Throwing glider
The hand-launched glider with a continuously adjustable elevator through a frictional connection addresses the limitation of fixed elevators, enabling flexible flight characteristic adjustments and improved performance by allowing continuous elevator position selection.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- DE202025106611
- Authority / Receiving Office
- DE · DE
- Patent Type
- Utility models
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-10-31
- Publication Date
- 2026-02-19
- Estimated Expiration
- 2035-10-31
AI Technical Summary
Existing hand-launched gliders have fixed elevators that cannot be adjusted, limiting the flexibility in influencing the glider's trajectory.
A hand-launched glider with a continuously adjustable elevator through a frictional connection, allowing for flexible adjustment of flight characteristics by selecting the elevator's position along one or more degrees of freedom, primarily in the vertical direction and around a pivot axis, without the need for additional fixing means like screws.
Enables flexible adjustment of flight characteristics, simplifying assembly and operation, and enhancing the glider's flight performance by allowing continuous adjustment of the elevator's position, thereby improving flight trajectories.
Smart Images
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Abstract
Description
[0001] The present invention relates to a throwing glider.
[0002] Hand-launched gliders are lightweight flying devices that are launched by hand without any propulsion system. Common hand-launched gliders feature an elevator. The glider's trajectory can be influenced by the elevator's setting. For example, one elevator position on the glider's fuselage is fixed and cannot be changed.
[0003] Against this background, one object of the present invention is to provide an improved glider.
[0004] Accordingly, a hand-launched glider with an elevator is proposed, which can be continuously adjusted by means of a frictional connection.
[0005] Advantageously, the flight characteristics of the hand-launched glider can be adjusted flexibly, especially by hand.
[0006] "Continuously adjustable" means, for example, that the position of the elevator can be freely selected along at least one degree of freedom. It can also be said that the elevator is steplessly adjustable. For example, the elevator can be continuously adjustable in a vertical direction and / or around a pivot axis. The vertical direction, the direction of flight, and / or the pivot axis are, in particular, each perpendicular to the others.
[0007] The term "frictional engagement" refers to the fact that the freely or continuously selectable position of the elevator is fixed by friction and maintained during further handling of the glider, particularly during flight. Other fixing means (e.g., screws) for fixing the freely or continuously selectable position (along the corresponding degree of freedom, i.e., in the direction of roll or pitch) are preferably not present. The frictional engagement thus preferably constitutes the sole fixing means for the freely or continuously selectable position (along the corresponding degree of freedom, i.e., in the direction of roll or pitch).
[0008] The glider preferably comprises a fuselage, a wing, a horizontal stabilizer (with or possibly identical to the elevator), and / or a vertical stabilizer (possibly with a rudder). The aforementioned elements may be connected to one another (partially or entirely), in particular (or exclusively), by plug-in connections.
[0009] The fuselage is a maximum of 250 mm long. For example, the wingspan is a maximum of 300 mm.
[0010] The elevator is preferably arranged in a rear section of the glider in the direction of flight, in particular at a rear end of the fuselage.
[0011] "Rear" and "front" refer to the direction of flight unless otherwise stated.
[0012] In some embodiments, the elevator is designed as a pendulum elevator.
[0013] Advantageously, the elevator has a simple design.
[0014] In this context, "pendulum rudder" refers exclusively to a height-adjustable elevator. The elevator has no fixed parts (such parts are also called "horizontal fins").
[0015] In embodiments, the elevator has a first recess, wherein the first recess causes the frictional connection.
[0016] Advantageously, the elevator is held in a given position using simple means.
[0017] In some embodiments, the first recess is U-shaped.
[0018] Advantageously, the recess can be easily manufactured.
[0019] The first recess is also referred to as a U-shaped recess. A U-shape, for example, has a first leg and a second leg, whereby the first and second legs can be arranged predominantly parallel to each other. The ends of the first and second legs that are aligned in the same direction are connected by a bridge. The bridge can be arranged perpendicular to the first and second legs. The bridge can be shaped as a segment of a circle.
[0020] Advantageously, the bridge can be used to reduce stress peaks in the first recess.
[0021] In some embodiments, the elevator is accommodated in a second recess.
