EP4023546A1 - Wing rig - Google Patents

Abstract

Hand-supported wing rig for sports driven by wind power, with a front tube (2) and fixed or inflatable tip struts (18, 20) arranged in tip areas, side edges between the tips of the front tube and the end sections of the tip stuts leading to a trailing Extend Edge of a Canopy (8).

Description

The invention relates to a hand-supported wing rig for wind-powered sports, such as foil surfing, according to the preamble of patent claim 1.

Wing rigs are offered under the names "Slingwing", "Foil Wing", "Wing Surfer", for example. It is a wing that is designed with a front tube that forms a leading edge and a strut that are preferably inflatable. On the central strut and on the front tube, there are holding loops, which the user uses to hold the inflatable wing rig during use, for example when foiling or ice skating or skiing.

In the U.S. 4,563,969 a rigid wing rig is shown, in which the leading edge and a boom are formed by a complex tubular construction that spans a canvas (canopy). The leading edge is curved in an arc shape as seen in a plan view. The tree is supported by a multitude of struts at the leading edge. These struts are designed in such a way that they give the leading edge a concave structure in a front view, ie seen in the direction of flow of the wing rig, in which the end sections (tips) of the wing rig protrude upwards from a central apex of the leading edge are.

A disadvantage of this solution is that the total weight of the wing rig is very high due to the complex structure of the boom and the leading edge, so that it can only be used in water sports with the appropriate buoyancy devices. Another disadvantage is that the assembly and disassembly of the wing rig takes a long time due to the complex tubular structure. The hard tube structure of the Leading edge and the tree also poses a significant risk of injury to the user in a skid fall.

A similar rigid wing rig is in the WO 95/05973 A1 shown. In this solution, too, the leading edge and the tree are formed by a complex tube structure. The construction shows the same disadvantages as the wing rig according to the one discussed above U.S. 4,563,969 .

In the document U.S. 5,448,961 describes a flat wing rig with a closed frame structure - such a solution is also unusable for water sports due to the high weight, the time-consuming assembly/disassembly and the risk of injury.

Accordingly, the solutions mentioned at the outset have prevailed, in which the wing rig is designed with an inflatable strut on which straps are designed for holding. These concepts are characterized by their low weight and comparatively high buoyancy.

As explained, these wing rigs are usually guided by hand, with the attitude of the wing rig in relation to the wind always having to be changed depending on the wind strength and wind direction and the planned maneuver. Depending on the angle of attack to the water surface and in relation to the vertical axis of the user, the grip position, especially the rear hand on the trailing edge, can change. However, the hand straps that are usually provided make such a change in the holding position more difficult.

In the also going back to the applicant WO 2020/152198 A1 describes an improved wing rig in which a rigid tree is used instead of or as a supplement to an inflatable center strut, which greatly facilitates handling, since this tree can be taken depending on the surfer's preference can and this does not have to be based on the usually provided straps.

In the post-release DE 10 2020 122 145.2 describes a wing rig in which recessed grips are formed on an inflatable center strut, which are overstretched by handles, so that they do not extend far beyond the center strut profile in the radial direction, thus ensuring a compact design.

In all of these known solutions, the front tube is approximately U-shaped in the broadest sense and extends to the trailing edge of the canopy. In use, it was found that such a profile is relatively stiff in the vertical direction (seen over the large area of the canopy), so that handling the wing rig can be problematic in unfavorable conditions.

In contrast, the invention is based on the object of creating a hand-supported wing rig with improved handling.

This object is achieved by a hand-supported wing rig having the features of patent claim 1.

Advantageous developments of the invention are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

The hand-supported wing rig according to the invention has an inflatable front tube, from which a strut designed, for example, as a rigid tree and/or as an inflatable center strut extends approximately in the middle, by means of which the wing rig is usually held. The front tube spans a canopy together with the strut, with this strut extending roughly in the middle of the front tube to a trailing edge of the canopy.

According to the invention, the hand-supported wing rig is designed with fixed and/or inflatable tip struts, which extend at a distance from end sections of the front tube in the direction of the trailing edge of the canopy.

