Sail composite material for a sail arrangement of a wind sports device

Abstract

The invention relates to a sail composite material for a sail arrangement of a wind sports device for generating a wind drive force, wherein the sail composite material has at least one first material layer (1, 4, 5) and a second material layer (1, 4, 5) and at least one first adhesive layer (3), wherein the first and / or second material layer (1, 4, 5) is designed as a strength layer (1, 4, 5) for achieving a high tensile / tear strength and a low stretchability, wherein the prior art is improved, in particular economically favourable production and / or improved design possibilities are realised. According to the invention, this is achieved in that a printed layer (2) for graphically designing the sail composite material is at least partially present between the first and the second material layer (1, 4, 5).

Description

[0001] "Sail composite material for a sail arrangement of a wind sports device"

[0002] The invention relates to a sail composite material, sail arrangement and a wind sports device, in particular a kite, wing foil, paraglider, parachute, windsurfing device or sailboat, according to the preambles of claims 1, 13, 15 and 17 respectively.

[0003] State of the art

[0004] A wide variety of wind sports equipment is known, such as kites, wing foils, paragliders, parachutes, windsurfing equipment, and sailboats, etc. (see, for example, DE 20 2021 102 914 U1 or DE 20 2005 009 638 U1). New wind sports equipment is constantly being introduced to the market. This equipment can be designed for use on water as boats or ships, etc., or it can be launched from water, land, or air (e.g., from an aircraft) and fly with or without an engine as aircraft or flying machines. Furthermore, wind sports equipment can also move on land using the wind, for example, on wheels or similar devices, or by means of runners, skis, etc., on ice, snow, or similar surfaces.

[0005] These types of wind sports equipment typically feature a sail arrangement, in particular sails or hydrofoils, etc., to generate wind propulsion. This sail arrangement includes one or more wind-powered surfaces, such as sails or canopies, and / or a leading edge, and / or one or more struts. The leading edge and struts, which provide mechanical stabilization for the wind sports equipment, may be inflatable and / or extend from the inflatable leading edge to the trailing edge. The inflatable struts and leading edge allow the wind sports equipment to be deflated and folded after use for easy transport.

[0006] These types of wind sports equipment generally feature flexible sail arrangements with a high modulus of elasticity, which must be lightweight and durable, or tear-resistant and stable. On the other hand, they must withstand strong winds, saltwater, moisture, and intense sunlight, including UV radiation, sometimes for years.

[0007] Thus, polyester and / or Dacron materials and / or composite materials have become predominantly established for such wind sports equipment, with the latter usually comprising several layers of material that are at least partially bonded or fused together and typically include at least one woven layer. Often, the adhesive layer also serves as a moisture barrier for the fibers of the woven layer.

[0008] In principle, sailcloth materials in most applications represent a compromise between weight, stiffness, and tensile strength. The aim is to minimize the material's own weight while maximizing stiffness and tensile strength. To create three-dimensional structures using two-dimensional elements, opposing radii are joined together. Therefore, a holistic evaluation of a material in terms of its own weight, stiffness, and tensile strength must also consider the properties of the seams connecting the two elements. Traditionally, these two-dimensional elements are sewn together. This results in localized stress on the materials at the perforation points due to the thread and necessitates local reinforcement to prevent elongation and material fatigue.

[0009] A flat composite, in which two elements are glued and / or welded together, is therefore generally stiffer and also lighter than a purely sewn composite.

[0010] Furthermore, stronger seam connections in combination with stiffer and more tear-resistant materials enable novel designs and open up new technical possibilities, e.g. a particularly high internal pressure of inflatable structures and consequently smaller diameters of said structures and thus overall lighter wind sports equipment with higher torsional stiffness.

[0011] In wind sports equipment with inflatable, three-dimensional support structures, an inner bladder made of an airtight, flexible, and stretchable material such as polyurethane is typically used. These support structures are encased and protected with materials exhibiting a high modulus of elasticity. The inner bladder contributes significantly to the overall weight of the inflatable, three-dimensional support structure and thus of the wind sports equipment. Finally, for many users, the design or appearance of the equipment or sails is relevant to their purchasing decision and plays a crucial role in product differentiation for individual brands.

[0012] Purpose and advantages of the invention

[0013] In contrast, the object of the invention is to propose a sail composite material or a sail arrangement as well as a wind sports device including its manufacture, thereby improving the state of the art, in particular by realizing economically favorable manufacturing and / or improved design possibilities.

