System for tool-less mounting of hydrofoil wings

Abstract

The universal system for toolless mounting of wings to hydrofoils, according to the invention, is applicable to various types of hydrofoils, and provides quick and easy mounting of wings to hydrofoils. The system comprises two plates (4, 9) capable of linear sliding relative to each other and locked together through guide elements and channels. A shaft-mounted lever rotates between locked and unlocked positions: in the locked position it presses the plates (4, 9) together to prevent movement, while in the unlocked position it releases this pressure. The plates (4, 9) also include a stop to limit linear travel and through-holes for fastening the plates (4, 9) respectively to the fuselage and the wing.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of water sports equipment, more particularly hydrofoils, and more particularly the invention relates to a system for mounting wings to hydrofoils.PRIOR ART

[0002] Hydrofoil is a means of moving in water, which includes the following main parts: a surfboard - an above-water platform, under which a hydrofoil is mounted - an underwater part. In turn, the underwater part is a set of hydrofoils - usually stabilizing and supporting, but not only, located on an underwater arrow-shaped body - a fuselage, which is mounted to the above-water platform, by means of a mast with a streamlined profile. The mast connects the above-water platform to the fuselage. There are known variants in which the hydrofoils are mounted directly to the mast. Hydrofoils can be of different types depending on the method of propulsion - for example, wing foil, kite foil, windsurfing foil, surf foil, pump foil and others. When the propulsion is via an electric motor, the hydrofoil becomes electric or e-foil. Its design is far more complex and comprises additional modules such as: power source (most often rechargeable battery), charge-discharge control module for the power source, electric motor, motor control module, sensor unit, main control unit that takes care of synchronizing the operation of the individual units, remote control, and others.

[0003] Given the variety of hydrofoil means for movement in water, it has also become necessary to develop different types and sizes of underwater wings for mounting on the underwater part. In practice, the wings have to carry the entire weight of the above-water part, which includes the operator (surfer), so in some embodiments the wings have larger overall dimensions. Another reason for having different wings is that they have different hydrodynamic resistance and characteristics when moving in the water. Some wings are designated for use by "beginner" surfers and others for "advanced" surfers.

[0004] Various solutions are known for mounting wings to the fuselage. One such is by using a bolted mechanical connection, as described in US2015225040A1, for example in Fig. 8 and Fig. 9. The wing is mounted to the mast by means of an additional plate through a rod and detachable fastening means. This construction is complex and involves a large number of structural elements that must be mounted and dismantled in order to replace the wing. Also, since these structural elements are detachable from each other, it is possible that some of them can be lost during disassembly. The many structural elements require the user of the watercraft to have some knowledge of mechanics, as well as to have a set of tools to assemble or disassemble the wing to / from the fuselage in order to store it for subsequent use or replace it with another.

[0005] Another known solution for mounting a wing is to mount it to the mast, for example the fuselage being part of it, as described in US2015314837A1, for example in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. For this purpose, the fuselage comprises a central segment in which the wings are mounted with the ability of dismantling (disassembly), by means of assembly and locking means in the longitudinal direction of the central segment. The wing - the so-called "first segment" and the central segment are connected end to end by the assembly means, which comprise a pair formed by a male connector and a female connector, interacting by a specific blocking. A disadvantage of this method of mounting is that the wing must have a strictly defined design that allows it to be mounted to the central segment by means of various assembly parts, a rod with the ability of locking and additional mechanical parts. This design is extremely complicated and limits the wing to be used on a specific hydrofoil device with a specific design for mounting the wing to the fuselage.

[0006] Another solution for mounting a wing without the use of specialized tools is known, disclosed in WO2024233545A1, for example in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4. It comprises a mast, a hydrofoil system with integrated wings and front and rear fuselages, having tapered sections, a flange having an internal passage, sized to encompass and retain one of the tapered sections, and a pulling mechanism configured to pull the integrated wing and fuselage so that the contacting tapered sections are wedged into assembly. The pulling mechanism can be manually operated lever that applies force that pulls first part of the integrated wing and fuselage, and second part of the integrated rear wing and fuselage towards each other. The relative movement transmitted to the first part of the integrated wing and fuselage, and the second part of the integrated rear wing and fuselage by the actuator may be adjustable. A disadvantage of this solution for mounting a wing is the wedging of the two mechanical parts against each other in a flange - this creates friction forces that can damage the two wedging and contacting sections, and also lead to the destruction of the flange due to the forces that arise, namely that the two sections tend to expand it as a result of the pulling force of the mechanism. The fact that the latter has the ability to adjust the pulling force (by the surfer) provides the operator (performing the assembly action) the opportunity to overtighten (to pull with a force above the permissible one) when assembling and engaging the two sections, and thus to cause irreparable or costly damage to one or more of the parts involved in the assembly (the mechanical connection). This method of mounting, as well as the fact that the wings are an integral part of the fuselage, limits its application to exactly the specific solution and is not applicable to other watercrafts of this type. The described design does not imply its use in electric hydrofoils, in which the electrical cables providing energy for the propulsion means (electric motor, for example) usually pass through the tubular body - the mast. Due to the disadvantages listed above, the design is not suitable for repeated use over a long period of time, because wedging and friction during use can lead to a shortening of the service life of the engaged mechanical parts.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The object of the present invention is to create an alternative universal system for toolless mounting of wings to a hydrofoil, which is simple and easy, and also suitable for electric hydrofoils.

