EP4276011A1 - Modular underwater expansion system - Google Patents

Abstract

Module of a modular underwater expansion system (1) for use in water sports, with a connecting device (7) for connecting to an adjacent module along a connecting axis (8), the connecting device (7) for producing a first connection (11A) and a second Connection (11B) is set up, wherein the first connection (11A) is a tool-free connection and holds the modules together along the connection axis (8), and wherein the second connection (11B) is a positive connection tangential to the connection axis (8) and a relative Twisting the modules restricts or blocks.

Description

The invention relates to a module of a modular underwater expansion system for use in water sports, with a connection device for connection to an adjacent module along a connection axis, the connection device being set up to produce a first connection and a second connection, the first connection along the modules the connection axis holds together and the second connection restricts or blocks relative rotation of the modules, the second connection being a positive connection tangential to the connection axis.

The US 2015/0314837 A1 shows a modular underwater wing system for a kitesurfing board. The wing system includes a mast with a fuselage at the lower end, with a wing module each being attachable at the front and rear. The fuselage is connected to the wing modules via a longitudinal rod. The rod has a screw thread at one end and is screwed into one of the modules.

It is an object of the invention to facilitate assembly and disassembly of the module.

This object is achieved according to the invention in a module of the type mentioned at the outset in that the first connection is a tool-free connection. A tool-free connection can be made without a separate tool such as a screwdriver or wrench. Optionally, no loose additional parts are required to open or close the lock (such as loose levers, pins, rods, screws or cylinders). The elimination of such additional parts results in the advantage that they cannot be lost, neither in the dismantled nor in the assembled state and, if necessary, inadvertently loosened. Since the second connection is typically also a tool-free connection, the adjacent modules can be connected and thereby assembled or separated and thereby dismantled without the use of a tool, namely with bare hands. This makes handling much easier. In addition, the duration of assembly can vary be reduced. Even slightly faster assembly can be a significant advantage, for example at 50°C on the beach in summer. There is also no need to carry a suitable tool with you. Carrying something like this is particularly impractical in water sports. This makes it possible to transport the modules directly to the place of use (e.g. beach) as compact individual parts and only assemble them immediately before use. There is no risk of losing a tool required for subsequent disassembly during use, damaging other pieces of equipment, or injuring yourself or other people.

The second connection can be designed, for example, as a toothed coupling, with the connecting device having external or internal toothing for insertion into a reverse toothing of the adjacent module. In general, any other contour that is suitable for achieving positive locking can be used instead of a tooth coupling. The positive connection should be established directly between the two adjacent modules. Such a connection can usually be made without tools.

The first connection can be, for example, a self-locking connection. This type of connection is particularly suitable for achieving a connection without play in the axial direction. The freedom of play of the connection means the complete absence of a freedom of movement caused by the connection, due to production and application, in which one module could be moved freely against the other module after assembly. In other words, with a play-free first connection, the modules are immovably connected to one another, at least in the direction of the connection axis.

Optionally, the first connection can be a non-positive connection. An advantage of a frictional connection is the adaptability and adjustability of the relative position of the connecting parts. The reliability of the connection is therefore affected by slight variations in this relative position, for example varying distances between The modules are not affected by contamination, for example. In addition, this type of connection adapts to wear on the components, deformations in the mechanics and changes in the materials used over the life of the module. This type of connection is therefore particularly suitable for achieving a reliable connection that is at the same time free of play in the axial direction - especially in the case of the combination as a self-locking connection.

According to an optional first variant, the first connection can be a detachable plug connection, wherein the connecting device has a socket or a plug for producing the first connection. A plug connection can be produced particularly quickly, with the advantages already mentioned above. In the case of a plug connection, a positive connection can generally also be used as the first connection. A self-locking plug-in connection can, for example, be designed in the form of a spring-loaded clamp, whereby the connecting device of a module can be designed as a clamp and the connecting device of the adjacent module can be designed as a pin or bolt for insertion into the clamp. The self-locking property facilitates production and thus promotes a connection without play in the axial direction.

