U.S. patent application number 16/651356 was filed with the patent office on 2020-12-24 for watercraft for conveying at least one person on a water surface.
This patent application is currently assigned to Christian Gradolph. The applicant listed for this patent is Christian Gradolph. Invention is credited to Christian Gradolph.
Application Number | 20200398939 16/651356 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005065522 |
Filed Date | 2020-12-24 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200398939 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gradolph; Christian |
December 24, 2020 |
WATERCRAFT FOR CONVEYING AT LEAST ONE PERSON ON A WATER SURFACE
Abstract
The invention relates to a watercraft for transporting at least
one person on a water surface, comprising an input device for
providing a control instruction, wherein the control instruction
depends on an input movement of the person and the input movement
can be carried out during travel with the watercraft, furthermore
comprising a control device for providing a change and thus a
selective increase and decrease of the lift force as a function of
the control instruction, furthermore having a transmission device
for transmitting the control instruction from the input device to
the control device, furthermore having a steering device for
providing a change in direction of the watercraft taking place
along the water surface as a function of a steering movement by the
person, wherein a holding device is provided for enabling a
supporting function for the person operating the watercraft,
wherein the input movement can be carried out independently of the
steering movement and/or the supporting function.
Inventors: |
Gradolph; Christian;
(Rohrbach, DE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Gradolph; Christian |
Rohrbach |
|
DE |
|
|
Assignee: |
Gradolph; Christian
Rohrbach
DE
|
Family ID: |
1000005065522 |
Appl. No.: |
16/651356 |
Filed: |
September 28, 2018 |
PCT Filed: |
September 28, 2018 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP2018/076381 |
371 Date: |
July 6, 2020 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B63H 2016/005 20130101;
B63B 1/285 20130101; B63B 1/26 20130101; B63B 32/64 20200201 |
International
Class: |
B63B 1/26 20060101
B63B001/26; B63B 1/28 20060101 B63B001/28; B63B 32/64 20060101
B63B032/64 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Sep 29, 2017 |
DE |
10 2017 009 342.3 |
Oct 14, 2017 |
DE |
10 2017 009 695.3 |
Claims
1. Watercraft (10) for transporting at least one person on a water
surface (100), comprising an input device (16) for providing a
control instruction, wherein the control instruction depends on an
input movement (18) of the person and the input movement (18) can
be carried out during travel with the watercraft (10), a control
device (22) for providing a change and thus a selective increase
and decrease of the lift force as a function of the control
instruction, a transmission device (66) for transmitting the
control instruction from the input device (16) to the control
device (22), a steering device (36) for providing a change in
direction of the watercraft taking place along the water surface as
a function of a steering movement (38) by the person, characterized
in that a holding device (30) is provided for enabling a supporting
function for the person operating the watercraft, wherein the input
movement (18) can be carried out independently of the steering
movement (38) and/or the supporting function, wherein the holding
device (30) has a first support area (46) for the first hand of the
person and a second support area (48) for the second hand of the
person, wherein a propulsion device (50) is provided for providing
a propulsive force, wherein the propulsive force can be controlled
by the person by actuating a speed control element (56), wherein
the input device comprises an input element which is arranged on
the first support area (46) wherein the speed control element (56)
is arranged on the second support area (48).
2. Watercraft (10) according to claim 1, wherein the steering
device (36) is arranged on the holding device and/or the input
device (16) is arranged on the holding device and/or the input
device (16) is arranged on the steering device (36).
3. Watercraft (10) according to claim 1, wherein a first hydrofoil
device (24) for providing a first lift force is provided,
comprising at least one first hydrofoil element (26) which is
effective in the water and the control instruction can cause a
displacement of the first hydrofoil device (24) and/or a rotation
of the first hydrofoil element and/or a change in the flow
conditions of the first hydrofoil element and/or a change in the
angle of attack of the first hydrofoil element and/or a rotation of
a propulsion device (50).
4. Watercraft (10) according to claim 3, wherein a second hydrofoil
device (60) having at least one second hydrofoil element is
provided for providing a second lift force on the watercraft,
wherein the control instruction can cause a displacement of the
second hydrofoil device (60) and/or a rotation of the second
hydrofoil element and/or change in the angle of attack of the
second hydrofoil element (62) and/or a change in the flow
conditions of the second hydrofoil element (62).
5. (canceled)
6. Watercraft (10) according to claim 1, wherein the propulsive
force is transmitted from the propulsion device (50) to the
watercraft via the first and/or second hydrofoil device (24,
60).