[0008] This object is achieved by creating a universal system for toolless mounting of wings to hydrofoils, comprising a first plate and a second plate, configured with the ability of reciprocating linear movement relative to each other, and each having operationally defined front, rear and two side ends, which coincide in the assembled position. At least one of the two plates has a shaped stop for limiting the linear movement of the plates relative to each other. The two plates in the assembled position form a detachable rigid mechanical connection by means of at least one guide element integrally or detachably connected to one of the two plates, and placed in at least one guide channel of the other plate, which geometrically corresponds to the corresponding guide element. One of the two plates has at least one shaft hole in which hole one end of a shaft is hingedly arranged, and the other end of the corresponding shaft is arranged in a hole of a corresponding lever, configured with ability to rotate axially along the shaft axis in a plane parallel to the plane of the plate to which it is mounted. The rotational movement of the at least one lever is between two positions, respectively a locked position in which, in the assembled position of the plates, the at least one lever is adapted to exert pressure on one plate, thus ensuring pressing of the plates against each other, and preventing the possibility of displacement of the plates relative to each other, and an unlocked position in which there is no pressure from the at least one lever against the plates, wherein the two plates have at least one through hole for a fastening element for fixing, respectively one to the fuselage and the other to the wing.

[0009] In one embodiment of the invention, at least partially along the extension of the first plate there is a linear guide channel cut on the side contacting the second plate, into which the second plate is inserted with a technological gap at least partially, which is beveled laterally from the lower side at least partially along its length, and the linear channel of the first plate has a complementary shape to the second plate. In the cut side along the extension of the linear channel of the first plate, on both sides of the notch, the linear channel has guide edges, and on both sides at least partially along the length and laterally on the second plate, guide channels are formed, configured to accommodate the guide edges of the linear channel of the first plate. The two plates are configured with the ability of reciprocating movement relative to each other along their channels, which connect them. The second plate has a cutout formed laterally on the second plate, which is connected to the linear channel of the first plate, and in the cutout, perpendicular to the contact surface with the first plate, a hole is formed, in which a hinged shaft is partially located, which is also located in a hole formed in an eccentric lug at one end of a lever located above the shaft hole of the first plate. The eccentric lug is hingedly connected by means of the shaft to the second plate. This lever is configured with ability to rotate along the axis of the shaft between unlocked and locked positions, the lever being locked against unintentional removal from the shaft by a locking means connected to the shaft or to the second plate. The eccentric lug is located in the cutout formed laterally on the second plate adjacent to one of the sides of the first plate in the assembled position of the plates. The eccentric lug has at least partially rounded convex part, which in the locked position of the lever, is placed in a complementary recess of the first plate, contacts it, and exerts pressure against it to prevent linear displacement of the two plates relative to each other, and to at least unilaterally eliminate a gap between the two plates, which in this position are tensioned relative to each other in a detachable rigid mechanical connection, and in the unlocked position of the lever, the rounded convex part is located outside the said recess of the first plate.

[0010] Preferably, the eccentric lug has, in its part contacting the second plate, a peripheral skirt with an eccentric shape, in the locked position of the lever, the skirt contacts the beveled part of the first plate, and exerts pressure against it, further eliminating the gap between the two plates, so that they are tensioned in horizontal and vertical directions relative to each other in a detachable rigid mechanical connection, and in the unlocked position of the lever, the skirt does not contact the first plate.

[0011] Preferably, the lever is bent at least at its free end in direction relative to the central longitudinal axis of the second plate, and in the locked position of the lever, its bent free end at least partially encompasses the rear end of the second plate.

[0012] In another embodiment of the invention, at least partially along the extension of the second plate there is a linear channel cut on the side contacting the first plate, into which a guide is inserted with a technological gap, mounted integrally or detachably on the side of the first plate contacting the second plate. The transverse profile of the linear channel and the shape of the guide are such that they prevent the removal of the guide from the linear channel, except at the ends of the linear channel. On both sides at least partially along the length of the second plate, guide channels are formed, accommodating, with the ability of reciprocating movement, guide ribs of two oppositely arranged pressing parts mounted to the first plate, by means of their respective shafts, one end of each shaft being mounted in a hole of the pressing part, in a manner to prevent its removal from the pressing part, but allowing its rotation and axial movement relative to the hole. Each shaft is freely positioned in a hole in the first plate, and the other end of each shaft is mounted to the rotating lever, which can be rotated between unlocked and locked position, and is configured so that when rotated to the locked position, it pulls the corresponding shaft, and through it the corresponding pressing part, in direction opposite to the second plate, thus the corresponding pressing part presses the two plates against each other and prevents their displacement.

[0013] Preferably, the guide has a head and a lower part, the linear channel having a greater width at its bottom for retaining the guide's head having a larger diameter than the lower part of the guide placed in the narrower part of the linear channel.

