EP3359444A1

EP3359444A1 - Position changing device, in particular for a watercraft

Info

Publication number: EP3359444A1
Application number: EP16778344.8A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Michael THIEMKE
Original assignee: Hochschule Flensburg
Current assignee: Hochschule Flensburg
Priority date: 2015-10-09
Filing date: 2016-10-06
Publication date: 2018-08-15
Anticipated expiration: 2036-10-06
Also published as: DK3359444T3; EP3359444B9; WO2017060341A1; EP3359444B1

Abstract

The invention relates to a position changing device, in particular for a watercraft, having a drive device (100, 100', 100", 100"') of the type described below and a trimming device (10, 10', 10") of the type described below. The invention further relates to a drive device (100, 100', 100", 100"'), in particular for a watercraft (1), comprising a housing (110) with an upstream and a downstream end, said housing being designed to be arranged outside of a watercraft hull (1a) of the watercraft (1); at least one advancing device (120) which is arranged at least partly below the water surface (W), in particular completely below the water surface; and at least one drive device which applies a torque to the advancing device (120). The housing (110) has at least one opening in both the upstream and downstream end, said openings being connected together via a channel (130) which is at least partly closed in the cross-section perpendicular to the flow direction (S), and the advancing device (120) is arranged at least partly within the channel (130), in particular completely within the channel. The invention further relates to a watercraft comprising the corresponding drive device, to a use of the corresponding drive device, and to a trimming device (10, 10', 10"), in particular for a watercraft (1), comprising a housing (110) with an upstream and a downstream end, said housing being designed to be arranged outside of the watercraft (1), in particular at least substantially below the watercraft; at least one buoyancy body (140) which is arranged at least partly within the housing (110) and provides a controllable buoyancy; at least one connecting device (150) which is designed to at least mechanically connect the housing (110) to a watercraft hull (1a) of the watercraft at a distance therefrom; and a controller which is designed to control the position of the watercraft relative to the water surface (W). The controller is designed to control, in particular regulate, the buoyancy provided by the buoyancy body (140) and/or the controller is designed to control, in particular regulate, the distance provided by the connecting device between the watercraft hull and the housing, and the housing can be moved relative to the watercraft, in particular the housing can be pivoted about a vertical axis (A) and/or at least about another axis. The invention further relates to a watercraft (1) comprising a corresponding trimming device (10, 10', 10") and to a use of the corresponding trimming device.

Description

Position changing device, in particular for a watercraft

The invention relates to a position-changing device, in particular a drive and / or trim device, in particular for a watercraft, for example a boat, raft or ship, but also a platform located in the water, at least temporarily not firmly anchored in the ground. Watercraft have been used by humans since time immemorial to move across the waters. In this long time, the seafaring has changed several times, starting with damming or rafting of human-powered vehicles over wind-driven vehicles to machine-driven watercraft several times. Engine-powered watercraft, such. As boats or ships are usually powered by propellers or propellers. Until recently, these were designed as a rigid, protruding from the hull shafts with a correspondingly shaped impeller and rotatable only along the extension direction of the shaft. The direction of travel of the watercraft was determined independently of the drive by one or more rudder.

To increase the maneuverability of a motor-driven ship, as is required especially when maneuvering in narrow harbors or canals, there is for some time the solution approach to outsource drive motor, shaft and propeller from the actual hull and the drive motor in a mechanically connected to the hull Housing accommodate, wherein the propeller is arranged on the outside of the housing and is mechanically connected via the shaft to the drive motor. These so-called pods are rotatable and / or pivotable relative to the ship's hull, whereby an increase in maneuverability can be achieved. DE 10 2008 037 677 A1 and US 2,714,866 A show a classic pod drive. Consisting of a propeller nacelle propulsion, with a propeller attached to a drive shaft outside the propeller nacelle. The propeller nacelle is connected via a suspension with the hull of a watercraft and pivotable via a gondola tilt drive in the azimuthal direction.

DE 10 2009 033 554 A1 shows a propeller nacelle in a so-called pod drive, which is connected via a shaft to a hull of a watercraft. The shaft has a biconcave, aerodynamic cross-section. At least one propeller is attached to the outside of the propeller pod. If two opposing propellers are attached to the outside of the propeller nacelle, this is a traction propeller and a thrust propeller. Furthermore, DE 10 2004 048 754 A1 and DE 10 054 148 A1 disclose pod ship drives with a housing rotatably mounted on the hull with at least one ship propeller outside the housing.

Moreover, it has always been of considerable importance to transfer loads, i. Distribute people and / or goods evenly in or on the vessel. An unequal distribution of loads results in a water imbalance that makes the vessel unstable, particularly when hitting waves and / or gusts of wind which tend to over-tilt a tilted craft than would be the case for a uniformly-loaded craft.

Previously it was not possible to distribute the loads evenly, so additional weights were taken on board to reach a normal position in the water, a process called trimming. However, this means that additional, often superfluous weight, except for the above-mentioned purpose, must be carried, which increases the draft of the vessel, thereby increasing water resistance. This effect is further enhanced by the additional weight to be moved. Trimming is particularly important, especially in the ever-increasing number of passenger ships, cargo ships and platforms today. In the case of passenger ships, this is due in particular to the fact that they have a comparatively high center of gravity due to their high body and thus already have a reduced stability compared to flat watercraft. In cargo ships, especially container ships, which today often provide space for tens of thousands of containers, a uniform load is an essential criterion. This also applies, for example, in port during loading and unloading operations, where regular attention must be paid to even discharge in order to prevent damage to the structure of the ship, which can range up to a hull fracture.

It is the object of the present invention to provide an improved position change device, in particular to provide an improved trim device which provides the user with options for balancing a watercraft in the water and / or an improved drive device, in particular for a watercraft, which has a high reliability , According to the invention the object is achieved by a position change device according to claim 1. The object is achieved independently of this by a drive device according to claim 2 and / or a trim device according to claim 15. A position change device according to the invention, in particular for a watercraft, has a drive device of the type described here and / or a trim device of the type described here.

A position changing device in the sense of the present invention is in particular a device which is provided, in particular adapted, for the position, in particular of a watercraft in the plane (drive device) and / or the alignment along the vertical axis, in particular relative to a water surface (trimming device). to influence and / or define. This is particularly advantageous since in this way a watercraft can be provided which combines the advantages of the drive device according to the invention described here with those of the trim device according to the invention. Beyond the simple "addition" of these advantages, the combination results in advantageous synergy effects, in particular with regard to flow resistance, maneuverability, stability in the water and / or energy efficiency.