[0022] Advantageously, the connection between the elevator and the launch glider is simply designed.
[0023] The second recess can be polygonal, in particular rectangular. For example, the second recess is circular, such as a circle or an oval. In another embodiment, the second recess has circular sections, straight sections, and angular sections. Each angular section can have a rounded corner.
[0024] For example, if the elevator is accommodated in the second recess, it is completely enclosed by the glider along a section of the elevator, particularly the middle section. In this case, for example, material from the glider rests against the elevator on each side.
[0025] According to another embodiment, the second recess is wedge-shaped.
[0026] Advantageously, the wedge-shaped design of the recess defines a fixed pivot axis for the elevator.
[0027] The second recess is also referred to as the wedge-shaped recess. The wedge-shaped recess can taper along or against the direction of flight of the glider. In particular, the wedge-shaped recess allows the elevator to pivot vertically around its pivot axis.
[0028] In embodiments, the elevator is designed to be foldable in such a way that it can be passed through the second recess for assembly.
[0029] Advantageously, assembly is simplified.
[0030] In embodiments, the elevator is arranged so that one leg of the U-shaped first recess is folded along with it.
[0031] Advantageously, the other leg of the first or second leg can be designed as a stop for insertion.
[0032] In embodiments, the second recess is bounded by a first material section which engages in the first recess, forming a frictional connection.
[0033] Advantageously, the coefficient of friction of the frictional connection can be easily adjusted.
[0034] In embodiments, the elevator is arranged to reset itself after passing through the second recess in such a way that it forms a positive connection with the first material section perpendicular to the direction of flight.
[0035] Advantageously, the elevator is secured during operation of the hand-launched glider by means of positive locking.
[0036] In some embodiments, the first material section is plate-shaped.
[0037] Advantageously, the first material section can be made thin, thus reducing the weight of the first material section.
[0038] In some embodiments, the first recess is formed on a trailing edge of the elevator.
[0039] The first recess is located in the center along one of the width directions of the elevator.
[0040] In embodiments, the continuous adjustment of the elevator comprises pivoting it about an axis which intersects a leading edge of the elevator, or is arranged parallel to or coaxial with it.
[0041] In embodiments, the leading edge of the elevator is rotatably mounted in a forward end (in the direction of flight) of the second, wedge-shaped recess.
[0042] A section of the leading edge is mounted in such a way that it can be rotated and / or pivoted about a pivot axis. For example, the pivot axis is predominantly located in a tapered section of the wedge-shaped recess.
[0043] In embodiments, the elevator has a third recess at the leading edge into which the first material section engages.
[0044] The U-shaped recess and the third recess allow for a positive locking of the elevator in the direction of flight.
[0045] In one embodiment, a trim weight can be detachably attached or fixed in an opening of the glider by frictional engagement.
[0046] Advantageously, the trim weight is integrated into the glider in such a way that it does not come loose during operation of the glider.
[0047] The trim weight can be used to adjust the center of gravity of the glider. This can advantageously influence the glider's flight characteristics.
[0048] In one embodiment, the glider has several openings in each of which a trim weight can be detachably attached by frictional engagement or is fixed.
[0049] Advantageously, the flight characteristics of the hand-launched glider can be adjusted using simple means.
[0050] The multiple trim weights can be designed as identical parts. Advantageously, manufacturing multiple trim weights can be cost-effective.
[0051] In one embodiment, the respective trimming weight(s) can be detachably attached or fixed by inserting them into the respective opening(s).
[0052] Advantageously, the installation of the respective trim weight(s) is simplified.
[0053] In one embodiment, the opening or openings are formed in a plate-shaped second material section.
[0054] The opening or openings can advantageously be simply incorporated into the plate-shaped section of material.
[0055] In one embodiment, the trim weight(s) extend beyond the second material section in a direction transverse to it, in particular transverse to the direction of flight.
[0056] In one embodiment, the opening or openings are designed as through holes.
[0057] Advantageously, the opening or openings can be easily manufactured.
[0058] In one embodiment, the trim weight or multiple trim weights are made of metal and / or are spherical.
[0059] The trimming weight can be designed as a metal ball. For example, the metal ball has a diameter of at most 6 mm, preferably at most 5 mm, and more preferably at most 4.5 mm.
