FRAME DEVICE FOR A PROFILED SAIL DEVICE AND PROFILED SAIL DEVICE

Abstract

A frame device (200) for a profiled sail device, the frame device (200) having at least one adjustable frame element (202), the at least one adjustable frame element (202) having longitudinal struts which are spaced apart from one another and are assigned to sail surfaces which are spaced apart from one another, and transverse struts which extend between the longitudinal struts, characterized in that the longitudinal struts and the transverse struts delimit quadrangles which each have two diagonals with varying lengths depending on the adjustment, and the diagonals each have a predetermined maximum length, and a profiled sail device having sail surfaces which are spaced apart from one another and against which the flow can impinge and which form profiled surfaces, a sail front edge and an adjustable skeleton device arranged between the sail surfaces. The skeleton device has at least one frame device (200) of this type.

Claims

1-17. (canceled)

18. A frame device for a profiled sail device, the frame device comprising: at least one adjustable frame element including longitudinal beams spaced apart from one another and assigned to sail areas spaced apart from one another, and transverse beams extending between the longitudinal beams, the longitudinal beams and the transverse beams delimiting quadrangles, each quadrangle having two diagonals having lengths varying as a function of adjustment of the frame element, the diagonals each having a predetermined maximum length.

19. The frame device as recited in claim 18 further comprising tension elements for predetermining the maximum lengths of the diagonals.

20. The frame device as recited in claim 19 wherein the tension elements each have a fixed length.

21. The frame device as recited in claim 19 wherein the tension elements each have a settable length.

22. The frame device as recited in claim 19 wherein the tension elements are formed with the aid of ropes having a fixed or settable length.

23. The frame device as recited in claim 22 wherein the tension elements each include one rope section having a fixed length and one length-adjustable tension section.

24. The frame device as recited in claim 23 wherein the tension sections are each mechanically, electromechanically, pneumatically or hydraulically length-adjustable.

25. The frame device as recited in claim 18 further comprising at least one fixed frame element situated displaceably on the at least one adjustable frame element.

26. The frame device as recited in claim 25 wherein a displacement of the at least one fixed frame element causes an adjustment of the at least one adjustable frame element.

27. The frame device as recited in claim 25 wherein the at least one fixed frame element is displaceable with the aid of actuatable tension elements.

28. The frame device as recited in claim 25 wherein the at least one fixed frame element includes at least two fixed frame elements situated displaceably on the at least one adjustable frame element, the at least two fixed frame elements being counter-displaceable with the aid of actuatable tension elements.

29. The frame device as recited in claim 28 wherein the at least two fixed frame elements are displaceable together in a first displacement direction with the aid of a first tension element of the actuable tension elements, and are displaceable together in a second displacement direction opposite the first displacement direction with the aid of a second tension element of the actuable tension elements.

30. The frame device as recited in claim 28 wherein at least one of the fixed frame elements has an at least two-part design, and the at least two parts of the at least one fixed frame element are displaceable with respect to each other.

31. The frame device as recited in claim 30 wherein as a result of a displacement of the at least one fixed frame element, the at least two parts of the frame element are displaceable with respect to each other.

32. A profiled sail device comprising: incident-flow sail areas spaced apart from one another and forming profile surfaces, a sail leading edge; and an adjustable skeleton device situated between the sail areas, the skeleton device including the frame device as recited in claim 18.

33. The profiled sail device as recited in claim 32 wherein the longitudinal beams each include a keder round rod in the interior and a keder rail profiled rod in the exterior, the sail areas including keder flap sections, the sail areas attached with the keder flap sections to the longitudinal beams.

34. The profiled sail device as recited in claim 33 wherein the keder rail profiled rods of the longitudinal beams each have a C-shaped or an a-shaped profile.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described in greater detail hereafter with reference to figures. Additional features and advantages are derived from this description. Specific features of these exemplary embodiments may represent general features of the present invention. Features of these exemplary embodiments combined with other features may also represent individual features of the present invention.