In other words, the front tube does not extend along the leading edge and the two side sections of the wing rig, but in principle essentially along the leading edge, with the lateral areas being supported by the tip struts. This gives the wing rig a comparatively high level of rigidity in the lateral direction and the associated high leech tension and a comparatively low level of rigidity in the vertical direction, which allows a certain twist in gusty conditions or strong winds, similar to windsurfing sails.

The tip struts are preferably positioned in such a way that they enclose an acute angle with the respective end sections (tips) of the front tube, ie with the areas of the front tube extending beyond the tip struts.

In a particularly preferred solution, a side edge of the canopy extends between an end section of the tip strut and the associated tip of the front tube, which is preferably set at the trailing edge.

It is particularly preferred if the side edges are arranged approximately parallel to the flow direction of the wing rig.

The stiffness in the lateral direction and the lower stiffness in the vertical direction can be further influenced if the tip strut, the end section of the front tube and the respective side edge together delimit a triangular structure. It may well be permissible for the tip strut to be slightly rounded or angled.

The stiffness in the lateral direction is optimal when the two tip struts are set at an acute angle to the middle strut (boom or center strut).

It is particularly preferred if the two tip struts are placed in an approximately V-shape relative to one another.

The concept according to the invention can be advantageously implemented in a wing rig with an inflatable center strut. Handles or at least a tree can be attached to this, so that guiding the wing rig is simplified.

Handling is further improved if such a center strut is designed with at least one recessed grip over which a handle or tree stretches.

In one exemplary embodiment of a wing rig, side edges winglets are formed along the side edges, which preferably run parallel to the inflow direction of the wing rig, through which the stretch (aspect ratio) of the wing rig is increased without increasing the wingspan. This is particularly advantageous for smaller people and larger wing rigs, as it prevents the tips from touching down on the water when sailing upwind or during manoeuvres. Such winglets bring about reduced induced drag at high levels of lift, particularly at low speeds, with stability around the yaw axis being improved. Due to the reduced moment of inertia around the longitudinal axis (roll axis), maneuverability is also improved.

Such winglets can be formed, for example, by rigid molded parts or as an inflatable body.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the winglets are made of fiber-reinforced plastic, for example carbon fiber, with the winglets being attached to the wing rig or the wing rig structure using suitable connecting means.

These winglets are then preferably supported by the tip struts, which in turn can be made inflatable or rigid.

In relation to the water surface, the winglets can extend upwards or downwards or on both sides, i.e. both upwards and downwards.

The applicant reserves the right to make independent claims on these winglets arranged along the side edges of the canopy, whereby the tip struts can be provided optionally.

• Figur 1 zeigt eine Unteransicht eines Flügelriggs 1, wobei gestrichelt die Kontur eines herkömmlichen Flügelriggs dargestellt ist;
• Figur 2 zeigt das erfindungsgemäße Flügelrigg in einer Alleinstellung;
• Figur 3 zeigt eine Draufsicht auf das Flügelrigg gemäß Figur 2;
• Figur 4 zeigt eine Seitenansicht des erfindungsgemäßen Flügelriggs;
• Figur 5 eine dreidimensionale Darstellung eines Ausführungsbeispiels eines Flügelriggs mit Winglets;
• Figur 6 das Flügelrigg gemäß Figur 5 in einer Ansicht schräg von unten;
• Figur 7 eine Draufsicht des Flügelriggs gemäß den Figuren 5 und 6;
• Figur 8 eine Unteransicht des Flügelriggs gemäß den Figuren 5, 6 und 7;
• Figur 9 eine Unteransicht einer Variante eines erfindungsgemäßen Flügelriggs mit aufblasbaren Winglets und
• Figur 10 das Flügelrigg gemäß Figur 9 in einer Ansicht schräg von unten.

Preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below using schematic drawings. Show it:

• figure 1 shows a bottom view of a wing rig 1, wherein the contour of a conventional wing rig is shown in dashed lines;
• figure 2 shows the wing rig according to the invention in a unique position;
• figure 3 shows a top view of the wing rig according to FIG figure 2 ;
• figure 4 shows a side view of the wing rig according to the invention;
• figure 5 a three-dimensional representation of an embodiment of a wing rig with winglets;
• figure 6 the wing rig according to figure 5 in a view obliquely from below;
• figure 7 a plan view of the wing rig according to the Figures 5 and 6 ;
• figure 8 a bottom view of the wing rig according to the Figures 5, 6 and 7 ;
• figure 9 a bottom view of a variant of a wing rig according to the invention with inflatable winglets and
• figure 10 the wing rig according to figure 9 in a view obliquely from below.