[0014] Preferably, the guide has a limiting ring located at a distance from the upper part of the guide 11, wherein the guide 11 is detachably mounted to the first plate 4, the lower part of the guide 11 is located in a bed 12 formed on the first plate 4 having a shape corresponding to the shape of the limiting ring.

[0015] Preferably, each of the two shafts is arranged in arranged in consecutively arranged hole of the pressing part, hole of the first plate and hole of its corresponding rotating lever, one end of each shaft is threaded and wound into a corresponding thread in the hole of the pressing part, and the other end of each shaft is fixed in the hole of its corresponding rotating lever. In the locked position of the rotating levers, their respective shafts are more wound at least at one end into the threaded hole of their respective pressing part than in the unlocked position of the rotating levers, and the guide ribs provide pressure on the second plate in direction of the first plate, and thus a pressure is provided between the contact surfaces of the two plates.

[0016] Preferably, each shaft is fixed stationary in the hole of its respective rotating lever by at least one spline and at least one groove in the respective hole of its respective rotating lever.

[0017] Preferably, the first plate has at least one first fixing hole formed in its stop, in which at least one corresponding fixing element protruding towards the front end of the first plate is fixed in a non-detachable rigid mechanical connection, and at least one second fixing hole is formed in the rear end of the second plate for accommodating with the ability of reciprocating movement only in longitudinal direction of the part of the corresponding fixing element protruding from the first plate.

[0018] One of the two plates is fixed integrally or by at least one fastening element to the fuselage, and the other of the two plates is fixed integrally or by at least one fastening element to the wing.

[0019] The universal system for toolless mounting of wings to hydrofoils according to the invention is used for detachable connection of wing and fuselage of a hydrofoil.

[0020] The described additional universal system for mounting wings to hydrofoils has the following advantages over all alternative solutions known to date: the proposed system allows its application on almost all existing variants of standard wing-to-fuselage attachment with screws; it eliminates the use of screws and tools, thus greatly improving the use of the product; the difficulty and time of assembly is reduced by eliminating the insertion of screws and the use of tools for their tightening and loosening; the possibility of errors such as using the wrong size screws, the wrong tool, insufficient tightening or overtightening of the screws is avoided, which errors can lead to wing or fuselage breakage, loss of the wing, increased risk of hydrofoil instability, falls and injuries; it is suitable for electric hydrofoils; it has universal application for different wing attachment options with screws from different manufacturers, and instead of standard wing screws, stud bolts with locking element, such as collar, are screwed into the fuselage to provide the ability to engage or tighten or press the described mechanism of the wing mounting system to hydrofoils. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ATTACHED FIGURES

[0021] Further in the description, the universal system for toolless mounting of wings to hydrofoils, the object of the invention, is explained by preferred embodiments, given as non-limiting the scope of the invention examples, with reference to the attached figures, where: Figure 1 shows general view of a preferred embodiment of hydrofoil according to the invention, the wing and fuselage being disassembled. Figure 2 shows exploded view of a preferred embodiment of the universal system for toolless mounting of wings to hydrofoils used in the embodiment shown in Figure 1. Figure 3 shows assembled view of the preferred embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 2 before wing-to-fuselage mounting. Figure 4 shows assembled view of the preferred embodiment of the invention shown in Figures 2 and 3 after wing-to-fuselage mounting but before fixing with the rotating levers. Figure 5 shows assembled view of the preferred embodiment of the invention shown in Figures 2-4 after wing-to-fuselage mounting and fixing with the rotating levers. Figure 6 shows cross-sectional and longitudinal section of assembled universal system for toolless mounting of wings to hydrofoils, according to the preferred embodiment of the invention, shown in Figures 2-5. Figure 7 shows general view of another preferred embodiment of hydrofoil, according to the invention. Figure 8 shows cross-sectional view of assembled universal system for toolless mounting of wings to hydrofoils, according to the preferred embodiment of the invention, shown in Figure 7. Figure 9 shows two exploded views of a preferred embodiment of the universal system for toolless mounting of wings to hydrofoils, used in the embodiment shown in Figures 7 and 8, respectively, a front view and a rear view. Figure 10 shows assembled view of the preferred embodiment of the invention shown in Figures 7-9, after mounting the wing to the fuselage, but before fixing with the rotating lever. Figure 11 shows assembled view of the preferred embodiment of the invention shown in Figures 7-10, after mounting the wing to the fuselage, and after fixing with the rotating lever. EXAMPLES OF EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0022] All examples described herein are given as non-limiting the scope of the invention variants.