Schematically and by way of example:

[0035] FIG. 1 shows a profiled sail device including exterior sail areas and an interior skeleton structure;

[0036] FIG. 2 shows a frame device for a profiled sail device including an adjustable frame element, two fixed frame elements situated displaceably on the adjustable frame element, and actuating ropes;

[0037] FIG. 3 shows a frame device for a profiled sail device including an adjustable frame element and two fixed frame elements in a non-assembled state;

[0038] FIG. 4 shows an adjustable frame element of a frame device including fixed tension elements to limit maximum lengths of diagonals;

[0039] FIG. 5 shows an adjustable frame element of a frame device including adjustable tension elements to limit maximum lengths of diagonals;

[0040] FIG. 6 shows a detailed view of a corner of a quadrangle, which is delimited by longitudinal beams and transverse beams, including a tension element;

[0041] FIG. 7 shows a detailed view of a frame device for a profiled sail device including an adjustable frame element, two fixed frame elements situated displaceably on the adjustable frame element, and actuating ropes;

[0042] FIG. 8 shows a longitudinal beam of an adjustable frame element having a C-profile and a sail area attached thereto in a sectional view;

[0043] FIG. 9 shows a longitudinal beam of an adjustable frame element having a -profile and a sail area attached thereto in a sectional view; and

[0044] FIG. 10 shows a frame device for a profiled sail device including an adjustable frame element and two fixed frame elements situated displaceably on the adjustable frame element, one of the fixed frame elements having a two-part design.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] FIG. 1 shows a profiled sail device 100 including exterior sail areas 102, 104 and an interior skeleton structure 106. Profiled sail device 100 is used to propel a sailing vehicle, which is not shown in greater detail here. Skeleton structure 106 predefines the shape of profiled sail device 100. Sail areas 102, 104 are stretched over skeleton structure 106. Profiled sail device 100 has a first sail area 102 and an opposite second sail area 104. A cavity 108 in which skeleton structure 106 is situated is formed between sail areas 102, 104.

[0046] Profiled sail device 100 has a hydrofoil profile, with the aid of which a dynamic propulsion may be generated with the aid of a hydrofoil effect. The hydrofoil profile of profiled sail device 100 is adjustable between two end positions. It is possible to set operating positions for an incident flow of first sail area 102 and operating position for an incident flow of second sail area 104. The sail area to be provided with incident flow has a convexly curved surface. The opposite sail area has a surface bent in an S-shape. Profiled sail device 100 includes a leading edge 110 having an edge radius and a trailing edge 112 having a trailing edge angle. The longest line from leading edge 110 to trailing edge 112, which is identical to the chord, determines the profile depth. The profile curvature results as the largest possible deviation of a mean line from the chord. Mean line refers to the line which in the cross section of profiled sail device 100 is situated exactly between sail areas 102, 104. The profile contour of profiled sail device 100 is thus symmetrical about the mean line. Another definition reads: The mean line is the line that connects the circle center points inscribed into a profile. The profile thickness is the largest possible diameter of the circle on the mean line within the profile. The profile curvature decisively determines the maximum propulsion and is essential for a moment coefficient.

[0047] Sail areas 102, 104 may be made of a woven fabric of synthetic fibers. Sail areas 102, 104 may be formed with a laminate sail in which fibers are glued to foils or a fabric. Sail areas 102, 104 may be formed with a membrane sail in which reinforcing fibers are already introduced during the manufacture of the sail in accordance with an expected load line. Sail areas 102, 104 may include synthetic fibers, for example made of polyamide, polyester, polyethylene naphthalate, aramid and/or carbon fibers.

[0048] Skeleton structure 106 includes multiple, in the present example 19, frame devices, such as 114. Frame devices 114 each include three frame elements which are displaceable with respect to each other. In this way, profiled sail device 100 may be adjusted.

[0049] Profiled sail device 100 is situated on a mast 116. Mast 116 extends into cavity 108 and through the opening in frame devices 114 when profiled sail device 100 has been hoisted. A clearance is present between edges of the openings and the mast. Frame devices 114 are displaceable on mast 116 to a limited extent. Frame devices 114 are slidable on mast 116 in the direction of the mast axis. Frame devices 114 are pivotable about mast 116. In this way, profiled sail device 100 is pivotable about mast 116. Mast 116 extends in the hydrofoil profile behind leading edge 110 so that a smaller section of profiled sail device 100 extends between mast 116 and leading edge 110, and a larger section of profiled sail device 100 extends between mast 116 and profile trailing edge 112. In the present example, mast 116 is fixedly, in particular non-rotatably, connected to a vehicle body, such as a boat hull. Mast 116 may be situated on a keel and be guided through a deck. Alternatively, mast 116 may be situated on the deck and be supported from beneath on the keel.

[0050] FIG. 2 shows a frame device 200 for a profiled sail device including an adjustable frame element 202, two fixed frame elements 204, 206 situated displaceably on adjustable frame element 202, and actuating ropes 208, 210. FIG. 3 shows frame device 200 in the unassembled state.