Like in the WO 2015/52198 A1 and the post-released
DE 10 2020 122 145.2 explained, the wing rig 1 according to the invention is used to drive a foil board. The surfer holds the wing rig 1 with his hands and/or with the help of a trapeze and adjusts it in relation to the wind, depending on the desired direction of travel (upwind, downwind, downwind) or on the buoyancy to be set, for example when jumping or adjusting the ride height .

This in figure 1 Wing rig 1 shown in a view from below has an inflatable leading edge 2, which is shown in the view according to FIG figure 1 is approximately arcuate. A likewise inflatable center strut 4 is arranged in the middle of this, which can be filled with the front tube 2 via a common one-pump system 6 .

With dashed lines is in figure 1 the tip structure of a conventional front tube 2 is shown. Accordingly, two tips 12', 14' forming the end sections of the front tube 2 (see dashed lines in figure 1 ) designed and angled in such a way that they extend from a leading edge 16 to the trailing edge 10 of the canopy 8, so that the latter is surrounded by the front tube 2 on practically three sides (front and side). Such a concept is very stiff in the vertical direction, so that twisting of the wing rig 1, similar to a windsurfing sail, is not possible. These tips 12, 14 integrated into the front tube 2 are significantly shortened in the solution according to the invention and their geometry is also changed, so that the vertical rigidity is reduced to enable a twist, but the lateral rigidity is retained.

This is achieved, among other things, according to the invention in that the two tips 12, 14 of the approximately arcuately curved front tube 2 are opposite the dashed line shown conventional construction (see dashed reference lines 12, 14) are shortened so that they no longer extend to the trailing edge 10. A tip strut 18 , 20 is provided at a distance from the end sections of the two tips 12 , 14 , which is connected to the front tube 2 on the one hand and extends to the trailing edge 10 . This longitudinal extent ends approximately in the area in which the conventional tips 12, 14 (see dashed lines) end. The tip struts 18, 20 can be rigid in the manner of a batten or inflatable.

This is based on the figure 2 explained that according to the wing rig 1 figure 1 without showing the conventional construction.

In this representation one can see that the two tip struts 18, 20 are arranged in the transition area from the actual front tube 2 to its tips 12, 14, which are set at a slight angle thereto. These transition areas are in figure 2 provided with the reference numerals 22, 24. In the illustrated embodiment, the two tips 12, 14 are each butted. The tip struts 18, 20 are also connected to the one-pump system 6 and extend from the respective transition area 22, 24 to the outer end sections of the trailing edge 16. These end sections of the trailing edge 16 and the two tips -Struts 18, 20 are located approximately downstream (seen in the direction of flow) of the end sections of the two tips 12, 14 and thus end, as explained above, in the area in which the conventional tips 12', 14' connected to the front tube 2 end up.

A side edge 26, 28 of the canopy 8 extends between the ends of the tip struts 18, 20 and the end sections of the tips 12, 14 located upstream thereof The tips 12, 14 each enclose an acute angle α with the respectively associated tip strut 18, 20. In contrast to the conventional wing rig 1, the front tube 2 with the tips 12, 14 formed thereon is formed essentially only in the area of the leading edge 10, while the lateral sections of the Flugelriggs 1 are formed between the leading edge 16 and the trailing edge 10 through the cloth of the canopy. The angle of attack α is selected in such a way that the lateral stiffness (see arrow in figure 2 ) at least corresponds to that of conventional solutions.

In the top view, the canopy 8 of the wing rig 1 has approximately the shape of a flattened pentagon or trapezium, with the trailing edge 10 being cut concavely in the areas between the center strut 4 and the side struts 18, 20 in order to to prevent flapping. The side edges 26, 28 can also be cut slightly concave.

figure 3 shows a top view of a wing rig 1 according to the invention. One can see the leading edge 16 formed by the front tube 2 and the two tips 12, 14, and the laterally adjoining side edges 26, 28, which extend towards the trailing edge 10 extend. Only the end sections of the center strut 4 and the two tip struts 18, 20 through which the canopy is stretched can be seen in the plan view.