[0023] The universal system for toolless mounting of wings to hydrofoils, according to the invention, as shown in the figures, implements a detachable rigid mechanical connection, and comprises a first plate 4 and a second plate 9, which can perform reciprocating linear movement relative to each other, and each having operationally defined front, rear and two side ends, which in the assembled position coincide. The plates 4, 9 can be made of stainless steel, or aluminum, or plastic, or other suitable material that can withstand mechanical loads. At least one of the two plates 4, 9 has a shaped stop 25, located so as to limit the linear movement of the plates 4, 9 relative to each other. The stop 25 can be located both near the rear end of the respective plate 4, 9, or at another suitable place along its length, and can be an additionally mounted element or protrusion of the plate, for example a rib. The two plates 4, 9 in the assembled position form a detachable rigid mechanical connection by means of at least one guide element integrally or detachably connected to one of the two plates 4, 9, and placed in at least one guide channel of the other plate 4, 9, which geometrically corresponds to the respective guide element. One of the two plates has at least one hole for shaft, in which hole one end of the shaft is hingedly placed, and the other end of the respective shaft is placed in a hole of a corresponding lever, configured with the ability of axial rotation along the axis of the shaft in a plane parallel to the plane of the plate to which it is mounted. The rotational movement of the at least one lever is between two positions, respectively a locked and unlocked position. In the locked position, the at least one lever is adapted to exert pressure on one plate, thus ensuring the pressing of the plates against each other, and preventing the possibility of displacement of the plates relative to each other. The axis of rotation of the shaft of the rotating lever 5 is transverse to the plane of the plates 4, 9, wherein during its rotation the rotating lever 5 exerts radial (lateral) pressure on one plate. Also, in another embodiment, the design of the rotating lever can be such that it also exerts pressure in transverse direction relative to the surface of one plate, for example downwards towards the other plate. In the unlocked position, there is no pressure from the at least one lever against the plates, wherein the two plates 4, 9 have at least one through hole for a fastening element for fixing, one to the fuselage and the other to the wing, respectively.

[0024] In one embodiment of the invention, shown in Figures 1-6, partially or entirely along the extension of the first plate 4 there is a linear guide channel cut on the side contacting the second plate 9, into which the second plate 9 is partially or entirely inserted with a technological gap, which second plate 9 is beveled laterally on the lower side partially or entirely along its length, and the linear channel of the first plate 4 has a complementary shape to the second plate 9, and in the cut side along the extension of the linear channel of the first plate 4, on both sides of the notch, the linear channel has guide edges 23, 24, and on both sides at least partially along the length and laterally of the second plate 9 there are guide channels 21, 22, which accommodate the guide edges 23, 24 of the linear channel of the first plate 4.

[0025] The two plates 4, 9 can perform reciprocating movement relative to each other along their channels, which connect them.

[0026] The second plate 9 has a cutout 27 formed laterally on the second plate 9, which is connected to the linear channel of the first plate 4, and in the cutout 27, perpendicular to the contact surface with the first plate 4, a hole is formed, in which hole a hinged shaft 6 is partially located, which is also located in a hole formed in an eccentric lug 26 at one end of the rotating lever 5, located above the hole for the shaft 6 of the first plate 4. The eccentric lug 26 is hingedly connected by means of the shaft 6 to the second plate 9. It is possible that in the area of the hole for the shaft 6, the plate 9 is partially cut out along its height and accommodates the shaft 6 and the end of the rotating lever 5 there.

[0027] The rotating lever 5 can rotate along the axis of the shaft 6 between unlocked and locked positions, the rotating lever 5 being secured against unintentional removal from the shaft 6 by a locking means 19 connected to the shaft 6 or to the second plate 9. The locking means 19 can be, for example, a circlip located in a peripheral groove of the shaft 6 and on the rotating lever 5 or in a circular hole of the second plate 9, or alternatively an elastic end with a peripheral groove of the rotating lever 5 fixed in a circular hole of the second plate 9.

[0028] The eccentric lug 26 is located in the cutout 27 adjacent to one of the sides of the first plate 4, and has access to the second plate 9 in the assembled position of the plates 4, 9. The eccentric lug 26 has a partially or completely rounded convex part, and can be, for example, a partial cylinder with a flat side wall, which in the unlocked position of the rotating lever 5 is located opposite the cutout 27 formed laterally on the second plate 9, and a convex side wall, which in the locked position of the rotating lever 5 contacts the second plate 9 and exerts pressure on it. In the locked position of the rotating lever 5, the rounded convex part is placed in a complementary recess 17 of the first plate 4, contacts it, and exerts pressure on it to prevent linear displacement of the two plates 4, 9 relative to each other, and to eliminate a gap between the two plates 4, 9 unilaterally (laterally or vertically) or bilaterally in two orthogonal directions, thus fixing them. The two plates 4, 9, in this position, are tensioned in horizontal and vertical directions relative to each other in a detachable rigid mechanical connection, and in the unlocked position of the rotating lever 5, the rounded convex part is located outside the said recess 17 of the first plate 4.

[0029] The eccentric lug 26 can have, in its part contacting the second plate 9, a peripheral skirt 18 with an eccentric or other irregular shape, and in the locked position of the rotating lever 5, the skirt 18 contacts the beveled part of the first plate 4, and exerts additional pressure on it, eliminating the gap between the two plates 4, 9, and they are tensed in horizontal and vertical directions relative to each other in a detachable rigid mechanical connection, and in the unlocked position of the rotating lever 5, the skirt 18 does not contact the first plate 4. The peripheral skirt 18 can have an expanding diameter in direction of the second plate 9, thus having the shape of a truncated cone, or another suitable shape. The peripheral skirt 18 can also be located elsewhere along the height of the eccentric lug 26, for example in its upper part, as long as it exerts pressure on the first plate 4.

