Patent Description:
Hydrofoil watercrafts such as hydrofoil boards are sometimes preferred to conventional motorized surfboards, jet-skis etc. due to their stability which allows the user to have a more relaxed experience even at high speeds. Hydrofoil watercrafts commonly have a hull body provided with a hydrofoil. The hydrofoil is mounted to a mast extending into the water during operation of the watercraft. Further, a propulsion system is commonly mounted to the mast. The positioning of the propulsion system causes the hull body to raise above the water upon the watercraft exceeding a certain speed. Once risen, the watercraft is kept stable due to the mast. Furthermore, due to the hull body not being in contact with the water, the drag is reduced allowing for the watercraft to reach high speeds. In order to keep the watercraft stable, the hydrofoil is usually provided with fins and wings.

Due to their design, hydrofoil watercrafts becomes bulky and difficult to transport. To solve this, modular hydrofoil watercrafts has been implemented in the past. However, these often require screws and tools in order to assemble and disassemble. Furthermore, due to the high speeds which the watercraft is required to operate, the connections between the components of the watercraft may be subject to high loads as well as wear and tear. In addition, the connections may also introduce instability in the watercraft during operation due to the components not being sufficiently retained relative to each other.

<CIT> discloses a watercraft in the form of an electrically powered hydrofoiling surfboard device with a plurality of components releasably connectable to each other.

According to an aspect, a modular hydrofoil watercraft is provided. The modular hydrofoil watercraft comprises a plurality of modules which are releasably connectable to each other to when the assembled form said modular hydrofoil watercraft. The modular hydrofoil watercraft when assembled comprises a hull. The hull extends along a longitudinal center axis. The modular hydrofoil watercraft when assembled further comprises a propulsion system. The propulsion system comprises a motor and a propelling member. The motor is in driving connection with the propelling member. The modular hydrofoil watercraft when assembled comprises a mast adapted to extend downwardly from the hull. The propelling member is connected to the mast. The modular hydrofoil watercraft when assembled further comprises a hydrofoil connected to the mast.

The plurality of modules comprises at least a first module and second module. The first and second module are releasably connectable to each other.

The modular hydrofoil watercraft further comprises one or more locking arrangements. A locking arrangement of the one or more locking arrangements is arranged to releasably retain the first module and the second module of the plurality of modules in connection. The modular hydrofoil watercraft further comprises an electric power unit for powering the propulsion system, a connector part connected to the mast, the connector part comprising a connector releasably connected to the electric power unit, said connector part being configured to operatively couple the propulsion system and the electric power unit, wherein the connector part is releasably connected to the hull. According to the invention, the one or more locking arrangements comprises a connector locking arrangement arranged to releasably retain the hull and the connector part in connection, and wherein the connector locking arrangement is arranged to be accessible from a top surface of the hull.

Further objects and features of the present invention will appear from the following detailed description of embodiments of the invention.

The invention will be described with reference to accompanying drawings, in which:.

The invention will now be explained with reference to the accompanying drawings. <FIG> depicts a first embodiment of a watercraft according to the invention and <FIG> depicts a second embodiment of watercraft according to the invention.

A modular hydrofoil watercraft <NUM> is depicted. The modular hydrofoil watercraft <NUM> comprises a plurality of modules. The modules are releasably connectable to each other. The modules are releasably connected to each other such that when said modules are assembled, i.e. connected to each other, they form the modular hydrofoil watercraft <NUM>. Thus, the modules may be releasably couplable to each other. The modules may be releasably and mechanically connectable.

The watercraft <NUM> comprises a hull <NUM>. The hull <NUM> may be in the form of a board. The hull <NUM> may be an elongated hull. The hull <NUM> may be comprised in a hull module. The hull module <NUM> may be fluid tight or waterproof. In this particular embodiment the hull <NUM> is in the form of a board, the board is in itself buoyant on its own merit and may comprise an empty shell-type hull. The hull <NUM> may be considered a floating body. The watercraft may be suitable for personal transport or leisure. For example, a user may stand on the board or lay down on the board during operation. In a further example, the user may lay down on the board and control the watercraft by operating a remote control unit. The modular hydrofoil watercraft may be adapted to only be maneuvered in longitudinal and latitudinal direction by means of the weight distribution of a user positioned on a top surface of the board. The modular hydrofoil watercraft may be adapted to only allow for turning relative a travelling direction of the watercraft in response to changes in weight distribution of a user positioned on a top surface of the board. The modular hydrofoil watercraft may thus solely comprise stationary surfaces, i.e. no rotatably arranged rudders or propellers etc. allowing for turning of the watercraft.

