Portable and autonomous water sports winch

Abstract

Device for towing a gliding practitioner such as foiling and all its disciplines, characterized by its lightness, compactness and transportability. Device composed of a housing (1A, 1B, 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D) which can be anchored by the loop (4) and a rope (3) which can be wound on a reel (10) in the housing (1A, 1B, 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D) of the winch. At the end of this rope, a spreader bar (2) allows the practitioner to be towed. The winch has the particularity of being able to be used autonomously and continuously thanks to either a remote control, a wired control (9) or a control by transmission via the traction rope itself. Continuous use is also enabled by managing the correct winding of the rope (3) onto the reel (10) using an innovative mechanical system composed of flanges (14A, 14B) around the reel (10) as well as a closed-loop rope tension control (3) during unwinding.The invention relates to the solutions implemented to produce such a device.

Description

Title of the invention: Portable and autonomous sliding sports winch

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of traction devices for sliding sports practitioners.

[0002] The practice of board sports and, among others, water sports is particularly dependent on weather conditions. It requires wind and a sail, waves, a towing boat, current, slope or any other means of propulsion depending on the sport practiced. The conditions required for the practice of board sports are often dependent on weather conditions and therefore rarely met or not good enough for a beginner practitioner.

[0003] More particularly, the invention relates to, but is not limited to, the practice of foiling and all its disciplines (hydrofoil, surf foil, wingfoil, windfoil, wakefoil, foilpumping, dockstart or any other similar discipline) which are difficult to learn.

[0004] For learning, the beginner will benefit from not worrying about waves, wind, a sail or any other natural means of propulsion by using instead a winch with predictive and repeatable behavior. The invention proposes a solution allowing the practice of board sports and particularly foiling whatever the conditions and in complete autonomy. The winch is a solution that is sufficient in itself for practicing foiling. It can also be an assistance in the practice of other foiling disciplines by helping to surf waves or by giving an initial boost before using the wind and a sail to navigate for example. It can also allow the practice of any other board sport on water, on land or in the air in which a traction force can prove useful.

[0005] The invention proposes a traction solution for gliding practitioners allowing them to practice whatever the conditions and in complete autonomy.

[0006] The invention proposes a solution for traction of gliding practitioners allowing learning without external disturbance.

[0007] The invention proposes a solution for traction of gliding practitioners allowing the practice of a new foil discipline.

[0008] The invention provides a device that can be used by a single person, easily transported and anchored.

[0009] The invention makes it possible to create an affordable winch.

[0010] The invention proposes a winch that respects its direct and indirect environment.

[0011] To this end, the invention proposes a lightweight, compact, portable and autonomous winch which can be attached to numerous fixed points on a bank or near a body of water.

[0012] The winch is electric and autonomous and therefore does not produce any harmful emissions during use.

[0013] The winch is silent and therefore respectful of the shores where it is intended to be used.

[0014] The winch is easy to use and requires no maintenance.

[0015] The winch consists of a box which can integrate the battery, the motor, the system engine control, the control lever, a rope spool, a rope end spreader, anchor points and a rope winding management system.

[0016] The winch operates by being, for its main housing, anchored near a body of water. A reel of rope of at least 100m included in the main housing can be unwound by its end to which a spreader bar is attached. Once the rope is unwound to the desired length by the user, the electric motor system, controlled by remote control or wired control, can swallow the rope by driving the reel at the desired speed and force. The user and their sliding support are then pulled towards the main box of the winch by means of the rope and the spreader bar.

[0017] The battery can allow continuous use for several hours and allow you to navigate and chain pulls without breaks. Its autonomy and lightness allow the winch to be carried and moved easily.

[0018] The electric motor is designed to withstand repeated salt water splashes. The motor requires no maintenance thanks to its waterproofing and direct transmission to the coil.

[0019] The entire motorization and winch are therefore designed to be light and compact. Its weight, according to the embodiment described below, is less than 8 kg and does not exceed 14 kg according to any other embodiment. Its overall dimensions are 385 x 135 x 271 mm. This gives a space requirement of less than 15 l. Depending on the embodiment, this volume may vary according to other embodiments.

[0020] The invention also relates to active electronic control of the motor allowing smooth traction which facilitates the practice and learning of the sport of sliding and specifically foiling.