The trailing edge 10 is pointed toward the end of the center strut 4 so that the length L of the wing rig 1 over which the air flows is significantly greater in the middle area than in the area of the side edges 26 , 28 . As explained, the trailing edge portions 10a, 10b are concave cut.

figure 4 shows a side view of the wing rig 1 according to the invention. You can see the slightly curved front tube 2, which merges laterally into the two tips 12, 14, of which in the illustration according to FIG figure 4 only the tip 12 is visible. The center strut 4 is attached to the front tube 2 in the middle area and, in this exemplary embodiment, extends to the trailing edge 10 of the canopy 8. In the transition area to the tips 12, 14 there is a tip strut 18, 20 (the latter not visible), which also extends towards the trailing edge 10, so that the canopy 8 is essentially spanned by the front tube 2 on the one hand and the center strut 4 and the two tip struts 18, 20. In this case, a side edge 26, 28 of the canopy 8 extends in each case from the end sections of the tips 12, 14 to the end sections of the tip struts 18, 20, where in the representation according to figure 4 only the side edge 26 is visible. The side edges 26, 28 run approximately parallel to the theoretical inflow direction and thus also approximately parallel to the plane of the drawing figure 4 .

Due to the freely running side edges 26, 28, the wing rig 1 according to the invention is vertical (see arrow in figure 4 ) is relatively soft, so that it can twist in unfavorable conditions, such as gusty winds or strong impulses occurring during a maneuver, and the pressure is therefore not transferred directly to the surfer.

In the illustrated embodiment, the diameter of the center strut 4 is in the area between the front tube 2 and the right (as viewed from figure 4 ) End area 30 on the leading edge shown is reduced to a recessed grip 32, which is stretched over, for example, by an indicated handle 34 or a tree, on which the surfer can grip the wing rig 1. Due to this recessed grip 32, the handle 34 does not protrude in the radial direction or protrudes only slightly beyond the center strut 4, so that a very compact design with optimum rigidity is achieved. Details on this center strut concept are in the post-published patent application mentioned at the outset DE 10 2020 122 145.2 explained to the applicant.

Based on Figures 5 to 9 an exemplary embodiment is described in which a winglet 36, 38 is arranged along the side edges 26, 28, which in this exemplary embodiment extends upwards, ie in the use position from the water surface or pointing away from the user. The height H of the winglets 36, 38 is minimal in the transition area to the tips 12, 14 of the front tube 2 and then rises in the direction of the trailing edge 10 with a flat curve (parabolic in the broadest sense) and then reaches 40 in the area of a rounded tear-off edge a max. The two winglets 36, 38 have a flow-optimized profile as seen in the direction of flow, the profile width of which tapers or widens, for example towards the trailing edge 40, 42, so that the flow is optimized.

To support the winglets 36, 38, the two tip struts 18, 20 are provided, which in this embodiment are not inflatable, but made of a solid/rigid Material such as carbon fiber are made. As explained above, the tips struts 18, 20 extend away from the front tube 2 towards the end section of the leading edge 16 and thus towards the trailing edge 40, 42 of the respective winglet 36, 38, so that the side structures of the wing rig 1 are supported , but in the area of the tips 12, 14 the above-described twist and flex is still guaranteed in order to generate the desired flight behavior.

The tip struts 18, 20 are therefore designed in such a way that the wing rig in the area of the tips can be moved vertically (upwards or downwards in figure 5 ) can flex.

The maximum height H of the winglets 36, 38 is substantially less than the length L of the side edges 26, 28 or winglets 36, 38.

In one embodiment of the invention, the winglets 36, 38 and/or the tip struts 18, 20 are removably attached to the wing rig 1 structure. For example, the tip struts 18, 20 can be arranged in corresponding pockets in the manner of a batten and then supported on the inflow side on the leading edge 16 or the front tube 2 and on the outflow side on the trailing edge 10, with the tension being applied via batten tensioners or the like can be adjustable so that the flex of the winglets 36, 38 is adjustable.

figure 6 shows a view obliquely from below/rear of the wing rig 1 according to FIG figure 5 . It can be clearly seen in this illustration that the two winglets 36 , 38 are arranged along the side edges 26 , 28 and extend upwards approximately in the vertical direction, ie away from the central center strut 4 . As explained above, the winglets 36, 38 are supported by the two tip struts 18, 20, which extend away from the front tube 2 towards the respective trailing edge 40, 42 or the leading edge 10 of the canopy 8 and thus the Also support winglets 36, 38 in the transverse direction.