A drive device according to the invention, in particular for a watercraft, has:

(a) a housing having an upstream and a downstream end adapted to be located outside a vessel's hull of the vessel;

(b) at least one feed device, which at least partially,

in particular completely, is arranged below the water surface; and

(C) at least one drive device which acts on the feed device with a torque, wherein the housing in the upstream and in the downstream end in each case at least one opening which, by a cross-section perpendicular to

Flow direction at least partially closed channel are interconnected; and wherein the feed device is at least partially, in particular completely, disposed within the channel. The basic idea of this aspect of the present invention is to arrange the feed device at least partially within the channel and connected within the housing such that the latter can contribute to preventing the feed device from being damaged, for example during an upright run protect.

In this way, a prescribed minimum distance between the feed device and substrate can be chosen small, since the drive device is at least partially protected even with a light ground contact. The arrangement of the housing outside of the watercraft hull is particularly advantageous because in this way the at least partially disposed within the housing components such. B. the feed device and the drive device are outsourced from the watercraft fuselage, whereby the available space within the vessel fuselage can be used for other purposes.

Furthermore, it allows the drive device according to the invention to provide a very good maneuverability and positional fidelity, as z. B. is required for suppliers in the offshore sector.

By at least partially provided within the channel arrangement of the feed device is a very free design of the housing outside possible because requirements of the feed device in the design of the housing outside - except for the upstream and downstream openings - are at least of minor importance, in particular at least substantially not relevant are. The channel, which is at least partially closed in cross-section perpendicular to the flow direction, provides at least substantially defined flow properties of the medium passing through, in particular fresh and / or salt water. By a suitable design of the at least partially closed channel energy efficiency is particularly advantageous.

A "drive device" in the sense of the present invention is to be understood as meaning in particular a device which is intended, in particular adapted, to provide an advance in at least one direction A drive device for a watercraft preferably advances the feed at least substantially parallel to the keel line A drive device in the sense of the present invention is mounted at least substantially perpendicular to the keel line rotatable about a vertical axis, whereby a change of the feed direction relative to the keel line of the vessel can be made possible by up to 360 °. A "watercraft" within the meaning of the present invention is to be understood explicitly broad, so that by this all objects are to be understood, which are located on, in or under the water surface and which are intended, in particular furnished, for example, persons and / or goods Examples of watercraft in the sense of the present invention are boats, ships, submarines, rafts, platforms, in particular conveyor platforms, etc. A "housing" in the sense of the present invention is to be understood in particular as meaning a hollow body which is provided, in particular, adapted to receive objects or components in itself, to connect to a unit and / or to protect against environmental effects, in particular mechanical effects, ingress of liquids and / or gases or the like. A housing can in this case be formed either in one piece or in several parts. The housing in the sense of the present invention has at least one upstream and one downstream opening, through which in each case a water volume flow can enter or leave. However, the housing may be configured to prevent this water volume flow from entering other areas of the housing, such as a utility room.

The term "upstream" or "downstream" in the sense of the present invention describes the orientation of an object, for example the housing, with respect to a water flow, wherein "upstream" describes the side of the housing to which the water flow moves towards, while "downstream" describes that side of the housing which is opposite to the side of the housing which is streamed by the water.

In the context of the present invention, a "feed device" is to be understood as meaning a device which absorbs mechanical work and delivers it to the surrounding medium in the form of flow energy.Forward feed devices in the sense of the present invention are, for example, a jet drive, a nozzle-ring propeller, a propeller a shaft or a propeller in an outer raceway. In the context of the present invention, a "drive device" is to be understood as a structural device which provides kinetic energy, in particular in the form of a force or a torque, by means of energy conversion , Hydraulic drives or the like.

A "channel" in the sense of the present invention is to be understood as meaning, in particular, a recess which is closed in a base body at least partially with respect to a cross section which is considered at least substantially perpendicular to an extension direction of the channel, that is to say a channel in the sense of the present invention may be, for example, a groove or groove which is formed in the base object (here is a partially closed cross-section ago) or may be in the form of a passage or tunnel (in this context, is spoken by a closed cross-section).

According to a preferred embodiment, the channel is designed as a tubular tunnel with a closed cross-section perpendicular to the flow direction and / or the feed device is completely enclosed by the housing in a plane perpendicular to the flow direction.

According to this embodiment, the channel need not be formed over the entire length as a tubular tunnel perpendicular to the flow direction with a closed cross-section, but may for example also have a groove-like inlet and / or outlet, so that only an interposed region in the form of a tubular tunnel is formed with a closed cross-section, wherein the feed device is at least partially, in particular completely, within this interposed tubular portion.

A "watercraft hull" in the sense of the present invention is to be understood as meaning in particular the one-part or multi-part part of the watercraft intended, in particular furnished, for receiving, on or in itself, machines, goods and / or persons Watercraft body is arranged according to an embodiment at least partially, in particular completely, above the water surface. The watercraft body provides at least a portion of the desired buoyancy force itself and / or is at least mechanically connected to means that provide buoyancy, such as floats. A watercraft fuselage within the meaning of the present invention is, for example, a classic ship or boat hull, which is at least at least substantially flat platform of a raft, a boat or ship shell or the like. A watercraft can have only one hull (eg monohull vessel), two hulls (eg catamaran) or more hulls (eg trimaran).

A "buoyancy body" in the sense of the present invention is to be understood in particular as a device which, because of its ratio of volume and mass, is designed, in particular adapted, to influence its position in the water with these mechanically connected objects, in particular to and / Examples of buoyancy bodies in the sense of the present invention are, inter alia, gases, in particular ambient air, filled hollow bodies of metal and / or plastic and / or rubbery material, in particular balloons, foam bodies, or the like Active components may be, for example, tanks, cavities, canisters, balloons, hoses, pipes, etc. Active components include, for example, valves, pumps, gas-operated blow-out devices, but also devices ngen, which actively and directly generate a buoyancy itself, such. B. at least at least substantially along the vertical axis oriented propeller and / or screw drives, water and / or gas nozzles, internal combustion engines or the like.

According to a preferred embodiment, the housing is intended, in particular adapted, to be arranged at a distance from the vessel hull and wherein the drive device further comprises a connection device which is provided, in particular designed, to provide a mechanical connection between the housing and the watercraft body. A "connection device" in the sense of the present invention is to be understood as meaning, in particular, a device which provides a mechanical connection between the housing and the watercraft fuselage, for example in the form of a rod fixed to both ends, a hollow body, for example a tubular hollow body, or from limp elements such as a rope, rope, chain, hose or the like According to one embodiment, the connecting device is designed with regard to its outer geometry with regard to its fluidic properties, in particular with regard to the flow resistance.