7. (canceled)
8. (canceled)
9. Watercraft (10) according to claim 4, wherein the steering
device (36) comprises the first and/or second hydrofoil device (24,
60) and/or the propulsion device (50), for which purpose the first
and/or second hydrofoil device (24, 60) and/or the propulsion
device (50) can be rotated as a function of the steering movement
(38).
10. Watercraft (10) according to claim 1, wherein a floating body
element (12) providing a buoyancy force is provided with a
receiving area (14) for the person assigned therewith.
11. Watercraft for transporting at least one person on a water
surface, comprising an input device for providing a control
instruction, wherein the control instruction depends on an input
movement of the person and the input movement can be carried out
during travel with the watercraft, a control device for providing a
change and thus a selective increase and decrease of the lift force
as a function of the control instruction, a transmission device for
transmitting the control instruction from the input device to the
control device, a steering device for providing a change in
direction of the watercraft taking place along the water surface as
a function of a steering movement by the person, characterized in
that a holding device is provided for enabling a supporting
function for the person operating the watercraft, wherein the input
movement can be carried out independently of the steering movement
and/or the supporting function, wherein the control instruction is
an electrical signal and the transmission device comprises a signal
processing element and an actuator element, wherein the signal
processing element is arranged to receive the control instruction
and forward it to the actuator element, wherein the actuator
element acts on the control device in such a way that a change and
thus a selective increase and decrease of the lift force can be
carried out as a function of the control instruction.
12. Watercraft according to claim 11, wherein the control
instruction is a first control instruction and a further, second
control instruction for changing the lift force is output
automatically by a closed-loop control device via a signal
processing element to the control device.
13. Watercraft according to claim 12, wherein the closed-loop
control device comprises a sensor device for detecting a distance
of the watercraft from the water surface.
14. Watercraft according to claim 13, wherein the control device is
controlled by the second control instruction for providing an
automatic height distance and leveling of the watercraft from the
water surface.
15. Watercraft according to claim 14, wherein the sensor device is
arranged to detect a wave motion upstream of the watercraft in the
direction of travel.
Description
DESCRIPTION INTRODUCTION
[0001] The invention relates to a watercraft for transporting at
least one person on a water surface having the features according
to the preamble of claim 1.
[0002] A watercraft for transporting a person on a water surface
is, for example, known from US2004139905A1. Accordingly, the
watercraft has a hydrofoil for creating a lift force and,
furthermore, a handlebar which can be operated by the user and can
be pivoted to the left, right, top and bottom. In this case, a
supporting function for the person is not present or even if the
person wants to be supported on the handlebar, also an undesired
change in the upward movement of the watercraft is thereby
caused.
[0003] The object of the invention is to provide a watercraft which
provides improved controllability and improved support for the
person. A further object is to allow a controllable upward movement
on the watercraft and/or to allow jumps with the watercraft and/or
the compensation of wave motions of the water surface. A further
object is to increase the sporting factor when driving with the
watercraft. A further object is to allow safe operation of the
watercraft and a stable travel position of the person on the
watercraft. A further object is to reduce operability and, in
particular, energy consumption while permitting controllability of
the upward movement. A further object is to improve safety and
stability of the watercraft during operation.
[0004] According to the invention, at least one of these tasks is
solved by a watercraft for transporting at least one person on a
water surface having the features according to claim 1.
Accordingly, the invention relates to a watercraft for transporting
at least one person on a water surface, comprising an input device
for providing a control instruction, wherein the control
instruction depends on an input movement of the person and the
input movement can be carried out during travel with the
watercraft, furthermore comprising a control device for providing a
change and thus a selective increase and decrease of the lift force
as a function of the control instruction, furthermore having a
transmission device for transmitting the control instruction from
the input device to the control device, furthermore having a
steering device for providing a change in direction of the
watercraft taking place along the water surface as a function of a
steering movement by the person, wherein a holding device is
provided for enabling a supporting function for the person
operating the watercraft, wherein the input movement can be carried
out independently of the steering movement and/or the supporting
function. As a result, the controllability and a controllable
upward movement, as well as jumps with the watercraft, and a
compensation of wave motions of the water surface can be made
possible, and a steerability of the watercraft can be made possible
and also a safe operation of the watercraft and a stable travel
position of the person on the watercraft can be achieved. The
person can be supported on the watercraft in the event of braking
or acceleration or cornering situations, even in order not to fall
off the watercraft, and nevertheless the operation of the
watercraft, such as the operation of the input device and/or the
operation of the steering device can be made possible independently
of the support on the holding device. The support on the holding
device can be required especially with regard to the support of
lateral forces which can occur in the event of braking and/or
acceleration and/or cornering situations.