The hull may be in the form of a board such as a wakeboard, surfboard, standup paddle board bodyboard/kneeboard or a jet ski/water scooter or boat.

The hull <NUM> has a front end <NUM> and a rear end <NUM> with the hull extending there between. The hull <NUM> may extend along a longitudinal center axis L. The longitudinal center axis L is arranged along the length-wise center of the hull <NUM>.

The watercraft <NUM> further comprises a propulsion system <NUM>. The propulsion system <NUM> is configured to drive the watercraft <NUM>. The propulsion system may comprise a motor <NUM> and a propelling member <NUM>. The motor <NUM> is in driving connection with the propelling member <NUM>. Accordingly, the motor <NUM> is arranged to drive the propelling member <NUM> for propelling the watercraft <NUM>.

The modular hydrofoil watercraft is thus a motorized modular hydrofoil watercraft. A motorized watercraft is herein referred to as a watercraft with a propulsion system, i.e. a motor driven watercraft.

In one embodiment, the motor <NUM> may be a combustion engine. The modular hydrofoil watercraft may thus comprise a fuel tank and fuel supply lines for providing fuel to the motor <NUM>.

In one embodiment, which is depicted in <FIG>, the propulsion system <NUM> may be electrically driven. The modular hydrofoil watercraft may thus be an electrical modular hydrofoil watercraft. The modular hydrofoil watercraft <NUM> may thus comprise an electric power unit <NUM> for powering the propulsion system <NUM>. The electric power unit <NUM> may further be configured for powering and/or driving the motor <NUM>. The electric power unit <NUM> may comprise one or more batteries for powering the propulsion system <NUM>.

Further referencing <FIG>, the hull <NUM> comprises means for receiving the electric power unit <NUM> here in the form of an electric power unit compartment <NUM>, facilitating that an electric power unit <NUM> is safely received and retained in the hull <NUM> without risk of dislodging during operation of the modular hydrofoil watercraft <NUM>. The electric power unit compartment <NUM> is thus adapted to receive the electric power unit <NUM>. The electric power unit <NUM> may comprise a shape corresponding to an external surface, such as the top-part of the hull module and thus become flush with edges of the hull <NUM> and/or electric power unit compartment <NUM> upon attachment to the hull <NUM>/electric power unit compartment <NUM>. The electric power unit compartment <NUM> may thus be provided in a top surface of the hull <NUM>.

The propulsion system <NUM> comprises at least one motor <NUM> in driving connection with at least one propelling member <NUM> via at least one drive shaft <NUM>. The motor <NUM> may be comprised in a motor unit which also may comprise power electronics. The propelling member <NUM> may for example comprise one or more propellers. The propulsion system may comprise casing or pods surrounding the propelling member. In one embodiment, the propelling member <NUM> may be arranged in a propelling member pod. In one embodiment, the motor <NUM> may be arranged in a motor pod. The motor pod and/or the propelling member pod may be arranged to form an additional lifting surface or bearing plane for the modular hydrofoil watercraft. Said additional lifting surface or bearing plane may be parallel to the lifting surface or bearing plane formed by the hydrofoil. In one embodiment, the additional lifting surface or bearing plane may coincide with the lifting surface or bearing plane formed by the hydrofoil.

The watercraft may further comprise a control unit <NUM>. The control unit <NUM> is operatively coupled to the motor <NUM>. The control unit <NUM> is configured to control the motor <NUM>. In one embodiment, the control unit <NUM> may comprise an electronic speed controller ESC. The electronic speed controller ESC is configured to control the speed of the motor <NUM>.

Data communication between the various components of the watercraft via the control unit <NUM> may be made by CAN (Controller Area Network). Data communication may also be made using other wired or wireless data connections known in the art.

The control unit <NUM> may comprise one or more processors, a memory, and an input/output (I/O). The memory may store a software program in the form of code that is executable by the processor. Input information may be received by an I/O module. The input information may include information from the sensors provided in the watercraft and/or operational components relating to the condition and/or operation of the watercraft as a whole. The input information may also include information input by a user. Based on the input information, the control unit <NUM> can control operation of the watercraft. Specifically, the software program stored in the memory is operable to use the input information to determine operating instructions for the propulsion system <NUM>. For example, operating instructions may be provided to the ESC which controls the speed of the motor <NUM>. The memory may further store information received from the sensors and/or operational components, or from other components of the watercraft.

In the depicted embodiment, the propulsion system is a jet propulsion system. The propulsion system <NUM> may thus comprise a water jet arrangement. The propelling member <NUM> may thus be in the form of a water jet unit comprising an impeller. The impeller is coupled to the motor <NUM> by means of the drive shaft <NUM>. The water jet arrangement may accordingly comprise the water jet unit.