According to one embodiment, the connecting device itself is optimized with regard to its fluidic properties, in particular with regard to its external geometry. According to one embodiment, in addition to providing a mechanical connection between the housing and the watercraft fuselage, the connection device performs further tasks, such as, e.g. As the provision of electrical energy and / or liquid or gaseous fuels and / or in particular gaseous, blowing media, in particular for blowing out floats, as will be described in more detail below, or a transmission of control signals electrical, electronic and / or mechanical Type of components in or on the watercraft hull to components within the housing.

According to a preferred embodiment, the distance between housing and watercraft body, in particular by a telescopic construction of the connecting device, variable. The connecting device of the drive device provides on the side of the watercraft body and / or on the side of the housing a rotary / pivoting unit, via which the drive device in the horizontal about a vertical axis of rotation is arbitrarily rotatable.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the rotary / pivoting unit provides the possibility of pivoting and a further axis, in particular about an at least substantially horizontal axis. According to a preferred embodiment, the housing is movable relative to the watercraft, in particular with respect to the watercraft body, in particular pivotable about a vertical axis and / or at least about another axis. As a result, a very high maneuverability of the vessel is achieved and possibly can be dispensed with the use of an additional rudder entirely. The rotation about the vertical axis is particularly suitable for maneuvering the watercraft in two-dimensional space, ie in particular on the water surface. A pivoting of the housing about an axis other than the vertical axis is intended, in particular adapted to allow a portion of the feed generated by the feed device a change in the position of the vessel in the water, for example, to raise the vessel by means of the drive means at least partially out of the water to thereby reduce in particular the draft of the watercraft in overcoming areas of low water, especially shallows, or near-shore areas.

According to this embodiment, the channel need not be formed over the entire length as a tubular tunnel perpendicular to the flow direction with a closed cross-section, but may for example also have a groove-like inlet and / or outlet, so that only an interposed region in the form of a tubular tunnel is formed with a closed cross-section, wherein the feed device is at least partially, in particular completely, within this interposed portion.

According to a preferred embodiment, the drive device further comprises at least one buoyant body within the housing. This buoyant body is arranged in particular between an outer wall of the housing and the at least partially closed channel, wherein the at least one buoyant body provided therefor, in particular adapted, at least temporarily separated from the water surrounding the housing at least at least substantially waterproof. The drive device according to this embodiment is at least essentially freely scalable with regard to the lift and the drive within the design limits.

According to a preferred embodiment, at least one of the buoyancy bodies has a plurality of separate volume areas. This makes it possible to set individual volume sections of the buoyant body independently of the others with regard to the buoyancy force provided by it. Such a separation is preferably carried out by at least one partition wall and / or at least one bulkhead. According to a further preferred embodiment, the buoyant body is controllable with respect to the buoyancy force provided by it, in particular controllable. In other words, the buoyancy body is tarable, z. B. by pumping, so as to make the draft / buoyancy of a connected via the connecting device to the drive device watercraft controlled, in particular controllable. For this purpose, it is provided that the buoyancy body is filled either exclusively with gas, in particular air, or completely with fluid, in particular water, or can assume any filling level of gas or fluid located between these two extremes. For certain applications, such. B. Beladevorgänge, the buoyancy can be chosen so that the drive device or the drive devices are lowered or rise relative to the water surface.

In this way it is also possible to prevent parts of the feed device, in particular the blade tips, from dipping out of the water. Extraction of leaf tips from the water, even already a critical approach to the water surface, in addition to a decrease in the feed grade also leads to increased unevenness in thrust generation, increased noise and cavitation effects. Also can be avoided in this way that the dynamic positioning of a watercraft due to undesired movements, which is initiated by an erosion of propeller blade tips, is difficult.

Reducing the buoyancy provided by the buoyant bodies results in the vessel with its hull being deeper in the water. As a result, the vessel is less susceptible to the influence of swell and / or wind, since the position of the center of gravity is lowered, in particular lowered into the area below the water surface.

According to a preferred embodiment, the at least one controllable, in particular controllable, buoyant body on: a) a valve device having at least one closed position and a passage position, which is adapted to control a fluid flow and / or gas flow into the buoyancy body, in particular to regulate; and / or b) an emptying device, in particular comprising a pump device and / or a blowing device, which is provided, in particular designed, to control, in particular to regulate, a fluid drain from the buoyant body.

For the purposes of the present invention, all pump concepts which are provided, in particular designed, for the purpose of effecting the required fluid discharge or fluid inflow or gas inflow or gas inflow can be used as the pump device. Examples of pump devices include positive displacement pumps, in particular diaphragm pumps, rotary piston pumps,

Eccentric screw pumps, impeller pumps, chain pumps, piston pumps, annular piston pumps and the like, as well as flow pumps, in particular axial, diagonal or radial pumps. An inflator according to a preferred embodiment comprises: a gas valve device with at least one closed position and a passage position, a pressure-providing device, in particular a pressure tank and / or compressor and a releasable by the valve means gas-conducting connection between pressure supply means and the float.

According to a preferred embodiment, at least the opening in the 5 upstream end of the housing has a protection device which is arranged to at least reduce the likelihood of penetration of solids into the channel. The protective device according to one embodiment has a structure of at least at least substantially parallel limp or solid bodies on (so-called grill) and / or formed of metal, plastic or i o other limp material formed grid or mesh and / or other suitable filter structure.

According to a preferred embodiment, the feed device has an outer retaining ring which limits the diameter of the feed device to the outside. In

15 this design can be dispensed with a shaft. The feed device according to this embodiment is directed inwards on the axis of rotation, the ring is mounted in the channel or within the housing. This is particularly advantageous, since in this design can be dispensed with a shaft, hub, around which could wind nets, fishing lines and hawsers. Especially with a view to the high

20 requirements for operational reliability of marine propulsion, which are used for dynamic positioning, this design variant of the drive device is very contrary to the requirements in offshore operation.

The housing of the drive device preferably has a flow-favorable channel profile and / or a streamlined outer profile. Furthermore, aerodynamic, in particular round, formations may be provided at the upstream and downstream ends of the housing in order to reduce turbulence around the drive device. The nozzle effect of the channel achieved by this design helps to achieve a very good bollard pull of the feed device 30 and to make the dynamic positioning of the watercraft easy.

According to a preferred embodiment, the drive device further comprises an energy recovery device, which is provided for, in particular is set up to absorb braking energy and / or swirl energy, in particular by utilizing an inflowing water volume flow.