[0051] Proceeding from a neutral center position, frame device 200 and adjustable frame element 202 are optionally adjustable into a first end position or into a second end position. FIG. 2 shows frame device 200 in the first end position. Adjustable frame element 202 forms a central frame element. Frame device 200 and adjustable frame element 202 have a longitudinal axis 212. In the neutral center position, longitudinal axis 212 is straight. During an adjustment in the direction of the end positions, longitudinal axis 212 is bent.

[0052] Adjustable frame element 202 includes two pivot bearings 214, 216 on the leading edge side, to which fixed frame element 204 together with adjustable frame element 202 is displaceably connected. Proceeding from pivot bearings 214, 216, fixed frame element 204 essentially extends in the direction of trailing edge 218. Fixed frame element 204 is displaceable between a first end position and a second end position.

[0053] Fixed frame element 204 includes longitudinal beams such as 220, transverse beams such as 222, and diagonal members such as 224. Fixed frame element 204 has an elongated triangular-like shape having a shorter base and legs curved in a tapered manner. At the corners assigned to the base, fixed frame element 204 is pivotably connected to pivot bearings 214, 216. Fixed frame element 204 has a comparatively rigid design in itself.

[0054] Adjustable frame element 202 includes two sliding sleeves 226, 228 on the trailing edge side, to which fixed frame element 206 together with adjustable frame element 202 is displaceably connected. Proceeding from sliding sleeves 226, 228, fixed frame element 206 essentially extends in the direction of leading edge 230. Fixed frame element 206 is displaceable between a first end position and a second end position.

[0055] Fixed frame element 206 includes longitudinal beams, such as 232, and transverse beams, such as 234. Fixed frame element 206 has a needle-like shape having longitudinal beams 232 curved in a tapered manner on either side. At one end, fixed frame element 206 is slidably connected to adjustable frame element 202 with the aid of sliding sleeves 226, 228. Fixed frame element 206 has a comparatively rigid design in itself.

[0056] Actuating ropes 208, 210 are guided on adjustable frame element 202 and on fixed frame element 204 and connected to fixed frame element 206 with tensile strength in such a way that a tensile force of actuating rope 208 causes an adjustment in the direction of the first end position, and a tensile force of actuating rope 210 causes an adjustment in the direction of the second end position. This results in a counter-displacement of fixed frame elements 204, 206, so that fixed frame elements 204, 206 in the first end position form a profile contour for a first sail area, while a profile contour for a second sail area is formed by adjustable frame element 202, and in the second end position from a profile contour for the second sail area, while a profile contour for the first sail area is formed by adjustable frame element 202. Incidentally, reference is additionally made in particular to FIG. 1 and the related description.

[0057] FIG. 4 shows an adjustable frame element 300 of a frame device including fixed tension elements, such as 302, 304, to limit maximum lengths of the diagonals.

[0058] Frame element 300 has a longitudinal axis 306. In the neutral center position, longitudinal axis 306 is straight. During an adjustment in the direction of the end positions, frame element 300 is bent elastically along longitudinal axis 306. FIG. 4 shows frame element 300 in the bent position.

[0059] Frame element 300 has a drop-shaped outer contour. Frame element 300 includes longitudinal beams 308, 310. Longitudinal beams 308, 310 each have a front end and a rear end. Longitudinal beams 308, 310 are connected to each other at their front ends with the aid of a bowed section 312. Proceeding from their front ends, longitudinal beams 308, 310 are situated to converge in the direction of their rear ends. Longitudinal beams 308, 310 and bowed section 312 are used to delimit a cross section of a profiled sail device, such as profiled sail device 100 according to FIG. 1. Bowed section 312 forms a leading edge of the profiled sail device, and the rear ends of longitudinal beams 308, 310 are assigned to a trailing edge.

[0060] The rear ends of longitudinal beams 308, 310 are free and displaceable with respect to each other during an adjustment of frame element 300 in the extension direction of longitudinal axis 306. Longitudinal beams 308, 310 are elastically bendable. Frame element 300 includes transverse beams, such as 314. Transverse beams 314 extend between longitudinal beams 308, 310 and hold longitudinal beams 308, 310 in a spaced apart position. Transverse beams 314 are used as compression members and are essentially rigid. Longitudinal beams 308, 310 and transverse beams 314 delimit convex quadrangles, such as 316, each having four corners and two intersecting diagonals. Tension elements 302, 304 each have two ends. Tension elements 302 are attached at their ends in opposing corners of quadrangles 316. Tension elements 304 are attached at their ends in opposing corners of quadrangles 316. Tension elements 302, 304 are situated so as to intersect.