[0060] The metal could be lead.
[0061] In one embodiment, the first and / or second material section and / or a fuselage, a wing, the elevator and / or a vertical stabilizer comprises an elastically deformable material with damped recovery, in particular a foamed polyolefin.
[0062] In particular, the elastically deformable material is made of foamed polypropylene.
[0063] The dampened recovery can also be described as viscoelastic. One could also say that the material exhibits a memory effect.
[0064] In one embodiment, the fuselage, wing, elevator or vertical stabilizer is formed from sheet material.
[0065] The sheet material is characterized, for example, by its thinness and extends mainly in one plane. In particular, the fuselage, wing, elevator and / or vertical stabilizer are formed from blanks.
[0066] The thickness of the plate material is, for example, a maximum of 10 mm, preferably a maximum of 5 mm, and more preferably a maximum of 3.5 mm.
[0067] In one embodiment, the wings, elevator and / or vertical stabilizer are torsionally adjustable to set a flight characteristic of the hand-launched glider.
[0068] Advantageously, the flight characteristics can be easily changed.
[0069] The term "one" here is not to be understood as restricting it to exactly one (1); rather, several corresponding elements may be provided unless otherwise specified. References to "first," "second," etc., are made solely for the purpose of better distinguishing the respective elements; a "first" element in no way requires that a "second" element be provided, and vice versa. For example, the second recess may be provided without the first recess being present. The same applies, for instance, to the first and second material sections.
[0070] Other possible implementations of the glider also include combinations of features or embodiments described previously or subsequently in relation to the exemplary embodiments, even if not explicitly mentioned. In these cases, the expert will also add individual aspects as improvements or additions to the respective basic form of the glider.
[0071] Further advantageous embodiments and aspects of the glider are the subject of the dependent claims and the exemplary embodiments of the invention described below. The glider will be explained in more detail below with reference to preferred embodiments and the accompanying figures. Fig. Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a glider; Fig. Figure 2 shows an adjustable position of an elevator on the hand-launched glider; Fig. Figure 3 shows an embodiment of an elevator; Fig. Figure 4 shows an embodiment of a fuselage of the glider; Fig. Figure 5 shows an embodiment of a wing of the glider; and Fig. Figure 6 shows a front view of the throwing glider. Fig. 1.
[0072] In the figures, identical or functionally equivalent elements have been given the same reference symbols, unless otherwise indicated.
[0073] Fig. Figure 1 shows a hand-launched glider 1. The hand-launched glider 1 has an elevator 3 in a tail section 4 of a fuselage 5 along a flight direction 2. A wing 7 is attached to a central section 6 of the fuselage 5. Trim weights 9 are attached to a nose section 8 of the fuselage 5. The tail section 4 includes a section designed as a vertical stabilizer 25.
[0074] The elevator 3, the fuselage 5, the vertical stabilizer 25, and the wing 7 are each formed from sheet material. The sheet material has, for example, a thickness t of a maximum of 4 mm, preferably between 1.5 mm and 3.5 mm. For example, the elevator 3, the fuselage 5, and / or the wing 7 can be manufactured by stamping.
[0075] The elevator 3 is frictionally locked and continuously adjustable in a wedge-shaped recess 10 (see also Fig. 4) is incorporated in the tail section 4, with the material around the tail section 4 defining the wedge-shaped recess 10. The continuous adjustability of the elevator 3 is in Fig. 2 shown.
[0076] Fig. Figure 2 shows a section of the rear of the vehicle, where in Fig. 2a) a first position of the elevator 3 and in Fig. 2b) a second position of the elevator 3 is shown.
[0077] The first and second positions of the elevator 3 can be selected by applying a force, indicated by the finger in Fig. 2a) and Fig. 2b) and the arrows shown with dashed lines, adjust in and against a vertical direction h. Depending on the position of the elevator 3, the flight characteristics of the hand-launched glider 1 can be set. For example, the hand-launched glider 1 can be launched and the elevator 3 is in the first position, as shown in Fig. 2a) shown. Then the glider 1 can fly a loop. If the elevator 3 is in the second position, as shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 2b), the glider 1 can glide along a straight trajectory without looping after release. The flight characteristics of the glider 1 can be easily adjusted by moving the elevator 3 in the direction h.