[0014] This problem is solved, starting from a sail composite material of the type mentioned in the introduction, by the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention are possible by the measures mentioned in the dependent claims.

[0015] Accordingly, a sail composite material according to the invention for a sail arrangement for generating a wind propulsion force and / or for generating and / or stabilizing three-dimensional, possibly inflatable, support structures comprises at least a first material layer and a second material layer as well as at least a first adhesive layer, wherein the first and / or second material layer is designed as a strength layer to achieve high tensile / tear strength, in particular in various or possibly even all areas / directions, and / or to achieve low elongation, wherein at least partially between the first and the second material layer a (multicolored) printing layer such as a digital printing layer, in particular as a (multicolored) color layer, is present for graphic design of the sail composite material.

[0016] Advantageously, a full-surface color layer, particularly a printed layer or digital print layer, can be used to create a multi-colored image. Alternatively, only specific areas can be printed, such as multi-colored images. The latter means that only certain sections of the sail composite material may be printed. For example, some parts of the composite material can be intentionally left transparent to create a viewing window. The arrangement and embedding of the (multi-colored) color layer or digital print layer, or the printed image itself, between the two material layers provides advantageous protection and thus ensures the durability of the digital print layer or image. In particular, this provides mechanical protection against abrasion as well as UV protection against sunlight.Accordingly, design options in the sense of a mechanically protected and color-spectrum-advantageous digital print become feasible.

[0017] In digital printing, the print image is advantageously transferred directly from a file or data stream from a computer or similar device to a printing press, without the use of a static printing form. Digital printing allows for cost-effective printing of large print runs as well as small print runs, even down to single items. Furthermore, its dynamic image generation enables various customization options, such as personalization and individualization, as well as easy resizing of the print image, all while offering excellent value for money.

[0018] Accordingly, special designs or configurations of the sail composite material or the sail arrangement, and thus of the wind sports equipment, can be realized.

[0019] For the purposes of this invention, the term "printing layer" does not refer to screen printing. In screen printing, pre-made stencils are coated with solvent-based inks, and then an image is created at the corresponding location on the material.

[0020] Furthermore, the term "printing layer" as used in the invention does not refer to sublimation printing. Sublimation printing involves sublimating special inks into the fibers under pressure and high temperatures (>170°C). The high process temperatures are problematic because they lead to uncontrolled and uneven shrinkage of the fibers, as well as damage or uncontrolled changes to the mechanical properties of the printed material.

[0021] In a particular further development of the invention, the digital printing layer is used as

[0022] An inkjet printing layer, particularly a latex inkjet printing layer, is used. With the aid of an inkjet printer, especially a dot matrix printer, a printed image is created by the targeted emission of ink from small nozzles or the deflection of small ink droplets. In this way, both a continuous ink jet and individual droplets can transfer the ink to the material layer to be printed without contact.

[0023] The inks used for digital printing are therefore as thin as possible or applied as a gel, based on wax, water, or solvents, which may contain, among other things, oils, prepolymers, and latex dispersions. Latex printing uses water-based latex inks, which typically do not contain volatile solvents or other hazardous substances. Only trace amounts of volatile substances are released into the atmosphere during printing. The inks are odorless, as is the finished print. This makes latex printing particularly environmentally friendly. The printed ink is relatively elastic, water-resistant, and resistant to dirt and fading, which is advantageous for flexible sail arrangements with a high modulus of elasticity for wind sports equipment.

[0024] In an advantageous embodiment, the first and / or second and / or third material layer and / or the reinforcing layer is designed as a woven fabric. The woven fabric ensures that the sail composite material is particularly strong and stable while remaining flexible. A woven fabric is a textile structure consisting of at least two thread systems, i.e., warp and weft, which intersect at an angle, usually approximately 90°, when viewed across the fabric surface. Each of the two systems can be composed of several warp and weft types. Warp threads run longitudinally along the fabric, parallel to the fabric edge, and weft threads run transversely, parallel to the fabric edge. The threads are primarily joined to form the fabric by friction. Woven-like materials are also conceivable, such as randomly applied and then fixed fibers, or other non-woven materials.

[0025] In principle, the first and / or second and / or third material layer and / or the reinforcement layer should be designed as a non-extensible, yet tear-resistant material layer. This allows the specific requirements for a sail arrangement of a wind sports device to be met in a particularly effective way.

