SE1650497A1 - An adjustable device and a boat provided with a stabilizing device - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an adjustable device, pivotally arranged about a pivot axis (230, 230a, 230b) by means of a rotating electric motor (213) having a rotor (215) and a stator. (216) via a reduction gearing (214) for reducing the rotation of the motor to the adjustment movement of the adjustable device (4a, 4b, 104a, 104b), wherein the reduction gearing (214) is a planetary gearing, the axis of the electric motor (213) is coaxial with the axis of said reduction gearing (214) and with the pivot axis (230,230a, 230b) of said adjustable device (4a, 4b, 104a, 104b) and the reduction gearing (214) and the electric motor (213,213a, 213b) to form a compact construction.(Fig- 5)

Description

AN ADJUSTABLE DEVICE AND A BOAT PROVIDED WITH A STABILIZINGDEVICE FIELD OF INVENTION The present invention relates to an adjustable device, pivotally arranged about a pivotaxis by means of a rotating electric motor having a rotor and a stator via a reductiongearing for reducing the rotation of the motor to the adjustment movement of the adjustable device, especially suited for use on a boat.

This application is a divisional application from SE-A-1550659-5 BACKGROUND OF INVENTION For passengers on a boat it is of interest to avoid discomfort due to influence from windand waves causing the boat to roll i.e. around the longitudinal axis of the boat. When theboat is at normal travelling speeds such as above 5 knots (2.6 m/s), this rolling isnorrnally easy to counteract. However, at lower speeds the passengers and crew may experience discomfort from the rolling.

It is therefore a need to provide boats and vessels with devices that counteract rolling atlow speeds, Various devices for stabilizing a boat are disclosed in WO 2008095323, FR 2115569,FR 2807006, DE 102004038941, DE 349779, US 7555992, US 2014261134, US2005000401 and US 4967682.

Furthermore, the mechanisms and/or adjustable device that is required to pivot the finsbetween the two modes will be relatively complicated, as for instance disclosed inEP2 1 723 94.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION The object of the present invention is to overcome some problems related to prior art.

This object is achieved in that there is provided an adjustable device in accordance with the specific features specified in claim 1.

Arranging the motor coaxial with the pivot axis allows an extra compact construction,which is a major advantage in connection with boats where space often is limited, i.e.the design may fulf1l needs in many different applications of arrangements on a boat using a motor with transmission/gearing.According to a further preferred embodiment, the reduction gearing and the electricmotor are integrated into one single unit, which further contributes to achieve a compact construction.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the reduction gearing is a planetary gearing.

Using a planetary gearing simplif1es to achieve the compact construction.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. l is an elevation view of a boat according to a first example of the invention, Fig. 2 is an elevation view of a boat according to a second example of the invention, Fig. 3 is an end view towards the transom of the boat in f1g. 2, when the paddles are in the resting position, Fig. 4 is a view similar to that of fig. 3, but is showing the paddles in the operation mode, Fig. 5 is a section through a motor/gearing-unit according to a third example of the invention, Fig. 6 is a section along line VI in f1g. 5 in an enlarged scale and, Fig. 7 is an end view towards the transom of the boat according to the third example of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLESFig. l in an elevation view illustrates a boat according to a first example of the invention. Only the hull 2 of the boat is shown, and the waterline is indicated by W. At the transom 3 at the aft of the hull 2 two paddles 4a, 4b are mounted for rotationalmovement around a respective rotational axis 6a, 6b. Each paddle 4a, 4b is by a levelarm 5a, 5b connected to a respective shaft aligned with the corresponding rotational axis6a, 6b, positioned a distance L relatively close to the side edges 3a, 3b of the transom.The arms 5a, 5b are of suff1cient length L for the paddles 4a, 4b to be located laterallyoutside the transom 3, when these are in an operation mode as illustrated in the figure,wherein preferably L>B*0,2, more preferred L2B*0,5. Where B is the beam of the transom of the vessel.