[0021] The invention relates to the program that continuously regulates the rope tension to avoid rope tangling at the spool. It allows intelligent management of the tension in the line as well as the accelerations of the spool to guarantee a clean and regular winding and therefore without tangling or jolting.

[0022] The winch includes the technology and mechanical dimensioning that make it transportable and integrate all the devices necessary for the operation of a traction winch in a single housing. The charger being dissociated and not necessary in the use phase is not included. The control can be wired and therefore linked to the box. The alternative embodiment with remote control can add an element separate from the box. The box includes the tiller, rope, control, battery, motor, coil, motherboard, anchor and support points, charging port and circuit breaker.

[0023] Such a winch must reach much higher speeds than a lifting or hauling winch. This makes a winch of this type more sensitive to entanglement due to phenomena linked to the high inertia and speed of the spool and the rope. And even more so because this winding speed changes rapidly and can reverse frequently.

[0024] The invention therefore relates in particular to an anti-tangling device allowing prolonged and continuous use. It consists of two flanges or rings on either side of the spool with overhangs extending beyond the sides. The installation of these flanges is made possible by their fairly flexible design, which deforms as they pass around the spool motor. They mechanically guarantee the correct winding of the winch line.

[0025] The invention relates to the program that makes the traction of the winch smooth and pleasant for the user, maximizes the power delivered by the winch and electronically manages the tension of the rope permanently so that it never falls to zero while remaining minimal to facilitate the unwinding of the rope.

[0026] The accompanying drawings represent the invention according to one embodiment. The attached drawings are as follows:

[0027] [Fig. 1] is a perspective view from the left front of the winch.

[0028] [Fig.2] is a perspective view from the right front of the winch.

[0029] [Fig.3] is a view from the left side of the winch with the left side panel (IB) removed to allow view of the winch's internal components.

[0030] [Fig.4] is a cross-sectional view from the front of the winch passing through the axis of the coil motor (10) defined in [Fig.3] by the section plane A-A'.

[0031] [Fig.5] is a detailed view of the arrangement of the flanges (14A, 14B) relative to the collars (17A, 17B) of the coil motor (10) and to the housing.

[0032] The following description will allow a better understanding of the implementation of the invention with these innovative features. This embodiment is however not limiting. For the remainder of the description, the terms “longitudinal”, “transverse” and “vertical” will refer to the axes X, Y and Z respectively represented in [Fig.2]

[0033] With reference to the attached drawings, the winch is constituted, in this embodiment, of a housing formed by two metal side panels (1A, 1B) treated against corrosion as well as several plastic separators (6A, 6B, 6C, 6D). The side panels are held, in this embodiment, by transverse self-tapping screws in the edge of the plastic separators.

[0034] A removable cover (13) is held by pins which are inserted into holes in the side panels (IA, IB). The side panels (IA, IB) can be deformed and temporarily moved outwards to remove the cover (13)

[0035] The rope winding spool (3) is directly connected to the motor rotor forming a rotor-spool assembly then called the motor-spool (10) with direct drive. The electronic and winding part of the motor is isolated from water splashes by a closed casing and dynamic sealing at the pivot. It is thus protected from corrosion and dust and solid particles. No maintenance is therefore necessary to keep the winch in good working order over the long term. Maintenance is possible but not necessary.

[0036] The electrical power and position sensors required for the operation of the motor access it through the center of its axis by a single multi-strand electrical wire (16).

[0037] The coil motor (10) is held in position by its axis on the side panels (IA, IB) thanks to two flats adjusted to the grooves (15A, 15B) of the side panels (IA, IB). The grooves (15A, 15B) as well as the removable cover (13) allow easy assembly and disassembly of the coil motor (10). This facilitates the manufacture and repair of the winch.

[0038] The motor driving the coil motor (10) is a brushless electric motor whose winding has been optimized to maximize its power and torque at low speed.

[0039] The measurement by numerous tests of the force and traction speed required to operate a foil has made it possible to size the components as light and compact as possible. The choice of power and the definition of the technical characteristics of the motorization are key points which have made it possible to create such a light winch.

[0040] The combination of a high-performance motor, a high-energy density battery, and the management and optimization of the power required to tow a gliding activity such as a foil makes it possible to maximize the autonomy of the winch, allowing at least, according to this embodiment, more than 4 km of cumulative traction thanks to a single battery charge.