[0026] The first, second, and / or third material layer and / or the reinforcing layer can consist of, for example, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), high-density polyethylene (HDPE / HPPE), polyester, polyamide, glass fibers, or similar materials. Generally, the fabric can have both warp and weft directions as well as diamond-shaped patterns. However, other structures that impart the required properties are also possible, such as randomly arranged and fixed fibers or non-woven materials.

[0027] Advantageously, at least the reinforcing layer and / or the fabric comprises ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). This allows for the creation of particularly stable and tear-resistant sail assemblies with a high modulus of elasticity for wind sports equipment.

[0028] Especially for better adhesion, the strength layer can be pretreated with plasma or corona as a tissue.

[0029] Alternatively or in combination with this, the first and / or second and / or third material layer and / or the reinforcement layer can be formed as a plastic film. For the purposes of this invention, "film" is understood to mean a homogeneous sheet structure made of very thin plastic. This allows for the generation and use of a wide variety of thin material layers of the sail composite material.

[0030] For example, the first and / or second adhesive layer is at least partially positioned between / in the spaces / pores of the first and / or second and / or third material layer and / or the reinforcing layer and / or the fabric. This results in a sail composite material that is particularly thin and / or strong. The adhesive layer can at least partially penetrate the aforementioned or adjacent layers, e.g., envelop / enclose the fabric and / or the fibers and / or pores of the fabric, thus generating, on the one hand, improved stability / strength and, on the other hand, very little or virtually no thickening from the respective first and / or second adhesive layer.

[0031] In a particular embodiment of the invention, the digital printing layer and / or the inkjet printing layer and / or a printing material, in particular a printing ink, is arranged within or between the first adhesive layer and a second adhesive layer, wherein, in particular, the second adhesive layer is connected to the printing layer by a material layer. This can improve, on the one hand, the bond or adhesion and / or, on the other hand, the printed image.

[0032] For example, the digital printing layer and / or the inkjet printing layer and / or a printing material, in particular a printing ink, is arranged between / in the spaces / pores of the first adhesive layer and / or the first and / or second and / or third material layer and / or the reinforcement layer and / or the fabric. This allows the sail composite material to be made particularly thin or with very little printing material. The printing layer or digital printing layer and / or inkjet printing layer, possibly together with the corresponding adhesive layer, can thus at least partially penetrate the aforementioned or adjacent layers, e.g., envelop / enclose the fabric and / or the fibers and / or pores of the fabric, especially together with the corresponding adhesive layer or adhesive, so that on the one hand, stability / strength is improved and on the other hand, very little or no printing material is used.(Almost) no thickening can be generated by the printing layer or digital printing layer and / or inkjet printing layer.

[0033] For example, the first and / or second material layer, as well as the first and / or second adhesive layer, are designed as at least partially transparent layers. This ensures that the digital printing layer and / or the inkjet printing layer is particularly visually visible or has a significant design impact.

[0034] In a particular embodiment of the invention, the reinforcing layer is arranged between the first and second material layers. This further improves the strength and / or tensile strength in all directions, as well as the stability of the sail composite material, and / or its durability and service life. This is particularly advantageous for the wind turbine surface, the actual sail / wing surface, or the so-called canopy.

[0035] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the first and / or second and / or third material layer and / or the strength layer is designed as an adhesion coating to improve adhesion, in particular of the digital print layer or inkjet print layer, and / or the first and / or second and / or third material layer and / or the strength layer has at least one such adhesion coating. For example, the first and / or second adhesive layer is designed as the adhesion coating. This further improves the surface adhesion of the respective layers and thus the properties of the sail composite material.

[0036] For example, the first and / or second and / or third material layer and / or the reinforcement layer and / or the first and / or second adhesive layer is designed as a hot melt layer, in particular as a TPU or copolyester hot melt layer. Test trials have shown that this is particularly advantageous for the sail composite material.

