FR2797846A1 - Aerial wing for towing floating craft has mesh panels or holes at trailing edge to let out any water - Google Patents

Abstract

The wing comprises a series of linked chambers (20) of aerofoil section, separated by ribs (13) and each having an upper (12) and a lower (19) membrane. It is connected by lines to a craft on the surface of the water and can be maneuvered by bars or other control system. Each chamber has a mesh panel or a number of small holes (11) at its trailing edge where the upper and lower membranes meet, with the mesh or holes capable of being blocked on the inside of the wing by small floating elements or a plug connected to the inside of the wing by a line. At least one chamber has a buoyancy float (26) lying perpendicular to its ribs or along a rib between upper and lower membranes. The rear ends of two adjacent ribs are linked by a joint of glass or carbon fibre.

Description

The present invention relates to a wing kite traction, especially <B> to </ B> nautical use.

<B> It </ B> is well known to make kite wings traction <B> * </ B> caissons, it is <B> to </ B> say of an identical mode of operation paragliding free flight.

There are also fine sails with a rigid or inflatable frame. The first are similar to the classic kites. Their main disadvantage is their weight and their fragility to the shocks, because the forces undergone are considerable and impose strong dimensioning of the structures.

Inflatable structures on fine sails do not have this drawback. They also have an important advantage for nautical use: <B> they can easily take off again from the surface of the water thanks to <B> to </ B> their flotation.

The greatest asset of the <B> to </ B> caissons in comparison to these last two is their flight performance. Indeed, this type of wing allows to use many profiles known for their aerodynamic performance in this type of use. In addition, the wing is not made of fragile materials or a high weight.

Box wings, as shown by the technical developments of paragliding, have many advantages for the use of traction. In the context of nautical use, these advantages are currently difficult to exploit, because from a wing of this type drops <B> to </ B> water, it can not take off again alone. In fact, the water rushes into the boxes and the wing becomes unusable, even dangerous if its pilot is very far from the shore.

The object of the present invention is <B> to </ B> realize a wing of traction <B> to </ B> caissons, provided with a system of draining the water in the context of a nautical use . In addition, this system has a great simplicity of operation, it is light and robust, and a reduced manufacturing cost.

The invention will be better understood with reference to the figures: <B> - </ B> Figure <B> 1A </ B> represents an example of a wing <B> to </ B> caisson <B> to < / B> Drainage system seen from above. <B> - </ B> Figure 1B shows the same example of wing <B> to </ B> box <B> to </ B> side view drain system along an axis Y / Z shown on the drawing. Figure <B> 1A. </ B>

Figure <B> 2A </ B> represents a top view in longitudinal section of a box of the wing along the axis YJZ, and its operation, when the emptying system is not in use, The figure 2B shows a cross-sectional side view of a box of the wing along the axis YIZ.

<B> - </ B> Figure 3A "shows a top view in longitudinal section of a box of the wing along the axis YIZ, and its., Operation, when the emptying system is implemented. <B> - </ B> Figure 3B shows a cross-sectional side view of a box of the wing along the Y / Z axis, and its operation, when the emptying system is implemented.

<B> - </ B> Figure 4A shows a top view in longitudinal section of a box of the wing along the axis YIZ, and its operation according to another embodiment, when the emptying system is put in work.

<B> - </ B> FIG. 4B represents a cross-sectional side view of a box of the wing along the Y / Z axis, and of its operation according to another embodiment, when the wing leaves the surface of the water materialized by the line <B> S. </ B>

FIG. 4C represents a cross-sectional side view of a wing box along the YIZ axis, and of its operation according to another exemplary embodiment, when the wing is in the self-emptying phase, in part below the surface of the water materialized by the line <B> S. </ B>

-The figure <B> 5A </ B> is a top view in longitudinal section of a box of the wing along the axis Y / Z, according to another embodiment.

FIG. 5B represents a cross-sectional side view of a box of the wing along the Y / Z axis, according to another example embodiment.

FIG. 5C represents a cross-sectional front view of a pair of wing boxes along the span axis, according to another exemplary embodiment.

The wing according to the invention is characterized in that caissons (20) comprise a net or at least one or more orifices <B> (11), at the rear junction of at least one of the intrados faces < B> (19) </ B> extrados (12) at the trailing edge, allowing <B> to </ B> a fluid to escape by gravitation or internal pressure of air in said box (20).