The propulsion system <NUM> may be capable of operating independently the hull <NUM>. Thus, the propulsion system <NUM> is, when assembled, fully water proof. This feature has the advantage that it can operate externally from the hull <NUM> during operation of the watercraft <NUM> such that no electrical components, or no components essential for the basic function of the watercraft has to be integrated in the hull. Thus, the hull <NUM> may comprise only a dead shell.

The propulsion system <NUM> may be at least partially comprised and preferably comprised in a drive module. The drive module may comprise the propelling member <NUM> and the motor <NUM>. The electric power unit <NUM> may thus be configured to power the drive module. The motor <NUM> is typically installed in a waterproof container or casing of the drive module. Further, the drive module may comprise the drive shaft <NUM>.

Substantially the entire drive module is submerged in a surrounding fluid during operation of the modular hydrofoil watercraft <NUM>. In the depicted examples, the drive module comprises the water jet unit comprising at least one impeller in driving connection with a motor <NUM> of the drive module <NUM> via the drive shaft <NUM>. The motor <NUM>, the drive shaft <NUM> and the water jet unit are preferably arranged along a straight direction, which may extend parallel and/or along the longitudinal center axis L.

The modular hydrofoil watercraft <NUM> further comprises a mast <NUM>. The mast <NUM> is adapted to extend downwardly from the hull <NUM>. The propelling member <NUM> is connected to the mast <NUM>. The propelling member <NUM> may be directly or indirectly connected to the mast <NUM>. The propelling member <NUM> may be attached to the mast <NUM>. The mast <NUM> may be in the form an elongated member. The elongated member extends substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal center axis L. The mast <NUM> may be arranged at a position of the hull <NUM> proximal to the rear <NUM> of the hull <NUM>. The mast <NUM> may be arranged at a position of the hull <NUM> disposed along the longitudinal center axis L. The mast <NUM> may extend from a bottom surface of the hull <NUM>.

The modular hydrofoil watercraft <NUM> further comprises a hydrofoil <NUM>. The hydrofoil <NUM> is connected to the mast <NUM>. The hydrofoil <NUM> may be directly or indirectly connected to the mast <NUM>. The hydrofoil <NUM> may be attached to the mast <NUM>. In one embodiment, the hydrofoil <NUM> may be connected to the mast <NUM> via the propulsion system <NUM> or vice versa.

Although the depicted embodiments only shows a single mast, it is within the scope of this disclosure that the watercraft may comprise one or more masts. For example, the watercraft may comprise two or more masts connected to a single hydrofoil or two or more mast each being connected to a hydrofoil.

The hydrofoil <NUM> may be arranged at a bottom end of the mast <NUM>. The hydrofoil <NUM> forms a fuselage. The fuselage is arranged at the bottom end of the mast <NUM>. As the skilled person is aware, the hydrofoil <NUM> is adapted to form a lifting surface or bearing plane for the modular hydrofoil watercraft. Thus, the hydrofoil <NUM> is a structure arranged below the hull adapted to provide a lifting surface for the modular watercraft. The hydrofoil <NUM>, and the fuselage of the hydrofoil <NUM>, extends parallel and preferably along to the longitudinal center axis L of the hull <NUM>.

As depicted, the hydrofoil <NUM> may comprise at least one wing <NUM>, <NUM>. The at least one wing <NUM>, <NUM> is adapted to guide water flow around the hydrofoil <NUM>.

The hydrofoil <NUM> may comprise a front wing <NUM>. The front wing <NUM> is arranged at a front end of the hydrofoil <NUM>. The front end is a front end relative a direction extending parallel to the longitudinal center axis L from the rear <NUM> to the front <NUM> of the hull <NUM>. The hydrofoil <NUM> may comprise a tail wing <NUM>. The tail wing <NUM> is arranged at a rear end of the hydrofoil <NUM>. The rear end is a rear end relative a direction extending parallel to the longitudinal center axis L from the rear <NUM> to the front <NUM> of the hull <NUM>. In other words, the front and rear end may be a front end and rear end relative the travelling direction of the modular hydrofoil watercraft.

The hydrofoil <NUM> may further comprise a strut <NUM>. The strut <NUM> may be attached to the mast <NUM>. The tail wing <NUM> and/or front wing <NUM> may each be mounted to the strut <NUM>.

Preferably, the at least one wing <NUM>, <NUM> and the strut <NUM> may each extend in the same plane, i.e. a plane in which the lifting surface formed by the hydrofoil extends. The plane may be considered a bearing plane. The at least one wing <NUM>, <NUM> may extend orthogonally to the strut <NUM> and/or the direction of the hydrofoil. The at least one wing <NUM>, <NUM> may extend orthogonally from opposite longitudinal sides of the strut <NUM>.