[0037] By selecting suitable material and / or strength layers, particularly advantageous variants for the sail composite material can be achieved. These can be designed, for example, as illustrated below: a) The sail composite material can be suitable for ultrasonically welding two elements, e.g., butt-welding with a separating seam, and simultaneously has at least one easily bonded surface, so that a corresponding bonding element in the form of an adhesive strip can be applied as a backing strip over the seam for a permanent and strong connection of the two elements. The weldability of the sail composite material is promoted by a high proportion of thermoplastic materials and ideally reaches 100 percent. The possibility of butt-welding in combination with an adhesive strip as a bonding element is particularly preferable for smaller radii of panels to be joined.b) The sail composite material can be designed, by means of suitable surface pretreatment or modification of the outer surfaces of the composite material, such that either good adhesion of adhesives is possible and an overlap seam can be bonded accordingly, or the outer surfaces are designed as self-sealing layers, so that a permanent bond between two elements can be created even without the addition of adhesive. The possibility of an overlap seam is particularly preferable for larger radii of panels to be joined.

[0038] In another advantageous variant, at least one side of the sail composite material, preferably the inner side, offers favorable adhesive properties, allowing elements potentially added to this side, such as loops or handles sewn with needle and thread, to be locally covered from the inside with an airtight layer. This ensures the sail composite material remains airtight, eliminating the need for an internal air bladder despite the sewn-in elements. Furthermore, the sail composite material's favorable adhesive properties allow for easy repairs, as damaged areas can simply be covered with adhesive.

[0039] The following are examples of various sail composite material variants, whose features and / or advantages can be beneficial individually, alternatively, or in combination with each other.

[0040] Sail composite material variant primarily for a canopy composite material, especially for the wind turbine surface or the sail or airfoil surface.

[0041] A canopy composite material advantageously consists of several layers and is structured, for example, as follows:

[0042] • Outer layer: Transparent PET film, e.g. 9 pm (approx. 12.5 g / m2),

[0043] • Digital printing, especially latex printing layer, on the film (approx. 5 g / m2),

[0044] • Transparent, colorless, cross-linking adhesive, e.g. a UV-curable adhesive (approx. 10 g / m2),

[0045] • Plasma-pretreated tissue made of UHMWPE fibers (approx. 10 g / m2),

[0046] • Inside: Transparent PET film, e.g. 9 pm (approx. 12.5 g / m2)

[0047] • This results in a current total weight of approximately 50 g / m2.

[0048] The PET film or PET material layer is relatively thin, so a plotter film, such as a self-adhesive film approximately 100-150 µm thick, may be advantageous for smooth printing. Once the film to be printed is laminated onto this film, it can be printed without any problems and then easily separated from the plotter film. This plotter film can also remain mounted for the subsequent coating process, as this simplifies handling.

[0049] The adhesive can advantageously be a UV-activated adhesive that only cross-links upon contact with UV light. Depending on the optimal application rate and the adhesive's flow properties, the viscosity can be adjusted if necessary. When applying the adhesive, it must be ensured that it also reaches the back of the fabric. During the subsequent cross-linking process, the print diffuses into the adhesive, yet the adhesive still forms an inseparable bond, for example, with the aforementioned printed PET film and the fabric.

[0050] In addition, the UHMWPE fabric advantageously absorbs the adhesive and is thus also colored, especially depending on the amount of adhesive.

[0051] A relatively coarse-mesh fabric is one option for a lightweight yet strong and tear-resistant material. In manual tests, for example, individual UHMWPE fibers were successfully fixed between two DIN A4 samples of PET film. These tests showed that as little as 3-4 grams of fabric per square meter could be sufficient for the required stability of a composite sail material used to manufacture a canopy. In practice, however, this will likely be in the range of 8-10 grams of fabric per square meter.

[0052] Tensile tests with the above samples have shown that the resulting material is significantly superior to state-of-the-art materials in terms of stiffness. Furthermore, the digital print is already integrated into the material and has an impressively good appearance, both from the inside and outside of this composite material variant for the canopy sail.

[0053] In the further processing, the sail composite materials according to the invention offer significant advantages in terms of cutting. With existing materials, the heat generated during finishing or printing using sublimation processes leads to irregular shrinkage of polyester and Dacron fibers. This is not the case with the composite material according to the invention, so that longer webs can advantageously be cut without the need for complex interpolation of a coordinate system, e.g., on a CNC machine.

[0054] A composite material variant can advantageously be equipped on both sides, for example with nano-coated, self-sealing films on the inside and outside. This allows cut strips with, for example, an overlap of approximately 10 mm to be locally bonded or sealed together at 110-120°C.