[0078] It is conceivable that the elevator 3 could be in any position between the first position in Fig. 2a) and the second position in Fig. 2b) can assume. The elevator 3 is held in the respective position by friction. The frictional connection is formed between the elevator 3 and the tail 4 (first material section) and is described below with reference to Fig. 3 explained in more detail.
[0079] Fig. Figure 3 shows an embodiment of the elevator 3. The elevator 3 has a leading edge 11, which is arranged forward along the direction of flight 2, and a trailing edge 12, which is arranged aft along the direction of flight 2.
[0080] A U-shaped recess 13 is arranged at the trailing edge 12. If the elevator 3 is received in the wedge-shaped recess 10, then the wedge-shaped recess 10 (see Fig. 4) The limiting section of the rear 4 is enclosed by an inner surface 14 of the U-shaped recess 3. In this case, the inner surface 14 forms a friction surface with the rear 4.
[0081] To insert the elevator 3 into the wedge-shaped recess 10 (see Fig. 4) To insert the elevator 3, a first section 15, with a first leg of the U-shaped recess 13, or a second section 16, with a second leg of the U-shaped recess 13, is folded over. The folded section 15, 16 is then inserted into the wedge-shaped recess 10. The other section of the folded section 15, 16, and in particular the other leg of the U-shaped recess 13, forms a stop up to which the elevator 3 is inserted into the wedge-shaped recess 10. Once the elevator 3 is inserted, the folded section 15, 16 returns to its original position and forms a positive fit with the tail section 4.
[0082] The elevator 3 also has a further recess 17 on its leading edge 11. This further recess 17 also forms a positive fit with the tail section 4.
[0083] If the elevator 3 is received in the wedge-shaped recess 10 as described above, the elevator 3 can be pivoted about a pivot axis 18, shown with a dashed line, located at the leading edge 11 and intersecting the leading edge 11. By pivoting, the respective position of the elevator 3 can be adjusted as described above. Fig. 2 described, will be set.
[0084] Fig. Figure 4 shows an embodiment of the fuselage 5. The wedge-shaped recess 10, as previously described, is arranged in the tail section 4. The wedge-shaped recess 10 tapers in the direction of flight 2. In other words, the wedge-shaped recess 10 has a first end section 19 with a low height opposite a second end section 20. The second end section 20 can be shaped as a circular segment. If the elevator 3 is incorporated in the wedge-shaped section 10, the leading edge 11 lies (see Figure 4). Fig. 3) with the further recess 17 on the first end section 19. The trailing edge 12 is arranged with the U-shaped recess 13 on the second end section 20. The pivot axis 18 is formed between the further recess 17 and the first end section 19 when the elevator 3 is in the raised position.
[0085] The fuselage 5 has a recess 21 in the central section 6. The wing 7 can be accommodated in the recess 21. The wing 7 is in Fig. Figure 5 shows one embodiment. The airfoil 7 has a first recess 22 and a second recess 23. The airfoil 7 is positively engaged in the recess 21 by means of the first recess 22 and the second recess 23.
[0086] Fig. Figure 6 shows the launch glider 1 from a front view, with the wing 7 housed in the fuselage 5. Before the launch glider 1 is put into operation, the wing 7 is bent in the vertical direction h, so that an angle α of less than 180° is formed between the two wing halves.
[0087] Returning to Fig. 4 the hull 5 further has recesses 24 in a material section 26 (second material section) of the bow 8 for several trim weights 9 (see Fig. 1) For example, three recesses 24 for three trim weights 9 are arranged in the bow 8. By adjusting the number, arrangement and / or material of the trim weight 9, the flight characteristics of the hand-launched glider 1 can be further modified. In particular, the center of gravity of the hand-launched glider 1 can be adjusted.
[0088] The recesses 24 are designed as through-openings in the material section 26. The trim weights 9 are spherically shaped, for example as metal balls with a maximum diameter of 4.5 mm. Each trim weight 9 is releasably secured in a respective recess 24 by frictional engagement. When the trim weight 9 is received in the material section 26, it protrudes beyond the material section 26 on both sides.