According to the invention, the hull <NUM>, the mast <NUM> and the propulsion system <NUM> are comprised in modules. The modules are connected to at least partly form the modular hydrofoil watercraft <NUM>. Modules herein refers to sub-assemblies of components forming the watercraft. The modules are releasably connectable to form the watercraft. Accordingly, the plurality of modules are adapted to when connected comprise the hull, the propulsion system, the mast and the hydrofoil. The plurality of modules may be adapted to, when connected, form said hull, propulsion system, mast and hydrofoil.

Thus, the plurality of modules may comprise at least a first module and a second module being releasably connectable to each other.

The sub-assemblies may in some cases be independently operable, i.e. may not require connection to other assemblies in order to operate. The hull, the mast and the propulsion system may be disposed in two or more separate modules. The propulsion system may also be divided amongst two or more separate modules or be comprised in a single module.

In order to allow for easy assembling and disassembling of the watercraft, one or more locking arrangements <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are provided. The modular hydrofoil watercraft <NUM> thus comprises one or more locking arrangements <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. Each locking arrangement is arranged to releasably retain a pair of releasably connected modules of the plurality of modules. The pair of releasably connected modules may be mechanically connected, e.g. mechanically coupled. Thus, the plurality of modules may comprise at least one pair of modules which are releasably connected to each other and releasably retained by means of a locking arrangement. In other words, a locking arrangement of the one or more locking arrangements is arranged to releasably retain a first module and a second module of the plurality of modules in connection, e.g. releasable mechanical connection. As will be exemplified with reference to the figures, the plurality of modules may comprise a plurality of pairs of releasably connected modules, at least some of which being retained in connection by means of a locking arrangement.

The locking arrangements may be hand-operable locking arrangements. The locking arrangements may accordingly not require tools to operate.

The modules and locking arrangements may be arranged in numerous ways. As the skilled person is aware, the connections between the modules and consequently the locking arrangements may be provided in different manners while still providing a similar assembled watercraft when said modules are connected. It is further noted that some modules may be connected without being secured in place by means of a locking arrangement.

<FIG> depicts an example of a composition of modules forming the modular hydrofoil watercraft.

The hull <NUM> is comprised in a hull module. The hull module may as previously explained comprise no components but the hull forming the floating body of the watercraft.

The plurality of modules further comprises an electric power module. The electric power module comprises the electric power unit <NUM>. The electric power unit <NUM> is releasably connected to the hull module. The hull module and the electric power module thus forms a pair of releasably connected modules. Thus, the electric power module and the hull module may form a first and second module retained by means of a locking arrangement.

In the depicted example, the electric power unit <NUM>/electric power module is releasably and mechanically connected to said hull module by means of insertion into a compartment, i.e. the electric power unit compartment <NUM>, of said hull module. This allows for a more compact and efficient shape of the watercraft. It may however be envisioned that the electric power unit is mechanically mounted to a top or bottom surface of the hull module as well.

In the depicted embodiment, the mast <NUM>, a connecting part <NUM> for electrically connecting the propulsion system and the electric power unit <NUM> as well as the propulsion system <NUM> are comprised in a single module. The mast <NUM>, connecting part <NUM> and the propulsion system <NUM> are connected. The mast <NUM>, the connecting part <NUM> and the propulsion system <NUM> may be comprised in an operation module. This is particularly advantageous since it allows for a modular watercraft without the need for the user to electrically connect multiple modules. Instead, electric wiring may be provided from the connector part <NUM> via the mast <NUM> to the propulsion system <NUM> in a single module to be mounted to the watercraft.

It may be envisioned however that any one or each of said components are comprised in separate modules releasably connected to each other. Accordingly, the plurality of modules may comprise a drive module comprising the propulsion system <NUM> and a mast module comprising the mast <NUM>. Further, the plurality of modules may comprise a connector module comprising the connector part. Said modules may be releasably and electrically connected as well as releasably and mechanically connected. Said modules may be releasably retained in connection by means of a locking arrangement. Said modules may also form sub-modules attached to each other to form the operation module. Accordingly, the operation module may comprise at least the drive module and the mast module in the form of connected sub-modules.

Further referencing <FIG>, the hydrofoil <NUM> may be comprised in a hydrofoil module. The hydrofoil module may be releasably connected to the mast <NUM>. In one embodiment, the hydrofoil module may be releasably connected to the operation module. The hydrofoil module may be mechanically and releasably connected to the mast <NUM> or operation module. The hydrofoil module and the operation module may thus form a first and second module retained by means of a locking arrangement. The hydrofoil module may only comprise the fuselage of the hydrofoil. Thus, the hydrofoil solely comprises the previously described wings and struts.