[0055] For example, a composite material can thus be produced or provided for that

[0056] • is water-, abrasion- and, if applicable, pressure-resistant, airtight and, if applicable, UV-stable, • includes an internal digital print, especially latex print, possibly clearly visible on both sides,

[0057] • uses a crosslinking adhesive (migration of printing inks),

[0058] • has a protective and reinforcing film on both sides,

[0059] • embedded in a tear-resistant twisted / woven fabric and

[0060] • (can be welded and / or glued to itself).

[0061] Another sail composite material variant, especially for a leading edge composite material, in particular for the leading edge and / or the struts.

[0062] A leading edge composite material variant consists, for example, of several layers and can be structured in three ways, as described below:

[0063] Structure I (thermoplastic):

[0064] • Outer surface: Transparent PET film, e.g. 15 pm (approx. 21 g / m2),

[0065] • Transparent adhesive layer, e.g. hot melt layer, especially TPU layer or similar (approx. 15 g / m2),

[0066] • Digital printing, especially latex printing, on a UHMWPE fabric (approx. 5 g / m2) as described below,

[0067] • Plasma-pretreated UHMWPE fabric (approx. 30 g / m2), copolyester hot melt layer (approx. 30 g / m2)

[0068] Setup II (reactive):

[0069] • Outer layer: Transparent PET film, e.g. 15 µm (approx. 21 g / m²)

[0070] • Digital printing, especially latex printing, onto PET film (approx. 5 g / m2),

[0071] • Transparent, colorless, cross-linking adhesive, e.g. a UV-curable adhesive (approx. 10 g / m2),

[0072] • Plasma-pretreated UHMWPE tissue (approx. 30 g / m2)

[0073] • Inside: Copolyester hot melt layer (approx. 30 g / m2)

[0074] Structure III (thermoplastic)

[0075] Outer surface: Transparent PET film, e.g. 15 pm (approx. 21 g / m2)

[0076] Transparent adhesive layer, e.g. hot melt layer, especially TPU layer or similar, (approx. 15 g / m2) Digital printing, especially latex printing on the following copolyester hot melt layer (approx. 5 g / m2) Copolyester hot melt layer (approx. 30 g / m2),

[0077] Plasma-pretreated UHMWPE tissue (approx. 30 g / m2)

[0078] This results in a total weight of approximately 100 g / m2.

[0079] In the three variants mentioned above, a thermoplastic copolyester is advantageously chosen for fixing the fibers of the UHMWPE fabric. In principle, alternative materials such as polyvinyl acetate (PVA), ethyl vinyl acetate copolymer (EVAC), or polyamide (PA) are also possible. These ideally have a melting point between approximately 80 and 120 degrees Celsius and advantageously form crystalline components and / or adhere advantageously to low-energy surfaces and / or have a low viscosity in the molten state. After solidification, they advantageously exhibit good flexibility and a high modulus of elasticity.

[0080] The materials from structures I and III can all be advantageously laminated in a belt press at approximately 100 - 120 degrees Celsius.

[0081] In construction method II, the digital print is advantageously migrated into the cross-linking adhesive. Additionally, the reactive adhesive forms a strong bond with both the PET film and the laminated fabric. This results in an overall stiffer and more durable composite material, which can be used, for example, in production facilities that do not have ultrasonic welding equipment installed and the associated welding process implemented, but instead prefer to sew the sail composite material using traditional methods.

[0082] Advantageously, the reaction of the crosslinking adhesive with the pressure can result in various build-up scenarios for the leading edge composite material. For example, the pressure and the adhesive can be advantageously applied to both the film and the fabric laminated with copolyester.

[0083] In constructions I, II, and III, the UHMWPE fabric can advantageously be laminated separately and individually with the copolyester. If, for example, marginal shrinkage occurs during this process, such as because the lamination takes place in a standardized belt press without a cooling unit or because the mechanical fixation of the fabric is insufficient, this has no bearing on the final material. Advantageously, the digital print only comes into contact with the laminated UHMWPE fabric in the next step, and the final bonding with the PET film can advantageously take place at room temperature due to the crosslinking adhesive (construction II), or the bonding of the PET film, the hot melt layer, and the print (constructions I and III) can take place at comparatively moderate temperatures below the shrinkage temperature of the fabric.

[0084] The decisive advantage of the present material, especially constructions I, II, or III, lies in the advantageous integration of the digital print into the existing material. This provides perfect protection and a visually appealing result. This is further enhanced by the milky inherent color of the copolyester on the inner side of the composite material for the leading edge.