[0041] As shown in [Fig.4] thanks to the sectional view passing through the axis of the coil motor (10), the coil motor (10) is surrounded by two flanges (14A, 14B). These flanges (14A, 14B) are fixed and integral with the side panels (IA, IB). They are adjusted to the internal walls of the coil motor (10) and the collars (17A, 17B) to ensure the correct winding of the rope (3) around the coil motor (10) when it is rotated.

[0042] The flanges (14A, 14B) do not hinder the rotation of the coil motor (10) and have a geometry and low friction allowing the rope (3) to be recentered without being subjected to the tension force thereof in the event of deviation of the rope (3) outside the groove of the coil motor (10).

[0043] The extreme internal surface of these flanges is inside the collars (17A, 17B) of the coil to guide the rope (3) in the groove of the coil motor (10). In other words, as shown in [Fig.5] for the right side of the winch, the algebraic distance b is greater than or equal to zero starting from the collar (17A) towards the flange (14A) and along the positive Y axis.

[0044] It has been observed that a radial offset of the inner surface of the flange relative to the outer surface of the collar of between +3 m and -10 mm allows this device to operate. Any greater offset also works but provides little advantage and adds bulk. The offset is preferably between -1 and -10 mm. In other words, the algebraic distance a represented in [Fig.5] starting from the flange (14A) towards the collar (17A) along the negative axis Z must be less than 3 mm. This algebraic distance is preferably between -1 mm and -10 mm. It is -5 mm in this non-limiting embodiment.

[0045] This strapping device can be positioned on any one of the collars or both collars depending on the embodiment.

[0046] The flanges (14A, 14B) are also removable to allow the motor to be changed.

[0047] The flanges (14A, 14B) are designed flexible enough to be installed in the groove of the coil motor (10) despite their minimum diameter being less than the maximum diameter of the coil motor (10).

[0048] The groove of the spool motor (10) on which the rope (3) is wound can accommodate at least 100m of rope and up to 300m in this embodiment and more according to a different embodiment.

[0049] The rope (3) is selected for its high tensile strength and its high durability and abrasion resistance to withstand repeated uses.

[0050] The hawse (5) guides the rope (3) towards the reel motor (10) to ensure correct winding.

[0051] The geometry of the positioning of the hawse (5) relative to the axis, diameter and width of the groove of the coil motor (10) is optimized to ensure proper winding of the rope and minimize over-winding and blocking of the rope. Those skilled in the art will know how to optimize these parameters.

[0052] The spreader bar (2) is attached to the end of the rope (3) and allows the user to hang on to be towed. The spreader bar is designed to float and with a high vi- ability to find it easily in the water.

[0053] The feet (8) fixed to the side panel (IB) also allow the winch to be positioned horizontally according to the desire and the possibilities of positioning the winch.

[0054] The anchor loop (4) attached to the side panels (IA, IB) allows the winch to be anchored by a single point. For this, the position of this anchor is optimized to be aligned with the tensile force of the rope (3) and the hawse (5) and thus reduce friction at the hawse (5). This geometry and this alignment allow the winch to operate regardless of its orientation. It is also optimized to guarantee the stability of the winch on its lower face or on its feet (8) by exploiting the residual transverse and vertical induced forces to keep the winch supported on its support polygon and this regardless of the thickness of the rope wound on the motor reel (10). A person skilled in the art will know how to optimize these positions to maximize the efficiency while guaranteeing the stability of the winch.

[0055] The battery (11) is held in position in the casing, between the side panels (1A, 1B), and the three separators in contact with it (6A, 6B, 6D). It is optimized for maximum energy density to power the winch over a long period as well as high instantaneous power required to obtain strong traction while remaining light.

[0056] The battery (11) is electronically managed and protected to avoid incidents, maximize its lifespan and its autonomy.

[0057] It is protected from water by the separators (6A, 6B, 6C, 6D) and the side panels (IA, IB) as well as its own waterproof envelope.

[0058] The electronic controller (12) is connected to the coil motor (10) by the multi-strand electric wire (16), to the battery (11) and to the control part. It manages the power, traction force and rotation speed of the coil motor (10). It is protected from water by the same elements as the battery (11).