[0005] The input movement can be provided by rotational movement of
the input element. The input element can comprise a rotary
element.
[0006] The steering movement can be performed by rotating the
steering device. The steering device can comprise a handlebar and a
steering element.
[0007] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the holding
device provides a supporting function for the person for forces
parallel to the longitudinal axis and/or transverse axis and/or
vertical axis. In braking and/or acceleration situations, forces
can occur in the direction perpendicular to the vertical axis,
preferably parallel to the longitudinal axis. In cornering
situations, forces can occur perpendicular to the vertical axis,
preferably in the direction parallel to the transverse axis. In the
event of jumps with the watercraft, forces can occur in the
direction parallel to the vertical axis.
[0008] The control instruction can be represented as a mechanical
movement and/or as an electrical signal.
[0009] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the
transmission device, when the control instruction is a mechanical
movement, comprises a mechanical transmission means, for example a
cable pull or a shaft for transmitting the control instruction as a
mechanical movement of the transmission means to the control
device. The shaft or the cable pull can be designed, for example,
as a double cable pull, in such a way that a rotational movement of
the input device can be carried out in both directions. The control
device can provide a selective increase or decrease of the lift
force as a function of the control instruction. A preloading force,
for example caused by a spring element, can be exerted on the
control device, for example in order to keep the control device in
a neutral position by the preloading force. By actuating the input
device, the preloading force can be overcome and the control
instruction can be provided. A pulley can be provided in order to
guide the cable pull. If the mechanical transmission element is
designed as a shaft, at least one joint can be provided.
[0010] In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention,
the control instruction is an electrical signal. The transmission
device can comprise a signal processing element and an actuator
element. The signal processing element can receive the control
instruction and forward it to the actuator element, wherein the
actuator element acts on the control device in such a way that a
change and thus a selective increase and decrease of the lift force
can be carried out as a function of the control instruction. The
actuator element can act in a supporting manner to perform a
mechanical movement or can perform the actuation of the control
device solely. The actuator element can provide a reduction of the
force to be applied for actuating the control device, for example,
such as a power steering in a motor vehicle.
[0011] In a specific embodiment of the invention, the person can
hold his hands on the holding device. The holding device can be
fixed to the watercraft in order to provide the supporting
function. The holding device can absorb forces during support of
the person. The holding device can be mounted on the watercraft so
as to be rotatable with respect to at least one axis of
rotation.
[0012] The holding device can comprise a holding rod and/or a
handle rod.
[0013] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the
watercraft comprises a floating body element. The floating body
element can provide a buoyancy force on the watercraft. When the
watercraft is at a standstill, the floating body element can cause
the watercraft to float on the water surface. The floating body
element can be assigned a receiving area for the person, in
particular for a standing position of the person. The floating body
element can be designed as a surfboard or as a wakeboard or as a
skimboard or as a body board.
[0014] The steering device can comprise a handlebar and a steering
element. The handlebar can extend away from the floating body
element. The holding rod can form the handlebar. The handle rod can
form the steering element.
[0015] In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention,
the steering device is arranged on the holding device and/or the
input device is arranged on the holding device and/or the input
device is arranged on the steering device. The input device can
comprise an input element. The input element can be designed as a
first rotary element. The rotary element can be designed as a
rotary handle or rotary switch. The input movement of the person
can be performed by a rotational movement of the input element.
[0016] Preferably, the holding device and/or steering device is
foldable. In this way, a simplified transport of the watercraft can
be made possible.
[0017] In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, a
propulsion device is provided for providing a propulsive force. The
propulsive force can be controlled by the person by actuating a
speed control element. The speed control element can be designed as
a second rotary element. The second rotary element can be designed
as a second rotary handle or as a rotary switch. The second rotary
element can be operated by rotating a hand of the person.
[0018] The speed control element and the input element can be
arranged on the holding device and/or on the steering device.
[0019] A further specific embodiment of the invention is
characterized in that the holding device has a first support area
for the first hand of the person and a second support area for the
second hand of the person, with a distance between the first and
second support area. The distance can be greater than or equal to a
hand width of the person. As a result, a reliable supporting
function for the person can be made possible. The person can be
supported on the holding device in the event of an abrupt braking
operation, even in order to prevent falling down from the
watercraft. The same can apply to cornering situations.
[0020] In a further specific embodiment of the invention, the input
element is arranged on the first support area and the speed control
element is arranged on the second support area.
