embodiments in the Fig. 1 to 4 realized and correspondingly provided with the same reference numerals. To avoid mere repetition is with respect to this Further features on the description of the first to fourth embodiments according to the Fig. 1 to 4 Referenced. An exemplary representation of the equipment of the motor boat 19 is in the views of Fig. 6 and 7 shown.

The motor boat 19 has a plug connection 6a, in which, as in the second embodiment according to the Fig. 2 Energy connection means 7 for connecting the propulsion devices 4 of the floats 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d and 2e (which are interconnected by means of the connectors 6a, 6b, in which, for example, energy connection devices 7 are integrated to pass from float to float energy and to be able to provide each float 2 a, 2 b, 2 c, 2 d and 2 e) are integrated by means of energy-connection means 8 to external power supply means 9 on the motor boat 19. About the connector 6a on the motor boat 19 and the counterpart of the floating body 2c, ie the connector 6b of the floating body 2c, not only energy by means of energy-connecting devices 7, such as the energy-connecting devices 8, but there is also a fixation of the motor boat 19th and the float 2c and thus to the entire composite of the floats 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d and 2e. This fixation is carried out detachable.

The power supply devices 9 include a power supply unit 11, which represents a separate unit with respect to the units of the motor boat 19. The motor boat 19 has as a separate unit itself, for example, a pump jet 21 with, for example, a permanent magnet motor for maneuvering and controlling and for the drive, as exemplified in the Fig. 6 and 7 is clarified.

The power supply unit 11 of the power supply devices 9 on the motor boat 19 for the propulsion devices 4 of the floats 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d and 2e is formed in the present case by a generator set 12, but can also other means, such as in particular more generatorsets included. The generator set 12 includes a gas turbine 22 and a generator 14 as shown in FIGS Fig. 6 and 7 can be seen.

Each float 2 a, 2 b, 2 c, 2 d and 2 e contains propulsion devices 4. The propulsion devices 4 of the floats 2 a, 2 b, 2 c, 2 d and 2 e are connected to the power supply unit 11 on the motor boat 19 via the respective plug connections 6 a and 6 b. The respective individual propulsion devices 4 of the individual floats 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d and 2e themselves each contain a controller 15 with input receiving devices 16 for the wireless input transmitting devices 17, which are integrated in the freely movable control station 18, which in turn is itself part of the boat control station 20 ,

The application and operation of the pontoon 1 according to the Fig. 5 can be done for example in the manner as described above for the pontoon 1 of the third embodiment according to the Fig. 3 is described. In the Fig. 5 is merely an example of a roadway 23 located, which is intended to illustrate the use of this pontoon 1 as a mobile bridge.

The arrangement of the floats 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d and 2e and the motor boat 19 for power supply and control of these (and other coupled or integrated) floating body 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d and 2e exploits in an advantageous manner that in many applications a pontoon 1, for example, as a mobile bridge such a motor boat 19, for example, as a safety boat is used anyway. The use of a motor boat 19 for power supply and control of the floats 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d and 2e has the further advantage that, for example, for collecting individual floats 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d and 2e, in this fifth embodiment, so to speak, individual bridge sections represent not only particularly suitable device in the form of the motor boat 19 itself, but also appropriately trained personnel available which is specially familiar with maneuvers of watercraft and in particular with the motorboat 19.

In analogy to the fourth embodiment according to the Fig. 4 can also in the fifth embodiment according to the Fig. 5 be provided that the power supply devices 9 and / or a control station 18 with input transmitting devices 17 or wired input devices connected if necessary with appropriate cables are also positioned on land, namely the fact that the motorboat 19, for example, after the construction of the pontoon 1 on a trailer (not shown ) is stationed ashore at pontoon 1. However, the motorboat 19 can eg itself to build the pontoon 1 on his trailer (not shown) remain on land, if it turns out on site that his use is not required on the water because of the specific conditions. This ensures maximum flexibility in the construction of the pontoon 1, wherein more uniform components in the form of identical floats 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d and 2e are used, so that, for example, a failure of a floating body easily compensated by using an identical float can also be addressed on-site special needs by the motorboat 19 (usually with experienced crew) is available. Such a motorboat 19 can thus fulfill up to three functions simultaneously: 1. Energy supply and control of the floating bodies 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d and 2e individually and in any combination, 2. Transporting and maneuvering floats 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d and 2e each individually and in any combination, and 3. securing a constructed from the floats 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d and 2e pontoon 1 to form, for example, a mobile bridge.

Below individual embodiments and advantages are given and explained by way of example.