In this context, the connecting device can, for example, have a bushing for producing the first connection and the bushing can comprise a self-locking spring tab, in particular for receiving a cylindrical bolt or pin. The use of a self-locking spring tab enables the bolt or pin and thus the connection to be released easily by manually over-tensioning the spring tab in the direction of the connection.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the first variant, the connecting device can have a conical section, the conical section being designed to be accommodated in or on a correspondingly reversed conical section of the adjacent module. By combining the self-locking first connection with the tapered sections A connection between the modules that is free of play not only in the axial direction but also in the radial direction can be achieved.

Optionally, in the first variant, the connecting device can have connecting parts for at least two electrical connections to the adjacent module. The connecting parts can be, for example, plugs or sockets with electrical contacts and optionally individual seals. A power supply can be passed on among the modules of the expansion system via the connecting parts, for example to connect a battery in one module to a drive in another module and to supply the drive with power from the battery. Optionally, additional connection points can be provided for a control signal or bus system for data transmission between the modules.

According to an optional second variant, the first connection can be a releasable screw connection, wherein the connecting device has an internal thread or an external thread for producing the first connection. The screw connection is made directly between the modules. No separate connection tools such as screws or nuts are required. The screw connection is tightened by manually applying a torque directly to the modules themselves or to movable connecting components that belong to the respective module and are, for example, movably connected to a housing of the module. In both cases, the actuation surfaces belonging to the module are sufficiently far away from an axis of the screw connection so that the screw connection can be sufficiently tightened manually, e.g. with a radius of at least 1 cm.

For example, the connection device can be set up to establish the second connection after the first connection has been established. The sequential production of the connections is comparable to a screw connection with a castle nut. Such - Preferably forced - establishment of the two connections in succession makes it possible to block or lock the first connection at the same time as the second connection. This is particularly advantageous if the first connection alone would not be sufficiently reliable under dynamic load.

Optionally, the connecting device can have a coupling part of a snap-in and lockable claw coupling. The coupling part can, for example, be provided comparable to a front feather key. The claw coupling can correspond to the second connection and transmit a torque between the adjacent modules and thereby at the same time relieve the first connection of a torque. Particularly in the case of a dynamic torque, a screw connection would in principle be unsuitable as a first connection, but in combination with such a second connection it can achieve a high level of reliability using simple means and in a small space.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the second variant, the connecting device can have at least two spring-loaded, in particular spherical, claw parts which are movable in the direction parallel to the connecting axis, the connecting device comprising a preferably rotatable link which is set up to lock the claw parts. This construction makes it possible to tighten a screw connection used as the first connection up to and beyond the claw parts, with the claw parts being displaced against the spring force up to a locking position in which the claw parts engage in corresponding recesses or recesses in the adjacent module. The claw parts can then be locked against displacement in this locking position, for example with the rotatable link, until the lock is released again. The rotatability of the link ensures that no torque is transferred from the modules to the link and the connection is therefore reliably maintained even under dynamic loads.

In this context, the connecting device can have a passage arranged parallel to the connecting axis, preferably centrally, with a coupling part for a drive shaft of the modular underwater propulsion system being arranged in the passage. The passage can, for example, be arranged radially within the screw connection in that the housings of the modules are designed as hollow cylinders in the area of the screw connection.

According to an optional third variant, the connecting device can have at least one rotatable eccentric and a lever connected to the at least one rotatable eccentric for transmitting a torque, the eccentric being set up to receive a bolt head of the adjacent module for producing the first connection. This type of connection enables the transmission of high tensile loads and can also be produced particularly quickly. In particular, several eccentrics can be connected to the lever at the same time, which accordingly accommodate several bolt heads and thus reliably and highly resiliently connect the adjacent modules at several objectionable points. To establish and release these connections, only the actuation of a single lever or a number of levers that is smaller than the number of connection points is required.

