EP2346733B1 - Lateral thruster for a vessel - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a transverse thruster for a watercraft with a housing, at least one mounted in the housing electric motor and at least one transversely acting to the longitudinal axis of the watercraft transverse propeller.

Transverse thrusters to assist the maneuvering of a ship with a propeller acting transversely to the ship's longitudinal axis are also called transverse jet control systems. For the most common arrangement in the area of the bow and the name bow thruster is common.

In a conventional design of a bow thruster in the front tenth of the ship, a tubular passage is formed through the entire ship's width. In this tubular passage, a propeller (impeller) is arranged, which makes it possible to move the bow of the ship to port or starboard, the direction of rotation of the propeller is adjusted accordingly. The propeller is driven by an electric or hydraulic motor installed in the ship.

Transverse thrusters without a tubular passage through the ship, for example, from the EP 0 716 977 A1 and the US 2001/0291133 A1 known, the propeller is out of the boat in the water, the engine but inside the boat. The US 5,152,240 A and the US 4,529,386 A describe transverse thrusters, which are arranged completely in the boat interior and can be moved out of the bow or retracted into the bow after opening a flap located in the fuselage.

From the US 4,732,104 A . DE 3 001 701 A1 . US 4,208,978 A . US 4,223,625 A Transverse thrusters emerge, attached to the bow and placed above the water when not in use. Through different devices, for example, by manually pivoting about a horizontal axis, the transverse thrusters can be lowered below the water level.

From the FR 2 810 012 A1 is a transverse thruster, which is removably mounted on the side of the ship's side aboard and whose engine and propeller are under water when operating in a housing.

In the from the WO 2005/087584 A1 known Querstrahlruder that all Merhmale of the preamble of claim 1 discloses the housing of the transverse thruster is mounted aboard the ship's hull stationary. The at least one propeller acting transversely to the longitudinal axis of the watercraft and the at least one electric motor provided for driving the propeller or the propellers are arranged in this housing.

Furthermore goes from the EP 0 566 788 a marine propulsion, which has a propeller driven by an electric motor and which can be attached to the outside of the hull.

The object of the invention is to expand the capabilities of a transverse thruster of the type mentioned. According to the invention, this is achieved by a device having the features of claim 1.

The device of the invention has, in addition to the at least one transverse propeller acting transversely to the longitudinal axis of the watercraft, at least one longitudinal propeller acting in the longitudinal direction of the watercraft. In one embodiment of the invention, the longitudinal propeller can be driven by the same electric motor as the transverse propeller, the transverse propeller and the longitudinal propeller each being connectable to the electric motor via a coupling and separable from the electric motor. In another embodiment, the transverse propeller and the longitudinal propeller can each be driven by a separate electric motor, wherein both the electric motor serving to drive the transverse propeller and the electric motor serving to drive the longitudinal propeller are arranged in the common housing. In principle, it is conceivable and possible to provide more than one transverse propeller, with the transverse propellers being drivable by the same or separate electric motors. Furthermore, it is basically conceivable and possible to provide more than one longitudinal propeller, wherein the longitudinal propeller can be driven by the same or by separate electric motors.

By a device according to the invention, the maneuverability of the ship, especially in connection with the dismantling and docking of the ship, significantly expanded. Motor main drives of motor ships are usually in the form of internal combustion engines educated. Such an internal combustion engine requires a certain minimum speed, which still generates a relatively large amount of thrust, so that the maneuvering of the ship with the main drive is very difficult. By equipping the ship with a device according to the invention for maneuvering the ship, the main drive can be completely turned off and the ship can only be maneuvered with the device according to the invention. With the longitudinal propeller, the speed of the ship in the direction of its longitudinal axis - forward or backward - can be influenced, the ship can be accelerated or braked. With the help of the transverse propeller, the direction of the ship's longitudinal axis can be changed. The device according to the invention thus represents a transverse thruster with integrated auxiliary drive.