[0085] In the further processing of the composite material for the leading edge, significant advantages arise in cutting. With these composite materials, even longer sheets can be advantageously cut and further processed on a CNC machine without the need for complex interpolation of a coordinate system. Furthermore, this composite material combines the advantages of classic "Dacron" material, particularly its weldability and bondability, with the advantages of laminates, particularly its lightness and stiffness.

[0086] In the further processing of the composite material for the leading edge, the inner layers (copolyester or UHMWPE fabric) are advantageously placed on top of each other and butt-welded using ultrasound. The resulting outer seam is then advantageously covered with a robust protective material, such as webbing. The inner seam, on the other hand, is advantageously bonded with an adhesive strip, for example, made from the leading edge composite material. The adhesive strip thus forms a permanent and durable bond between the two joined elements.

[0087] For example, a composite material can thus be produced or used that

[0088] • is water-resistant, abrasion-resistant, possibly pressure-resistant, airtight and possibly UV-stable,

[0089] • includes an internal digital print, especially latex print,

[0090] • a thermoplastic layer, e.g. a thermoplastic copolyester, is used,

[0091] • embedded within a fabric,

[0092] • (to itself) weldable and / or bondable, has a transparent, durable outer film and a transparent, inner adhesive layer, e.g. made of TPU or a cross-linking adhesive

[0093] In general, it is conceivable that the sail composite material variants according to the invention can also be used for other purposes, for example for the manufacture of tents, tarps, backpacks, bags, etc.

[0094] Example of implementation

[0095] An embodiment of the invention is shown in the drawing and is explained in more detail below with reference to the figures.

[0096] In detail:

[0097] Figure 1 shows a schematic structure of a first sail composite material variant, especially for a canopy composite material according to the invention.

[0098] Figure 2 shows a schematic structure of a second sail composite material variant, especially for a leading edge composite material according to the invention and

[0099] Figure 3 shows a schematic structure of a third sail composite material variant, especially for a leading edge composite material according to the invention.

[0100] Figure 1 schematically shows a first sail composite material variant, especially for a canopy composite material, in particular for the wind power surface or the sail or airfoil surface.

[0101] This can be structured as follows, as outlined below:

[0102] Layer 1: Advantageously comprises a stretch-resistant material layer, in particular a fused deposition layer, which can be, for example, biaxially extruded and made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or polypropylene (PP). It can advantageously have a special coating / pretreatment that improves adhesion on at least one side. On the other side, it can advantageously have self-sealing properties. Layer 2: Advantageously comprises a digital printing layer, in particular an inkjet printing layer, which is advantageously applied to layer 1. It can advantageously be an inkjet print that uses, for example, latex technology.

[0103] Layer 3: Advantageously is an adhesive. It may advantageously be a reactive adhesive. It may consist of two components or one. If it consists of one component, it may advantageously be UV-curing or pressure-sensitive.

[0104] Layer 4: Advantageously is a tear-resistant material with a high modulus of elasticity, which may be woven or non-woven. It may advantageously consist of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) and / or high-density polyethylene (HDPE / HPPE) and / or polyester and / or polyamide (PA) and / or glass fibers or similar materials. It may advantageously have both warp and weft directions as well as diamond-shaped patterns, or a randomized arrangement of fibers. It may advantageously be pre-treated with plasma or corona for improved adhesion.

[0105] Layer 5: Advantageously comprises a stretch-resistant material layer, in particular a fused deposition layer, which can be, for example, biaxially extruded and advantageously made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or polypropylene (PP). It can advantageously have a special coating / pretreatment that, among other things, improves adhesion on at least one side. On the other side, it can advantageously have self-sealing properties. It can also advantageously be a milky or opaque film, e.g., white, to further improve the appearance of the inkjet print.

[0106] Layers 3 and 4 can be swapped.

[0107] Figure 2 schematically shows a second sail composite material variant, especially for a leading edge composite material, in particular for the leading edge and / or one or more struts.

[0108] This can be structured as follows, as outlined below:

[0109] Layer 10: Advantageously comprises a stretch-resistant material layer, in particular a fused layer, which can be, for example, biaxially extruded and advantageously made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or polypropylene (PP). It may advantageously have a special coating / pretreatment that, among other things, improves adhesion on one or both sides.