To ensure the maneuverability of floats such floating pontoons when assembling, for example, the ferry / bridge in the water to 360 ° or all-round swiveling drives, especially pump jets offer as built in the floating body propulsion equipment. With such propulsion devices, the entire pontoon or floating body composite can be moved in all directions and turn, for example, on the spot. These propulsion devices with the drive (s) may also serve to maintain the position of the entire bridge or any pontoons in the water. Furthermore, self-propelled work platforms and auxiliary ferries can be built with a powered pontoon.

The propulsion devices are particularly preferably a 360 ° rotatable pump jet with electric drive devices. The electric drive devices are connected with or without reduction gear to the pump rotor of the pump jet. By a gearless design can be particularly flat propulsion devices. The power supply of the propulsion devices takes place via e.g. a separate generator module (as an example or component of energy supply facilities), which is towed, for example, during transport of the float of the pontoon bridge on a trailer behind a truck. The avoidance of incorporation of such generator modules or generators sets in the respective floating body itself avoids the expense of providing separate power supply devices for each floating element at the same time, as well as the disadvantages of increasing the respectively corresponding weight of the floating body or pontoon element and thus reducing the useful load capacity.

The generator module is connected by cables and appropriate connectors to the float. This can be done with the float floating in the water or even before unloading the float on the truck, so immediately in the drive power is available. During the construction of a bridge, the generator set or several generator sets can stand on one or more floats and provide the propulsion devices with energy, so that individual floats or already assembled floats can be maneuvered as bridge parts. A power supply of several connected floats by means of a generator set is preferably ensured by a cable connector system.

The control takes place, for example, via a freely movable driving or steering position of land or, in particular, one of the floating bodies by means of a movable and possibly portable control station. The signal transmission takes place via wireless or wired data transmission to the controls of the propulsion devices. A coordinated control of an assembled ferry or partial bridge with several floats with their own propulsion devices via a common, in particular central control station can nowadays easily be implemented via appropriate software. The controls of the propulsion devices or the controls of these controls obtained from suitable facilities information about the composition and arrangement of the concrete pontoon. As a result, automatically the number of docked floats and their position is detected in the composite and can be set individually for the individual propulsion devices of all floating thrust and thrust direction to achieve a certain movement of the entire pontoons or floating body.

If a completely assembled bridge is in position, the generator sets on the trailers can be driven off the bridge and, if necessary, ensure the energy supply of the drive or the drives of the propulsion devices of the floating bodies or pontoon elements from land so that the bridge may also be anchored or attachment to land remains in position.

A combination with unpowered pontoon elements is conceivable.

With regard to the mechanical connection of the pontoon elements with each other here are any conventional means, such as. conceivable with ropes or wire ropes. More confortable embodiments include mechanical automatic or manual clutches or locks and the like, possibly even with power assistance, which may optionally then be fed by the energy supply devices for the propulsion devices, in particular via the energy connection devices.

The invention provides even more advantages. Thus, the construction of a pontoon allows e.g. As a bridge with only one floating base type, a particularly simple logistics, maintenance and spare parts stocking. Also, greater availability of such pontoons is achieved overall through multiple redundancy. The separate, in particular central energy supply lighter float or pontoon elements and thus a higher load capacity can be achieved. Since each float can have its own propulsion devices, the available power of the entire pontoon composite grows automatically. Centralized control of the entire pontoon or floating body assembly, preferably from a helm, results in easier and more effective maneuverability. Electrically powered propulsion devices provide a flexible power supply, e.g. with one or more generator set (s) or a mains operation possible. The use of standardized components allows easy maintenance and high availability of spare parts.

The invention is illustrated by way of example only and not by way of example with reference to the exemplary embodiments in the description and the drawing, but encompasses all variations, modifications, substitutions and combinations, which the person skilled in the present documents, in particular in the context of the claim and the general illustrations in the introduction of this description and the description of the embodiments can be found and combined with his expert knowledge and the prior art. In particular, all individual features and design options of the invention and its embodiments can be combined.

Claims (13)