If at the other end of the ship, an additional transverse thruster is present, so also a parallel displacement of the ship can be performed.

Particularly advantageous is a device according to the invention can be used in ships with a length in the range of 7m to 20m.

A device according to the invention can advantageously be used both in motorboats and sailboats.

The weight of the ship, which is equipped with a device according to the invention is conveniently in the range of 1.5t to 18 t.

Preferably, the housing of the device according to the invention is mounted on the ship's hull outboard. For this purpose, the housing has a connecting flange, via which it can be attached to the ship's hull in a stationary manner.

Due to the arrangement of the at least one electric motor in the housing arranged outside the electric motor can be cooled by the water. It is thereby achieved a simple and effective cooling of the at least one electric motor.

The longitudinal propeller can be conveniently used to provide a power source. For example, for longer trips with sailing ships, the sufficient power supply is usually problematic. By the example of the wind drive taking place - movement of the ship through the water, the longitudinal propeller of this Be driven movement and drive the respective electric motor or, which now acts as a generator.

To reduce the water resistance while driving, when the longitudinal propeller is not needed, the longitudinal propeller can be designed as a variable pitch propeller. Variable pitch propellers are known.

• Fig. 1 eine erfindungsgemäße Einrichtung in Schrägsicht;
• Fig. 2 eine Schrägsicht der Einrichtung von Fig. 1 aus einer anderen Blickrichtung;
• Fig. 3 eine Seitenansicht;
• Fig. 4 eine Schemadarstellung der Einrichtung;
• Fig. 5 eine schematische Darstellung einer Bedien- und Steuereinheit der Einrichtung;
• Fig. 6 eine Prinzipdarstellung entsprechend Fig. 4 einer modifizierten Ausführungsform;
• Fig. 7 eine schematische Darstellung eines Schiffs mit einer daran montierten erfindungsgemäßen Einrichtung.

Further advantages and details of the invention are explained below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this show:

• Fig. 1 an inventive device in oblique view;
• Fig. 2 an oblique view of the facility of Fig. 1 from another perspective;
• Fig. 3 a side view;
• Fig. 4 a schematic of the device;
• Fig. 5 a schematic representation of an operating and control unit of the device;
• Fig. 6 a schematic representation accordingly Fig. 4 a modified embodiment;
• Fig. 7 a schematic representation of a ship with an inventive device mounted thereon.

An embodiment of an inventive device is in the Fig. 1 to 5 shown. The device comprises a housing 1 with an electric motor 2 arranged therein. The housing 1 has a longitudinal axis which, in the mounted state of the device, is to be aligned parallel to the longitudinal axis 3 of the watercraft. Conveniently, the housing 1 is streamlined to minimize water resistance.

For attachment of the housing 1 on the hull 4 of the watercraft 5 (see. Fig. 7 ) serves a connecting flange 6 of the housing 1, which abuts the trunk 4 in the mounted state. The attachment is effected by means of a first threaded bolt 7, which is attached to the connecting flange 6, for example by welding or screwing. The threaded bolt 7 is hollow, so that the supply and Ansteuerleitungen the device can be supplied through this. To seal against the hole through the hull 4 is a seal 8. Nuts 9, 10 for screwing are also shown. In addition to this main attachment additional attachments are advantageously carried out, for which purpose holes 11, 12 are provided by the connecting flange 6, through which, for example screws can be screwed into the hull 4. From the electric motor 2, a transverse propeller 13 is driven, the axis 14 transverse, in particular at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the housing 1 and the longitudinal axis 3 of the watercraft 5 and thus acts in the transverse direction 15, the in Fig. 1 indicated by a double arrow.

The transverse propeller 13 is arranged in a direction parallel to its axis 14 through-channel 16 through the housing, so he represents an impeller or duct propeller.

The shaft 17 of the transverse propeller 13 is of a housing-fixed part 18 (see. FIGS. 2 and 3 rotatably mounted (the part 18 may be part of the housing 1 or be rigidly connected thereto). Thus, the transverse propeller 13 is supported by the housing 1.