[0110] Layer 20: Advantageously is a transparent adhesive layer. It may advantageously be a thermoplastic adhesive such as ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (EVAC), polyethylene (PE), polyurethane (PU), polyolefins, and the like. Layer 30: Advantageously is an inkjet-printed layer. It may advantageously be an inkjet print using, for example, latex technology. It may be applied over layers 40 and / or 20.

[0111] Layer 40: Advantageously is an adhesive layer. It can advantageously be semi-transparent or opaque to, among other things, improve the appearance of inkjet printing. A thermoplastic adhesive can advantageously be used. It can advantageously be a thermoplastic adhesive with a melting point below 165 degrees Celsius. It can also advantageously be semi-crystalline, the degree of crystallineity being advantageously able to determine the oblique properties of the final laminate.

[0112] Layer 50: Advantageously comprises a stiff and tear-resistant material layer, which may advantageously be woven or non-woven. It may advantageously consist of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) and / or high-density polyethylene (HDPE / HPPE) and / or polyester and / or polyamide (PA) and / or glass fibers or similar materials. It may advantageously exhibit both warp and weft directions as well as diamond-shaped patterns, or even a randomized arrangement of the fibers. It may advantageously be pre-treated with plasma or corona for improved adhesion.

[0113] A third sail composite material variant according to Figure 3 corresponds essentially to the variant according to Figure 2, except that layers 40 and 50 or 400 and 500 are swapped.

Claims

Claims 1. Sail composite material for a sail arrangement for generating a wind propulsion force and / or for generating and / or stabilizing three-dimensional, in particular inflatable, support structures, wherein the sail composite material comprises at least a first material layer (1, 4, 5, 10, 50, 100, 500) and a second material layer (1, 4, 5, 10, 50, 100, 400) as well as at least a first adhesive layer (3, 20, 40, 200, 400), wherein the first and / or second material layer (1, 4, 5, 10, 50, 100, 400, 500) is designed as a strength layer (1, 4, 5, 10, 50, 100, 400, 500) to achieve high tensile / tear strength and low elongation, characterized in that a layer is formed between the first and the second material layer. (1 , 4, 5, 10, 50, 100, 400, 500) at least partially a printing layer (2, 30, 300), in particular a digital printing layer (2, 30, 300), is present for graphic design of the sail composite material.

2. Sail composite material according to claim 1, characterized in that the printing layer (2, 30, 300) is designed as an inkjet printing layer (2, 30, 300), in particular as a latex inkjet printing layer (2, 30, 300).

3. Sail composite material according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first and / or second and / or a third material layer (1, 4, 5, 10, 50, 100, 400, 500) is designed as a strength layer (1 , 4, 5, 10, 50, 100, 400, 500) and / or as a fabric (4, 50, 400, 500).

4. Sail composite material according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the strength layer (1, 4, 5, 10, 50, 100, 400) is designed as a fabric (4, 50, 400) or as a fiber structure, in particular a grid structure (4, 50, 400), connected by randomized overlap and fixation of fibers.

5. Sail composite material according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least the strength layer (1, 4, 5, 10, 50, 100, 400) is formed as a fabric (4, 50, 400) made of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) and / or high-density polyethylene (HDPE / HPPE) and / or polyamide (PA) and / or polyester and / or glass fiber.

6. Sail composite material according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first adhesive layer (3, 20, 40, 200, 500) is arranged at least partially between / in spaces / pores of the first and / or second and / or third material layer (1, 4, 5, 10, 50, 100, 400, 500) and / or the strength layer (1, 4, 5, 10, 50, 100, 400, 500) and / or the fabric (4, 50, 400, 500).

7. Sail composite material according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the digital printing layer (2, 30, 300) and / or the inkjet printing layer (2, 30, 300) and / or a printing material, in particular a printing ink, is located within the first adhesive layer (3, 20, 40, 200, 500) and / or between a first adhesive layer (3, 20, 40, 200, 500) and a second adhesive layer (3, 20, 40. 100, 500) is arranged, wherein in particular the second adhesive layer (500) is connected to the printing layer (300) by a material layer (400).

8. Sail composite material according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the printing layer (2, 30, 300), in particular the digital printing layer (2, 30, 300), and / or a printing material, in particular a printing ink, is arranged at least partially between / in spaces / pores of the first adhesive layer (3, 20, 40, 200, 500) and / or the first and / or second and / or third material layer (1, 4, 5, 10, 50, 100, 400, 500) and / or the strength layer (1, 4, 5, 10, 50, 100, 400, 500) and / or the fabric (4, 50, 400, 500).