[0061] During an adjustment of frame element 300, quadrangles 316 deform in a parallelogram-like manner. As a result, the lengths of the diagonals change. When frame element 300 has been adjusted into an end position, one diagonal of quadrangles 316 has a maximum length and the other diagonal has a minimum length. The maximum lengths of the diagonals are limited by the lengths of tension elements 302, 304. When frame element 300 has been adjusted into an end position, tension elements 302 or tension elements 304 are tensioned, independently of the end position, so that a further adjustment of frame element 300 is prevented. In the present example, limp ropes serve as tension elements 302, 304. Tension elements 302, 304 assigned to the shorter diagonals may thus sag without tensile stress. Incidentally, reference is additionally made in particular to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 and the related description.

[0062] FIG. 5 shows an adjustable frame element 400 of a frame device including adjustable tension elements 402, 404 to limit maximum lengths of diagonals.

[0063] Tension elements 402, 404 each include a rope section 406, 408 having a fixed length and a length-adjustable tension section 410, 412. Tension sections 410, 412 may each be mechanically, electromechanically, pneumatically and/or hydraulically length-adjustable. The maximum lengths of the diagonals are thus settable. The end positions of frame device 200 are thus settable. A shape of frame device 200 in the end positions is thus settable. Incidentally, reference is additionally made in particular to FIG. 4 and the related description.

[0064] FIG. 6 shows a detailed view of a corner 500 of a quadrangle 506 delimited by longitudinal beams, such as 502, and transverse beams, such as 504, including a tension element 508. Adjustable frame element 510 includes connecting elements, such as 512. Connecting elements 512 are used to connect longitudinal beams 502 and transverse beams 504 and to attach tension elements 508. Connecting elements 512 each include fixed sections for accommodating longitudinal beams 502 and transverse beams 504. Connecting elements 512 each include a flexible section situated between the fixed sections. Connecting elements 512 each include eye-shaped attachment points, such as 514, for attaching tension elements 508. Connecting element 512 is situated at a nodal point between longitudinal beam 502 and transverse beam 504 and is used to attach two tension elements, such as 508, of two adjoining quadrangles, such as 506. Incidentally, reference is additionally made in particular to FIGS. 2 through 5 and the related description.

[0065] FIG. 7 shows a detailed view of a frame device 600 for a profiled sail device including an adjustable frame element 602, two fixed frame elements 604, 606 situated displaceably on adjustable frame element 602, and actuating ropes 608, 610.

[0066] In the end position shown, actuating rope 608 is pulled actively in the direction of arrow a, and actuating rope 610 is inactive. Actuating rope 608 is guided with the aid of two rollers 612, 614 on longitudinal beam 616 of frame element 602. Frame element 604 includes a guide 618 on which actuating rope 608 is guided. Actuating rope 608 is connected at one end to frame element 606 with tensile strength. A pull of actuating rope 608 in the direction of arrow a causes frame elements 604, 606 to be counter-displaced in such a way that frame elements 604, 606 are displaced toward longitudinal beam 616 of frame element 602. Actuating rope 610 is also guided on the longitudinal beam of frame element 602, which is not apparent here. A pull of actuating rope 610 in the direction of arrow b, with an inactive actuating rope 608, causes frame elements 604, 606 to be counter-displaced in the opposite direction in such a way that frame elements 604, 606 are displaced toward the longitudinal beam of frame element 602, which is not apparent here. Incidentally, reference is additionally made in particular to FIGS. 2 through 5 and the related description.

[0067] FIG. 8 shows a longitudinal beam 700 of an adjustable frame element having a C-profile and sail area 702 attached thereto in a sectional view. The longitudinal beams such as 700, each have a keder-like round rod 704 and a keder rail-like profiled rod 706 having a slot-shaped opening 708. Round rod 704 is situated in the interior, and profiled rod 706 is situated in the exterior. Round rod 704 has a larger diameter than slot-shaped opening 708. Sail area 702 includes keder flaps formed by topstitching including a flap section 710 for guidance through opening 708 and an accommodating section 712 for round rod 704. Sail area 702 is attached to longitudinal beam 700 with the aid of the keder flap. Profiled rod 706 has a C-shaped profile in the present example. Incidentally, reference is additionally made in particular to FIGS. 1 through 3 and the related description.