Each paddle 4a, 4b has a substantially planar shape, presenting a substantial area A, e. g.about B*0.02 to B*0.25, wherein B represents the beam of the vessel with the plane inparallel to the travelling direction of the boat, i.e. perpendicular to the rotationaldirection of the paddle. The paddles will norrnally be merely held in the operation modewhen the boat travels at low speed. Thereby each paddle is driven to move angularly asindicated by the arrow A. The paddle movements are tuned such that rolling of the boataround its longitudinal axis is counteracted. This is due to the forces and torques acting on the boat, which are created when the paddles are moved in a counter acting manner.

When the boot exceeds a certain speed e.g. 10 knots (preferably within the range of 5-15 knots) the need for stabilizing by the paddles is less important. At these higherspeeds the resistance created by the paddles against the on-flowing water isconsiderably increased. Therefore the paddles 4a, 4b may be rotated to a resting positionbehind the transom 3. In the figure it is indicated how the right paddle 4b is movedangularly along the arrow to the resting position 4b° indicated by broken lines. In thatposition the paddle is effectively shielded from the on-flowing water by the transom 3.

Paddle 4a is deactivated in a corresponding way.

In this example the hull 2 has an interrnediate transom 7 at a distance forward from thetransom stem 3 at the aft. Also at the interrnediate transom 7 two paddles may bemounted in a similar way as those described above. They thus can be positioned in aresting position behind the interrnediate transom 7 where they are shielded. In the figure it is illustrated in broken lines how one paddle 4c of these is in the operation mode.

Fig. 2 illustrates a second example of a boat according to the invention. The hull 102 ofthe boat has no interrnediate transom but only an aft transom stem 103 at which the twopaddles 104a, 104b are mounted in a similar way as described with reference to f1g. 1.

Each paddle 104a, 104b and its arm 105a, 105b is shaped as a rectangular plate angled about 90° forrning a larger part being the paddle and a smaller part being the arrn. Inthis figure the paddles l04a, l04b are in the operation mode. By making the paddles L-shaped the advantage is gained that the paddle parts l04a, l04b may be positioned at alower level in their active mode, than the pivot points 6a, 6b. It is to be understood thatalso the arm parts l05a, l05b may assist in counter acting rolling, by also presenting surfaces that are arranged transversally in relation to the movement.

Fig. 3 in an transom view from behind illustrates the boat when the paddles l04a, l04b are in the resting position shielded by the transom 103.

Eig. 4 in the same view as in f1g. 3 illustrates the boat when the stabilizing device is inthe operation mode to counteract rolling. The figure illustrates the boat inclined an angleot relative to the horizontal and rotates counter-clockwise, as indicated by the arrow R, thereby increasing the inclination.

Each of the paddles 104a, 104b at this moment is driven to rotate counter clockwise.Thereby each paddle exerts a force FA, FB respectively on the water creating arespective reaction force in the opposite direction which results in a reaction torque TA,TB respectively. The reaction torques tend to rotate the boat in the clockwise direction,i.e. opposite to the direction of the rotation R, thus counteracting the latter, and vice- versa when the boat rolls clockwise.

Fig. 7 illustrates a further example of a boat according to the invention, that may becontinued with an arrangement as described above. The boat is shown from the rear end.The boat 201 is provided with a stabilizing system being a combination of interceptors2l0a, 2l0b and stabilizing fins 2l la, 2l lb. Each interceptor is mounted at a bottomedge of the aft transom stem 203. Each fin 2l la, 2l lb is mounted on the bottom of ahull at a longitudinal location somewhere between the longitudinal middle of the boatand its aft. The units 2l2a, 2l2b, each containing an electric motor and a reductiongearing should in this view be inside the vessel between the middle of the boat length and the transom stem 203 but are for illustrative purpose drawn visible in the figure.

The boat is shown as inclined at an angle ß relative to the horizontal and is rolling suchthat it has a clockwise rotational movement as indicated by the arrow R. The interceptor2l0b creates a reaction force represented by the arrow P3 which counteracts the rollingR.

Each stabilizing fin 211a, 21 lb has a hydrodynamic shape. By means of the respectivemotor unit 212a, 212b, the attack angle of the fins can be adjusted independently ofeach other. At low speeds each motor unit 212a, 212b, is actuating the respective fin211a, 211b to make an oscillating rotational movement in response to requirementsdeterrnined by the rolling of the boat. This waggling of the fins 211a, 21 lb affects thelifting forces of these. The figure illustrates the reaction forces P1 and F; thereby created,which act in the counter-clockwise direction and thus counteracts the rolling R. This use of the stabilizing fins is earlier known per se.