[0059] The management and control program of the coil motor (10) is part of the invention. It uses data from the position sensors of the coil motor (10), temperature of the controller and delay measurements to optimize the behavior of the winch.

[0060] It guarantees pleasant traction by smoothing out variations in traction force and sudden accelerations.

[0061] It manages the intelligent disengagement of the reel motor (10) to minimize the force required for unwinding and thus allows continuous use by allowing the user to unwind the winch while continuing to slide thanks to the momentum previously given to it. It continuously regulates in a closed loop the tension of the rope (3) in particular when unwinding thanks to the position sensors of the reel, its apparent inertia, its friction, the brake current in the motor and the characteristics electromagnetic motor. Thus, the electronic controller (12) always applies a minimum brake, particularly during the unwinding phases, to guarantee a minimum of tension in the rope ensuring its clean unwinding and winding while remaining as low as possible to facilitate unwinding.

[0062] Existing brake systems are not electronically controlled like this. They therefore apply a constant or unsuitable and therefore excessively strong brake torque. Electronic management makes it possible to minimise this brake in phases where it is not necessary and therefore facilitate unwinding.

[0063] The brake amperage is then calculated continuously as follows:

[0064] [Math.l]

[0065] This brake amperage A is the minimum amperage to be applied to guarantee a string tension T upstream of the coil

[0066] r is the radius of the coil.

[0067] Cf is the residual friction torque of the motor.

[0068] I is the apparent inertia of the coil, the motor and the transmission system. In this embodiment, I is the inertia of the moving part of the coil motor (10)

[0069] a is the rotation angle of the coil.

[0070] Tangling, deflection out of the spool throat and over-tracking of a rope around a spool are due to unevenness in tension and lack of rope tension upstream of the spool as well as the presence of a gap around the spool through which the rope can pass in the event of a lack of tension. The intelligent clutch described in the preceding paragraphs as well as the mechanical obstruction system using the flanges (14A, 14B) described previously make it possible to reduce to a minimum the effort required for unwinding without risking tangling. The required rope unwinding effort is, according to this embodiment, less than 10 N and does not exceed 20 N according to any other embodiment.

[0071] The electronic controller (12) manages the transmitted electrical power to guarantee a long battery life and avoid degradation of the coil motor (10) and the controller (12) due to overheating.

[0072] The winch can be controlled, depending on the embodiments, either via a corrosion-resistant wired control (9) or by a waterproof and water-resistant radio remote control managed by the person being towed themselves, allowing for completely autonomous use. The remote control allows complete management of the traction power at all times thanks to a trigger corresponding to a continuous range from 0 to 100% of the winch power. The range of the remote control is then sufficient to move away from the winch and navigate and at least 25m and up to 1200m depending on the modes of realizations of this remote control. It has been observed that a range of more than 100m will allow the remote control system to be used advantageously.

[0073] It can also be controlled by communication via the tension and speed of unwinding or winding of the rope (3) induced by the movements of the glider himself. The winch can detect and identify sequences of tensions or speed and variations in tension or speed of the rope (3) used voluntarily or not by the glider to communicate with the winch and for example, start the traction. This mode of communication allows the skier to be completely autonomous and avoids the need for an additional separate remote control. In this embodiment, the winch is disengaged by default and allows it to be unwound. Three sharp blows from the skier with the spreader bar (2) transmitted by the rope (3) are detected by the winch as a signal to start traction. The winch then begins a gentle and progressive traction until its cruising speed. The release of the spreader bar (2) and therefore the drastic reduction in the tension of the rope (3) is a signal to end traction. This protection also prevents the winch from racing in the event of a rope breakage (3). Complete blocking or rapid reduction in the rope winding speed is also a stop signal because it is synonymous with a fall, incident or unforeseen blockage.

[0074] The winch can stop its traction instantly when it detects a reduction in tension in the rope (3) via these position and current sensors as described previously. This functionality is required for the mode of communication with the winch via the tension of the rope (3) where the release of the spreader bar (2) is a command to stop the winch, and safe via the modes of communication with the wired winch or via the radio remote control.

[0075] Continuous use exploiting the momentum acquired by the practitioner thanks to the winch during traction allows the practitioner to move in the sliding zone throughout the circle of radius equal to the length of the rope (3) centered on the winch.