[0021] In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention,
the steering device is arranged on the holding device, wherein the
steering device is attached to the floating body element in a fixed
but, in order to enable a steering movement, rotatable manner. A
steering of the watercraft for changing the direction along the
water surface can be made possible and at the same time a
supporting function via the holding device. For example, on the one
hand, the person can be supported with both hands on the steering
device and/or the holding device, in that an approximately equal
force is exerted on the steering device and/or on the holding
device with both hands, and on the other hand, when the steering
device is rotated, for example by the person exerting a torque on
the steering device, a change in direction of the watercraft along
the water surface can be provided.
[0022] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the steering
device comprises a handlebar extending away from the floating body
element and a steering element attached to the handlebar. The
steering element can comprise a second rotary element. The rotary
element can be designed as a rotary handle or can comprise a rotary
handle. The second rotary element can act as a speed control
element.
[0023] The steering element of the steering device can be formed in
one piece with the handle rod of the holding device and/or can be
formed by the same component.
[0024] The input element can comprise the first or second support
area. The speed control element can comprise the corresponding
second or first support area. The person can be supported on the
input element and/or on the speed control element. The person can
operate the input element and/or the speed control element by
rotation. The operation of the speed control element can control
the propulsive force. The operation of the input element can cause
the control instruction in order to change the lift force.
[0025] In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention,
the control instruction can be provided by tilting the holding
device and/or the steering device. The steering device can comprise
a rotatable handlebar and/or a rotatable steering element. The
steering device or a part thereof and/or a steering element
arranged on the steering device, or a part thereof, can be tilted
in order to provide the control instruction. The tilting can be
carried out about a tilting axis which lies parallel to a
longitudinal axis or a transverse axis of the watercraft.
[0026] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, a
first hydrofoil device is provided for providing a first lift
force, the first hydrofoil device comprising at least one first
hydrofoil element which is effective in the water, wherein the
control instruction can cause a displacement of the first hydrofoil
device and/or a rotation of the first hydrofoil element and/or a
change in the flow conditions of the first hydrofoil element and/or
a change in the angle of attack of the first hydrofoil element
and/or a rotation of the propulsion device.
[0027] A rotational movement of the input device can be carried out
as a rotational movement of the rotary handle. A rotational
movement of the input device can cause the control signal, for
example as a movement in the cable pull. The cable pull is
preferably connected to the control device in such a way that a
movement in the cable pull can cause a change in the angle of
attack of the first hydrofoil element.
[0028] In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, a second
hydrofoil device with at least one second hydrofoil element is
provided for providing a second lift force on the watercraft. The
control device can comprise the first and/or second hydrofoil
device.
[0029] If the control device comprises the second hydrofoil device,
the control instruction can cause a displacement of the second
hydrofoil device depending on the control instruction and/or a
rotation of the second hydrofoil element and/or a change in the
angle of attack of the second hydrofoil element and/or a change in
the flow conditions of the second hydrofoil element.
[0030] Alternatively or additionally, the control device can
comprise the propulsion device. The propulsion device can comprise
a propulsion element. The change in the lift force can be provided
as a function of the control instruction by a rotation of the
propulsion device and/or of the propulsion element. The propulsion
element can comprise a propeller and a motor. The propulsion
element can comprise any known means which cause a propulsive
force, for example an impeller. The propulsion element can comprise
any known means which cause a propulsive force, for example an
electric motor. The electric motor can be arranged under water. For
this purpose, a motor housing can be provided in which the electric
motor can be included.
[0031] In a further specific embodiment of the invention, the
steering device comprises the first and/or second hydrofoil device
and/or the propulsion device. The first and/or second hydrofoil
device and/or the propulsion device can be rotatable depending on
the steering movement. The first and/or second hydrofoil device can
comprise a rudder element which can provide the change in direction
of the watercraft as a function of a steering movement by the
person.
[0032] The first hydrofoil device can be arranged in a front half
of the watercraft and the second hydrofoil device can be arranged
in the rear half of the watercraft.
[0033] The propulsion device can be arranged in the rear half of
the watercraft.
[0034] In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the
propulsive force can be transmitted to the watercraft via the first
and/or second hydrofoil device. The first and/or second hydrofoil
device form the force transmission element for forwarding the
propulsive force from the propulsion device to another component of
the watercraft, preferably to the floating body element. The force
transmission from the propulsion device to the further component of
the watercraft can necessarily be carried out via the first and/or
second hydrofoil device. The force transmission can be carried out
without bypassing the first and/or second hydrofoil device.