However, the new combination of the stabilizing fins together with the interceptorsresult in an increased stabilizing effect. Thereby the fins can be made smaller thanotherwise and thereby the resistance through the water will be lower. With thiscombination of fins and interceptors it is also attained that the fins may be locatedfurther to the rear end of the boat, which increases the travelling performance of theboat According to a preferred embodiment the fins 211a, 211b are arranged to be freelyrotatable over +360°, i.e. there are no mechanical or electrical stops such that numerousrevolutions in the same direction are possible. Thanks to this arrangement the fins 211a,211b (independently) may be used to produce a paddling effect, e. g. to assist in maintaining a desired position when the boat is at anchor.

The invented combination of fins and interceptors may be used in a stabilizing devicethat also includes the paddles according to the present invention. Or it may be usedwithout such paddles. Further the fins as such may be used also without paddles or interceptors.

Fig. 5 illustrates in a section a motor unit 212 according to the present invention foractuation of a paddle 104a, 104b, a fin 211, or any other moveable device on a boat. Theunit 212 has an electric motor 213 with a rotor 215 and a stator 216. It also has areduction gearing 214 to reduce the motor rpm to what is adequate for the device movements around the pivot axis 230, e. g. a fin 211.

As is shown better in detail in fig. 6, the electric motor 213 and the reduction gearing214 are integrated to form a single unit. The reduction gearing is of the planetary type.The rotor 215 of the motor has an extension 217 that directly constitutes the input of the planetary gearing, thereby eliminating a shaft between the rotor and the gearing. The hub 218 is the output of the planetary gearing, and the fin 211 (see fig. 5) is attached tothe hub 218 by bolts 219. The hub 218 is joumalled in roller bearings 223, 224 in acasing 225 secured to the hull of the boat by sealing and supporting compound and bolts226. The interior of the unit is sealed against the water by a sealing 222. By a decoder220 and a process control block 221 sensor signals indicative of the pivoting are treated to govem the electric motor control for fin movements.

Thanks to the integration of the electric motor with the reduction gearing a less bulkyconstruction is achieved with smaller dimensions and considerably lower weight. In apreferred embodiment the height H it is about the same as the width W, or even smallerthan the width W. Since the fin 21 l is attached direct to the hub there is no shaft thathas to be joumalled. The joumaling thus is accomplished by the hub bearings 223, 224,which surrounds the gearing. Due to the large diameter D (e. g. 0.5W SDS 0.95W) ofthe bearings it is possible to fit the electric motor and gearing in between the cylindricalspace defined by the bearings. From the large diameter there is also a benefit to be able to use a simpler joumaling arrangement, such that ball bearings may be employed.

The integrated electric motor and reduction gearing may advantageously be used also for adjusting fins on a boat where the fins are the sole stabilizing means.

It is evident that the scope of the claims are not limited by the described embodimentsabove. For instance, it is evident that many different devices may be connected to amotor and gearing as described above, i.e. many other devices that need to be moveableon a boat or any other space limited vessel/device where compactness is of greatimportance. Accordingly it is foreseen that protection may be applied for on its ownregarding the motor and gearing arrangement, i.e. without any specified relationship tovessel or device. Moreover, it is also foreseen that the combination of the fin andinterceptor arrangement may also be subject for its own protection, e.g. by means of one or more divisional/s.

Claims (15)

1.

Adjustable device, pivotally arranged about a pivot axis (230, 230a, 230b) bymeans of a rotating electric motor (213) having a rotor (215) and a stator (216)via a reduction gearing (214) for reducing the rotation of the motor to theadjustment movement of the adjustable device (4a, 4b, 104a, 104b), Whereinthe reduction gearing (214) is a planetary gearing, the axis of the electric motor(213) is coaxial With the axis of said reduction gearing (214) and With the pivotaxis (230,230a, 230b) of said adjustable device (4a, 4b, 104a, 104b) and thereduction gearing (214) and the electric motor (213, 213a, 213b) to form a compact construction.