In this context, the connection between the at least one rotatable eccentric and the lever can have a torque limiter, in particular a torque limiting spring. The torque limiting spring can at the same time bring about a self-locking property of the first connection due to its preload and together with a corresponding link of the eccentric. For example, corresponding bevels on the eccentric and on the bolt head can enable the eccentric to be tightened by the spring as the bolt head approaches dynamically. In this variant, too, the first connection can be provided as a self-locking connection - with the advantages described above. In particular, the eccentric and the bolt head be shaped in such a way that the bolt head is pulled in by the eccentric. For example, a radially inwardly widening flank of the link of the eccentric can slide along a corresponding flank of a conical bolt head, with the link of the eccentric becoming radially narrower when the eccentric rotates in the locking direction.

In general and regardless of any of the variants defined above, the second connection can be produced by reproducing the first connection. Essential for the second connection is the transmission of a torque between the modules or, in other words, a rotation-proof coupling between the adjacent modules in order to completely or largely avoid mutual rotation of the modules relative to one another. This purpose can optionally also be achieved by several individually non-rotatable connections which are arranged at different positions (projected into an end plane between the modules, i.e. a plane normal to the connection axis), in particular at a distance from the connection axis and at different angles in the forehead plane.

The connecting device can optionally have a sealing element, wherein the sealing element is designed to prevent water from entering an area between the module and the adjacent module and within the sealing element. For example, one or more sealing rings can be provided as a sealing element. Especially for any electrical contacts between the modules but also to avoid flow resistance for any moving parts, e.g. shafts and couplings, between the modules, it is advantageous if an interior area of the connection remains dry when using the installed expansion system under water.

The module can be, for example, a board, a mast, a wing, a drive module or a work module (e.g. a jet) for use in water sports, especially surfing. These components, in particular the board, mast and wings, are arranged essentially orthogonally to one another when in use therefore require a lot of space when assembled. It is therefore particularly advantageous for you to provide an easy-to-assemble modular system in order to enable the components to be transported in the disassembled state as simply and uncomplicated as possible.

The disclosure also relates to a system with at least two connected modules, each as defined above, the modules being connected rigidly and preferably without play using a tool-free connection.

Finally, the disclosure also relates to a method for connecting two modules, as defined above, wherein the modules, in particular their housings or connecting elements arranged thereon, are operated directly with bare hands to establish the connection between the two modules. To establish the connection, it is therefore not necessary to use a tool that is separate or separable from the modules.

In general, the disclosure also relates to a water sports device, in particular a surfboard or a hydrofoil surfboard, comprising a board and an underwater drive (e.g. with a drive module and a work module) arranged on the underside of the board (ie, arranged below the water surface when in use). . The underwater drive can optionally be arranged at a distance from the board by a mast extending from the underside of the board, wherein the underwater drive can be arranged at an end of the mast opposite the board. In conjunction with the mast, the water sports device can optionally have a hydrofoil (eg one or more wings), which is also arranged on the mast and at a distance from the board. Regardless of the presence of a mast (or a hydrofoil), the connection between the board and the underwater drive can have damping. The damping can be, for example, a floating bearing of the underwater drive or a floating mast suspension. The dampening prevents or reduces transmission of engine noise and/or vibrations from the underwater drive to the board, directly or via an optional mast. The damping can can be achieved, for example, by an elastic disk or plate between an underside of the board and a holder for the underwater drive or a top side of the mast. Alternatively, one or more elastic frames or strips can be arranged between the bottom of the board and the underwater drive to form the cushioning. Optionally, screws or other fasteners with which the underwater drive or the mast with the underwater drive is attached to the board can be equipped with elastic washers. The elastic disc or plate, the elastic frame, the elastic strips and the elastic washers can be made of rubber, for example.

