TEXTILE AXLE BLOCK

Description

Textile shaft block DESCRIPTION The invention concerns a textile axle block, i.e. a ring with low friction for returning ropes. 5 Rings of this type are widely used in the nautical environment for the return of textile maneuvers, ropes and sheets, in particular on the sailing vessels. These rings differ from the more common blocks in that they are made solely from a single, essentially toroidal body, 10 generally made of light alloy with anodized surface particularly hardened and slippery thickness, bearing a groove external ring designed to slide a first one top to be sent back and a central passage prepared to accommodate in direct contact a second top generally used for the 15 ring retainer. The ring functionally replaces the pulley. a block and the second (retaining) rope acts as a textile axis of so that the ring can rotate around the second peak, generally a loop of Dyneema® or similar low-friction material friction and high resistance. 20 In these rings there is the problem of avoiding the derailment of the first peak, which would cause it to rub directly on the second peak with a very fast wear and tear and consequent system failure. In other words, the derailment would cause the postponed maneuver (first rope) to slide on the 25 binding (second top) bypassing the ring which would lose its function. This problem is addressed by applying a closure element partial of the external throat which prevents it from sliding off. A low friction ring with partial closure is described in 5 example in IT202000032444A1 in the name of the Applicant. The solution described in this document provides that the element of partial closure is rotatably supported on the unitary body by means of bearings placed between the partial closing element and the unitary body coaxially to the central passage. In particular, 10 the partial closing element comprises two parallel cheeks and spaced apart, and the pads are placed between the cheeks and a respective flange of the unitary body external to the annular groove. The above solution is well suited to the creation of rings low friction medium and large size but has the drawback that the 15 cheeks must be permanently joined by at least one bridge extending between them radially outside the body unitary; if the bridge is removed, the cheeks separate and the bearings come out of their seats. This means that, during use, it is not possible to open the locking element to give access to the 20 external annular groove. Therefore, the structure of this ring is known it is impractical for postponing maneuvers that are being armed before positioning the block, such as the sheets of the genoa or spinnaker or mainsail halyards. Other types of rings with partial closure are described in 25 example in EP3939877A1, EP3016848, US10322918 or ES2599393. FR2923451 instead describes a conventional block (not a (textile axle block) including a pulley that is supported via ball bearings between two cheeks which in turn are interconnected by a central portion equipped with a passage for 5 a textile retaining element. In turn the pulley is supported on the central portion by a roller bearing. No in this case it is a textile axle block but a conventional block whose structure is best described in FR2945603. It is also evident from the asymmetry of the block that the 10 itself does not allow the use of the retaining top as an axis pulley textile, this being supported instead by a roller bearing as well as a bushing. It requires in addition to a multiplicity of cost and complexity components relevant, subject to coupling and relative rotation, 15 thus losing the main advantage of low friction rings which consists in their unparalleled constructive simplicity. The problem underlying the present invention is to put a arrangement of a structurally and structurally textile axis block functionally designed to allow the overcoming of some At least 20 of the inconveniences complained about with reference to the technique cited note. In this general context it is an object of the invention to enable the construction of a fabricable textile shaft block with a minimum number of components. 25 A further object of the invention is to provide a pulley block textile axis that simplifies assembly operations and maintenance. An object of the invention is also to provide a pulley block versatile textile axis suitable for sending different types of maneuvers. 5 A further object of the invention is to provide a pulley block high efficiency textile axis. This problem is solved and these goals are achieved, at least in part, from the invention by means of a textile axle block comprising a unitary essentially toroidal body bearing 10 an external annular groove designed to accommodate a first top to be postponed and a central passageway set up to welcome direct contact with a second top acting as the textile axis of the block. Preferably the block also includes a closing element 15 partial of the external annular groove rotating with respect to the unitary body. Advantageously, the partial closing element prevents the derailment of the rope to be sent back. Preferably the partial closing element is rotatable supported on the unit body by bearings. In this way it 20 minimize rotational friction and also minimize backlash rotation. As will be evident from the following description, a play-free rotation facilitates the closing of the element closure. Preferably the bearings are placed between the closing element 25 partial and the unitary body coaxially to the central passage. Preferably the partial closing element comprises two cheeks parallel and spaced. Preferably the bearings comprise housed rolling elements in rolling raceways whose inner ring is machined into the body 5 unitary and whose external ring is obtained on the respective cheek. Preferably the cheeks are held axially by bearings due to the coupling between the rolling elements and their respective inner and outer rings. Preferably the raceways are removably closed by 10 a respective flange for retaining the rolling