[0030] It is possible for the peripheral skirt 18 to be located on the shaft 6 instead of the eccentric lug 26, in which case the skirt 18 is located below the eccentric lug 26 and extends sideways from it in at least one direction, due to its irregular shape.

[0031] The peripheral skirt 18 can be located along the entire periphery of the shaft 6 or of the eccentric lug 26, or alternatively it can be located along only part of the periphery. The rotating lever 5 can be bent completely or only at its free end in direction relative to the central longitudinal axis of the second plate 9, as long as it can be locked, and in the locked position of the rotating lever 5, its bent free end partially or completely encompasses the rear end of the second plate 9. Thus, the bent shape of the rotating lever 5 can be a hook-shaped shape or a U-shaped shape.

[0032] In another embodiment of the invention, shown in Figures 7-11, partially or completely along the extension of the second plate 9 there can be a linear channel 21 cut on the side contacting the first plate 4, into which linear channel 21 a guide 11 is inserted with a technological gap, mounted integrally or detachably to the side of the first plate 4 contacting the second plate 9. The transverse profile of the linear channel and the shape of the guide 11 are such that they prevent the removal of the guide 11 from the linear channel, except at the ends of the linear channel.

[0033] For example, the guide 11 can have a head, and a lower part with a limiting ring spaced from the head, such that a part of the lower part of the guide 11 remains between the limiting ring and the head, which is smaller in diameter than both the upper part and the limiting ring. The linear channel has a greater width at its bottom to retain the head of the guide 11, having a larger diameter than the lower part of the guide 11, housed in the narrower part of the linear channel. Variants of the shape of the linear channel are T-shaped, a trapezoidal channel, a reverse cone channel, or other suitable type of shape. The guide 11 can be detachably mounted to the first plate 4, the limiting ring is located in a bed 12 formed on the first plate 4 with a shape corresponding to the shape of the limiting ring. If the bed 12 has a through hole in its bottom, into which the lower part of the guide 11 enters, then the hole has a smaller diameter than that of the bed 12. It is also possible that the bed 12 does not have a through hole in its bottom and that the lower part of the guide 11 lies there, which in this embodiment has the same diameter as the bed 12, in which case the limiting ring can be omitted from the design of the guide 11. Alternatively, the guide 11 can be monolithically connected to the first plate 4, in which embodiment the bed 12 and the limiting ring are not present in the design.

[0034] On both sides, at least partially along the length of the second plate 9, guide channels 22 are formed, accommodating, with the ability of reciprocating movement, guide ribs 16 of two oppositely arranged pressing parts 7, mounted to the first plate 4, by means of their respective shafts 6, one end of each shaft 6 is mounted in a hole 15 of the pressing part 7, in a manner preventing its removal from the pressing part 7, but allowing its rotation and axial movement relative to the hole 15, for example by means of a thread or with an additional pressing collar with an uneven surface, having a higher and a lower part, the pressure being exerted on the pressing part 7 in the higher part, and no such pressure exists in the lower part.

[0035] Each shaft 6 is freely positioned in a hole 13 of the first plate (4), and the other end of each shaft 6 is mounted to a hole 14 of a corresponding rotating lever 5, which can be rotated between unlocked and locked position, and it is configured so that when rotated to locked position, it pulls the corresponding shaft 6, and through it the corresponding pressing part 7, in direction opposite to the second plate 9, thus the corresponding pressing part 7 presses the two plates 4, 9 against each other and prevents their displacement.

[0036] In an embodiment with threaded shafts 6, each of the two shafts 6 can be arranged in arranged in consecutively arranged hole 15 of the pressing part 7, hole 13 of the first plate 4 and hole 14 of its corresponding rotating lever 5, one end of each shaft 6 is threaded and wound into its corresponding thread in the hole 15 of the pressing part 7, and the other end of each shaft 6 is stationary fixed in the hole 14 of its corresponding rotating lever 5, and it can be detachably or non-detachably fixed. The fixing can be achieved, for example, by at least one spline formed on each shaft 6 and its corresponding at least one groove in the corresponding hole 14 of its corresponding rotating lever 5, or by hammering the parts into each other. In this way, the spline prevents the shaft 6 from rotating in the hole 14. In the locked position of the rotating levers 5, their respective shafts 6 are more wound at least at one end into the threaded hole of their respective pressing part 7 than in the unlocked position of the rotating levers 5, and the guide ribs 16 provide pressure on the second plate 9 in direction of the first plate 4, and thus a pressure is provided between the contact surfaces of the two plates 4, 9.

[0037] It is possible for the rotating levers 5 to have gripping lugs 3 at their free ends to facilitate their gripping and rotation by an operator.

[0038] The first plate 4 can have shaped beds on its upper side, which partially accommodate the pressing parts 7, and restrict them from rotating when the rotating levers 5 are rotated.