9. Sail composite material according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least the first material layer (1 , 4, 5, 10, 50, 100, 400) and / or second material layer (1 , 4, 5, 10, 50, 100, 400) and / or third material layer (1, 4, 5, 10, 50, 100, 400) as well as the first and / or second adhesive layer (3, 20, 40, 200, 500) is designed as an at least partially transparent layer (1, 3, 4, 5, 10, 20, 40, 50, 100, 200, 400, 500).

10. Sail composite material according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first and / or second and / or third material layer (1 , 4, 5, 10, 50, 100, 400) and / or the strength layer (1, 4, 5, 10, 50, 100, 400) has at least one adhesion coating (3, 20, 40, 200, 500) to improve adhesion, in particular to the digital printing layer (2, 30, 300) or inkjet printing layer (2, 30, 300).

11. Sail composite material according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first and / or second adhesive layer (3, 20, 40, 200, 500) is designed as the adhesion coating (3, 20, 40, 200, 500).

12. Sail composite material according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the printing layer between the first and the second material layer (1, 4, 5, 10, 50, 100, 400) is at least partially designed as a digital printing layer (2, 30, 300) for graphically designing the sail composite material, wherein the digital printing layer (2, 30, 300) is designed as an inkjet printing layer (2, 30, 300), in particular as a latex inkjet printing layer (2, 30, 300), and that at least the first material layer (1, 4, 5, 10, 50, 100, 400) and / or second material layer (1, 4, 5, 10, 50, 100, 400) and / or third material layer (1 , 4, 5, 10, 50, 100, 400) as well as the first and / or second adhesive layer (3, 20, 40, 200, 500) as at least partially transparent layer (1 , 3, 4, 5, 10, 20, 40, 50, 100, 200, 400, 500).

13. Sail arrangement for a wind sports device, in particular a kite, wing foil, paraglider, parachute, windsurfing device or sailboat, with a wind sail for generating a wind propulsion force and / or for generating and / or stabilizing three-dimensional, in particular inflatable, support structures, wherein the sail arrangement has at least one wind-powered surface and / or a leading edge and / or at least one strut, wherein the wind-powered surface and / or the leading edge and / or at least one strut comprises at least one sail composite material, wherein the sail composite material has at least one first adhesive layer between a first material layer and a second material layer, wherein the first and / or second material layer is designed as a strength layer to achieve high tensile / tear strength and low elongation, characterized in that between the first and the second material layer (1, 4, 5, 10, 50, 100,400) at least partially a printing layer (2, 30, 300) for graphic design of the sail composite material is present.

14. Sail arrangement according to the aforementioned claim, characterized in that the sail composite material is designed according to one of the aforementioned claims.

15. Wind sports equipment, in particular kite, wing foil, paraglider, parachute, windsurfing equipment or sailboat, with a sail arrangement for generating a wind propulsion force and / or for generating and / or stabilizing three-dimensional, in particular inflatable, support structures, wherein the sail arrangement has at least one wind-powered surface and / or a leading edge and / or at least one strut, wherein the wind-powered surface and / or the leading edge and / or at least one strut comprises at least one sail composite material, wherein the sail composite material has at least one first adhesive layer between a first material layer and a second material layer, wherein the first and / or second material layer is designed as a strength layer to achieve high tensile / tear strength and low elongation, characterized in that a pressure layer (2,30, 300) for the graphic design of the sail composite material is available.

16. Wind sports equipment according to the aforementioned claim, characterized in that the sail arrangement is designed according to one of the aforementioned claims.

17. Method for producing a sail composite material, in particular a method for producing a sail composite material according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the method comprises the following process steps: Provision of a first material layer (1, 4, 5, 10, 50, 100, 400), at least partial application of a printing layer, in particular a digital printing layer, (2, 30, 300) for the graphic design of the sail composite material, application of a second material layer (1, 4, 5, 10, 50, 100, 400) and / or strength layer (1, 4, 5, 10, 50, 100, 400) to achieve high tensile / tear strength and low elongation, Application of a first adhesive layer (3, 20, 40, 200, 500).

18. Method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that at least one activation of at least the first adhesive layer is provided for bonding the layers of the composite material, wherein, in particular, ultraviolet radiation and / or pressure / contact force and / or heat is used for activation.

Images