The axis of the electric motor 2 is parallel to the longitudinal axis 3 of the watercraft 5 and the housing 1, i. the electric motor 2 is mounted longitudinally in the housing 1. The longitudinal axis of the electric motor 2 is perpendicular to the axis 14 of the transverse propeller 13. The power is transmitted via an angle gear 19, which is formed in particular by a bevel gear.

Between the electric motor 2 and the transverse propeller 13, a clutch 20 is arranged, whose function will be explained below. The coupling 20 may be in the form of an electromagnetic clutch.

From the electric motor 2 is further a longitudinal propeller 21 drivable, the axis 22 is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the housing 1 and parallel to the longitudinal axis 3 of the watercraft 5. The longitudinal propeller 21 thus acts in the longitudinal direction 23, which in Fig. 4 indicated by a double arrow. The longitudinal direction 23 is parallel to the main movement direction 24 (straight forward) of the watercraft.

The shaft 25 of the longitudinal propeller 21 is rotatably supported by the housing 1 or a part rigidly connected thereto. The longitudinal propeller 21 is thus supported by the housing 1.

In the embodiment, as in the Fig. 1 to 3 is shown, the longitudinal propeller 21 is surrounded by an annular sheath 26 which is fixed to the housing 1. The longitudinal propeller is formed in this way as an impeller or shell propeller.

The longitudinal propeller 21 is connected to the electric motor 2 via a coupling 27, whose function will be explained below. The clutch 27 is preferably in the form of an electromagnetic clutch.

If the clutch 20 is closed and the clutch 27 is opened, the electric motor 2 drives the transverse propeller 13 and the device acts in a conventional manner as a transverse thruster. Depending on the direction of rotation of the electric motor 2, a thrust in the direction of starboard or port can be effected.

If the clutch 20 is open and the clutch 27 is closed, then the electric motor 2 drives the longitudinal propeller 21. The device now acts as an auxiliary drive, which can be effected vorlich or aftward depending on the direction of rotation of the electric motor.

A schematic representation of a equipped with a device according to the invention watercraft 5 shows Fig. 7 , The device according to the invention is attached to the fuselage 4 in the area of the bow, except for the ship. In the area of the stern, there is a motorized main drive 29 for driving the vessel with the cruising speed. The main drive 29 may in particular comprise an internal combustion engine.

An assembly of the device according to the invention in the area of the rear is conceivable and possible.

The device can be used for maneuvering with the main propulsion of the water vehicle 5 switched off or at least in support of the maneuvering at low speeds (below 5 knots).

In the vicinity of a point of arrival and departure of the main drive can be turned off and the watercraft 5 are moved only with the device according to the invention and sensitively controlled. With the longitudinal propeller 21 in this case the watercraft can be moved not only forward or backward, but also, if it has too high a speed or a wind pressure drives the watercraft, a movement of the vessel in the longitudinal direction 23 are braked. With the transverse propeller 13, during a mounting of the device in the bow region of the bow or during assembly in the stern area, the stern of the vessel 5 is moved to starboard or port.

In this embodiment, the transverse propeller 13 and the longitudinal propeller 21 are alternately (sequentially) driven by the electric motor. So it is at most one of the clutches 20, 27 closed at the same time.

A corresponding control and control unit 30 for the transverse thruster with auxiliary drive is in Fig. 5 shown schematically. A joystick 28 can be moved from a zero position into four orthogonal directions. Two opposite directions are used to control their function of the transverse thruster so the control of the transverse propeller 13 (thrust starboard and port) and two perpendicular thereto opposing directions are used to control the auxiliary drive so the longitudinal propeller 21 (shear direction vorlich and aft).

A modified embodiment of the invention is in Fig. 6 shown. The following differences exist to the embodiment described above: To drive the transverse propeller 13 and to drive the longitudinal propeller 21 separate electric motors 2, 2 'are provided here. Clutches between the electric motor 2 driving the transverse propeller 13 and the transverse propeller 13 or between the electric motor 2 'driving the longitudinal propeller 21 and the longitudinal propeller 21 can be omitted here.