[0039] Preferably, the first plate 4 has at least one first fixing hole 4E formed in its stop 25, in which fixing hole 4E at least one corresponding fixing element 20, protruding in direction of the front end of the first plate 4, is fixed in a non-detachable rigid mechanical connection, and at least one second fixing hole 9B is formed in the rear end of the second plate 9 for accommodating with the ability of reciprocating movement only in longitudinal direction of the part of the corresponding fixing element 20 protruding from the first plate 4. The size of the fixing element 20, which enters the second fixing hole 9B is such that a minimum gap is provided so that the fixing element 20 enters the second fixing hole 9B, but does not allow movement in any direction except the linear one. This design provides additional fixing between the two plates 4, 8, which is advantageous because the sliding between the plates 4 and 9 may not be in a straight line in its final position, but at an angle, since the pressing part 7 has a small freedom of movement, but it is sufficient to allow a slight displacement of the straight direction and even to allow the plates to be tightened in this displaced position. Thus, the first fixing hole 4E, the fixing element 20, and the second fixing hole 9B prevent the possibility of such displacement, which can also occur during operation.

[0040] One of the two plates 4, 9 is fixed integrally or by at least one fastening element 10 known from the prior art to the fuselage 1 of hydrofoil, for example by a bolt screwed into a threaded hole, or a rivet, or another locking element, and the other of the two plates 4, 9 is fixed integrally or by at least one fastening element 10 known from the prior art to the wing 2 of hydrofoil, for example by a bolt screwed into a threaded hole, or a rivet, or another locking element. The number of fastening elements can be different, for example, one, two, three or more. In order to mount the wing 2 to the fuselage 1, it is necessary to slide the two plates 4, 9 towards each other in parallel planes, then tighten them with at least one rotating lever 5, as a result of which the two plates 4, 9 are pressed against each other in a detachable rigid mechanical connection. Rotating the at least one rotating lever 5 in opposite direction, and releasing the grip between the two plates 4, 9 leads to disassembly of the connection between them and allows the wing 2 to be detached from the fuselage 1.

[0041] Each of the rotating levers 5, the shafts 6, the fastening elements 10, the guide 11, the pressing parts 7, and the fixing elements 20 can be made of stainless steel or aluminum or carbon fibers or other suitable material.Exemplary operation of the invention

[0042] In one embodiment of the invention, in order to mount the wing 2 together with the second plate 9 to the fuselage 1 together with the first plate 4, it is necessary for the second plate 9 to slide along the surface of the first plate 4. For this purpose, additional auxiliary guide channels 21 and 22 are made, the guide 11 enters the channel 21, and the pressing parts 7 enter the channels 22. The channel 21 is made in such a shape as to receive the guide 11 and to not allow disassembly of the formed connection after the guide 11 has entered the channel 21. Additionally, a hole 9B is made in the second plate 9, into which the fixing element 20 enters. There is a gap between the guide 11 and the channel 21, as well as between the fixing element 20 and the hole 9B, in order to ensure that they are able to slide relative to each other. The shape of the channels 22 must correspond to the shape of the pressing parts 7, ensuring a minimum gap for their sliding. When the second plate 9 is completely slid along the first plate 4, i.e., the fixing element 20 has entered completely into the hole 9B, and a force is applied to the levers 5 to rotate in direction towards the fixing element 20, and a move in a plane parallel to the plate 4 occurs, this leads to rotation of the shafts 6, which in turn, due to the formed threaded connections with holes 15, tighten and pull the pressing parts 7 in direction perpendicular to the plates 4, 9, wherein mechanical pressing of the surfaces of the channel 22 in the same, perpendicular direction of the plates 4 and 9 occurs. In this way, a detachable rigid mechanical connection between the plates 4 and 9, respectively between the wing 2 and the fuselage 1, is obtained. In order to release the wing for the purpose of replacement or simply storage for subsequent use, it is necessary to apply a force in the opposite direction to the levers 5 by pulling and turning, by means of the gripping lugs 3. This leads to the creation of a force in the opposite direction and loosening of the threaded connection between the shafts 6 and the pressing parts 7, respectively reducing the pressing forces between the pressing parts 7 and the channels 22, which in turn allows the sliding of the second plate 9 in a direction opposite to that of mounting. The pressing parts 7 and the fixing element 20 serve to prevent the second plate 9 from moving in any other plane during sliding except in one parallel to that of the first plate 4.