According to another preferred embodiment, the housing is provided, in particular adapted, electrical and / or electronic components, such. As energy storage, batteries, control devices, control devices and pumps to absorb.

According to a preferred embodiment, the drive device further comprises a traction drive, in particular a combined traction and thrust drive. In this case, the drive device preferably has two impellers within the channel, which once generate a tensile force and once a feed either because of the blade geometries and / or the directions of rotation. According to a preferred embodiment, both the feed device and the pulling device are driven by one and the same drive device, in particular via a gearbox.

A watercraft in the sense of the present invention has at least one drive device of the type described here. For the benefits of such a designed watercraft reference is made to the corresponding statements to avoid unnecessary repetition. These apply to the vessel in the same way.

According to a preferred embodiment, such a watercraft has a plurality of drive devices, which are at least partially in terms of their buoyancy, in particular with each other, controlled or regulated. So it is z. B. possible to compensate for a load balance during stowage. After execution, similar sinking operations are possible, similar to submarines. Next can also be subsequently placed on the deck of the vessel deck superstructures or loads variably placed and / or loaded and / or deleted, without affecting z. B. has the relative horizontal position of the deck. Furthermore, the position of the deck can be adapted individually to the requirements of a loading or Deletion adapted, z. B. inclined, lowered and / or lifted, to directly support a charging, deleting and / or storage process.

Preferably, each feed device, in particular separately, with respect to shear direction and / or shear strength can be controlled.

The dynamic positioning of the vessel may be realized by rotating one and / or more propulsion devices about the respective axes of rotation A and / or by varying the thrust and / or by varying the provided lift between a plurality of propulsion devices and / or floats distributed to a plurality of propulsion devices.

Furthermore, the combination of several drive devices on a watercraft is possible, in particular with regard to geometry, performance, buoyancy and drives of different drive devices in order to be able to respond to the individual requirements of the watercraft or the carrier platform.

An inventive use of a drive device is the drive of a watercraft.

Here too, reference should be made to the above explanations regarding the drive device with regard to further refinements and advantages, which apply in the same way at this point. After a preferred use, the drive device is provided for, in particular set up, retrofitted as a retrofit and / or to be mounted in the vessel.

This makes it possible to make watercraft, which have remained for example due to engine damage, using the drive device according to the invention again manoeuvrable and / or watercraft, such. B. platforms to move to their mounting position and then remove the drives again, as they are not needed at least for the duration of stationary attachment to the seabed. For this purpose, the connecting device according to a preferred embodiment, flexible, releasable fixations to secure the drive device to the vessel.

A trim device according to the present invention, in particular for a watercraft, comprises:

(A) a housing having an upstream and a downstream end, which is adapted to be arranged outside, in particular at least substantially below, the watercraft;

(b) at least one buoyant body disposed at least partially within the housing and providing a controllable buoyancy force;

(c) at least one connection device adapted to at least mechanically connect the housing spaced from a watercraft body of the watercraft; and

(D) a control device which is adapted to control the position of the watercraft relative to the water surface, wherein the control means is adapted to that of the buoyant body

to control provided buoyancy, in particular to regulate; and / or the

Control means is adapted to control, in particular to regulate a provided by the connecting means distance between the watercraft body and the housing; and wherein the housing is movable relative to the watercraft, in particular pivotable about a vertical axis and / or at least about another axis.

The basic idea of the present invention is to change the buoyancy of a buoyant body disposed outside of a watercraft to thereby influence the attitude of the watercraft in the water. This is done according to the invention either by adjusting the buoyancy provided by the buoyancy body, in particular at least substantially constant distance of the housing from the body, and / or by changing the said distance. The arrangement of the housing or the housing with the buoyancy body or the buoyancy bodies outside, in particular at least substantially below the watercraft, allows a very good space utilization in or on the watercraft, since the space gained for the accommodation of people and / or goods or the like can be provided. Alternatively and / or additionally, it is possible with the trimming device according to the invention to implement the watercraft in a small-scale construction and / or to optimize the elements located in the water with regard to the flow properties.

By controlling the buoyancy force, it is possible to influence the position of the vessel in the water. A high buoyancy force ensures that the vessel is higher in the water and therefore less resistant to water when moving. A small buoyancy provided provides for the watercraft to be lower in the water, lowering the center of gravity relative to the water surface, which means increased stability of the craft against swell and / or wind gusts. Also, by changing the distance between the base body and the housing, the position of the watercraft in the water can be influenced due to the Archimedean principle.

According to one embodiment, such a buoyancy is generated by means of the buoyant body that the lower edge of the watercraft body completely above the

Smooth water levels, especially above the water surface, is located.

As a result, the water resistance of the vessel can be reduced and / or the draft can be reduced, for example, to overcome shallows. Furthermore, the buoyant body can be controlled in such a way, in particular regulated, that thereby an adjustment of the height level to another

Watercraft (not shown) or another statically arranged in or on the water object can be achieved, for example, to facilitate a translation of goods and / or people.

Due to the mobility of the housing relative to the watercraft, in particular with respect to the watercraft fuselage is a very high Maneuverability of the watercraft achieved, in particular because the housing can be aligned with respect to the watercraft fuselage in such a way that, especially when changing direction, the water resistance of the trimmer can be kept low.

A "trimming device" in the sense of the present invention is to be understood in particular as meaning a device which is especially adapted to align a body with a desired position For the purposes of the present invention, the trimming primarily concerns a static trimming, ie the trimming forces generated are at least substantially independent of the speed of a trimmed body The trimming device according to the invention thereby alters a parameter from a group consisting of: a yaw angle, ie, an angle describing a rotation about the Z-axis of a Cartesian coordinate system, where the Z-axis may also be referred to as a yaw, high, or vertical axis; a pitch angle, ie, an angle which is one turn the Y axis of the Cartesian coordinate describes ensystems, wherein the Y-axis can also be referred to as pitch or transverse axis; a roll angle, i. an angle which describes a rotation about the X-axis of the Cartesian coordinate system running in the longitudinal direction of the body, wherein the X-axis can also be called rolling, rolling or longitudinal axis; and an orientation of the body in the Z-direction relative to the water surface. The water surface defines the X-Y plane, which is spanned by the axes of the Cartesian coordinate system.