[0035] In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the
first and/or second hydrofoil device and/or the propulsion device
can be attached to the watercraft in a foldable and/or detachable
manner. As a result, it is possible to provide a simplified
transport of the watercraft.
[0036] In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention,
the first hydrofoil device comprises a first hydrofoil element
which is at least partially inclined with respect to the transverse
axis and can penetrate the water surface at a first forward speed
of the watercraft in order to provide the lift force. The second
hydrofoil device can have a second hydrofoil element which is at
least partially inclined with respect to the transverse axis and
can penetrate the water surface at a first forward speed of the
watercraft in order to provide the lift force.
[0037] Viewed in cross-section, the first and/or second hydrofoil
element can have an airfoil profile, for example a NACA
profile.
[0038] In a further, particularly advantageous embodiment of the
invention, a braking device is provided for providing a braking
force on the watercraft, wherein the braking device can cause an
additional flow resistance of the watercraft. The braking force can
be proportional to the resulting additional flow resistance. The
effect of the braking force can be provided by a body movement of
the person, preferably by actuating a lever element and/or a pedal
element. The actuation of the braking device in order to cause a
braking force can be independent of the input movement and/or the
steering movement and/or the supporting function.
[0039] In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, in
addition to the first control instruction provided by the input
device, a further, second control instruction for changing the lift
force can be output automatically by a closed-loop control device
via a signal processing element to the control device or a further
control device. The closed-loop control device can comprise a
sensor device for detecting a distance of the watercraft from the
water surface and/or for detecting a wave motion of the water
surface. The sensor device can be provided for detecting a wave
motion upstream of the watercraft in the direction of travel. The
sensor device can comprise a sensor element. The sensor element can
comprise a radar sensor, preferably a LIDAR system. The second
control instruction can serve to control the control device or the
further control device for the purpose of automatic height distance
and/or leveling of the watercraft and/or compensation of the
influence of wave motions of the water surface on the function of
the first hydrofoil device. The closed-loop control device can
allow stable driving with the watercraft, preferably while
maintaining a constant distance of the watercraft from the water
surface.
[0040] Further advantages and advantageous embodiments of the
invention result from the description of the figures and the
figures.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0041] The invention is described in detail in the following with
reference to the figures. It is shown in detail:
[0042] FIG. 1: A watercraft for transporting at least one person on
a water surface according to a particularly advantageous embodiment
of the invention in a spatial view.
[0043] FIG. 2: The watercraft for transporting at least one person
on a water surface according to a further, particularly
advantageous embodiment of the invention in a front view.
[0044] FIG. 3: A watercraft for transporting at least one person on
a water surface according to a further, particularly advantageous
embodiment of the invention in a side view.
[0045] FIG. 4: A watercraft for transporting at least one person on
a water surface according to a further, particularly advantageous
embodiment of the invention in a side view.
[0046] FIG. 5: A watercraft for transporting at least one person on
a water surface according to a further, particularly advantageous
embodiment of the invention in a side view.
[0047] FIG. 6: A watercraft for transporting at least one person on
a water surface according to a further, particularly advantageous
embodiment of the invention in a side view.
[0048] FIG. 7: A watercraft for transporting at least one person on
a water surface according to a further, particularly advantageous
embodiment of the invention in a side view.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0049] FIG. 1 shows a watercraft 10 for transporting at least one
person on a water surface according to a particularly advantageous
embodiment of the invention in a spatial view.
[0050] The watercraft 10 comprises a floating body element 12,
which can provide a buoyancy force of the watercraft 10. A
receiving area 14 for the person can be assigned to the floating
body element 12, in particular for a standing position of the
person. The floating body element 12 can be designed in particular
as a surfboard or as a wakeboard or as a skimboard or as a body
board.
[0051] An input device 16 for causing a control instruction is
provided on the watercraft 10, wherein the control instruction
depends on an input movement 18 of the person. The input movement
18 can be carried out during travel with the watercraft 10. The
input device 16 can have an input element 20 designed as a first
rotary element, particularly preferably as a rotary handle. The
input movement 18 of the person can be carried out by means of a
rotational movement of the input element 20.
[0052] Furthermore, a control device 22 is provided for providing a
change and thus a selective increase and decrease of the lift force
as a function of the control instruction. The control device 22 is
provided on a first hydrofoil device 24 for providing a first lift
force. The first hydrofoil device 24 can be arranged in the front
half of the watercraft 10 and has at least one first hydrofoil
element 26 which is effective in the water, wherein the control
instruction causes a rotation 28 of the first hydrofoil element 26
and, in particular, a change in the angle of attack of the first
hydrofoil element 26. The first hydrofoil element 26 or a part
thereof can be movably, in particular rotatably, suspended on the
first hydrofoil device 24, wherein a rotation can depend on the
control instruction. The first hydrofoil element 26 is at least
partially inclined with respect to the transverse axis 104 and can
penetrate the water surface 100 at a first forward speed of the
watercraft 10 in order to provide the lift force.