• Fig. 1 schematisch eine Explosionsansicht eines Unterwasser-Erweiterungssystems zur Verwendung im Wassersport gemäß der vorliegenden Offenbarung, mit einem Board, einem Mast, einem Hydrofoil, einem Antriebsmodul und einem Arbeitsmodul;
• Fig. 2 eine Detailansicht des unteren Ende des Mastes gemäß Fig. 1 mit demontiertem Hydrofoil;
• Fig. 3 einen Längsschnitt des unteren Ende des Mastes und der daran angebauten Erweiterungen in einem montierten Zustand;
• Fig. 4 eine vergrößerte Ansicht einer rückwärts gerichteten Verbindungseinrichtung am unteren Ende des Mastes;
• Fig. 5 eine vergrößerte Ansicht einer hinteren Verbindungseinrichtung des Antriebmoduls;
• Fig. 6 eine Ansicht ins Innere der Verbindungseinrichtung gemäß Fig. 5;
• Fig. 7 eine Seitenansicht des Antriebsmoduls und Arbeitsmoduls;
• Fig. 8 einen Längsschnitt der beiden Module gemäß Fig. 7;
• Fig. 9 eine Detailansicht einer Unterseite des Boards mit einer Verbindungseinrichtung zur Verbindung des Mastes;
• Fig. 10 eine Detailansicht eines Exzenters der oberen Verbindungseinrichtung des Mastes;
• Fig. 11 eine Ansicht ins Innere eines Gehäuses am oberen Ende des Mastes, mit einer Steuerungselektronik und der oberen Verbindungseinrichtung des Mastes;
• Fig. 12a eine Detailansicht eines Drehmomentbegrenzers der Verbindungseinrichtung gemäß Fig. 11 in einem entspannten Zustand;
• Fig. 12b schematisch der Drehmomentbegrenzer gemäß Fig. 12a mit einer vorgespannten Drehmomentbegrenzungsfeder;
• Fig. 13 eine Ansicht von unten auf das Gehäuse am oberen Ende des Mastes gemäß Fig. 11;
• Fig. 14 eine Ansicht von oben auf das Gehäuse gemäß den Figuren 11 und 13;
• Fig. 15 schematisch den oberen Bereich eines Mastes gemäß einem weiteren Ausführungsbeispiel mit einer schwimmenden Mastaufhängung; und
• Fig. 16 schematisch einen Unterwasser-Antrieb für ein Surfboard ohne Tragflächen.

The invention is explained further below using particularly preferred exemplary embodiments, to which it is not intended to be limited, and with reference to the drawings. The drawings show in detail:

• Fig. 1 schematically an exploded view of an underwater expansion system for use in water sports according to the present disclosure, including a board, a mast, a hydrofoil, a propulsion module and a work module;
• Fig. 2 shows a detailed view of the lower end of the mast Fig. 1 with dismantled hydrofoil;
• Fig. 3 a longitudinal section of the lower end of the mast and the extensions attached to it in an assembled state;
• Fig. 4 an enlarged view of a rearward connection device at the lower end of the mast;
• Fig. 5 an enlarged view of a rear connection device of the drive module;
• Fig. 6 a view of the interior of the connecting device according to Fig. 5 ;
• Fig. 7 a side view of the drive module and work module;
• Fig. 8 a longitudinal section of the two modules Fig. 7 ;
• Fig. 9 a detailed view of an underside of the board with a connecting device for connecting the mast;
• Fig. 10 a detailed view of an eccentric of the upper connection device of the mast;
• Fig. 11 a view of the interior of a housing at the upper end of the mast, with control electronics and the upper connection device of the mast;
• Fig. 12a a detailed view of a torque limiter of the connection device according to Fig. 11 in a relaxed state;
• Fig. 12b schematically the torque limiter according to Fig. 12a with a preloaded torque limiting spring;
• Fig. 13 a view from below of the housing at the top of the mast Fig. 11 ;
• Fig. 14 a view from above of the housing according to Figures 11 and 13 ;
• Fig. 15 schematically the upper area of a mast according to a further exemplary embodiment with a floating mast suspension; and
• Fig. 16 Schematic of an underwater drive for a surfboard without wings.

Fig. 1 shows four different modules of a modular underwater expansion system 1. The underwater expansion system 1 is intended and set up for use in water sports. The modules are a board 2, a mast 3, a wing 4 (or hydrofoil or a wing), a drive module 5 and a work module 6 (or jet) for use in water sports, especially surfing.