[0043] In another embodiment of the invention, the first plate 4 is mounted to the fuselage 1 by a method known to the person skilled in the art, for example by a threaded connection with at least one bolt 10. For this purpose, corresponding holes (not shown in the figures) are made in the plate 4, through which the fastening elements 10 pass. A detachable rigid mechanical connection is formed between the fuselage 1 and the first plate 4. In the first plate 4, guide channels 21 and 22 with a concave profile are also made, as well as another additional cutout 27 also with a concave profile. The wing 2 is mounted to the second plate 9 by at least one fastening element 10 by a method known to the person skilled in the art, for example by a threaded bolt connection, as a result of which a detachable rigid mechanical connection is formed. In the second plate 9, guides 23 and 24 with a convex profile are made, which enter the channels 21 and 22 of the first plate 4, respectively, and a gap is also provided for the purpose of sliding of the plates 4 and 9. A rotating lever 5 is also mounted to the first plate 9, by means of a shaft 6 and a locking means 19, for example a circlip. The shaft 6 passes through a pre-made hole in the second plate 9. The locking means 19 ensures that the shaft 6 and the rotating lever 5 cannot be disassembled. The described mechanical connection allows the rotating lever 5 to rotate around the axis of the shaft 6 freely. The rotating lever 5 has a complex shape, including the surface itself on which the force is applied and another surface with a convex profile, which is used to press the plate 9. Additionally, the rotating lever 5 has a surface with an eccentric shape. The mounting of the wing together with the second plate 9 to the fuselage with the first plate 4 is carried out in the following way: the guides 23 and 24 with a convex profile enter the channels 21 and 22 with a concave profile of the first plate 4 and slide relative to each other, the channels also serving as guides during the sliding. After the two plates 4 and 9 have completely overlapped and the stop 25 has been reached, a force is exerted on the rotating lever 5, by which it rotates in a plane parallel to the planes of the two plates 4, 9. In this way, the surface of the rotating lever 5 with a convex profile presses the first plate 4 transversely, in a perpendicular direction, and thus the gap is removed, which gap is provided and necessary for the sliding of the two plates 4, 9 relative to each other. Additionally, the eccentric surface of the rotating lever 5 is wedged in the cutout 27 of the first plate 4, further ensuring the impossibility of the two plates to move relative to each other in longitudinal direction. As a result, a detachable rigid mechanical connection is created between the plates 9 and 4, respectively the wing 2 and the fuselage 1. In order to replace the wing, it is necessary to rotate the rotating lever 5 in opposite direction, thus the surface with a convex profile of the rotating lever 5 is shifted and does not press the first plate 4, and the eccentric surface of the rotating lever 5 no longer wedges in the cutout 27 of the first plate 4. Thus, the gap necessary for sliding in opposite direction of the two plates 4 and 9 is provided again.

[0044] The reference numbers of the technical features are included in the claims solely for the purpose of increasing the comprehensibility of the claims and, therefore, these reference numbers have no limiting effect on the interpretation of the elements designated by these reference numbers.

Claims

1. Universal system for toolless mounting of wings to hydrofoils, comprising a first plate (4) and a second plate (9), configured with ability for reciprocating linear movement relative to each other, and each having operationally defined front, rear and two side ends, which coincide in assembled position, at least one of the two plates (4, 9) has a shaped stop (25) for limiting the linear movement of the plates (4, 9) relative to each other, wherein the two plates (4, 9) in the assembled position form a detachable rigid mechanical connection by means of at least one guide element integrally or detachably connected to one of the two plates (4, 9), and placed in at least one guide channel of the other plate (4, 9), which geometrically corresponds to the respective guide element, wherein one of the two plates has at least one shaft hole in which hole one end of a shaft is hingedly arranged, and the other end of the respective shaft is arranged in a hole of a corresponding lever, configured with ability to rotate axially along the shaft axis in a plane parallel to the plane of the plate to which it is mounted, wherein the rotational movement of the at least one lever is between two positions, respectively a locked position in which, in the assembled position of the plates, the at least one lever is adapted to exert pressure on one plate, thus ensuring pressing of the plates against each other, and preventing the possibility of displacement of the plates relative to each other, and an unlocked position in which there is no pressure from the at least one lever against the plates, wherein the two plates (4, 9) have at least one through hole for a fastening element for fixing, respectively one to the fuselage and the other to the wing.

2. Universal system for toolless mounting of wings to hydrofoils according to claim 1, characterized in that at least partially along the extension of the first plate (4) there is a linear guide channel cut on the side contacting the second plate (9) into which channel the second plate (9) is at least partially inserted with a technological gap, wherein the second plate (9) is beveled laterally from the lower side at least partially along its length, and the linear channel of the first plate (4) has a complementary shape to the second plate (9), in the cut side along the extension of the linear channel of the first plate (4), on both sides of the notch, the linear channel has guide edges (23, 24), and on both sides at least partially along the length and laterally of the second plate (9) there are guide channels (21, 22), configured to accommodate the guide edges (23, 24) of the linear channel of the first plate (4), wherein the two plates (4, 9) are configured with the ability of reciprocating movement relative to each other along their channels which connect them, wherein the second plate (9) has a cutout (27) formed laterally on the second plate (9), which is connected to the linear channel of the first plate (4), and in the cutout (27) perpendicular to the contact surface with the first plate (4), a hole is formed, in which a hinged shaft (6) is partially located, which is also located in a hole formed in an eccentric lug (26) at one end of the rotating lever (5), located above the hole for the shaft (6) of the first plate (4), the eccentric lug (26) is hingedly connected by means of the shaft (6) to the second plate (9), wherein the rotating lever (5) is configured with ability to rotate along the axis of the shaft (6) between unlocked and locked positions, the rotating lever (5) is locked against unintentional removal from the shaft (6) by a locking means (19) connected to the shaft (6) or to the second plate (9), wherein the eccentric lug (26) is located in the cutout (27), adjacent to one of the sides of the first plate (4) in the assembled position of the plates (4, 9), wherein the eccentric lug (26) has at least partially rounded convex part, which in the locked position of the rotating lever (5), is placed in a complementary recess (17) of the first plate (4), contacts it, and exerts pressure against it to prevent linear displacement of the two plates (4, 9) relative to each other, and to at least unilaterally eliminate a gap between the two plates (4, 9), which in this position are tensioned relative to each other in a detachable rigid mechanical connection, and in the unlocked position of the rotating lever (5), the rounded convex part is located outside the said recess (17) of the first plate (4).