[0053] The watercraft 100 also comprises a transmission device for
transmitting the control instruction from the input device 16 to
the control device 22.
[0054] The watercraft 10 comprises a holding device 30 for enabling
a supporting function for the person operating the watercraft 10,
in particular in braking and/or acceleration and/or cornering
situations. The holding device 30 can provide a supporting function
for the person for forces parallel to the longitudinal axis 106, to
the transverse axis 104 and to the vertical axis 102. In braking
and/or acceleration situations, forces can occur in the direction
perpendicular to the vertical axis 102 and parallel to the
longitudinal axis 106. In cornering situations, forces can act in
the direction perpendicular to the vertical axis 102 and parallel
to the transverse axis 104.
[0055] The person can hold his hands on the holding device 30. The
holding device 30 can be fixed to the watercraft 10 in order to
provide the supporting function. Lateral forces during a support of
the person can be absorbed by the holding device 30. The holding
device 30 can comprise a holding rod 32 and a handle rod 34.
[0056] A steering device 36 for providing a change in direction of
the watercraft 100 taking place along the water surface 100 as a
function of a steering movement 38 by the person is arranged on the
holding device 30. The steering device 36 can have a handlebar 40,
which extends in particular away from the floating body element 12,
and a steering element 42. The holding rod 32 may form the
handlebar 40 and the handle rod 34 may form the steering element
42. The steering device 36 can be rotatably mounted on the
watercraft 10 with respect to at least one axis of rotation 108.
The steering device 36 can be coupled to the first hydrofoil device
24, for which purpose the first hydrofoil device 24 can be
rotatable 44 as a function of the steering movement 38. The first
hydrofoil device 24 can serve as a rudder element which can provide
the change in direction of the watercraft 10 as a function of a
steering movement 38 by the person.
[0057] The input device 16 is arranged on the holding device 30 and
on the steering device 36. The steering device 36 is attached to
the floating body element 12 in a fixed but, in order to enable a
steering movement 38, rotatable manner. The effect of the control
instruction via the input device 16 and a steering of the
watercraft 10 for changing the direction along the water surface
100 is made possible and at the same time a supporting function is
provided via the holding device 30. It has been found that if the
input movement 18 can take place independently of the steering
movement 38 and also independently of the supporting function, a
controllable upward movement, in particular jumps with the
watercraft 10, and a compensation of wave motions of the water
surface 100 and also a steerability of the watercraft 10 can be
made possible and at the same time a safe operation of the
watercraft 10 and a stable position of the person on the watercraft
10 can be achieved.
[0058] The person can be supported on the watercraft 10 in braking
or acceleration or cornering situations, in particular in order not
to fall off the watercraft 10 and nevertheless the operation of the
watercraft 10, specifically the operation of the input device 16,
in this case by rotational movement of the input element 20, which
is designed in particular as a twist grip, and the operation of the
steering device 36, in this case by rotation of the steering device
36, which in this case comprises a handlebar 40 and a steering
element 42, can be made possible independently of the support on
the holding device 30, especially with regard to the support of
lateral forces which can occur in braking and/or acceleration
and/or cornering situations.
[0059] The holding device 30 comprises the handle rod 34, a first
support area 46 for the first hand of the person and a second
support area 48 for the second hand of the person. A distance which
is greater than or equal to a hand width of the person is present
between the first and second supporting areas 46, 48. This ensures
that a reliable supporting function for the person is made
possible. The person can be supported on the holding device 30 in
the event of an abrupt braking operation, preferably in order to
prevent falling down from the watercraft 10. The same can apply to
cornering situations.
[0060] On the one hand, the person can be supported with both hands
on the steering device 36 and the holding device 30, in that an
approximately equal force is exerted on the steering device 36 and
the holding device 30 with both hands, and on the other hand, when
the steering device 36 is rotated, for example by the person
exerting a torque on the steering device 36, a change in direction
of the watercraft 10 along the water surface 100 can be
provided.
[0061] A propulsion device 50 for providing a propulsive force is
also attached to the watercraft 10. The propulsion device 50
comprises a propulsion element 52, in this case comprising a
propeller and a motor. The motor can be designed as an electric
motor and can be arranged under water. For this purpose, a motor
housing 54 is provided in which the motor is included.