Each of the modules 2-6 has at least one connection device 7 for connection to an adjacent module along a connection axis 8, 9. The connection axis 8, 9 is generally different for each connection. The connecting axis 9 between board 2 and mast 3 is vertical in this example. The connections between the remaining modules 4, 5, 6 at and with the lower end of the mast 3 essentially have a common, horizontal connecting axis 8 which is parallel to a drive shaft 10 of the working module 6.

The connection devices 7 are each set up to establish a first connection and a second connection. The first connection holds the neighboring ones Modules along the connecting axis 8, 9 together. The second connection restricts or blocks relative rotation of the modules. The second connection is in all cases a positive connection tangential to the connection axis 8, 9. The first connection is a tool-free connection. All modules 2-6 can therefore be assembled, ie assembled, with bare hands and without separate tools. When assembled, the underwater expansion system 1 is ready for use.

In the case of the four connecting devices 7 between the wing 4 and the mast 3 and between the mast 3 and the drive module 5, the first connection 11A is a self-locking, non-positive connection. The relevant connection devices 7 are in Figures 2 and 3 can be seen in more detail. The first connection 11A is a detachable plug connection. The connecting device 12 of the wing 4 and the front connecting device 13 of the drive module 5 each have a socket 14. The two connecting devices 15, 16 at the lower end of the mast 3 each have a corresponding plug 17.

As in Fig. 3 clarified, in the case of the two connecting devices 12, 13 with a socket 14 for producing the first connection 11A, the socket 14 each includes a spring tab 18. The spring tabs 18 each have a bore 19 for receiving a cylindrical bolt 20 of the two corresponding plugs 17 on the wing 4 or on the drive module 5. All four connecting devices 12, 13, 15, 16 each have a conical section 21. The two sockets 14 each have a collar 23 which extends outwards from the socket 14 and widens conically from the end face 22. The two plugs 17 each have a sleeve 25 which surrounds the bolt 20 and - inversely to the collar 23 - forms an end face 22 with an opening 24 for the bolt 20 and which tapers conically inwards to accommodate the opposite collar 23.

The spring tabs 18 are each located radially from the bore 19 offset pivot point 26 and are biased by a spring 27 into a pushed and angled position over the bolt 20, so that the bolt 20 rests on both sides of the bore 19. Due to the non-positive and self-locking connection thus achieved along the connecting axis 9, the conical sections 21 are held together and dynamically tightened. This results in a backlash-free connection between the relevant modules 3-5, which is particularly stable and has a large contact area for distributing and transmitting the acting forces between the modules. This reduces local mechanical load peaks. The second connection 11B is realized in these connecting devices by toothed rims 28, an outer rim 29 being provided on the base of the sleeve 25 and a corresponding inner rim on the edge of the collar 23.

Fig. 4 shows the details of the rear socket 14 lower end of the mast 3 in more detail. On the end face 22 of the sleeve 25, three connecting parts 30 for electrical connections are provided outside the central mouth 24 of the socket 14. Even in front of the ring gear 28, a sealing element 31 in the form of two parallel sealing rings 32 is provided at the base of the sleeve 25, which seal with the outermost edge of the collar 23 of the front connecting device 13 of the drive module 5. This prevents water from entering the area between the mast 3 and the drive module 5 and within the sealing element 31 and the connecting parts 30 are kept dry. The connecting parts 30 are also designed as small bushings with their own small sealing rings 33. To establish electrical connections, corresponding contact pins of the connecting parts of the drive module 5 are inserted into the three small sockets and electrically contacted inside the small sockets.

To release the self-locking connection between the mast 3 and the drive module 5, the user can press the release button 34 with his bare hands. As a result, the spring tab 18 is moved against the spring force of the spring 27 and tilted so that the bolt 20 is no longer clamped in the hole 19.

An exemplary embodiment of a second variant of connecting devices 7 according to this disclosure is in the Figures 5-8 shown. These show the connecting devices 35, 36 at the rear end of the drive module 5 and on the working module 6. The drive module 5 is essentially an electric motor 37 (schematically in Fig. 3 shown), which is supplied with power and controlled by a battery in the board 2 via lines in the mast 3 and the connecting parts 30 between the mast 3 and the drive module 5. Mechanical work is transferred from the drive module 5 to a drive shaft 41 of the work module 6 via a clutch 38 with opposing clutch parts 39, 40. The working module 6 is essentially an impeller 42 with a jet nozzle 43.