A "watercraft" within the meaning of the present invention is to be understood explicitly broad, so that by this all objects are to be understood, which are located on, in or under the water surface and which are intended, in particular furnished, for example, persons and / or goods Examples of vessels within the meaning of the present invention are boats, ships, submarines, rafts, platforms, in particular production platforms, and the like. A "housing" in the sense of the present invention is to be understood in particular as meaning a hollow body which is designed, in particular adapted to receive objects and / or components, connect them to a unit and / or against influences from the environment, in particular mechanical A housing may in this case be designed either in one part or in several parts The housing in the sense of the present invention has at least one upstream and one downstream opening, through which in each case a volume of water flow is switched on or off According to one embodiment, the housing is configured to prevent this water flow from entering other areas of the housing, such as a utility room.

The term "upstream" or "downstream" in the sense of the present invention describes the orientation of an object, for example the housing, with respect to a water flow, wherein "upstream" describes the side of the housing to which the water flow moves towards, while "downstream" describes that side of the housing, which is opposite to the side of the housing flowed by the water. For the purposes of the present invention, a "watercraft hull" is to be understood as meaning in particular the one-part or multi-part part of the watercraft which is provided, in particular designed, for receiving, on or in itself, machines, goods and / or persons The watercraft fuselage provides at least a portion of the desired buoyancy force itself and / or is at least mechanically connected to means providing buoyancy, such as floats.A watercraft fuselage within the meaning of the present invention For example, a classic ship or boat hull that is at least at least substantially flat platform of a raft, a boat or ship shell, etc. A watercraft may have only one hull (eg, a monohull ship ), have two hulls (z. Catamaran) or more hulls (eg trimaran). A "buoyancy body" in the sense of the present invention is to be understood in particular as a device which, because of its ratio of volume and mass, is designed, in particular adapted, to influence its position in the water with these mechanically connected objects, in particular to and / Examples of buoyancy bodies in the sense of the present invention are, inter alia, gases, in particular ambient air, filled hollow bodies of metal and / or plastic and / or rubbery material, in particular balloons, foam bodies or the like Active components may include, for example, tanks, cavities, canisters, balloons, hoses, pipes, etc. Active components include, for example, valves, pumps, gas-fired blow-out devices, as well as devices gen, which actively and directly generate a buoyancy, such. As propeller and / or screw drives, water and / or gas nozzles, internal combustion engines or the like.

A "connecting device" in the sense of the present invention is to be understood in particular as a device which provides a mechanical connection between the housing and the watercraft body, for example in the form of a rod fixed to both ends, a hollow body, for example a tubular hollow body. According to one embodiment, the connecting device is designed with regard to its outer geometry in terms of its fluidic properties, in particular with regard to the flow resistance, adapted.

According to one embodiment, the connecting device on the side of the watercraft body and / or on the side of the housing has a rotating and / or pivoting device, via which the housing is rotatable about a rotation axis. According to one embodiment, the connecting device itself is optimized with regard to its fluidic properties, in particular with regard to its external geometry. According to one embodiment, in addition to providing a mechanical connection between the housing and the watercraft fuselage, the connection device performs further tasks, such as, e.g. B. the provision of electrical Energy and / or liquid or gaseous fuels and / or in particular gaseous, propellant media, in particular for blowing out floats, as will be described in more detail below, or a transmission of control signals electrical, electronic and / or mechanical type of components in or on the watercraft hull to components within the housing.

The height of the connection device is structurally designed for a required draft of the watercraft. According to a preferred embodiment, the distance of the housing and the watercraft body, in particular by a telescopic construction of the connecting device, kept variable.

A "control device" in the sense of the present invention is to be understood in particular as meaning a device which receives, processes, and generates a drive signal for at least one other component of the trimming device, for this purpose the control device has, for example, a processor device and a memory device Sensor devices in the sense of the present invention are, for example, position and / or position sensors, antennas for receiving external control commands, GPS receivers, DGPS receivers (DGPS: Differential Global Positioning system) or the like Based on such measurements, a controlled position of the vessel in the water can be achieved According to these measurements and the trim specifications, at least one component becomes the trim device ung driven to adjust the desired position and / or the desired draft of the vessel. According to a preferred embodiment, the buoyancy body is intended, in particular, to be filled exclusively with gas, in particular air, or completely with fluid, in particular water, or in particular at least essentially any, between these two extremes located, filling level of gas or To accept fluid. For certain applications, such. As loading operations, the buoyancy can be chosen so that a reference plane of the vessel drops or rises relative to the water surface. According to a preferred embodiment, the buoyancy body has a plurality of, in particular by at least one partition, separate volume areas. This makes it possible to set individual volume sections of the buoyant body independently of the other, with regard to the buoyancy force provided by him. Such a separation is preferably carried out by a partition wall and / or a bulkhead.

According to a preferred embodiment, the at least one controllable, in particular controllable, buoyancy body:

a) a valve device having at least one closed position and a passage position, which is provided, in particular designed to control a fluid flow into the buoyancy body, in particular to regulate; and or

b) an emptying device, in particular having a pump device and / or a blowing device, which is provided, in particular designed to control a fluid drain from the buoyant body, in particular to regulate.

As a pump device in the context of the present invention, all pump concepts come into question, which are provided, in particular designed to effect the required Gasab- or gas flow or Fluidab- or fluid flow. Examples of pump devices include positive displacement pumps, in particular diaphragm pumps, rotary piston pumps,

Eccentric screw pumps, impeller pumps, chain pumps, piston pumps, annular piston pumps and the like, as well as flow pumps, in particular axial, diagonal or radial pumps. An inflator after a preferred embodiment comprises: a gas valve device with at least one closed position and a passage position, a pressure-providing device, in particular a pressure tank and / or a compressor, as well as a releasable by the valve means gas-conducting connection between pressure supply device and the float.

According to a preferred embodiment, the connecting device comprises: a) at least two elements which are telescopically displaceable; and / or b) means which are provided, in particular configured, for passing the connection device at least partially through a watercraft fuselage and at least partially retracting it within the watercraft fuselage.

According to one embodiment, the connecting device has at least two, in particular two, three, four, five, six or more, elements which are telescopically displaceable one inside the other. Thus, the change in the provided distance between the base body and the housing can be controlled in such a way that at least substantially no components of the connection device enter the watercraft body. In other words, the connection device is fastened to the outside of the vessel fuselage and is not intended, in particular configured, to be retracted at least partially into the interior of the vessel fuselage. As a result, with regard to the arrangement of goods and / or persons in or on the watercraft, at least substantially at least essentially no consideration for the connecting devices has to be taken. Alternatively and / or optionally, the connecting devices can be at least partially retracted into the watercraft fuselage. As a result, a very simple structural realization of the connecting device is possible. According to a preferred embodiment, the connecting device is provided for, in particular, configured to project at least partially beyond a deck of the watercraft. In this way, a very simple constructive realization of relatively large distances between the watercraft body and the housing 5 can be realized.