Floating body with at least one floating element and propulsion devices connected thereto,
characterized,
in that the propulsion devices contain at least one drive that can be controlled by 360 ° or completely. Float according to claim 1,
characterized,
that the propulsion devices contain two 360 ° or completely controllable drives, and / or
that a controllable drive is a controllable pump jet at least, and / or
that each drive or pump jet has a shallow-water design, and / or
that electrical drive means are provided for one or more drives or pump jets, and / or that a continuous speed control is included, wherein preferably the continuously variable speed control is fed via an inverter. Float according to claim 1 or 2,
characterized,
in that energy-connection devices for connecting the propulsion devices by means of energy-connection devices are arranged on external power supply devices on the floating body or the propulsion devices connected thereto. Float according to claim 1 or 2,
characterized,
in that energy supply devices are provided which contain at least one energy supply unit which represents a separate structural unit with respect to the floating body, and that energy connection devices for connecting the propulsion devices by means of energy-connection devices to the at least one energy supply unit are assigned to the floating body or propulsion devices connected thereto Preferably, the power supply unit includes at least one generator set, wherein in particular the generator set includes an internal combustion engine and / or a gas turbine and a generator, and / or the generator set includes a fuel cell, and / or
in that the energy supply unit, in particular the generator set, is mobile and at least temporarily disposable with respect to the at least one floating element, wherein preferably the energy supply unit, in particular the generator set, can be arranged at least temporarily for a shunting operation or a ferry operation of the floating body on the at least one floating element is. Float according to claim 3 or 4,
characterized,
in that energy-connecting devices comprise pluggable cable connections which are designed for simultaneously fixing the floating body to another floating body. Float according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized,
in that a control is provided for the propulsion devices, in particular the control input input devices for wireless input terminals or control terminal devices for wired Including input devices which are connectable via control connection means with the controller, wherein more preferably the wireless input sending devices or the wired input devices with respect to the at least one floating element are mobile and at least temporarily arranged on the at least one floating element. Pontoon with at least one float according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized,
in that at least two floating bodies are detachably connected to one another, of which at least one floating body has propulsion devices. Pontoon according to claim 7,
characterized,
that at least two floating bodies each having propulsion means,
wherein, in particular, the propulsion devices of at least one floating body contain at least one drive or pump jet with electric drive devices, and with respect to the at least one floating body with propulsion devices external energy supply devices are provided for the propulsion devices. Pontoon according to claim 8,
characterized,
in that the external energy supply devices contain at least one energy supply unit for the common energy supply of the propulsion devices of at least two floating bodies, or for the propulsion devices of at least one floating body external energy supply devices or their at least one power supply unit are provided, and / or that the external power supply devices or their at least one power supply unit for the propulsion devices are at least two floats central and / or land-based / is, or the external power supply facilities or their at least one power supply unit for a shunting or ferry operation of at least two interconnected floating bodies on a float at least temporarily can be arranged, and / or
in that energy connection devices are provided for connecting the external energy supply devices or their at least one energy supply unit and contain pluggable cable connections which are designed for the simultaneous fixing of a floating body to another floating body. Pontoon according to one of claims 7 to 9,
characterized,
in that for the propulsion devices of each floating body provided with propulsion devices a control arranged on or in the respective floating body is provided, which contains input receiving devices for wireless input senders or control input devices for wired input devices which can be connected to the control via control connection devices, and the wireless input sending devices or the wired input devices are mobile with respect to each floating body provided with propulsion devices,
wherein preferably the wireless input terminal devices or the wired input devices are temporarily placed or placed on a particular provided with propulsion devices float during operation of the propulsion devices, or the wireless input terminal devices or the wired input devices during an operating requirement of the propulsion devices externally and in particular centrally and / or land based with respect to all are arranged or placed float contained. Pontoon according to claim 10,
characterized,
in that means for in particular automatic recognition of the number of all involved in the pontoon composite floats with and / or without propulsion devices and the positions and / or arrangements of all participating in the pontoon composite floating body in pontoon composite and for transmitting the detected states of at least the Controlling the propulsion devices of a float and preferably the controls of all participating propulsion devices are provided, and wherein the controller or the controls is designed / are the respective propulsion devices taking into account the detected and transmitted number, positions and arrangement of the participating in the pontoon float with and / or without propulsion devices as suitable to control in order to effect a desired or required movement of the entire pontoon composite. Pontoon according to claim 10,
characterized,
in that means for in particular automatically detecting the number of all pontoons involved in the pontoon composite with and / or without propulsion devices and the positions and / or arrangements of all involved in the pontoon composite floating body in pontoon composite and for transmitting the detected states to the wireless Input terminal devices or the wired input devices are provided, and wherein the wireless input transmitting devices or the wired input devices are designed via the respective (s) control (s) of the propulsion devices, taking into account the detected and transmitted number, positions and arrangement of the pontoon composite Floats involved with and / or without propulsion devices so suitable to drive in order to effect a desired or required movement of the entire pontoon composite. Pontoon according to claim 11 or 12,
characterized,
that on each float control coupling means are provided, via which the controls of all participating floating bodies are operatively coupled with propulsion devices and / or about or about the state of the facilities for particular automatic detection of the number of all involved in the pontoon composite floating body with and / or without Propulsion devices and the positions and / or arrangements of all involved in the pontoon composite floating body in the pontoon composite, the number of participating in the pontoon composite floats with and / or without propulsion devices and the positions and / or arrangements of all participating in the pontoon composite Detect floats in pontoon composite.

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