In the embodiment according to figure 6 the central center strut 4 is formed with two strut sections 44, 46 which are angled towards one another and which are arranged at an obtuse angle in an approximately V-shape towards one another and thus form the recessed grip 32 indicated by dashed lines. In this area of the grip 32 are at Illustrated embodiment, two handles 34a, 34b are arranged, wherein the handle 34a is attached to the strut section 44 and the other handle 34b to the strut section 46 in an exchangeable manner. Such handles are described in the applicant's older applications, so that further explanations are superfluous.

figure 7 shows a top view of the wing rig 1 according to FIG Figures 5 and 6 . It can be seen in this representation that the side edges 26, 28 extend approximately parallel to the flow direction indicated by the arrows, with the winglets 36, 38 being attached to these side edges 26, 28.

In this representation one can also clearly see that the thickness d of the winglets 36, 38 preferably increases away from the front tube 2 towards the trailing edge 10 (in principle, the thickness d towards the trailing edge 10 can also decrease), so that the Flow around is optimized. In the illustrated embodiment, the profile of the winglets 36, 38 tapers towards the viewer (view according to figure 7 ), so that the areas of the winglets 36, 38 that are attached to the canopy 8 are wider than the longitudinal surfaces of the winglets 36, 38 that are protruding upwards and around which the airflow flows.

These are supported in particular laterally via the tip struts 18, 20 positioned at an angle to them, so that the above-described flex is ensured with otherwise sufficient profile rigidity. For support, the winglets 36, 38 can be designed with support receptacles (not shown) on which the tip struts 18, 20 act or are supported.

In addition to the tip struts 18, 20 described, further struts or sail battens or the like can optionally be provided for stiffening/supporting the winglets 36, 38.

In figure 8 is the wing rig 1 according to the Figures 5, 6 and 7 shown in the bottom view. It is clear from this view that the winglets 36, 38 extend upwards, ie away from the viewer, with their longitudinal axis being arranged approximately parallel to the inflow direction (see arrow). As described above, the two tip struts 18, 20 are each spaced from the associated tip 12 and 14 at the Supported front tube 2 and extend into the area of the end portions of the trailing edge 10 and the tear-off edges 40, 42, so that a reliable lateral support of the winglets 36, 38 is guaranteed.

Instead of the two handles 34a, 34b, a continuous large handle or a tree can be attached to the center strut 4. In principle, it is also possible to replace the inflatable center strut 4 with a solid tree.

In the embodiment described above, the winglets 36, 38 extend upwards - in the Figures 9 and 10 an exemplary embodiment is shown in which the winglets 36, 38 are downward, ie in the view according to FIG figure 9 extend towards the viewer. In this exemplary embodiment, the two winglets 36, 38 are designed to be inflatable and are attached to the front tube 2 in the area of the tips 12, 14. The winglets 36 , 38 are designed, for example, as profiled bodies that taper towards the trailing edge 10 . In the illustrated embodiment, the winglets 36 , 38 also taper somewhat from an area with a maximum diameter d towards the tips 12 or 14 , although this taper is significantly less than the taper towards the trailing edge 10 . The longitudinal axes of the two inflatable winglets 36, 38 are set at an obtuse angle to the end sections of the front tube 2, and the connection can be made, for example, by means of suitable plastic and/or cloth connectors (adapters) 48, 50. The two winglets 36, 38 are in turn supported by the tip struts 18, 20.

In a concept with inflatable winglets 36, 38, it is preferred if they are connected to the one-pump system 6 of the wing rig 1, so that the front tube 2, the indicated center strut 4 and the winglets 36, 38 have a common valve can be inflated. In the representation according to figure 9 one can also clearly see that the two winglets 36 , 38 are arranged approximately parallel to the center strut 4 and are each connected at right angles or at an obtuse angle with respect to the front tube 2 .

In principle, hybrid solutions can also be used in which the winglets 36, 38 are formed from a partially rigid and inflatable structure.