These threads or holes <B> (11) </ B> are located <B> at </ B> the intrados <B> (19) </ B> and / or <B> at </ B> the extrados <B> (1 </ B> 2), the trailing edge of the wing <B> (10) </ B> according to an embodiment of the present invention. The so-called <B> y </ B> nets have the shape of a half-moon allowing rapid evacuation of the water, when necessary. Groups of lines <B> (15; 17) </ B> are connected to the boxes (20) via reinforcements (14) whose role is also to act as stabilizers during the flow of the air along the lower surface <B> (19). </ B>

When the <B> (10) </ B> sails are exposed to the wind, the air enters the boxes (20) through the openings <B> (25). </ B> Each box (20) ) then undergoes an internal pressure pushing the valves (21) against the threads <B> (11) </ B> according to the figure <B> 2A. </ B> The wing <B> (10) </ B> is then in normal flight configuration, as well as a wing <B> to </ B> conventional caissons.

It is also controlled in a classic way, by warping on one side of its profile or by an asymmetrical action on a rear group of lines <B> (15). </ B>

 j In this default configuration, the links <B> (18) </ B> are inoperative because of length- calculated to have no action on the valves (21).

These links <B> (18) </ B> connect the front lines <B> (17), </ B> to a fixing point <B> (28), </ B> with the valves (21), at another fixation point <B> (23), </ B> through reinforcing nails located along ribs <B> (13) </ B> on the intrados <B> (19) , </ B> The YIZ axis, the <B> (17) </ B> line, and the outer part of the <B> (18) </ B> link form according to Figure <B> 1 </ B> B a substantially equilateral triangle. By this geometric arrangement, the drain system according to the example of the present invention can be operated without additional unusual maneuver by the pilot.

Indeed, when the sails fall <B> to </ B> the water for some reason, the first procedure of the pilot to take it off again is to present his sails in front of the wind by maneuvering by.the lines before < B> (17). </ B>

Whatever the type of sail <B> to </ B> caisson used, takeoff of the wing takes place in front of the wind by pulling the front lines. Thus, the air fills the boxes, puts the wing in shape which then rises gradually over the pilot. It then postpones its traction lines only before, on all its groups of front and rear lines, then giving his wing its ordinary flight configuration.

Proceeding analogously with the embodiment of the present invention when it is filled with water, we can note the following effects: The traction operated on the lines before <B> (17) </ B> alone , has the effect of pulling the links <B> (18), </ B> as shown in Figure 3B, The valves (21) are detached from the nets <B> (11) </ B> and brought to the l 'before. The said nets are then completely cleared. Each link <B> (18) </ B> is fixed at a single point on the X / T axis of folding of its valve (21). The water can therefore be evacuated easily backwards by passing on both sides of said valve along the ribs <B> (13). </ B> The distance separating the fixing point <B> ( 28) </ B> and the corresponding air inlet <B> (25) </ B> can be calculated <B> to </ B> so that the fixing point <B> (23) < / B> of the valve (21) travels its maximum amplitude forward of the wing, is substantially double the length of the valve (21), This in order to clear the most passage for water.

Moreover, in order to further promote this rapid evacuation, the seams (22) for fastening the check valves (21) can be arranged at an angle, as shown in FIGS. <B> 2A, </ B> and <B> 3A. </ B> As soon as the water has left the caissons (20) by gravitation, we can <B> to </ B> again close the trailing edge of the said caissons <B> to </ B> the air by releasing the excess traction on the only lines before <B> (17). </ B> By this rebalancing of the groups of lines <B> (17) </ B> and <B> (15), </ B> the links <B> (18) </ B> are relaxed and the pressure of the air <B> to </ B> inside the boxes (20) replaces the valves (21) on the nets <B > (11). </ B> Several types of valves (21) and several types of threads <B> (11) can be envisaged. </ B> Two antinomic effects are sought simultaneously: a large capacity of the couple j net / valve <B> to </ B> quickly evacuate water contained <B> to </ B> inside the box (20). There would be in this case very few meshes and very spaced on the net <B> (11), </ B> and flapper (21) very flexible. But at the same time the rear of the box (20) must be as rigid as possible to allow a good aerodynamic behavior <B> to </ B> the wing <B> (10). </ B> In this optics on the contrary, a net <B> (11) to </ B> with tight mesh and a rigid valve fabric (21) would be required. The best efficiency is obtained by a fair compromise between two examples. Note also that the useful surface of the valve (21) is greater <B> than </ B> that of the net or the orifice <B> (11). </ B>

In the case of prolonged immersion or heavy falling, flotation elements <B> (26) </ B> position and hold the entire <B> (10) </ B> wing. way <B> to </ B> that the air inlets <B> (25) </ B> of the caissons (20) float <B> to </ B> the surface of the water and bailing the wind automatiquemenf. Thus, even if the pilot is motionless in the water, keeping the front links <B> (17), </ B> the drift of the said wing under the effect of the wind geometrically entails the tension of the links <B> (18) </ B> and the progressive self-draining of the <B> (10) </ B> wing by gravitation, rising out of the water.

