Refuelling and supply station for yachts

Abstract

A refuelling and supply station (1) for yachts is provided with at least one refuelling apparatus (2) configured to allow the refuelling of a yacht (100) and a barge (10) floating on a water basin and including at least one connection means (11) mostly submerged in the water basin, developing along a crossing axis (la) and defining a channel (11a) crossable by one or more yachts (100) along the crossing axis (la) to cross the station (1) from side to side, and two docks (12) structurally connected to one another by the connection means (11), separated by the channel (11a) and developing along at least one development surface (12a) almost parallel to the free surface of the water basin on which the refuelling apparatus (2) is supported.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] REFUELLING AND SUPPLY STATION FOR YACHTS

[0003] The present invention concerns a refuelling and supply station for yachts of the type specified in the preamble of the first claim.

[0004] In particular, the present invention concerns a station suitable for allowing the refuelling of motor yachts and sailing yachts, especially but not only those powered by fuel, and for the refreshment of the crew. The refuelling and supply station, in more detail, can involve inter alia, fuel, fresh water, battery recharging, galley supplies, or even more.

[0005] As known, sailing and motor yachts require refuelling to continue their navigation. In particular smaller yachts generally look for refuelling and supply stations within port perimeters. Conversely, medium to large-sized yachts prefer to refuel in their mooring area from a tanker that refuels the yacht via a refuelling hose.

[0006] Therefore, yachts refuel within urban or coastal areas, usually inhabited, the waters thereof being possibly used by the citizens themselves for various purposes.

[0007] The disclosed known technique comprises some important drawbacks.

[0008] In particular when yachts dock at the refuelling and supply station, since the latter is substantially adjacent to the coast, at least a part of dirty diesel is spilled into the nearby marine waters.

[0009] With particular reference to the refuelling of medium-sized yachts, the refuelling methods, in addition to causing continuous fuel spills into the water, unnecessarily pollute the air due to the use of the tanker truck engines.

[0010] Therefore, the waters near the refuelling station can be at least partially contaminated, and since they are close to port environments, hence inhabited, pollution poses health risks to citizens.

[0011] Additionally, the fact that the stations are located on the coast at ports means that yachts always have to return to the coast, thus increasing the navigation route.

[0012] Moreover, always considering the use of tanker trucks, this refuelling practice is only possible in the presence of at least three equipped firefighters and booms of at least 50 meters to be positioned around the yacht; therefore, refuelling via tanker truck implies the impossibility of having other yachts nearby, i.e., within about 15-20 meters, and consequently the impossibility of managing the ports as this would imply very high costs, very long refuelling times, even just for the use of the booms, and especially it would mean moving away all yachts within a 15-20 meter radius.

[0013] In conclusion, when multiple yachts are present at refuelling stations, it is often necessary for some to wait for refuelling while the crew stays on board, continuing to pollute the waters whereon the stationary yacht is docked.

[0014] In this situation, the technical task underlying the present invention is to devise a refuelling and supply station for yachts capable of substantially overcoming at least part of the beforementioned drawbacks.

[0015] In the context of said technical task, an important object of the invention is to provide a refuelling and supply station for yachts that drastically reduces water contamination near coastal areas, especially if inhabited.

[0016] Therefore, a further object of the invention is to provide a refuelling and supply station that also reduces air pollution in inhabited areas adjacent to ports, avoiding unnecessary docking and stopping operations for refuelling and supply, considering that in yachts even when the main engines are off, the diesel generators are always on. Another important object of the invention is to provide a refuelling and supply station for yachts that reduces the route required for yachts to fully refuel during navigation. In conclusion, a further object of the invention is to provide a refuelling station that allows the crew to wait for refuelling more comfortably and that, in any case, reduces waiting times.

[0017] The technical task and the specified objects are achieved by a refuelling and supply station for yachts as claimed in the appended claim 1 . Preferred technical solutions are highlighted in the dependent claims.