The hydrofoil module may be mechanically connected to the mast <NUM> by means of a sliding connection or a retaining/clamping engagement between said mast <NUM> and the hydrofoil module. The mechanical connection may be secured by means of a locking arrangement. This allows for the hydrofoil to be transported separately and be easily mounted to the watercraft, this is particularly advantageous due to the hydrofoil often being bulky.

In one embodiment, the operation module may comprise at least the mast module and the hydrofoil module in the form of connected sub-modules. In one embodiment, the operation module may comprise the mast module, the hydrofoil module and the drive module in the form of connected sub-modules.

The construction of the locking arrangements will now be explained with reference to <FIG>. Generally, it is noted that although particular modules are depicted as being retained by means of particular locking arrangements, any type of the exemplified locking arrangements may be utilized to retain any one of the depicted connected modules in connection.

In one embodiment, the locking arrangement <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may comprise a locking element <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. The locking element <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may be provided on one of the pair of releasably connected modules, i.e. a first module of the pair of modules. The locking arrangement <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may further comprise a retention member <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. The retention member <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> is provided on the other module of the releasably connected pair of modules, i.e. a second module of the pair of modules. The locking element <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> is movable between a retaining position and a disengaged position. In the retaining position, the locking element <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> engages the retention member <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and secures the first module to the second module. In the disengaged position, the locking element <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> is out of engagement with the retention member <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. In the disengaged position, the first module is releasable relative the second module. In other words, said first module is releasable from the connection with said second module.

In one embodiment, the locking element is in the form of a sliding member. The sliding member is translationally movable between the retaining position and the disengaged position. The locking arrangement may accordingly be in the form of a finger lock or pin lock.

In one embodiment, the locking element <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> is in the form a pivotable lock lever. The pivotable lock lever is thus pivotally movable between the retaining position and the disengaged position. In one embodiment, the pivotable lock lever may comprise a retention portion <NUM>, <NUM>. The retention portion <NUM>, <NUM> may be adapted to engage the retention member <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> in the retaining position. The retention portion <NUM>, <NUM> may be in the form of a latch or hook. The retention portion <NUM>, <NUM> may be adapted to engage the retention member <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> in a retaining manner when the pivotable lock lever is in the retaining position. The retention member may be in the form of a pin, shoulder or recess adapted to receive the retention portion <NUM>,<NUM> in a retaining manner.

The pivotable lock lever may comprise a first and second end. The first end may be rotatably coupled to the first module. The first end may further comprise the retention portion <NUM>, <NUM>. The second, opposite, end may be an actuating end accessible for operation by a user.

To ensure stable connection between the connected modules, the locking element <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may be adapted to exert a contact force on the second module by means of the retention member <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> pressing said second module against the first module.

The watercraft depicted in <FIG> implements a plurality of locking arrangements.

The one or more locking arrangements may comprise an electric power unit locking arrangement <NUM>. The electric power unit locking arrangement <NUM> is arranged to releasably retain the hull <NUM>, e.g. the hull module, and the electric power unit <NUM>, e.g. the electric power module, in connection. The hull <NUM>, e.g. the hull module, may be provided with a retention member <NUM> and the electric power unit <NUM>, e.g. the electric power module, may be provided with a locking element <NUM>. The electric power unit locking arrangement <NUM> may be arranged proximal to the top surface of the watercraft (and the hull) to allow for user-friendly assembly.

As most clearly depicted in <FIG>, the hydrofoil <NUM> may be comprised in a separate module, i.e. the previously described hydrofoil module. Thus, the hydrofoil <NUM>, i.e. the hydrofoil module, may be releasably connected to the mast <NUM>. The one or more locking arrangements may thus comprise a hydrofoil locking arrangement <NUM>. The hydrofoil locking arrangement <NUM> is arranged to releasably retain the mast <NUM> and the hydrofoil <NUM> in connection. According to the depicted embodiment, the mast <NUM> is provided with a retention member <NUM> and the hydrofoil <NUM> is provided with a locking element <NUM>. In the depicted embodiment, the mast <NUM> is comprised in the previously described operation module. Thus, the hydrofoil module may be releasably connected to said operation module. The hydrofoil locking arrangement <NUM> is thus arranged to releasably retain the hydrofoil module and the operation module in connection. According to the depicted embodiment, the operation module is provided with the retention member <NUM> and the hydrofoil module is provided with the locking element <NUM>.