According to a preferred embodiment, the trimming device further comprises: a) at least one feed device, which is arranged at least partially, in particular completely, below the water surface; and b) at least one drive device, which is provided, in particular, configured to apply a torque to the feed device.

15

According to this embodiment, the original properties of a trimming device as described above are supplemented by the capability of the vessel additionally in the X- and Y-directions, respectively. maneuver on the water surface to a desired position.

20

In the context of the present invention, a "feed device" is to be understood as meaning a device which absorbs mechanical work and delivers it to the surrounding medium in the form of flow energy.Forward feed devices in the sense of the present invention are, for example, a jet drive, a nozzle ring propeller, a propeller on a shaft or a propeller in an outer raceway.

A "drive device" in the sense of the present invention is to be understood in particular as meaning a constructive device which provides kinetic energy, in particular in the form of a force or a torque, by means of energy conversion. Atomic energy drives, hydraulic drives or the like. By a suitably trained trimming a very good maneuverability and positional fidelity is provided as z. B. is required for suppliers in the offshore sector. According to a preferred embodiment, the housing in the upstream end and the downstream end in each case at least one opening, which are connected by a cross-section perpendicular to the flow direction, at least partially closed channel with each other; and wherein the feed device is arranged at least partially within, in particular completely, within the channel. The basic idea of these embodiments is to arrange the feed device at least partially within the channel and connected within the housing in such a way that the latter at least partially protects the feed device from damage, for example when running up-to-the-ground.

In this way, a prescribed minimum distance between the feed device and ground can be chosen small, since the drive device is protected even with a light ground contact. By at least partially provided within the channel arrangement of the feed device is a very free design of the housing outside possible because requirements of the feed device in the design of the housing outside - except for the upstream and downstream openings - are at least of minor importance, in particular at least substantially not relevant are.

The channel, which is at least partially closed in cross-section perpendicular to the flow direction, provides at least substantially defined flow properties of the passing medium, in particular fresh or salt water, passing through it. By a suitable design of the at least partially closed channel, the energy efficiency can be formed particularly advantageous. A "channel" in the sense of the present invention is to be understood as meaning, in particular, a recess which is closed in a base body at least partially with respect to a cross section which is considered at least substantially perpendicular to an extension direction of the channel, that is to say a channel in the sense of the present invention may be, for example, a groove or groove formed in the base object (here is a partially closed cross-section) or may be in the form of a passage (referred to in this context as a closed cross-section) the channel is formed as a closed-section tubular tunnel perpendicular to the flow direction and / or the feed device is completely enclosed by the housing in a plane perpendicular to the flow direction Tunnel may be formed perpendicular to the flow direction with a closed cross-section, but may for example also have a channel-like inlet and / or outlet, so that only an interposed region in the form of a tubular tunnel is formed with a closed cross-section, wherein the feed device at least partially, in particular completely located within this intermediate tubular portion.

By combining the trimming device with elements of a drive device, it is also possible to prevent parts of the feed device, in particular the blade tips, from dipping out of the water. Extraction of leaf tips from the water, even already a critical approach to the water surface, in addition to a decrease in the feed grade also leads to increased unevenness in thrust generation, increased noise and cavitation effects. It can also be avoided in this way that the dynamic positioning of a vessel due to undesired movements, which is initiated by a drowning of propeller blade tips, is difficult. According to a preferred embodiment, the feed device is selected from a group comprising: a jet drive, a nozzle ring propeller, a propeller on a shaft or a propeller in an outer raceway.

According to a preferred embodiment, at least one opening in the upstream end of the housing has a protective device which is provided, in particular adapted, for at least reducing the probability of solids penetrating into the channel. According to one embodiment, the protective device has a structure of at least at least substantially parallel or slippery or solid bodies (so-called grill) and / or a grid formed of metal, plastic or other pliable material and / or another suitable filter structure.

A watercraft according to the invention has a trimming device according to one of the embodiments described above.

For the advantages of a vessel equipped in this way, reference is made to the above explanations of the trim device, which apply equally to the vessel.

20

An inventive use of a trimming device is the trim of a watercraft.

Again, reference is made to the above statements for the benefit of avoiding 25 repetitions.

A preferred use provides to retrofit the trim device as a retrofit and / or to install in the vessel.

30 This makes it possible to make watercraft, which have remained for example due to engine damage, with the help of the drive device according to the invention again manoeuvrable and / or watercraft, such. B. platforms to move to their mounting position and the devices thereafter again, as they are not needed at least for the duration of the stationary attachment to the seabed.

For this purpose, the connecting device according to a preferred embodiment, flexible, releasable fixations to secure the drive device to the vessel.

Further advantageous developments of the present invention will become apparent from the dependent claims and the following description of preferred embodiments. 1 shows a schematic, partially schematic view of a drive device according to an embodiment of the present invention on a watercraft; three further embodiments of the drive device according to the invention; a schematic view of a watercraft with a plurality of feed-forward trim devices according to an embodiment of the present invention; a schematic view of a watercraft with a combination of trimming devices with and without feed function according to an embodiment of the present invention; and a schematic view of a trim device with additional feed function according to an embodiment of the present invention on a watercraft.

Fig. 1 shows a drive device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The drive device 100 has a housing 110, a feed device 120, a channel 130, a buoyancy body 140 and a connection device 150. About the connecting device 150 is the Drive device 100 with a watercraft 1, more precisely, the watercraft body 1 a of the watercraft 1 mechanically connected.

The drive device 100 is rotatable or pivotable relative to the watercraft 1 about a rotation axis A. The feed device 120 is driven by a drive device (not shown). The drive device can either be arranged inside the channel 130 in front of or behind the feed device 120 or else be arranged within the housing 110, wherein the drive device according to this embodiment is mechanically connected mechanically, in particular via a shaft, a gear or the like, to the feed device.

By the driving means 120, a flow S is generated, whereby water at the upstream end of the housing 1 10 is sucked in and discharged at the downstream end of the housing 1 10. As a result, a mechanical feed is generated, which is transmitted via the connecting device 150 to the watercraft, whereby the watercraft is set in motion.

The floating body 140 is dimensioned according to the present embodiment in such a way that it is provided, in particular adapted, to influence the position of the watercraft in the water.