In the connection devices 35, 36 between the drive module 5 and the work module 6, the first connection 52 is a releasable screw connection. The connecting device 35 on the drive module 5 has an external thread 44 and the connecting device 36 on the work module 6 has a corresponding internal thread 45 for producing the first connection (see Fig. 8 ).

To produce the second connection 53, which is a positive connection tangential to the connection axis 9 to absorb torque, the connecting devices 35, 36 each have a coupling part 46, 47 of a snap-in and lockable claw coupling 48. In detail, the rear connecting device 35 of the drive module 5 has three spherical claw parts 49 which are movable and spring-loaded in the direction parallel to the connecting axis 9 and includes a rotatable link 50 which is set up to lock these claw parts 49 (see Fig. 6 ). More precisely, the link 50 presses the spherical claw parts 49 outwards and into corresponding recesses 51 in the connecting device 36 of the working module 6 and locks them there. As a result, the two modules 5, 6 are locked against mutual rotation, which also means that the Screw connection is permanently blocked until the spherical claw parts 49 are loosened and released by turning the link 50 in reverse. The connecting device 35 is accordingly set up to produce the second connection 53 after the first connection 52 has been produced.

The connecting devices 35, 36 each have a central passage 54, 55 arranged parallel to the connecting axis 9. The coupling parts 39, 40 for the drive shaft 10, 41 of the modular underwater expansion system 1 are arranged in the passage 54, 55.

An exemplary embodiment of a third variant of connecting devices 56, 57 according to this disclosure is shown in FIGS Figures 9-14 shown. These figures show the cooperating connecting devices 56, 57 on the underside 58 of the board 2 and at the upper end 59 of the mast 3. The upper connecting device 57 of the mast has a total of four rotatable eccentrics 60 (see Fig. 10 ). The eccentrics 60 are each designed to accommodate a bolt head 61 of the board 2 (see Fig. 9 ) set up to establish the first connection. This connecting device 57 also has a lever 62 on both sides of the mast 3. Each lever 62 is connected via a torque limiter 63 to two rotatable eccentrics 60 for transmitting torque. The two torque limiters 63 each include a torque limiting spring 64.

The second connection, which is tangential to the connection axis, is in this case produced by a duplication of the first connection, more precisely by the four mutually spaced bolt heads 61 or the corresponding guide bushings 65 and eccentrics 60 in which they are received.

The link 66 of the eccentric 60 becomes radially narrower when the eccentric 60 rotates in the locking direction 67. This causes the conical flank 68 of a bolt head 61 accommodated therein drawn in as far as possible and also tightened during application. This connection variant also achieves a self-locking and play-free connection.

Fig. 15 shows the upper end 69 of a mast 70 of a water sports device, more precisely a hydrofoil surfboard. In addition to the mast 70, the wing surfboard includes a board 2 and an underwater drive as well as a wing 4, comparable to the previous exemplary embodiments. The mast 70 is arranged on the underside 58 of the board 2. In use, the mast 70 extends from the board 2 to below the water surface. The underwater drive and the wing 4 are arranged at an end of the mast 70 opposite the board 2 (comparable to Fig. 1 ). The underwater drive can, for example, include a drive module 5 and a work module 6. The connection between board 2 and mast 70 has a damping 71. The damping 71 forms a floating mast suspension. The damping 71 comprises an elastic frame 72, which is functionally arranged between the top 73 of the mast 70 and the bottom 58 of the board 2 and on which the mast 70 is floating. In the in Fig. 15 In the exemplary embodiment shown, the elastic frame 72 is arranged between the mast 70 and a connecting device 57 for the connection to the board 2. The frame 72 is accommodated in a recess 74 in the underside of the connecting device 57 and guided along the edge of this recess 74. The four screws 75 with which the mast 70 is attached to the connecting device 57 are equipped with elastic washers 76. The elastic frame 72 and the elastic washers 76 are made of rubber.