[0076] The winch can be used in combination with a second identical winch, each on either side of the area where the sliding sport is practiced, to generate traction alternately or not towards two different points. This can create a back-and-forth traction system facilitating continuous practice. In the case of continuous use, this method avoids the need to exploit the momentum given by the winch during traction to move away from it. In this configuration, the second winch can take over and pull the practitioner in turn. In this case, the practitioner can move around the entire intersection of the two circles with radii equal to the rope length (3) and each centered on a winch.

[0077] This functionality can be added by configuring only one remote control and

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[0084] without modification of the winch elements. The lightness of this winch dedicated to board sports is the result of a combination of several points described previously: • The sizing of the components is light but still powerful enough to tow a gliding user and more particularly a foil user. • The choice of a high power density and high efficiency motor. • The use of high energy density technology for the battery. • Simplification and lightening of the transmission from the motor to the coil thanks to direct transmission replacing conventional belt, chain or gear systems. This is made possible by an electric motor winding allowing high torque as well as a specific development of motor control by the electronic controller. • Simplification and lightening of the winding management system using flanges and electronic control of rope tension management via the motor, replacing the usual complex shunting, cable press or brake systems. • Electronic management of overheating by the controller taking into account the thermal inertia of the different components to maximize the driving power without exceeding the deterioration temperatures of the different components. • The compact overall design of the winch allows for lightweight and robust construction of the housing. This winch device is particularly suitable for use by advanced riders to increase the possibilities of the foil and transform any body of water into a place for sailing whatever the conditions. This device is also well suited to educational use within a learning or discovery organization for board sports such as a sailing school, a club, a nautical base or a one-off event. It is also useful as a fallback solution in sporting events such as competitions or sailing races that are dependent on weather conditions. It is a good way to increase the possibilities of foil disciplines and allow athletes to train when conditions would not normally allow it. The winch is not limited to these uses and can be considered as a rescue method in basins as well as any other area where rapid traction over relatively long lengths may be of interest. The invention is not limited to the embodiments described above but includes all embodiments corresponding to one or more of the claims. instructions set out below.

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[0109] The elements designated in the drawings are as follows: IA- Right side panel IB- Left side panel 2- Spreader bar 3- Rope 4- Anchor loop 5- Hawse pipe 6A- Upper separator 6B- Lower separator 6C- Rear separator 6D- Central separator 7- Carrying handle 8- Feet 9- Wired control 10- Coil motor 11- Battery 12- Electronic controller 13- Removable cover 14A- Right flange 14B- Left flange 15A- Right groove 15B- Left groove 16- Multi-strand electric wire 17A- Right flange 17B- Left flange

Claims

Claims

1. Traction device for a sliding sports practitioner characterized by its lightness and compactness weighing less than 14 kg all inclusive and preferably less than 8 kg.

2. Traction device for a sliding sports practitioner characterized in that it allows a cumulative traction length with a single battery charge of more than 4 km with a clutch reducing the unwinding force to less than 20 newtons and preferably less than 10 newtons.

3. Device according to one of the preceding claims characterized in that at least one fixed strapping around the coil having an internal diameter less than, equal to or greater than 3 mm than the maximum diameter of the collars of the coil and having a surface inside the collars of the coil and extending towards or forming part of the housing.

4. Device according to one of the preceding claims characterized by its active control of the tension of the string (3) thanks to a position sensor of the spool, the power of the motor and the mechanical and inertial parameters of the motor to calculate and continuously adjust the tension of the string.

5. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by its possibility of being associated and coordinated with a second identical winch to create a back-and-forth traction system.

6. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by its single housing comprising all of the elements required for the operation and power supply of the winch in its use phase.

7. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it requires no maintenance other than recharging the batteries even in a marine environment and use in salt water.

8. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by its possible anchoring by a single point and a vertical, horizontal winch position, or any other intermediate position.

9. Device according to one of the preceding claims characterized by the possibility of being controlled by a radio remote control with complete control of the power throughout the traction with a range of at least 25m from the winch, preferably more than 100m.

10. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by its possibility of being controlled by communication via the rope by the application by the gliding practitioner of a tension and speed of winding or unwinding, or identifiable sequences of these two characteristics.