Adjustable device according to claim 1, Wherein rotor (215) of the motor hasan extension (217) that directly constitutes the input of the planetary gearing(2 14).

Adjustable device according to claim 1 or 2, Wherein a hub (218) is the outputof the planetary gearing (214) and the adjustable device (211) is directlyattached to the hub (218).

Adjustable device according to claim 3, Wherein the single unit is arrangedWith a casing (225) supporting at least one bearing (223) for the pivotalmovement the hub (218), said bearing (223) having a diameter (D) in the rangeof 0,7 HSDS2H, Wherein H is the height of the single unit.

Adjustable device according to any preceding claim, Wherein a hub (218) is theoutput of the planetary gearing (214) and the electric motor (213, 2l3a, 213b)and reduction gearing (214) are f1tted in a cylindrical space defined by twobearings (223) for the pivotal movement the hub (218).

Adjustable device according to claim 4 or 5, Wherein at least one, preferably two, of said bearings (223) is a roller bearing.

Adjustable device according to any of claims 1-6, Wherein the height (H) of the single unit is about the same as or less than the Width (W) of the single unit.

Adjustable device according to any of claims 1-7, Wherein the interior of the single unit is sealed against Water by a sealing (222).

10.

ll.

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13.

14. Adjustable device according to any of c1ain1s l-8, Wherein the adjustabledevice (211) is freely rotatable over +360°. A boat coniprising an adjustable device as defined in any of c1ain1s 1-9, Wherein said adjustable device is a fin and/ or a paddle. A boat according to claini 10, having a stabilizing device including at least tWoadjustable devices (4a, 4b, l04a, l04b) n1ounted on the hull (2, 102) of theboat, each adjustable device (4a, 4b, l04a, l04b) being rotatable around arespective rotational axis (6a, 6b), Which stabilizing device is arranged to be setin an operation n1ode at Which each adjustable device (4a, 4b, l04a, l04b) isarranged to be rotatable around its rotational axis (6a, 6b) or in a restingposition at Which each adjustable device (4a, 4b, l04a, l04b) is arranged to bestationary, Wherein each adjustable device (4a, 4b, l04a, l04b) is n1ounted ona transon1 (3, 7, 103) of the hull (2, 102), in the operation n1ode reacheslaterally and/or vertically outside the transoni (3, 7, 103), and in the restingposition is shielded by the transon1(3, 7, 103), and Whereby each adjustabledevice (4a, 4b, l04a, l04b) is arranged to change between operation n1ode and resting position by rotation around its rotational axis (6a, 6b). A boat according to clain1 11, Wherein each rotational axis (6a, 6b) forrns anangle of less than 30° With a line parallel to a longitudinal axis of the boat, preferably the angle is in the range of 0 to 10°. A boat according to any one of c1ain1s 11 or 12, Wherein said adjustable deviceis in the forrn of a paddle (4a, 4b, l04a, l04b) provided With shaft n1eans andinterconnecting arrns (5a, 5b, l05a, l05b) for providing the rotation of thepaddle (4a, 4b, l04a, l04b), Which shaft n1eans is aligned With the respective rotational axis (6a, 6b) and is drivingly connected to drive n1eans. A boat according to any one of c1ain1s 11-13, Wherein the boat further includessensing n1eans (131, 132, 133) sensing at least one paran1eter indicative of therolling of the boat around the longitudinal axis of the boat, and Wherein saidparan1eter is the angular position of the boat around said longitudinal axis, thefirst tinie derivate of said angular position or the second tinie derivate of said angular position or Wherein said paran1eter is obtained by processed data froni

15. a plurality of said sensed parameters, Wherein preferably said paran1etergoverns the rotation of each paddle (4a, 4b, l04a, l04b). A boat according to any one of clainis 11-14, Wherein the boat includes a speednieasuring device nieasuring the speed of the boat, and a control devicearranged to position each paddle (4a, 4b, 104a, 104b) in said resting positionWhen the speed is above a certain threshold and to set the paddle in saidoperation n1ode When the boat speed is at or below said threshold, the thresholdpreferably being in the range of 10 to 15 knots (5. l-7.6 rn/s).