Both electric motors 2, 2 'are preferably mounted longitudinally in the housing 1, so their axes are parallel to the longitudinal axis of the housing first

The drive of the propellers 13, 21 can be carried out alternately (sequentially) as described above. It could be an operating and control unit analog Fig. 5 be provided. In this embodiment, an additional parallel control is possible in a simple manner. For this purpose, an operating and control unit could be provided in which the joystick 28 can be moved starting from its zero position in all directions, in the manner of a joystick. The functions of the transverse thruster and the auxiliary drive can thus be performed not only sequentially but also simultaneously.

In gliders (motor boats) the bow protrudes while driving out of the water and the device according to the invention is located according to one of the described embodiments outside the water flow. In a slow harbor maneuver she is fully functional.

The size of the device according to the invention can be adapted to any size boat, from larger dinghies to medium-sized gliders (motor boats) and displacers (sailing ships).

To drive the transverse propeller more than one electric motor 2 could be provided, for example, two fore and aft electric motors, which are located on both sides of the passage channel 16.

It is conceivable and possible to provide more than one transverse propeller 13 and / or more than one longitudinal propeller 21, which are driven by one or more electric motors.

In order to turn over the direction of rotation of the respective propeller 13, 21, it would be conceivable in principle and possible to provide a corresponding reversing gear instead of reversing the direction of rotation of the associated electric motor 2, 2 '.

Legend to the reference numbers:

1

casing

2, 2 '

electric motor

3

longitudinal axis

4

hull

5

water craft

6

connecting flange

7

threaded bolt

8th

poetry

9

mother

10

mother

11

drilling

12

drilling

13

Cross-propeller

14

axis

15

transversely

16

Through channel

17

wave

18

part

19

angle gear

20

clutch

21

Along propeller

22

axis

23

longitudinal direction

24

Main direction of movement

25

wave

26

jacket

27

clutch

28

joystick

29

main drive

30

Control and control unit

Claims (9)

1. Lateral thruster for an aquatic vessel, comprising a housing (1), at least one electric motor (2, 2') mounted in the housing (1) and at least one transverse propeller (13) acting transversely to the longitudinal axis (3) of the aquatic vessel (5), characterised in that the lateral thruster is additionally provided with at least one longitudinal propeller (21) acting in the direction of the longitudinal axis (3) of the aquatic vessel (5).
2. Lateral thruster according to claim 1, characterised in that the longitudinal propeller (21) can be driven by the same electric motor (2) as the transverse propeller (13), wherein the transverse and longitudinal propellers (13, 21) are each connectable to and separable from the electric motor (2) via a coupling (20, 27).
3. Lateral thruster according to claim 1, characterised in that the transverse propeller (13) and the longitudinal propeller (21) are each drivable by a separate electric motor (2, 2'), wherein both the electric motor (2) for driving the transverse propeller (13) and the electric motor (2') for driving the longitudinal propeller (21) are arranged in the housing (1).
4. Lateral thruster according to one of the claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the transverse propeller (13) is carried by the housing (1).
5. Lateral thruster according to one of the claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the transverse propeller (13) is arranged in a through channel (16) which extends through the housing (1) transversely to the longitudinal axis (3) of the aquatic vessel (5).
6. Lateral thruster according to one of the claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the longitudinal propeller (21) is carried by the housing (1).
7. Lateral thruster according to claim 6, characterised in that a shaft (25) on which the longitudinal propeller (21) is arranged, is rotatably mounted in the housing (1) or in a part rigidly connected thereto.
8. Lateral thruster according to one of the claims 1 to 7, characterised in that a casing (26) surrounding the longitudinal propeller (21) in annular manner is fastened to the housing (1).
9. Lateral thruster according to one of the claims 1 to 8, characterised in that the housing (1) is fixed externally to the hull (4).

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