In the oblique view from below according to figure 10 one of the connectors 48 (50) can be seen quite clearly, via which the winglet 36 is connected to the tip 12 of the front tube 2. In this representation one can also see that the winglet 36 , 38 has its maximum height H approximately in the first third, which then decreases toward the trailing edge 10 or toward the front tube 2 . This profiling in the height direction H and transversely thereto (thickness d) is selected according to the size of the wing rig 1 and the intended area of use in order to optimize the inflow and flow around it. The reference numerals 52, 54 designate fixing areas via which the above-described handles 34a, 34b can be attached to the center strut 4.

These fixing areas 52, 54 can be adapter plates, for example, which are fastened to the outer skin of the center strut 4. Several fixing areas 52, 54 can be arranged next to one another, so that the position of the handles 34a, 34b can be (changed) changed. Such fixing areas 52, 54 for the handles 34 are also provided in the exemplary embodiments of the wing rig 1 described above.

As described, the concept according to the invention is both in conventional wing rigs 1 with an inflatable center strut 4 or a centrally arranged tree that replaces the inflatable center strut 4 or in hybrid solutions in which an inflatable center strut handles and / or comparatively short "trees", that is, handies made of a rigid material such as aluminum are arranged, realizable. Such solutions are described in the prior art mentioned at the outset, which goes back to the applicant.

Disclosed is a hand-supported wing rig for wind-powered sports with a front tube and fixed or inflatable tip struts arranged in tip areas, with side edges extending between the tips of the front tube and the end sections of the tip struts towards a trailing edge of a canopy.

Reference list:

1

wing rig

2

front tube

4

Center strut

6

One pump system

8th

canopy

10

trailing edge

12

hint

14

hint

16

leading edge

18

Tip strut

20

Tip strut

22

transition area

24

transition area

25

window

26

side edge

28

side edge

30

Center strut end area

32

recessed grip

34

handle

36

winglets

38

winglets

40

tear-off edge

42

tear-off edge

44

strut section

46

strut section

48

tether

50

tether

52

fusing area

54

fusing area

Claims (15)

Hand-supported wing rig for wind-powered sports with an inflatable front tube (2), with a roughly centrally arranged strut, for example a tree or an inflatable center strut (4), which extends roughly from the front tube (2) to a trailing edge (10th ) of a canopy (8), characterized by fixed or inflatable tip struts (18, 20) which extend away from end sections of the front tube (2) in the direction of end sections of the trailing edge (10) of the canopy (8) extend and preferably enclose an acute angle (a) with tips (12, 14) of the front tube (2). Wing rig according to claim 1, side edges (26, 28) of the canopy (8) extending approximately between end sections of the tip struts (18, 20) and the ends of the tips (12, 14) of the front tube (2). Wing rig according to claim 2, wherein the side edges (26, 28) are arranged approximately parallel to the direction of flow of the wing rig (1). A wing rig according to one of the preceding patent claims, in which the tip strut (18, 20), the tips (12, 14) of the front tube (2) and the side edges (26, 28) define a roughly triangular structure. Wing rig according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the tip struts (18, 20) are set at an acute angle to the strut. A wing rig according to one of the preceding patent claims, wherein the two tip struts (18, 20) are positioned in relation to one another in an approximately V-shape. Wing rig according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the strut is designed as an inflatable center strut (4). Wing rig according to claim 7, wherein the center strut (4) is designed with at least one recessed grip (32) which is stretched over by a handle (34) or a tree. Wing rig according to Patent Claim 7, in which the center strut (4) is provided with a plurality of flexible handles (34) or handles made from a rigid material. Wing rig, in particular according to one of the preceding claims 2 to 9, wherein winglets (36, 38) are arranged along the side edges (26, 28). Wing rig according to claim 10, wherein the winglets (36, 38) are rigid molded parts and/or inflatable. Wing rig according to claim 11, wherein the winglets (36, 38) consist of fiber-reinforced plastic. Wing rig according to claim 10, 11 or 12, wherein the winglets (36, 38) are interchangeable. A wing rig as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the winglets (36,38) are supported by the tip struts (18,20). A wing rig according to any one of claims 10 to 14, wherein the winglets (36, 38) extend upwards and/or downwards as seen with respect to the surfer.

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