As previously explained, the modular hydrofoil watercraft <NUM> comprises a connector part <NUM>. The connector part <NUM> may form a connector module releasably connected to the mast <NUM>. The connector part may be comprised in the operation module as a connector module in the form of a sub-module. The connector part <NUM> is connected to the mast <NUM>. The connector part <NUM> may be releasably connected to the mast <NUM>. In the depicted embodiment, the connector part <NUM> is attached to the mast <NUM>. In the depicted embodiment, the connector part <NUM> is comprised in the operation module. The connector part <NUM> is releasably connectable to the hull <NUM>, the operation module and the hull module may thus form a first and second module retained by means of a locking arrangement.

The connector part <NUM> comprises a connector <NUM>. The connector <NUM> is releasably connected to the electric power unit <NUM>. The electric power unit may comprise a corresponding connector adapted to together with the connector <NUM> form an electric connection between the electric power unit <NUM> and the connector part <NUM>. The connectors may be adapted to provide a blind-mate connection such as a male to female connection. The connectors may be further configured to transfer data between the electric power unit <NUM> and the control unit <NUM> and/or propulsion system <NUM>.

The connector part <NUM> is configured to operatively couple the propulsion system <NUM> and the electric power unit <NUM>. The mast <NUM> may thus comprise wiring <NUM> connected to the connector part <NUM> and the propulsion system <NUM>, e.g. the motor <NUM> of the propulsion system <NUM>. The wiring may be electric wiring. The wiring may be configured to transfer data and/or power. Alternatively, any conventional wireless communication mean for data may be utilized for the data transfer.

Preferably, the control unit <NUM> is arranged in the connector part <NUM>. The control unit <NUM> may be electrically connected to the electric power unit <NUM> via the connector <NUM>. The control unit <NUM> may be electrically connected to the connector <NUM>. The control unit <NUM> may be operatively coupled to the propulsion system <NUM> by means of the wiring <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the watercraft may comprise connection sensing means. The connection sensing means are operatively coupled to the control unit <NUM>. The connection sensing means are configured to detect connection between the connector <NUM> and the electric power unit <NUM>. The connection sensing means may comprise at least one sensor. The at least one sensor is configured to detect said connection. In one embodiment, one of the connectors may be provided with a magnet and the other with a sensor configured to detect said magnet to detect connection between said connectors. In one embodiment, at least one of the connectors may be provided with a voltage or current sensor configured to detect connection by means of detecting a current or voltage over said connector.

According to the invention, the connector part <NUM> is releasably connected to the hull <NUM>, e.g. the hull module <NUM>. The connection may be releasably retained by means of a locking arrangement. Thus, the one or more locking arrangement comprises a connector locking arrangement <NUM>. The connector locking arrangement <NUM> is arranged to releasably retain the hull <NUM> and the connector part <NUM> in connection.

In one embodiment, the hull <NUM> comprises a connector compartment <NUM>. The connector compartment <NUM> is adapted to receive the connector part <NUM>. In one embodiment, the connector part <NUM> is releasably and mechanically connected to the hull <NUM> by means of insertion in said connector compartment <NUM>.

The connector compartment <NUM> may be arranged at a bottom surface of the hull <NUM>. The connector compartment <NUM> thus faces the mast <NUM>.

According to the invention, the connector locking arrangement <NUM> is arranged to be accessible from a top surface of the hull <NUM>. Thereby, the assembling of the watercraft is easier due to the user not having to turn the watercraft upside-down in order to retain the connector part to the hull. Furthermore, it allows for easy assembling of the watercraft in the water, i.e. when the hull is floating on the water surface.

The connector locking arrangement <NUM> may be arranged to be accessible from the top surface of the hull <NUM> such that the connector locking arrangement <NUM> may be operated by a user from a position above the watercraft. Worded differently, the connector locking arrangement <NUM> is arranged to face upwards from the hull <NUM>. The connector locking arrangement may be arranged to face upwards from the hull <NUM> in a direction extending opposite to the mast <NUM>.

The top surface may be opposite the bottom surface of the hull <NUM>, e.g. the bottom surface from which the mast extends downwardly. The top surface may extend parallel to the longitudinal center axis L.

Thus, the connector locking arrangement <NUM> may be arranged at a top surface of the hull <NUM>. The connector locking arrangement <NUM> may be provided at a top surface of the hull <NUM>.

Preferably, the locking element <NUM> may be provided at the top surface of the hull <NUM>. The locking element <NUM> may be accessible for operation by a user to cause movement between the retaining position and the disengaged position from a top surface of the hull <NUM>,. e.g. be operable by a user from a position above the watercraft <NUM>. In one embodiment, the locking element <NUM> may be arranged to be substantially flush with the top surface of the hull <NUM> in the retaining position.