In the state shown in FIG. 1, such a buoyancy is generated by means of the buoyant body 140 that a lower edge 1 b of the watercraft body 1 a is located completely above the level of smooth water W _G , in particular above the water surface W. As a result, the water resistance of the vessel can be reduced and / or the draft can be reduced, for example, to overcome shallows. Furthermore, the buoyant body can be controlled, in particular regulated, in such a way that an adaptation of the height level to another watercraft (not shown) or another object arranged statically in or on the water can be achieved, for example by translating goods and / or To facilitate people. Fig. 2 shows further embodiments of a drive device 100 'according to the invention; 100 "as well as 100"'. The above statements regarding the design and the mode of operation apply to the embodiments 100 ', 100 "and 100"' in the same way, unless otherwise stated in the following statements.

The embodiments of the drive device 100 ', 100 "and 100"' shown in FIG. 2 differ from the embodiment of FIG. 1 only with regard to the fluidic design of the housing and / or the channels. In this way, the properties of the drive device according to the invention can be adapted to the respective requirements. For example, as in the embodiment of the drive device 100 ', the housing may be formed with an increased volume to preferably provide a larger volume for the buoyant body (s) and thus provide greater latitude in modifying the position of the craft in the water. The embodiment 100 "', however, has a rather small-sized housing 1 10, so that here the modification options are either limited or completely omitted in the case of an embodiment without buoyant body.

The geometric shape of the drive device can therefore be adapted almost to the needs of a watercraft, so as to take into account "shape follows function" aspects in the design of the watercraft and / or the drive device different tasks with respect to the driving resistance, a dynamic positioning, low production, low or a favorable ratio of mass to the displacement volume are determined.

An exact shaping depends on the task of the vessel use and is limited only to a very limited extent by the technical specifications of the drive. The shape of the at least partially closed channel and the outer geometry of the housing are chosen, taking into account further criteria, for example, so that an advantageous ratio of flow resistance and feed grade can be achieved. Fig. 3 shows a watercraft 1, comprising a watercraft body 1 a and three trim devices 10 'with additional feed function after a

Embodiment of the present invention. The trim devices 10 'comprise: a housing 110, an advancing device 120, a buoyant body 140 and a connecting device 150. In the illustration of FIG. 3, the buoyancy bodies 140 arranged in the housings 110 are connected via rod-shaped connecting devices 150 to the watercraft body 1 a of the watercraft 1 connected. The individual housings are furthermore each provided with a feed device 120, which are each driven by a drive device (not shown).

Feed device and buoyancy bodies are arranged in relation to the water surface W such that hydrostatic buoyancy and thrust generation take place outside the main region of influence of the waves, ie below the lowest permissible wave trough for calm swell behavior W _T. In calm sea, the watercraft is preferably brought by the trimming devices according to the invention in a position so that the watercraft hull 1 a has completely emerged from the water, ie the lower edge 1 b of the watercraft hull 1 a above the height of the highest permissible wave crest for calm sea conditions W _H is arranged. The plane aligned horizontally in the plane of the level of smooth water corresponds to the Cartesian coordinate system represented by the X and Y axes

spanned level.

In order to ensure the requirements of safe transport, according to a preferred embodiment, the center of gravity of the entire vessel 1 with respect to the Metazentrum M to choose so deep that a stable floating position is ensured even at a conceivable during transport sea state. Above the hull 1 a deck constructions and the persons and / or materials to be transported can be located. Furthermore, there may also be possible superstructures and technical supply systems here. The trim devices 10 'are each rotatable about an axis A. In addition, one or more of the trim devices 10 'may be provided for

be set up in particular, to be a further axis, in particular an axis perpendicular to the axis of rotation A, to be pivoted. This makes it possible to actively control the provided buoyancy of the trimming device in another way. Trimming devices 10 without feed function can also be provided, in particular adapted, to be rotated around a vertical axis A, in particular in order to adapt the flow resistance, for example, during a turn.

The connecting means 150 of the trimming devices 10 'can either comprise elements which are telescopically displaceable one behind the other and / or have means which are provided, in particular adapted, for the connection device 150 through the watercraft body 1 a of the

Watercraft 1 to pass through, in particular so that they at least partially protrude above a deck of the watercraft 1. The above applies to the embodiments of the trimming device 10 or 10 "described below in the same way.

FIG. 4 shows the watercraft 1 with a combination of feed function trimers 10 'already described with respect to FIG. 3 and non-feed trim apparatuses 10 according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in Fig. 4, also various embodiments

Be arranged according to the invention trimming devices on one and the same vessel. It is explicitly pointed out that additionally fuselage nacelles according to the invention can also be arranged below a watercraft according to the invention, in particular in order to provide a feed, wherein at least substantially no contribution, in particular no controllable contribution to buoyancy, has to be made. According to the embodiment of FIG. 4, the two trim devices 10 'with additional feed function in addition to a buoyancy force for the

Watercraft 1 required feed ready. At the corners of the

Watercraft hull 1 a, for example, a platform, respectively

Trimming devices 10 provided without such a feed function. These thus serve to stabilize the vessel 1 in the water and / or the

Balancing the same. Fig. 5 shows a schematic view of another invention

Embodiment of a trimming device 10 "with internal feed device 120. The trimming device 10", in contrast to the embodiment of the

Trimming device 10 'to a channel 130, in which the feed device 120 is at least partially disposed. The trimming device 10 "is rotatable or pivotable relative to the watercraft 1 about a rotation axis A. Die

Feed device 120 is driven by a drive device (not shown). The drive device can either be arranged inside the channel 130 in front of or behind the feed device 120 or else be arranged within the housing 110, wherein the drive device according to one embodiment

mechanically, in particular via a shaft, a gear or the like is mechanically connected to the feed device 120. By the driving means 120, a flow S is generated, whereby water at the upstream end of the housing 1 10 is sucked in and discharged at the downstream end of the housing 1 10. As a result, a mechanical feed is generated, which is transmitted via the connecting device 150 to the watercraft 1, whereby the watercraft 1 is set in motion.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1 watercraft

1 a watercraft hull

1 b Lower edge of the watercraft hull 1 a

10 trim device

10 'trimmer with additional feed function

10 "trim device with additional feed function 00 drive device

00 'drive device

0 "drive device

10 housing

20 feed device

30 channel

40 buoyancy bodies

50 connection device

A rotation axis

B center of buoyancy

G center of gravity

M metacenter

0 _G top edge of the housing 1 10

Ov upper edge of the feed device 120

S flow direction

W water surface

W _{G level of} smooth water

W _H highest permissible wave crest for calm sea behavior

W _T lowest permissible wave trough for calm sea behavior

X direction of the X-axis

Y direction of the Y axis

z direction of the Z axis

Claims

P a n t a n s p r e c h e

1 . Position changing device, in particular for a watercraft, comprising: a drive device (100, 100 ', 100 ", 100"') according to one of claims 2 to 11; and a trimming device (10, 10 ', 10 ") according to one of claims 15 to 24.