[0062] The propulsive force can be controlled by the person by
actuating a speed control element 56. The speed control element 56
can comprise a second rotary element, particularly preferably a
second rotary handle or a rotary switch. The actuation of the speed
control element 56 can be carried out by rotating a hand of the
person.
[0063] The input element 20 is arranged on the first support area
46 and the speed control element 56 is arranged on the second
support area 48.
[0064] The speed control element 56 and the input element 20 can be
arranged on the holding device 30 and on the steering device 36.
The speed control element 56 may form the first or second support
area 46, 48. The input element 20 can form the corresponding second
or first support area 48, 46. The person can be supported on the
input element 20 and on the speed control element 56 and can
correspondingly operate it or these by rotation. The operation of
the speed control element 56 can cause control of the propulsive
force. The operation of the input element 20 can cause the control
instruction to change the lift force.
[0065] The watercraft 10 has a second hydrofoil device 60 with at
least one second hydrofoil element 62 for providing a second lift
force on the watercraft 10. The second hydrofoil element 62 is at
least partially inclined with respect to the transverse axis 104
and can penetrate the water surface 100 at a first forward speed of
the watercraft 10 in order to cause the lift force. The propulsive
force can be transmitted to the watercraft 10 via the second
hydrofoil device 60. The second hydrofoil device 60 can form the
force transmission element for forwarding the propulsive force from
the propulsion device 50 to another component of the watercraft 10.
The further component can be the floating body element 12. The
force transmission from the propulsion device 50 to the further
component of the watercraft 10, here to the floating body element
12, can necessarily be carried out via the second hydrofoil device
60, preferably without bypassing the second hydrofoil device
60.
[0066] FIG. 2 shows a watercraft 10 for transporting at least one
person on a water surface 100 according to a further, particularly
advantageous embodiment of the invention in a front view.
[0067] The control device 22 for providing a change and thus a
selective increase and decrease of the lift force as a function of
the control instruction is provided on a first hydrofoil device 24
for causing a first lift force. The first hydrofoil device 24 has
at least one first hydrofoil element 26 which is effective in
water, wherein the control instruction causes a rotation of the
first hydrofoil element 26 and, in particular, a change in the
angle of attack of the first hydrofoil element 26.
[0068] Preferably, the first hydrofoil element 26 or a part thereof
is suspended movably, in particular rotatably, on the first
hydrofoil device 24. A rotation can depend on the control
instruction. In order to provide the rotation of the first
hydrofoil element 26, a bearing element 64 can be provided between
the first hydrofoil element 26 and the further part of the first
hydrofoil device 24.
[0069] FIG. 3 shows a watercraft 10 for transporting at least one
person on a water surface 100 according to a further, particularly
advantageous embodiment of the invention in a side view. In this
case, the marked, dashed area 110 of the watercraft 10 is
illustrated broken out in order to visibly show the relationships
contained in the interior of the watercraft 10.
[0070] The control instruction can be executed as a mechanical
movement, wherein the transmission device 66 comprises a mechanical
transmission means 68, for example a cable pull 70. The cable pull
70 can be designed, for example, as a double cable pull, in such a
way that a rotational movement 18 of the input device 16 can be
carried out in both directions, as a result of which the control
device 22 can provide a selective increase or decrease of the lift
force as a function of the control instruction. A preloading force,
for example caused by a spring element, can be exerted on the
control device 22. By means of the preloading force, the control
device 22 can be kept in a neutral position. By actuating the input
device 16, the preloading force can be overcome and the control
instruction can be provided. A pulley 72 can be provided in order
to guide the cable pull 70.
[0071] A rotational movement of the input device 16, in this case
in particular the input element 20, which can be designed as a
rotary handle, can cause the control signal. The control signal can
be a movement in the cable pull 70. The cable pull 70 can be
connected to the control device 22 in such a way that a movement in
the cable pull 70 can cause a change in the angle of attack of the
first hydrofoil element 26.
[0072] The holding device 30 and the steering device 36 can be
foldable in order to allow a simplified transport of the watercraft
10. If the transmission device 66 comprises a cable pull 70, the
use of at least one pulley 72 is particularly advantageous in order
to be able to provide the folding function of the holding device 30
and/or of the steering device 36. The rotational axis 112 of the
pulley 72 and the rotational axis 114 of the foldable holding
device 30 and/or steering device 36 can be concentric.