A paraglider wing works aerodynamically only if the internal pressure of the air contained in the caissons is sufficient. This wing can not be inflated if the caissons have a source of air leak consequent with respect to the feeding of it in openings <B> (25) </ B> leading edge. Thus when the emergent part of a box (20) of the wing <B> (10) </ B> fills with air under the action of the wind, it is the water still contained in the rear end of said box which fulfills the role of shutter. This water must be quickly or automatically, it is <B> to </ B> say without the assistance of the driver, replaced by the valve (21) at the end of its complete evacuation of the box.

Thus, another exemplary embodiment of the present invention can be set forth. According to this other example, the orifice <B> (11) </ B> is not reinforced with a net. A plug (41), made for all or part of a floating material, serves as valve it replaces. Lines or strips of fabric (42), fixed on one or more of the internal faces of the caisison (20), hold said cap while allowing it a certain deflection forward, as well as the valve (21) at its fold axis X / T, according to the embodiment described above.

The size and shape of this cap (41) are calculated so that it can perfectly obstruct the holes <B> (11) </ B> while perfectly following the outline shape of the rib (13) this place < B> (</ B> refer to Figures 4A, 4B).

Thus, the air pulsed <B> to </ B> inside the box (20) pushes the plug (41) which fills its office (Figure 4B). <B> - </ B> When the wing < B> (10) </ B> dropped into the water, starts <B> to </ B> scoop air when relaunching, <B> 1 </ B> the cap (41) invariably tends <B > to </ B> to maintain <B> to </ B> the surface <B> S. </ B> The body of water reflux <B> to </ B> the back said box separates the cap (41) from its hole <B> (11) </ B> and thus freely escapes down <B> (</ B> Figure 4C).

By raising the wing in take-off, the rear of the trailing edge then gradually rises towards the plug (41) <B> as </ B> as the water leaves the box (20). As the intradoslextrados junction point located along the X / T axis leaves the surface of <B> Il </ B> water along the line <B> S, </ B> the plug (41) naturally obstructs, by gravitation and internal pressure of the air in the said box, the orifice <B> (11). </ B> The box (20) is <B> to </ B> again closed on its trailing edge, and the overall <B> (10) </ B> wing flies normally, without the pilot having to <B> worry about any handling of the drain.

A variant of this embodiment according to the present invention comprises a net <B> (11) to </ B> relatively thin mesh on the box (20). Another mesh of similar mesh, having four faces, is fixed sewn into the said box along a perpendicular axis <B> to the Y / Z axis. The distance separating the two threads is substantially twice the length of the orifice <B> (1). </ B> By this arrangement, there is a partitioning of the rear part of the box <B> (11) . </ B>

The partitioning obtained is permeable <B> to </ B> water as well as air. Prior to the assembly of this partitioning and in its interior, a given volume of small floating elements, such as polystyrene beads, larger than the mesh of said nets. In this way the volume of balls is enclosed in the said partitioning, and free to flow there.

As in the example above, the water introduced into the box can escape through the partition when the wing is pulled up under the effect of a take-off, because the balls tend <B> to </ B> stay <B> at </ B> the surface <B> S. </ B> that the end of the trailing edge of the box (20) leaves the said surface, the balls are pushed against the net < B> (11) </ B> outside and obstruct it sufficiently for the box to undergo the internal air pressure necessary <B> to </ B> its rigidity. According to another exemplary embodiment, a bead <B> 51 </ B> made of a floating flexible material, in particular polyethylene foam, is attached sewn to the joining junction of the ribs <B> 13 </ B> with the lower surfaces <B> 19 </ B> or extrados 12 and this, mainly in the front area of the wing <B> 10, </ B> on the leading edge. This bead can be of different length depending on the desired buoyancy, or even completely surround the periphery of said rib. The joining of this bead <B> 51 </ B> on the rib <B> 13 </ B> is ensured by sewing or gluing a band <B> 52 </ B> of fabric or light mesh material, folded on itself around said pudding to allow minimal water retention.