Second drive device (100, 100 ', 100 ", 100"'), in particular for a watercraft (1), with:

(a) a housing (110) with an upstream and a

downstream end adapted to be located outside of a watercraft hull (1a) of the watercraft (1);

(B) at least one feed device (120) which at least partially, in particular completely, below the water surface (W) is arranged; and

(c) at least one drive device, which acts on the feed device (120) with a torque, characterized in that the housing (110) in the upstream and in the downstream end in each case at least one opening which through a cross-section perpendicular to the flow direction ( S) are at least partially closed channel (130) connected to each other, wherein the feed device (120) at least partially, in particular completely, within the channel (130) is arranged.

3. Drive device according to claim 2, wherein the housing (110) of the

Water body (1 a) is spaced and wherein the drive device (100, 100 ', 100 ", 100"') further comprises a connecting device (150), which a mechanical connection between the housing (110) and the

Watercraft hull (1 a) provides.

4. Drive device according to one of claims 2 or 3, wherein the housing (110) relative to the vessel (1) is movable, in particular about a vertical axis (A) and / or at least about another axis, is.

5. Drive device according to one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the channel (130) as a tubular tunnel with a closed cross-section perpendicular to

Flow direction (S) is formed and / or the feed device (120) of the housing (110) in a plane perpendicular to the flow direction (S) is completely enclosed.

6. Drive device according to one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the

Feed device (120) is selected from a group, comprising: a jet drive, a nozzle ring propeller, a propeller on a shaft or a propeller in an outer ring runner.

7. Drive device according to one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the

Drive device (100, 100 ', 100 ", 100"') within the housing (110) further comprises at least one buoyancy body (140).

8. Drive device according to claim 7, wherein the buoyant body (140) a

Plural to, in particular by at least one partition, separate

Has volume ranges.

9. Drive device according to one of claims 7 or 8, wherein at least one of the buoyancy bodies (140) controllable with respect to the buoyancy force provided by it, in particular controllable, is.

10. Drive device according to claim 9, wherein the at least one controllable, in particular controllable, buoyant body (140) comprises:

(A) a valve device with at least one closed position and a

Passage position, which is adapted to control a fluid flow and / or a gas flow into the buoyancy body (140), in particular to regulate; and or

(B) an emptying device, in particular comprising a

Pump device and / or a blowing device, which is adapted to control a fluid drain from the buoyancy body (140), in particular to regulate.

1 1. Drive device according to one of claims 2 to 10, wherein at least the

Opening in the upstream end of the housing (110) has a protective device which is adapted to at least reduce the likelihood of penetration of solids in the channel.

12. Watercraft (1), comprising at least one drive device (100, 100 ', 100 ", 100"') according to one of claims 2 to 1 1.

13. Use of a drive device (100, 100 ', 100 ", 100"') according to one of claims 2 to 1 1 for driving a watercraft (1).

14. Use according to claim 13, wherein the drive device (100, 100 ', 100 ", 100"') provided therefor, in particular adapted, is to be attached as a retrofit device to and / or in the watercraft (1).

15. trimming device (10, 10 ', 10 "), in particular for a watercraft (1), with:

(a) a housing (110) with an upstream and a

downstream end adapted to be located outside, in particular at least substantially below, the watercraft (1);

(B) at least one buoyant body (140), which at least partially

is disposed within the housing (110) and a controllable

Buoyancy force provides;

(c) at least one connection means (150) arranged to at least mechanically connect said housing (110) to a watercraft fuselage (1a) of said watercraft (1); and

(D) a control device which is adapted to control the position of the watercraft (1) relative to the water surface (W), characterized in that the control device is adapted to control the buoyancy force provided by the buoyant body (140), in particular to regulate; and / or the control device is adapted to receive one of the

Connection device (150) provided distance between the

Control watercraft body (1 a) and the housing (110), in particular to regulate; and that the housing (110) is movable relative to the vessel (1), in particular about a vertical axis (A) and / or at least about another axis, is.

16. trimming device according to claim 15, wherein the buoyant body (140) has a plurality of, in particular by at least one partition, separate volume areas.

17. A trim device according to any one of claims 15 or 16, wherein the at least one buoyant body (140) comprises:

(A) a valve device having at least one closed position and a passage position which is adapted to control, in particular to control a gas and / or fluid flow into the buoyant body (140); and or

(B) an emptying device, in particular comprising a

Pump device and / or an Anblaseinrichtung, which is adapted to control a gas and / or fluid drain from the buoyancy body (140), in particular to regulate.

18. Trimming device according to one of claims 15 to 17, wherein the

Connecting device (150) comprises:

(a) at least two elements telescopically slidable; and or

(B) means which are adapted to at least partially pass through the connecting means (150) by an outer shell of the watercraft body (1 a) and at least partially retract within the vessel body (1 a).

19. trimming device according to claim 18, feature (b), wherein the

Connecting means (150) adapted to project at least partially beyond a deck of the watercraft (1). The trim device of any one of claims 15 to 19, further comprising:

(A) at least one feed device (120) which at least partially, in particular completely, below the water surface (W) is arranged; and

(B) at least one drive device, which is adapted for, the

Feed device (120) to apply a torque.

The trimming device according to claim 20, wherein the housing (110) has at least one opening in the upstream and downstream ends which are interconnected by a channel (130) at least partially closed in cross-section perpendicular to the flow direction (S); and wherein the feed device (120) is arranged at least partially within, in particular completely inside, the channel (130).

Trimming device according to claim 21, wherein the channel (130) is designed as a tubular tunnel with a closed cross-section perpendicular to the flow direction (S) and / or the feed device (120) is completely enclosed by the housing (110) of a plane perpendicular to the flow direction (S) ,

Trimming device according to one of claims 20 to 22, wherein the

24. Trimming device according to one of claims 21 to 23, wherein at least the

Opening in the upstream end of the housing (110) has a protective device which is provided therefor, in particular is arranged, the Probability of penetration of solids into the channel (130)

at least lower.

Watercraft (1) comprising at least one trim device (10, 10 ', 10 ") according to one of Claims 15 to 24.

Use of a trimming device (10, 10 ', 10 ") according to one of claims 15 to 24 for the control, in particular regulation, of the position of a vessel (1) relative to the water surface (W).

27. Use according to claim 26, wherein the trimming device (10, 10 ', 10 ") is set up as a retrofit device subsequently to and / or in the

Watercraft (1) to be installed.