elements in the corresponding rolling tracks. In this way both the cheeks and their respective pads are retained axially on the unitary body of the block regardless of the whether or not the cheeks are joined together. This means 15 that, during use, it is possible to open the closing element to give access to the external annular groove without losing the bearings. Thanks to this arrangement the block of the invention facilitates the postponement of rigging that is rigged before positioning the block, such as for example the genoa or spinnaker sheets or the halyards of the 20 mainsail. The present invention may also feature one or more of the following: following preferred features in addition to those previously mentioned. Preferably the central passage is flanked by respective 25 axially protruding shoulders on which the inner ring is obtained of the respective rolling tracks. In this way, a compact and resistant structure. Preferably the outer ring is partly machined on the respective cheek and partly on the respective flange. This feature 5 simplifies bearing assembly and maintenance. Preferably the flanges are fixed to the respective cheeks by means of releasable connecting means, especially of the threaded type. This feature also simplifies assembly operations and maintenance. 10 Preferably the cheeks are openable to give access to the throat external ring finger by rotating one cheek relative to the other. In this way the external annular groove can accommodate maneuvers that they are armed before positioning the block. It is preferred that the cheeks are structurally independent from each other. 15 Further preferred is that the cheeks are joined in a releasable via a bridge extended radially between them outside the unitary body. Advantageously the bridge acts by partial closure of the throat to prevent a peak from entering it committed to being able to slide down from the gorge. Furthermore, the bridge 20 prevents the cheeks from closing on the body under stress unitary, hindering its rotation. Preferably the bridge comprises a first and a second portions solid with one and the other of said cheeks respectively and preferably coupling means configured to join in a manner 25 releasable the first portion to the second portion, preferably by rotating one cheek relative to the other. Advantageously, the two portions of the bridge are joined together using the coupling means prevents accidental opening of the closing element and makes it more solid and less deformable. 5 Preferably the two portions of the jumper are configured to join in a releasable manner by rotation of one cheek relative to the other to the other. It is important to note that this configuration is made possible from the fact that the partial closing element is rotatable supported on the unit body by bearings. The bearings, in fact, 10 minimize rotation games and therefore facilitate the meeting of the two portions of the bridge during the rotation of a cheek compared to the other. Preferably the coupling means comprise a locking mechanism male female which is obtained on mutually surfaces 15 views of the said first and second portions. Advantageously The male-female joint is configured to join in a the first portion can be released to the second portion by rotation of one cheek relative to the other. In this way it is simply rotate one cheek relative to the other to mate or 20 uncouple the two portions of the jumper. In a preferred example the male-female joint comprises a dovetail circumferential guide. This way you get an axial and radial coupling between the two portions of the little bridge. 25 It is important to note that the coupling of the two portions of the bridge through the male-female joint is made possible by the the fact that the partial closing element is rotatably supported on the unitary body via bearings. In fact, the bearings minimize the rotation games and therefore facilitate the meeting of the portions 5 male and female joint. This consideration applies to even more so in the case of a precision fit such as a dovetail joint. In embodiments the coupling means comprises a sprung ball, also called ball presser, which acts between 10 mutually facing surfaces of said first and second portions to counteract the rotation of one cheek relative to the other. The sphere spring-loaded, thus preventing accidental opening of the bridge increasing the reliability of the block. In embodiments the coupling means comprise 15 openings made on the said first and second portion for a top of binding to the second top. In this way the binding top binds the two portions of the bridge together and at the same time keeps the cheeks from rotating in solid with the unit body. In embodiments the coupling means comprises a 20 textile ring formed by the second top. Preferably the ring the textile is anchored to the cheeks by means of respective cable clips and is preferably opened via a toggle fastening. In This way, when the block is under load the tension of the ring textile tends to keep the two portions of the bridge together (it is 25 It is important to note that the two portions of the bridge are not only used to bind the cheeks together but above all to maintain them the correct orientation avoiding that they rotate and go to “touch” the maneuver); when the block is unloaded the two portions of the bridge are easily separated by opening 5. The toggle fastening. This solution therefore increases safety. and ease of use. In any case it is preferred that the second top is tied to the cheeks, possibly via the third peak or alternatively via cable clamps, in order to maintain the correct 10 orientation of the cheeks and prevent them from rotating going to touch the maneuver to be postponed. According to a further advantageous aspect of the invention the throat external ring has a diameter greater than or equal to 3 or preferably 4 times the diameter of the central passage. This 15 dimensional ratio increases the efficiency of the block as the arm of the active torque exerted by the first rope to be returned prevails over the passive torque arm exerted by the second peak in direct contact with the central passage. Further preferred aspects are also defined in the attached 20 claims as well as in the following description. The features and advantages of the invention will be better understood from the following detailed description of one of his favorite forms but non-exclusive of the illustrated realization, for indicative purposes only and not limiting, with reference to the attached drawings in which: 25 - Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a textile axle block according to the invention; - fig. 2 is a perspective view of the block of figure 1 which illustrates how it works; - fig. 3 is a front view of the block in figure 1; 5 - fig. 4 is a section view along the section line IV-IV of the block of figure 3; - fig. 5 is a side view of the block of figure 1; - fig. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the block in figure 1; - Figs. 7 and 8 are perspective views of one embodiment 10 of the block according to the invention; - Figs. 9 and 10 represent further embodiments of the block according to the invention. In the figures, 1 indicates a block with a shaft. textile for the return of ropes and similar, typically used for the 15 postponement of textile maneuvers, ropes and sheets, in particular on the sailing vessels. The block 1 comprises a unitary body 2, i.e. a body made in a single piece or made up of interconnected parts in such a way as to create a solid unitary structure, 20 essentially toroidal and having an external annular groove 3 preferably with a rounded profile to accommodate a first peak 25 to be sent back and a central passage 4 with an orthogonal axis to the median plane of throat 3 and also rounded with a large radius of curvature R so as to be prepared to accommodate in contact 25 directed a second peak 26 (hereinafter also referred to as peak (retention) which generally serves as a retainer and textile axis of the ring but which can in turn be smooth in the passage central thanks to its rounded profile. The body 2 is preferably made of anodized light alloy 5 thickness but can be made of steel, titanium, or other high-strength, low-coefficient metallic material of friction. As shown in the example in figure 4 on the axial sides opposites of the throat 3 are preferably formed respective 10 shoulders 6 which extend substantially squarely from throat 3 to define the inner ring 12 of respective raceways 7, 8 for bearings 15 with rolling elements 16. Preferably shoulders 6 they have a respective external face (i.e. facing the throat 3) in which the internal ring 12 and an opposing face are obtained 15 internal which connects radially to the central passage 4 a to define the approximately toroidal conformation desired. Preferably the inner ring 12 is also made of piece in body 2 but it is expected that it can be brought back in shape of a bearing ring or similar on the shoulders 6. 20 Since these are bearings subjected to a relatively low load, they may use plastic spheres such as Delrin® or similar. It is it is also foreseen that the bearing, instead of being of the rolling type, can be sliding or of another type, for example in Teflon™ or other low friction material. 25 The outer ring 13 of the respective raceway 7, 8 is obtained in a position facing the internal ring 12 on a corresponding cheek 9, 10 which is part of a closing element partial 11 of the external annular groove 3. Preferably a first half of the outer ring 13 proximal to the median plane of the block 5 is obtained from the respective cheek piece, while the other half of the outer ring 13 distal from the median plane of the block is reported on a flange 17. Advantageously the cheeks 9, 10 are held axially by the bearings 15 due to the coupling between the rolling elements 10 16 and the respective inner 12 and outer 13 rings. According to a further advantageous aspect each track of rolling 7, 8 is removably closed by a respective flange 17 for retaining the rolling elements 16 in the corresponding rolling tracks. 15 The flange 17 is preferably fixed to the respective cheek 9, 10 via releasable connection means 18 so as to simplify the assembly of the bearings. In a preferred example each flange 17 is constrained to the external face of the respective cheek 9, 10 via screws or bolts. 20 Coaxially to the central passage 4, the flange 17 has preferably a central hole passing through the second top 26, through which the respective shoulders can protrude axially 6. In this way the second top 26 can slide on the profile rounded shoulders 6 without compressing flange 17. 25 Preferably the cheeks 9, 10 are parallel and spaced apart and preferably comprise a first and a second respectively second portion 14a, 14b radially projecting which together they form a bridge 14 which acts as partial closure of the throat 3 to prevent a rope from getting into it 5 busy can slide out of the throat. In this way the body 2 is free to rotate on the textile axis defined by the second top 26 and the first peak 25 is held in the throat 3 so as to avoid its accidental slippage. Advantageously the cheeks of the textile axle block, 10 Unlike conventional pulleys, they do not have a structural function. Therefore, being unloaded, the cheeks 9, 10 they can be made of lightweight materials, such as plastic. Preferably the cheeks 9, 10 are structurally independent of each other them and releasably joined by the bridge 14 extended between them 15 they radially outside the body 2. It is preferred that the element of partial closure 11 is radially constrained to body 2 but free from rotate with respect to it. Further preferred is that the element of partial closure 11 is applied on the body 2 to cover a corner sector of throat 3 and can be opened to give access to the throat 20 external ring finger by rotating one cheek relative to the other. In a preferred example the partial closing element 11 is openable by decoupling the two portions 14a, 14b of the bridge by means of rotation of one cheek with respect to the other. Preferably both portions 