[0073] FIG. 4 shows a watercraft 10 for transporting at least one
person on a water surface 100 according to a further, particularly
advantageous embodiment of the invention in a side view.
[0074] The control instruction can be provided by tilting the
holding device 30 and the steering device 36. The steering device
36, which comprises a handlebar 40 and a steering element 42, can
be rotatable, wherein the steering device 36, preferably a part 74
of the handlebar 40 and the steering element 42, can be tilted in
order to provide the control instruction. The tilting can be
carried out about a tilting axis 116 which lies parallel to the
transverse axis 104 of the watercraft 10.
[0075] The effect of the control instruction via the input device
16 by the input movement 18 can be independent of the steering
movement via the steering device 36. Furthermore, the input
movement 18, here by tilting a part of the holding device 30 and
the steering device 36, can be independent of the supporting
function via the holding device 30 in directions parallel to the
longitudinal axis 106 of the watercraft 10. The supporting function
in the direction of the transverse axis 104 thereby influences the
steering movement and the supporting function in the direction of
the vertical axis 102 influences the input movement 18, therefore
the input movement 18 and the supporting function are
interdependent in this direction.
[0076] The control instruction causes a displacement of the first
hydrofoil device 24 and thus also a change in the angle of attack
of the first hydrofoil element.
[0077] The control instruction can additionally cause a rotation of
the propulsion device 50, therefore the force vector of the
propulsive force can be changed and a change in the lift force can
be caused.
[0078] FIG. 5 shows a watercraft 10 for transporting at least one
person on a water surface 100 according to a further, particularly
advantageous embodiment of the invention in a side view. In this
case, the marked, dashed area 110 of the watercraft 10 is
illustrated broken out in order to visibly show the relationships
contained in the interior of the watercraft 10.
[0079] The transmission device 66 may include a signal processing
element 76 and an actuator element 78. The control instruction can
be an electrical signal which can be transmitted via an electrical
cable 80. The signal processing element 76 can receive the control
instruction and forward it to the actuator element 78. The actuator
element 78 can act on the control device 22 in such a way that a
change and thus a selective increase and decrease of the lift force
can be provided as a function of the control instruction.
[0080] The actuator element 78 can perform the actuation of the
control device 22 in a supporting manner or solely, for example by
rotating the first hydrofoil element 26 of the first hydrofoil
device 24 and thus a change in the angle of attack of the first
hydrofoil element 26. The actuator element 78 can facilitate the
force to be applied for actuating the control device 22, for
example, such as a power steering in a motor vehicle.
[0081] FIG. 6 shows a watercraft 10 for transporting at least one
person on a water surface 100 according to a further, particularly
advantageous embodiment of the invention in a side view. In this
case, the marked, dashed area 110 of the watercraft 10 is
illustrated broken out in order to visibly show the relationships
contained in the interior of the watercraft 10.
[0082] In addition to the first control instruction which can be
transmitted from the input element 20 to the signal processing
element 76 via the electrical cable 80, a further, second control
instruction for changing the lift force, which can be provided by
the actuator element 78 can be output automatically by a
closed-loop control device 82 via the signal processing element 76
to the control device 22. For this purpose, the control device 82
is coupled to the signal processing element 76. The control device
82 may comprise a sensor device 84 for detecting a distance 86 of
the watercraft 10 from the water surface 100 and/or for detecting a
wave motion of the water surface 100. The sensor device 84 can
allow to detect a wave movement of the water surface 100 upstream
of the watercraft 10 in the direction of travel. The sensor device
84 can comprise a sensor element 88, in particular a radar sensor,
preferably a LIDAR system. The control instruction can serve to
control the control device 22 for the purpose of automatic height
distance and/or leveling of the watercraft 10 and/or compensation
of the influence of wave movements on the function of the first
hydrofoil device 24. The closed-loop control device 82 can allow
stable driving with the watercraft 10, preferably while maintaining
a constant distance of the watercraft 10 from the water surface
100.
[0083] FIG. 7 shows a watercraft 10 for transporting at least one
person on a water surface 100 according to a further, particularly
advantageous embodiment of the invention in a side view.
[0084] A braking device 90 for causing a braking force on the
watercraft 10 is provided on the watercraft 10, wherein the braking
device can cause an additional flow resistance of the watercraft
10. The braking force can be proportional to the resulting
additional flow resistance. The braking force can be caused by a
body movement of the person, for example by actuating a pedal
element 92 by a foot of the person. The actuation of the braking
device 90 to cause a braking force can be independent of the input
movement 18 and the steering movement and the supporting
function.
* * * * *