[0068] FIG. 9 shows a longitudinal beam 800 of an adjustable frame element having an -profile and a sail area attached thereto in a sectional view. Profiled rod 802 has an -shaped profile in the present example. Incidentally, reference is additionally made in particular to FIG. 8 and the related description.

[0069] FIG. 10 shows a frame device 900 for a profiled sail device including an adjustable frame element 902 and two fixed frame elements 904, 906 situated displaceably on adjustable frame element 902, fixed frame elements 906 having a two-part design. Fixed frame element 906 is assigned to trailing edge 908. Fixed frame element 906 includes a first part 910 and a second part 912. First part 910 is situated on the leading edge side. Second part [[910]] 912 is situated on the trailing edge side. First part 910 and second part 912 are mounted on each other with the aid of a pivot bearing 914. Second part [[910]] 912, together with one end, forms trailing edge 908.

[0070] Two actuating ropes 916, 918 are provided for actuation. Actuating ropes 916, 918 are guided on adjustable frame element 902, fixed frame element 904, first part 910 of fixed frame element 906 and second part 912 of fixed frame element 906, or are connected thereto, in such a way, that a tensile force of actuating rope 916 causes an adjustment in the direction of an end position, and a tensile force of actuating rope 918 causes an adjustment in the direction of another end position. This results in a counter-displacement of fixed frame elements 904, 906 and a co-displacement of first part 910 and second part 912. An adjustment in the direction of the one end position takes place differently from an adjustment in the direction of the other end position. In one adjustment direction, fixed frame elements 904, 906 with their ends facing each other are pulled with the aid of an actuating rope toward longitudinal beam 920, proceeding from a deflection on a longitudinal beam 920. In the other adjustment direction, an actuating rope guides an angle between fixed frame elements 904, 906 over a lever system. Longitudinal beam 920 follows the adjustment guided by sliding guides.

[0071] With the aid of second part 912 of fixed frame element 906, an improved defined setting of trailing edge 908 is made possible. Incidentally, reference is additionally made in particular to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 and the related description.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0072] 100 profiled sail device [0073] 102 sail area [0074] 104 sail area [0075] 106 skeleton structure [0076] 108 cavity [0077] 110 leading edge [0078] 112 trailing edge [0079] 114 frame device [0080] 116 mast [0081] 200 frame device [0082] 202 adjustable frame element [0083] 204 fixed frame element [0084] 206 fixed frame element [0085] 208 actuating rope [0086] 210 actuating rope [0087] 212 longitudinal axis [0088] 214 pivot bearing [0089] 216 pivot bearing [0090] 218 trailing edge [0091] 220 longitudinal beam [0092] 222 transverse beam [0093] 224 diagonal member [0094] 226 sliding sleeve [0095] 228 sliding sleeve [0096] 230 leading edge [0097] 232 longitudinal beam [0098] 234 transverse beam [0099] 300 adjustable frame element [0100] 302 fixed tension element [0101] 304 fixed tension element [0102] 306 longitudinal axis [0103] 308 longitudinal beam [0104] 310 longitudinal beam [0105] 312 bowed section [0106] 314 transverse beam [0107] 316 quadrangle [0108] 400 adjustable frame element [0109] 402 adjustable tension element [0110] 404 adjustable tension element [0111] 406 rope section [0112] 408 rope section [0113] 410 length-adjustable tension section [0114] 412 length-adjustable tension section [0115] 500 corner [0116] 502 longitudinal beam [0117] 504 transverse beam [0118] 506 quadrangle [0119] 508 tension element [0120] 510 adjustable frame element [0121] 512 connecting element [0122] 514 attachment point [0123] 600 frame device [0124] 602 adjustable frame element [0125] 604 fixed frame element [0126] 606 fixed frame element [0127] 608 actuating rope [0128] 610 actuating rope [0129] 612 roller [0130] 614 roller [0131] 616 longitudinal beam [0132] 618 guide [0133] 700 longitudinal beam [0134] 702 sail area [0135] 704 round rod [0136] 706 profiled rod [0137] 708 opening [0138] 710 flap section [0139] 712 accommodating section [0140] 800 longitudinal beam [0141] 802 profiled rod [0142] 900 frame device [0143] 902 adjustable frame element [0144] 904 fixed frame element [0145] 906 fixed frame element [0146] 908 trailing edge [0147] 910 first part [0148] 912 second part [0149] 914 pivot bearing [0150] 916 actuating rope [0151] 918 actuating rope [0152] 920 longitudinal beam