14a, 14b are mutually couplingable in a manner 25 releasable by coupling means 19. The coupling means coupling 19 can be of the coupling type of shape, in particular for axial and / or radial coupling between the two portions of the bridge, using any interlocking structures male female 20 (example figure 4). In addition or in 5 alternatively the coupling means 19 can be of the type force coupling, especially for coupling circumferential between the two portions of the bridge, for example via a spring ball 23 (example figure 10). In any case it is preferred that the coupling means 19 are configured so 10 such that, when the two portions of the bridge 14 are mutually hooked together, the closing element 11 covers an angular sector of the throat 3. In embodiments the male-female joint 20 may be configured so that it can be turned on and off 15 by rotating one cheek relative to the other to couple axially and / or radially the two portions 14a, 14b of the bridge. In the preferred example of figure 2 the male-female joint 20 includes a dovetail circumferential guide including a 20a circumferential dovetail groove and a relief 20 of corresponding shape 20b obtained on mutually surfaces facing of the two portions 14a, 14b of the bridge. By rotating one cheek to the other it is possible to couple and uncouple the groove 20a with respect to the corresponding relief 20b. In embodiments, a spring-loaded ball 23 is also provided. 25 which acts between the mutually facing surfaces of the two portions 14a, 14b of the bridge to counteract the rotation of a cheek compared to the other. The spring ball thus provides a force coupling between the two portions of the bridge, preventing accidental opening of the locking element 11. 5 In the bridge 14, openings 24 are preferably provided for a third peak 27 (hereinafter also referred to as the binding peak) through which the partial closing element 11 can be tied for example to the retaining top 26 which passes through the central passage 4 (example of figures 7 and 8). Advantageously 10 the binding top 27 can also act as a coupling means circumferential between the two portions 14a, 14b of the bridge. In case the second top 26 does not require adjustments it can be for example, it can be made from a Dyneema® loop or other ring high-strength, low-friction textile that can 15 be made openable by means of a frog fastening 29. How shown in the example in figure 9 the textile ring formed by the second top 26 can be anchored to cheeks 9, 10 via respective cable clamps 30. In this way the connection to alamaro 29 can also act as a coupling means 20 circumferential between the two portions 14a, 14b of the bridge. Considering that an important feature of the block 1 is the closing of the annular groove 3 to prevent the derailment of the maneuver postponed with a closing element 11 which must not follow the rotation of the unit body 2 of the block but stay still 25 and well oriented without hindering the movements of the postponed maneuver, one advantage of the proposed solution is that it minimizes the friction between the body 2 and the closing element 11 and thus to avoid absolutely that the locking element rotates following the body unit of the block even in the presence of deformations due to the 5 high loads for which this solution is intended. Preferably the central passage 4 of the unit body has bilaterally rounded profiles with increasing diameter d towards the outside to define the shoulders 6, with a bilateral conformation resembling a Venturi tube. In this way the second peak 10 26 can both constitute the textile axis of rotation of the ring and slide itself in the central passage without risk of damage. Referring to the example in figures 3 and 5, the external annular groove 3 may have a diameter D equal to at least 3 and preferably 4 times the diameter d of the central passage 4. In this way the 15 arm of the active torque exerted by the first top 25 to be sent back prevails over the passive torque arm exerted by the second peak 26 in direct contact with the central passage 4. Referring to the example in figures 1 and 2, the operation of the block 1 is as follows. 20 The first top 25, preferably textile, is led into the throat ring 3 of the body of the block 1 and is generally the top from to postpone. The second peak 26, also preferably textile, is instead conducted through the central passage 4. This top can be used as a simple retainer for the block 1, for 25 to bind its structure, for example, to the hull of a vessel, either as a second adjustable maneuver, and in that case it will be able to slide axially in the central passage 4. The third peak 27 (example of figures 7 and 8) can be used to tie the block to the second top 26, passing through the openings 24, so that the 5 cheeks 9, 10 are held from rotating in solid with the body unitary 2. At the same time the unitary body 2 is free to rotate on the textile axis formed by the second peak 26 following the dragging caused when recalling or releasing the first line 25. This way the typical effect of a pulley block is obtained. 10 rotating without having the structural complication. It will also be noted that the structure of the bridge 14 between the cheeks 9, 10 prevents the cheeks from closing on the body under stress of the ring, hindering its rotation. In fact, the bridge 14 plays the main task is to prevent the derailment of the 15 maneuver postponed but at the same time it also serves to make the 11 closure more solid and less deformable. Finally, to insert or remove the second top 25 with respect to the throat 3 it will be enough to release any coupling means 19 and open the bridge 14 by rotating one cheek with respect to the other. In 20 in this way the external annular groove can accommodate maneuvers that They are armed before positioning the block, such as the genoa or spinnaker sheets or the mainsail halyards. The block according to the present invention thus solves the problem proposed and achieves numerous advantages including simplicity 25 construction, versatility of use and high efficiency.