The shape of the section of the said flange is studied so that it maintains an ideal surface appearance on the outside of the profile of the sail <B> 10, </ B> while imposing the minimum of constraints <B> to </ B> the construction of the said wing. <B> A </ B> this effect, a substantially triangular or square section allows to have a lot of floating material for a thickness <B > to sew negligible and a minimum of water pocket between the flange <B> 51 </ B> and its band 52. (refer to the figures on the page <B> 515). </ B>

In addition, so that the stiffening thus obtained from the front of this rib <B> 13 </ B> is complete, it is fixed <B> to </ B> said rib, identically <B> to </ B> previously, another coil 51B, similar to the coil <B> 51 </ B> and arranged in the same plane and along an axis substantially perpendicular to the box 20. In this way, the portion of the rib <B> 13 < / B> encircled by the tubes <B> 51 </ B> and <B> 51 </ B> B does not deform under the effect of its own weight and allows during a prolonged immersion of the sails <B > 10 </ B> to maintain a certain volume of air <B> at </ B> the front of said box. This volume thus defines positions the front of said canopy in a situation of air scooping by presenting the openings <B> 25 </ B> facing the wind, over the water, during the traction by the pilot on the sail <B> 10. </ B>

It will be noted that this arrangement does not interfere with the conditioning of said sails by transverse rolling.

In order to further improve the buoyancy of the <B> 10 </ B> wing as well as the rigidity of its front (leading edge), the front part of the ribs <B> 13 </ B> is made in a plate 54 of floating material with the same characteristics <B> to </ B> those exposed for the rod <B> 51. </ B> This plate 54 is substantially identical in shape <B> to </ B> the rib <B> 13 to </ B> with which she is associated. Said plate is secured <B> to </ B> said rib by sewing or any other appropriate means. Its length is calculated so as to provide enough buoyancy for the openings of the caissons to be above the surface of the water during immersion. extended wing <B> 10. </ B> It can cover the entire rib <B> 13 </ B> (configuration not shown).

According to another embodiment, the rib <B> 13 </ B> itself is made of a floating material, in particular a thin polyethylene foam plate reinforced with a woven fabric or any element promoting <B> at </ b> both the sail assembly, its resistance <B> to </ B> the use as well as its buoyancy (configuration not shown).

In order to stiffen the said wing in the axis of its span and to allow the leading edge to remain developed and floating in all circumstances in the water, there is another floating element <B> 26 </ B> according to a axis substantially perpendicular to the caissons 20. This element <B> 26 </ B> consists of a similar material <B> to </ B> that described for the rod <B> 51 </ B> and is <B> attached <B> to </ B> the intrados face <B> 19 </ B> or extrados 12 by the same method as described, for fixing <B> of the </ B> coil <B> 51 </ B> In this configuration, the floating element <B> 26 </ B> is of the same width as the box 20 in which it is positioned, it is <B> to </ B> say that it is substantially flush with the ribs <B> 13 </ B> on both sides.

According to another configuration, this element <B> 26 </ B> is of a greater width <B> than </ B> several boxes <B> 20A, </ B> 20B and thus it crosses the ribs <B> 13 </ B> through holes <B> 53 </ B> provided <B> to </ B> this effect. The said holes holding firmly by contact the element <B> 26. </ B> The length of this element is calculated so <B> to </ B> allow easy folding of the wing <B> 10 </ B> by rolling around the element <B> 26. </ B> Once the said wing conditioned in a substantially tubular form, the height of this tube will be equivalent <B> to </ B> the length of the element <B> 26. </ B> In the case of a configuration where the length of this element is too great to allow practical conditioning, the element <B> 26 </ B> will be divided into different sections of the the final length of conditioning desired.

reinforced or any other material allowing <B> to </ B> both the assembly of the sail as much as its buoyancy.

An exemplary embodiment according to the present invention consists in associating valves (21) with plugs (41). This configuration removes the utility of the link <B> (18). </ B> The said plug is of substantially similar shape <B> to </ B> that described according to FIGS. 4A and 4B. <B> It < / B> is fixed in the rear part, on the internal side, the valve (21), and located closer to the fold axis X / T. The said valve is fixed in the casing (20) in a substantially similar manner as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, by means of seams (22) or any other fastening means. The operating principle remains identical to the examples mentioned above.

Alternatively, a plug (41) is composed of one or more sealed pockets made of flexible materials, and filled with a minimum of air to fit perfectly the back of the box against which it is plated. When immersed, the air contained in a pocket causes it to rise and thus releases the orifice or the net <B> (11) </ B> through which the water can escape. Seloh another embodiment, not shown, the valve system is composed of a rod disposed forced arc between the rear ends of two ribs <B> (13) </ B> of at least one box (20) at the trailing edge, and along a substantially perpendicular axis. The intrados and extrados faces of this box are not fixed one <B> to </ B> the other <B> to </ B> their rear junction over the entire width of said box, thus forming an extended slot , or an orifice <B> (11). </ B> The two ends of the intrados and extrados faces are thus pressed against each other under the effect of the tension of the rod. Nevertheless, the ring can be arched more if a sufficient force tends to open the said slot. This ring is made of a composite material such as fiberglass or carbon.