[0089] Although the present invention has been described using exemplary embodiments, it can be modified in many ways. REFERENCE MARK LIST 1 throwing glider 2 Flight direction 3 elevators 4 Rear, first material section 5 Hull 6 middle section 7 wings 8 Bug 9 Trim weight 10 wedge-shaped recesses 11 Leading edge 12 trailing edge 13 U-shaped recesses 14 Inside 15 first section 16 second section 17 Exclusion 18 Swivel axis 19 first final section 20 second final section 21 Exclusion 22 first exception 23 second exception 24 recesses 25 Vertical stabilizer 26 second material section h Altitude direction t thickness α angle
Claims
[1] Throwing glider (1) comprising an elevator (3) which is continuously adjustable by means of a frictional engagement. [2] Throw glider according to claim 1, wherein the elevator (3) is designed as a pendulum elevator. [3] Glider according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the elevator (3) has a first recess (13) wherein the first recess (13) provides frictional engagement. [4] Glider according to claim 3, wherein the first recess (13) is U-shaped. [5] Throw glider according to one of claims 1-4, wherein the elevator (3) is received in a second recess (10). [6] Glider according to claim 5, wherein the second recess (10) is wedge-shaped. [7] Throw glider according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the elevator (3) is designed to be foldable in such a way that it can be passed through the second recess (10) for the purpose of mounting it. [8] Throwing glider according to claims 4 and 7, wherein the elevator (3) is arranged to fold one leg of the U-shaped first recess (13). [9] Throwing glider according to one of claims 3-8, wherein the second recess (10) is bounded by a first material section (4) which engages in the first recess (13) forming a frictional connection. [10] Throw glider according to claim 9, wherein the elevator (3) is arranged to reset itself after passing through the second recess (10) in such a way that it engages with the first material section (4) transversely to the direction of flight (2). [11] Glider according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the first material section (4) is plate-shaped. [12] Launch glider according to one of claims 3-11, wherein the first recess (13) is formed on a trailing edge (12) of the elevator (3). [13] Launch glider according to one of claims 1-12, wherein the continuous adjustment of the elevator (3) comprises pivoting the same about an axis (18) which intersects a leading edge (11) of the elevator (3), or is arranged parallel to or coaxial to it. [14] Glider according to claim 13, wherein the leading edge (11) of the elevator (3) is rotatably received in a forward end (19) in the direction of flight (2) of the second, in particular wedge-shaped, recess (10). [15] Throw glider according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the elevator (3) has a third recess (17) at the leading edge (11) into which the first material section (4) engages. [16] Throwing glider according to one of claims 1-15, wherein a trim weight (9) is releasably frictionally attached or fixed in an opening (24) of the throwing glider (1). [17] Glider according to claim 16, having several openings (24) in which a trim weight (9) can be detachably frictionally attached or fixed. [18] Glider according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the respective trim weight (9) can be detachably attached or fastened by inserting it into the respective opening (24). [19] Glider according to one of claims 16-18, wherein the opening or openings (24) is / are formed in a plate-shaped second material section (26). [20] Glider according to claim 19, wherein the trim weight(s) (9) extend beyond the second material section (26) in a direction transverse to it, in particular transverse to the direction of flight (2). [21] Glider according to one of claims 16-20, wherein the opening or openings (24) are designed as through holes. [22] Glider according to one of claims 16-21, wherein the trim weight or the multiple trim weights (9) is / are made of metal and / or are spherical. [23] Throw glider according to one of claims 1-22, wherein the first and / or second material section (4, 26) and / or a fuselage (5), a wing (7), the elevator (3) and / or a vertical stabilizer (25) comprises an elastically deformable material with damped recovery, in particular a foamed polyolefin. [24] Throw glider according to claims 1-23, wherein the fuselage (5), the wing (7), the elevator (3) and / or a vertical stabilizer (25) is formed from sheet material. [25] Throw glider according to claim 23 or 24, wherein the wings (7), the elevator (3) and / or the vertical stabilizer (25) are torsionally adjustable to adjust a flight characteristic of the throw glider (1).