Claims

1. Textile axis block (1) comprising a unitary body (2) essentially toroidal having an external annular groove (3) designed to accommodate a first rope (25) to be returned and a central passage (4) designed to accommodate in direct contact a second rope (26) acting as the textile axis of the block, as well as a partial closing element (11) of the external annular groove (3) rotatable with respect to the unitary body (2), said partial closing element (11) being rotatably supported on the unitary body (2) by means of bearings (15) placed between the partial closing element (11) and the unitary body (2) coaxially to the central passage (4), the partial closing element (11) comprising two parallel and spaced cheeks (9, 10), said bearings (15) comprising rolling elements (16) housed in rolling races (7,8) whose inner ring (12) is obtained on the unitary body (2) and whose outer ring (13) is obtained on the respective cheek (9, 10), characterised by the fact that said cheeks (9, 10) are retained axially by the bearings due to the coupling between the rolling elements (16) and the respective inner (12) and outer (13) rings, said rolling raceways (7, 8) being removably closed by a respective flange (17) for retaining the rolling elements (16) in the corresponding rolling raceways.

2. Block (1) according to claim 1, wherein the central passage (4) is flanked by respective axially protruding shoulders (6) on which the internal ring (12) of the respective rolling raceways (7, 8) is obtained.

3. Block (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the outer ring (13) is obtained partly on the respective cheek (9, 10) and partly on the respective flange (17).

4. Block (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the flanges (17) are fixed to the respective cheeks (9, 10) by means of releasable connection means (18).

5. Block (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said cheeks (9, 10) can be opened to give access to the external annular groove (3) by rotating one cheek with respect to the other.

6. Block (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said cheeks (9, 10) are structurally independent from each other and releasably joined by means of a bridge (14) extending between them radially outside said unitary body (2).

7. Block (1) according to claim 6, wherein said bridge (14) comprises a first and a second portion (14a, 14b) integral respectively with one and the other of said cheeks and coupling means (19) configured to releasably join the first portion (14a) to the second portion (14b).

8. Block (1) according to claim 7, wherein said coupling means (19) comprise a male-female joint (20) which is formed on mutually facing surfaces of said first and second portions (14a, 14b) and is configured to releasably join the first portion to the second portion by rotation of one cheek with respect to the other.

9. Block (1) according to claim 8, wherein said male-female joint (20) comprises a circumferential dovetail guide (20a, 20b).

10. Block (1) according to one or more of claims 7 to 9, wherein said coupling means (19) comprise a sprung ball (23) which acts between mutually facing surfaces of said first and second portions (14a, 14b) to counteract the rotation of one cheek with respect to the other.

11. Block (1) according to one or more of claims 7 to 10, wherein said coupling means (19) comprise openings (24) made on said first and second portions (14a, 14b) for a binding rope (27) to the second rope (26).

12. Block (1) according to one or more of claims 7 to 11, wherein said coupling means (19) comprise a textile ring formed by the second rope (26), said textile ring being anchored to the cheeks (9, 10) by means of respective cable clamps (30) and being openable by means of a frog fastening (29).

13. Block (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the external annular groove (3) has a diameter (D) greater than or equal to 3 times the diameter (d) of the central passage (4).