It is known that the internal air pressure <B> to </ B> inside a box is very small. Depending on the ring diameter used (made for example in fiberglass or carbon), different closing pressures of said slot will be obtained. The desired closing force for the slot is just sufficient to prevent air leakage and thus leave the box with its ideal aerodynamic shape, especially in the takeoff phases. On the other hand, the force of the water, escaping from the caisson by gravitation, will always be superior. There is thus a selective valve. When the sail partially filled with water during a re-launching tends to rise, the weight of the water contained inside is transferred to the edge of leakage, the wing having a substantially vertical position. The rod is calibrated so <B> to </ B> not be able to prevent water from spreading the walls of said slot and to escape from said box. The slot is not tightly sealed, the remaining water eventually out, pushed by the internal pressure of the air. Note that the box is also not strictly airtight <B> to </ B> air, however, if the leak is minimal compared to the volume of air entering, the internal pressure necessary for the proper operation of the wing can be established. In the exemplary embodiment, this ring system is also used, in the same way, at the front of the box, at the level of the air intakes, so that it is <B> to </ B> stiffen the leading edge and thus offer the wind a preformed profile front when re-launching into the water. Without this arrangement, the sail dropped <B> to </ B> the water would flatten on the surface without any shape and could not use the wind to start again.

According to a variant of this embodiment, the same rod is arranged arched on several boxes, instead of one, thus passing through several ribs. Thus, the same rod maintains in tension as many slits or holes <B> (11) </ B> as caissons (20) crossed, This variant also applies to the rod disposed <B> to </ B> the before caissons.

Claims (1)

<B> <U> CLAIMS </ U> </ B> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> </ b> </ b> </ b> </ b> </ b> Cages, traction boats, including a surfboard, life raft or a boat, comprising: B> - </ B> series of boxes (20) integral with each other, consisting of a lower membrane, the lower surface <B> (19), </ B> of an upper membrane, the extrados (12) , each box being separated by ribs <B> (13), </ B> defining the profile of the wing <B> (10). </ B> groups of lines <B> (17; 15) </ B> connecting the wing <B> (10) </ B> to the pilot and allowing him to maneuver the whole through bars or any other system <B> (16). </ B> Characterized in that caissons (20) comprise: a thread or at least one or more orifices <B> (11), at the rear junction of at least one lower surface (B) (19) </ B> faces ( 12) to the trailing edge, allowing <B> to </ B> the water introduced into the said boxes to escape. 2 / Wing <B> to </ B> caissons according to claim <B> 1, </ B> characterized in that the thread or the orifice <B> (11), </ B> can be obstructed by the interior by small floating elements, in particular polystyrene beads or a plug (41). 3 / Wing <B> to </ B> caissons according to claims <B> 1 </ B> and 2, characterized in that the plug (41) is made of a floating material. 4 / Wing <B> to </ B> caissons according to claims 1,2 and <B> 3 </ B> characterized in that the plug (41) is secured to said caisson via a link ( 42). 5 / Wing <B> to </ B> caissons according to claim <B> 1, </ B> characterized in that a flotation element <B> (26), </ B> made in a floating material, is disposed in at least one box (20) along an axis substantially perpendicular to the ribs <B> (13). </ B> 6 / Wing <B> to </ B> boxes according to claim <B> 1, </ B> characterized in that a rod, made of a composite material including fiberglass or carbon, is arranged arched between the rear ends of two ribs <B> (13), </ B> along an axis substantially perpendicular. 7 / Wing <B> to </ B> caissons according to claim <B> 1, </ B> characterized in that a rod <B> (51), </ B> made of a floating material, in particular of the expanded polyethylene foam is fixed on all or part of the intrados <B> (19) 1 </ B> extrados <B> (1 </ B> 2) and rib <B> (Il 3) </ B > a box (20). 8 / Wing <B> to </ B> caissons according to claim <B> 1, </ B> characterized in that a rib <B> (13) </ B> is reinforced in its front portion of a plate (54) made of a floating material, especially expanded polyethylene foam. 9 / Wing <B> to </ B> caissons according to claims <B> 1 </ B> and <B> 8, </ B> characterized in that a rib <B> (13) </ B> is made of a composite fabric incorporating a plate of floating material, in particular expanded polyethylene foam.