3. Universal system for toolless mounting of wings to hydrofoils according to claim 2, characterized in that the eccentric lug (26) has, in its part contacting the second plate (9), a peripheral skirt (18) with an eccentric shape, and in the locked position of the rotating lever (5) the skirt (18) contacts the beveled part of the first plate (4), and exerts pressure against it, further eliminating the gap between the two plates (4, 9), so that they are tensioned in horizontal and vertical directions relative to each other in a detachable rigid mechanical connection, and in the unlocked position of the rotating lever (5), the skirt (18) does not contact the first plate (4).

4. Universal system for toolless mounting of wings to hydrofoils according to any of claims 2 and 3, characterized in that the lever (5) is bent at least at its free end in direction relative to the central longitudinal axis of the second plate (9), and in the locked position of the rotating lever (5), its bent free end at least partially encompasses the rear end of the second plate (9).

5. Universal system for toolless mounting of wings to hydrofoils according to claim 1, characterized in that at least partially along the extension of the second plate (9) there is a linear channel (21) cut on the side contacting the first plate (4), into which a guide (11) is inserted with a technological gap, mounted integrally or detachably on the side of the first plate (4) contacting the second plate (9), wherein the transverse profile of the linear channel and the shape of the guide (11) are such that they prevent the removal of the guide (11) from the linear channel, except at the ends of the linear channel, wherein on both sides at least partially along the length of the second plate (9), guide channels (22) are formed, accommodating, with the ability of reciprocating movement, guide ribs (16) of two oppositely arranged pressing parts (7) mounted on the first plate (4), by means of their respective shafts (6), one end of each shaft (6) being mounted in a hole (15) of the pressing part (7), in a manner to prevent its removal from the pressing part (7), but allowing its rotation and axial movement relative to the hole (15), each shaft (6) is freely positioned in a hole (13) in the first plate (4), and the other end of each shaft (6) is mounted to the rotating lever (5), which can be rotated between unlocked and locked position, and is configured so that when rotated to the locked position it pulls the corresponding shaft (6), and through it the corresponding pressing part (7) in direction opposite to the second plate (9), in this way the respective pressing part (7) presses the two plates (4, 9) against each other and prevents their displacement.

6. Universal system for toolless mounting of wings to hydrofoils according to claim 5, characterized in that the guide (11) has a head and a lower part, the linear channel having a greater width at its bottom for retaining the head of the guide (11), having a larger diameter than the lower part of the guide (11), placed in the narrower part of the linear channel.

7. Universal system for toolless mounting of wings to hydrofoils according to any of claims 5 and 6, characterized in that the lower part of the guide (11) has a limiting ring located at a distance from the head of the guide (11), wherein the guide (11) is detachably mounted to the first plate (4), the lower part of the guide (11) is located in a bed (12) formed on the first plate (4) having a shape corresponding to the shape of the limiting ring.

8. Universal system for toolless mounting of wings to hydrofoils according to any of claims 5-7, characterized in that each of the two shafts (6) is arranged in arranged in consecutively arranged hole (15) of the pressing part (7), hole (13) of the first plate (4) and hole (14) of its corresponding rotating lever (5), one end of each shaft (6) is threaded and wound into its corresponding thread in the hole (15) of the pressing part (7), and the other end of each shaft (6) is fixed in the hole (14) of its corresponding rotating lever (5), wherein in the locked position of the rotating levers (5), their respective shafts (6) are more wound at least at one end into the threaded hole of their respective pressing part (7) than in the unlocked position of the rotating levers (5), and the guide ribs (16) provide pressure on the second plate (9) in direction of the first plate (4), and thus a pressure is provided between the contact surfaces of the two plates (4, 9).

9. Universal system for toolless mounting of wings to hydrofoils according to any of claims 5-8, characterized in that each shaft (6) is fixed stationary in the hole (14) of its respective rotating lever (5) by at least one spline and at least one groove in the respective hole (14) of its respective rotating lever (5).

10. Universal system for toolless mounting of wings to hydrofoils according to any of claims 5-9, characterized in that the first plate (4) has at least one first fixing hole (4E) formed in its stop (25), in which at least one corresponding fixing element (20) protruding towards the front end of the first plate (4) is fixed in a non-detachable rigid mechanical connection, and at least one second fixing hole (9B) is formed in the rear end of the second plate (9) for accommodating with the ability of reciprocating movement only in longitudinal direction of the part of the corresponding fixing element (20) protruding from the first plate (4).

11. Universal system for toolless mounting of wings to hydrofoils according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that one of the two plates (4, 9) is fixed integrally or by at least one fastening element (10) to the fuselage (1), and the other of the two plates (4, 9) is fixed integrally or by at least one fastening element (10) to the wing (2).

12. Hydrofoil with fuselage (1) and wing (2) detachably connected to each other by the universal system for toolless mounting of wings to hydrofoils, according to any of the preceding claims.

Images