Fig. 16 shows an underwater drive 77 for use directly on a board 2 without wings or mast (as an "e-surf" water sports device). The underwater drive 77 includes a drive module 5 and a work module 6 comparable 7 and 8 . Instead of a connection to the mast, the connecting device 13 can be on the front of the drive module 5 with a connecting device 78 of a fin-like bulge 79 for attachment to an underside 58 of a Boards 2 or more precisely a connection device 57 for connection to a board 2. An elastic frame 72 can be used as damping between the board 2 and the underwater drive 77 as shown Fig. 15 , for example in the connecting device 57, be provided. This means that the fastening plate 80 of the fin-like bulge 79 is mounted floating on the board.

Claims (17)

Module of a modular underwater expansion system (1) for use in water sports, with a connecting device (7) for connecting to an adjacent module along a connecting axis (8), the connecting device (7) for producing a first connection (11A) and a second Connection (11B) is set up, wherein the first connection (11A) holds the modules together along the connection axis (8) and the second connection (11B) restricts or blocks relative rotation of the modules, the second connection (11B) being tangential to the connection axis (8) is a positive connection, characterized in that the first connection (11A) is a tool-free connection. Module according to claim 1, characterized in that the first connection (11A) is a self-locking connection. Module according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the first connection (11A) is a non-positive connection. Module according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the first connection (11A) is a detachable plug connection, the connecting device (12; 13; 15; 16) having a socket (14) or a plug (17) for producing the first connection (11A), wherein the connecting device (15; 16) preferably has a bushing (14) for producing the first connection (11A) and the bushing (14) comprises a self-locking spring tab (18), in particular for receiving a cylindrical bolt (20) or pen. Module according to claim 4, characterized in that the connecting device (12; 13; 15; 16) has a conical section (21), the conical section (21) being designed to be received in or on a correspondingly reversed conical section of the adjacent module . Module according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the connecting device (13; 16) has connecting parts (30) for at least two electrical connections to the adjacent module. Module according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the first connection (52) is a releasable screw connection, the connecting device (35; 36) having an internal thread (45) or an external thread (44) for producing the first connection (52 ) having. Module according to claim 7, characterized in that the connecting device (35; 36) is set up to produce the second connection (53) after producing the first connection (52), the connecting device (35; 36) preferably having a coupling part (46; 47) has a snap-in and lockable claw coupling. Module according to claim 8, characterized in that the connecting device (35) has at least two spring-mounted, in particular spherical, claw parts (49) which are movable and spring-mounted in the direction parallel to the connecting axis (8), the connecting device (35) having a preferably rotatable link (50). includes, which is set up to lock the claw parts (49). Module according to one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that the connecting device (35; 36) has a preferably central passage (54) arranged parallel to the connecting axis (8), with a coupling part (39; 40) in the passage (54). ) is arranged for a drive shaft (41) of the modular underwater expansion system (1). Module according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the connecting device (57) has at least one rotatable eccentric (60) and a lever (62) connected to the at least one rotatable eccentric (60) for transmitting a torque, the eccentric (60) is set up to receive a bolt head (61) of the adjacent module to produce the first connection. Module according to claim 11, characterized in that the connection between the at least one rotatable eccentric (60) and the lever (62) has a torque limiter (63), in particular a torque limiting spring (64). Module according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the second connection is established by reproducing the first connection. Module according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the connecting device (16) has a sealing element (31), the sealing element (31) being designed to prevent water from entering an area between the module and the adjacent module inside the sealing element (31). Module according to one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the module is a board (2), a mast (3), a wing (4), a drive module (5) or a work module (6) for use in water sports, in particular surfing, is. System with at least two connected modules, each according to one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the modules are connected rigidly and preferably without play with a tool-free connection. Method for connecting two modules, each according to one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the modules, in particular their housings or connecting elements arranged thereon, are operated directly with bare hands to establish the connection between the two modules.

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