According to the invention, the connector locking arrangement <NUM> is provided at the upper surface of the hull <NUM> by being provided at a top portion of the hull <NUM>. In one embodiment, the locking element <NUM> may be provided on the top portion of the hull <NUM>. In one embodiment, the locking element <NUM> may be mounted to the top portion of the hull <NUM>. According to such an embodiment, the retention member <NUM> may be provided on the connector part <NUM>. In one embodiment, the retention member may be mounted to connector part <NUM>.

Alternatively, the retention member <NUM> may be provided on the top portion of the hull <NUM> and the locking element <NUM> may be provided on an upper portion of the connector part <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the connector locking arrangement <NUM> may be accessible from the electric power unit compartment <NUM>. The electric power unit compartment <NUM> may form a portion of the top surface of the hull <NUM>. The connector locking arrangement <NUM> may be accessible from the electric power unit compartment <NUM> when the electric power unit <NUM> is not arranged in the electric power unit compartment <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the connector locking arrangement <NUM> may be provided at a surface of the electric power unit compartment <NUM>. In one embodiment, said surface may extend substantially parallel to the longitudinal center axis L. Said surface may be arranged to face upwards from the hull <NUM>. Said surface may be arranged to face upwards in a direction extending opposite to the mast <NUM>.

Preferably, the locking element <NUM> may be provided at said surface of the electric power unit compartment <NUM>. The locking element <NUM> may be accessible for operation by a user to cause movement between the retaining position and the disengaged position from a top surface of the hull <NUM>, e.g. be operable by a user from a position above the watercraft <NUM>. In one embodiment, the locking element <NUM> may be arranged to be substantially flush with said surface of the electric power unit compartment <NUM> in the retaining position.

As most clearly depicted in <FIG>, the connector compartment <NUM> and the electric power unit compartment <NUM> may be interconnected via a through-hole <NUM>. The through-hole <NUM> is adapted to receive the connector <NUM> such that said connector <NUM> is accessible from the electric power unit compartment <NUM>. The connector compartment <NUM> and the electric power unit compartment <NUM> may overlap along the longitudinal center axis L. The connection between the electric power unit <NUM> and the connector part <NUM> may extend through the through-hole <NUM>. Said connection may be sealed by means of sealing means such as O-rings or gaskets to form a water-tight connection. The through-hole <NUM> may extend substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal center axis L. The through-hole <NUM> may extend vertically. In one embodiment, the through-hole <NUM> may be further adapted to allow for passage of water from the connector compartment <NUM> to the electric power unit compartment <NUM> to cool the electric power unit <NUM>.

The through hole <NUM> may be adapted to enable access to the connector part <NUM> from the top surface of the hull <NUM>, thereby enabling access to the connector locking arrangement <NUM> from said top surface of the hull <NUM>.

With the above described arrangement of the electric power unit compartment and connector part compartment, the electric power unit is arranged on top of the connector part which improves the stability of the watercraft since the weight of the electric power unit pushes the modules against each other mitigating the risk for undesired relative movement between the electric power unit, hull and connector part.

The watercraft according to the embodiment depicted in <FIG> implements an alternative embodiment of the connector locking arrangement. Similar to the embodiments described above, the connector locking arrangement <NUM> may be arranged to be accessible from a top surface of the hull <NUM>. The depicted connector locking arrangement allows for a sturdier and more robust connection between the hull and the connector part. As most clearly depicted in <FIG>, the locking arrangement <NUM> may further comprise a securing member <NUM>. The securing member <NUM> is movable between a securing position and a non-securing position. In the securing position, the securing member <NUM> is adapted to engage the locking element <NUM> when the locking element <NUM> is in the retaining position to thereby fixate the position of the locking element <NUM>. In the non-securing position, the locking element <NUM> is movable between the retaining position and the disengaged position. In the depicted embodiment, the connector locking arrangement <NUM> comprises the securing member <NUM>. The connector locking arrangement <NUM> is arranged to releasably retain the hull <NUM> and the connector part <NUM> in connection. The hull <NUM>, e.g. the hull module, may be provided with a locking element <NUM> and the connector part <NUM> may be provided with a retention member <NUM>. The securing member <NUM> is provided on the hull <NUM>. The securing member <NUM> may be provided in the electric power unit compartment <NUM>. The securing member <NUM> may be accessible from a top surface of the watercraft <NUM>.

As most clearly depicted in <FIG>, one of the connector compartment <NUM> and the connector part <NUM> may comprise a retention groove <NUM>. The other of said connector compartment <NUM> and the connector part <NUM> comprises a corresponding retention protrusion <NUM>. The retention groove <NUM> and the retention protrusion <NUM> are arranged to engage when the connector part <NUM> is connected to the hull <NUM>. Thus, the retention groove <NUM> and the retention protrusion <NUM> are arranged to come into engagement with each other when the connector part <NUM> is connected to the hull <NUM>. This allows for a sturdy connection between the connector part and the hull. Preferably, the retention protrusion <NUM> and the retention groove <NUM> extend substantially orthogonally to the mast <NUM> and the longitudinal center axis L. In one embodiment, the connector compartment and the connector part may each comprise a plurality of retention protrusions and/or retention grooves.

Preferably, the connector locking arrangement <NUM> is arranged to exert a contact force pressing the retention protrusion <NUM> and the retention groove <NUM> against each other upon retaining the hull <NUM> and the connector part <NUM> when the connector part <NUM> is connected to the hull <NUM>. This further increases the stability of the connection between the hull and connector part. In the depicted example, the retention portion <NUM> is arranged to engage the retention member <NUM> when the locking member <NUM> is in the retaining position such that the retention portion <NUM> pushes the retention member <NUM> provided on the connector part and thereby the connector part towards and preferably against the hull. Preferably, the retention portion pushes the connector part against the retention recess provided in the hull.

In one embodiment, the connector part <NUM> comprises a tapered surface. The tapered surface extends parallel to the longitudinal center axis L. The connector compartment <NUM> comprises a corresponding tapered surface. The corresponding tapered surface extends parallel and adjacent to the tapered surface of the connector part <NUM>. Worded differently, the connector compartment <NUM> and the connector part <NUM> may each comprise a surface diagonal relative the longitudinal center axis L. The diagonal surfaces may be parallel to each other and arranged adjacent to each other when the connector part <NUM> is connected to, e.g. arranged in, the connector compartment <NUM>. The diagonal interface between the connector compartment and the connector part prevents undesired relative movement between the connector compartment and the connector part. The tapered surface may be tapered in a direction extending from the rear <NUM> to the front <NUM> of the hull <NUM>. Alternatively, the tapered surface may be tapered in a direction extending from the front <NUM> to the rear <NUM> of the hull <NUM>.

Further referencing <FIG>, the connector locking arrangement <NUM> may be arranged between electric power unit <NUM> and the hull <NUM> when the electric power unit <NUM> is received in the electric power unit compartment <NUM>. In one embodiment, the connector locking arrangement <NUM> may be arranged to be in contact with the bottom surface of the electric power unit <NUM> when the electric power unit <NUM> is received in the electric power unit compartment <NUM>. Preferably, the locking element <NUM> is arranged to be in contact with the bottom surface of the electric power unit <NUM> when the electric power unit <NUM> is received in the electric power unit compartment <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A modular hydrofoil watercraft (<NUM>) comprising a plurality of modules which are releasably connectable to each other to when assembled form said modular hydrofoil watercraft (<NUM>), wherein said modular hydrofoil watercraft (<NUM>) when assembled comprises:
a hull (<NUM>) extending along a longitudinal center axis (L);
a propulsion system (<NUM>) comprising a motor (<NUM>) and a propelling member (<NUM>), the motor (<NUM>) being in driving connection with said propelling member (<NUM>);
a mast (<NUM>) adapted to extend downwardly from the hull (<NUM>), the propelling member (<NUM>) being connected to the mast (<NUM>); and
a hydrofoil (<NUM>) connected to the mast (<NUM>);
wherein the plurality of modules comprises at least a first module and second module being releasably connectable to each other,
whereby the modular hydrofoil watercraft (<NUM>) further comprises one or more locking arrangements (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), wherein a locking arrangement (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) of said one or more locking arrangements (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) is arranged to releasably retain the first module and the second module of the plurality of modules in connection,
wherein the modular hydrofoil watercraft (<NUM>) further comprises:
an electric power unit (<NUM>) for powering the propulsion system (<NUM>),
a connector part (<NUM>) connected to the mast (<NUM>), the connector part (<NUM>) comprising a connector (<NUM>) releasably connected to the electric power unit (<NUM>), said connector part (<NUM>) being configured to operatively couple the propulsion system (<NUM>) and the electric power unit (<NUM>),
wherein the connector part (<NUM>) is releasably connected to the hull (<NUM>), characterised in that the one or more locking arrangements (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) comprises a connector locking arrangement (<NUM>) arranged to releasably retain the hull (<NUM>) and the connector part (<NUM>) in connection, and
wherein the connector locking arrangement (<NUM>) is arranged to be accessible from a top surface of the hull (<NUM>).