[0018] The features and advantages of the invention are made clearer by the detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0019] Fig. 1 shows a schematic top view of a refuelling and supply station for yachts according to the invention;

[0020] Fig. 2 illustrates a perspective view of part of a refuelling and supply station for yachts according to the invention;

[0021] Fig. 3 is a cross-section view of a refuelling and supply station for yachts according to the invention;

[0022] Fig. 4 represents a detailed view of a bulkhead wherein an energy conversion device of a refuelling and supply station for yachts according to the invention is positioned;

[0023] Fig. 5 shows a detailed view of a preferred embodiment of an energy conversion device of a refuelling and supply station for yachts according to the invention;

[0024] Fig. 6 illustrates a front view of an example of transmission means with a double conical gear structure of an energy conversion device of a refuelling and supply station for yachts according to the invention wherein the cursor is in a first position;

[0025] Fig. 7 is a front view of an example of transmission means with a glyph oscillating structure of an energy conversion device of a refuelling and supply station for yachts according to the invention wherein the cursor is in a first position; and

[0026] Fig. 8 shows the transmission means of Fig. 7 wherein the cursor is in a second position.

[0027] In this document, measurements, values, shapes, and geometric references (such as perpendicularity and parallelism), when associated with words like "approximately" or other similar terms such as "substantially", are to be understood as subject to measurement errors or inaccuracies due to production and / or manufacturing errors, and especially subject to a slight deviation from the value, measure, shape, or geometric reference to which it is associated. For example, such terms, if associated with a value, preferably indicate a deviation not exceeding 10% of the value itself.

[0028] Furthermore, when used, terms like "first", "second", "upper", "lower", "main", and "secondary" do not necessarily identify an order, priority of relationship, or relative position, but can simply be used to more clearly distinguish between different components.

[0029] Unless otherwise specified, as it results from the following discussions, it is considered that terms such as "processing", "computing", "determination", "calculation", or similar refer to the action and / or processes of a computer or similar electronic computing device that manipulates and / or transforms data represented as physical quantities, such as electronic quantities of registers of a computer system and / or memories in, other data similarly represented as physical quantities within computer systems, registers or other storage, transmission, or display devices of information.

[0030] The measurements and data reported in this text are to be considered, unless otherwise indicated, as carried out in the International Standard Atmosphere ICAO (ISO 2533:1975).

[0031] With reference to the Figures, the refuelling and supply station for yachts according to the invention is globally denoted by the number 1.

[0032] The station 1 is substantially suitable for allowing the refuelling and supply of yachts 100

[0033] The yachts 100 are preferably, but not exclusively, motor yachts and also sailing yachts equipped with motors. For example, the yacht 100 can be a yacht with an engine powered by fuel, such as diesel, or even electric power.

[0034] Furthermore, the yacht 100 can be of any size.

[0035] The station 1 , therefore, comprises at least one refuelling apparatus 2.

[0036] The refuelling apparatus 2, obviously, is configured to allow the refuelling of a yacht 100.

[0037] To this end, the refuelling apparatus 2 may include one or more, of a fuel supply means, for example, diesel and electric energy supply means.

[0038] The station 1 is also suitable for allowing offshore refuelling and supply of yachts 100, that is, away from the coast. Therefore, advantageously, station 1 comprises a barge 10.

[0039] The barge 10, as known, is substantially a floating platform. Therefore, the barge 10 floats on a water basin, for example offshore.

[0040] To allow floating, it may or may not include floats or other air-filled elements that allow it to be supported on the water basin. Naturally, the barge 10 is extended over an area that allows locally reducing the pressure exerted by the barge 10 itself on the water basin so as to facilitate its floating and avoid it sinking.

[0041] In any case, preferably, the barge 10 comprises at least one connection means 11 and two docks 12.

[0042] The connection means 11 is substantially a connecting portion between the docks 12.

[0043] Preferably, the connection means 11 defines a structure having a semi-tubular shape. The term “semi-tubular” means that this portion substantially defines an open shell, i.e. formed by walls, preferably closed or solid but that are not tubularly closed but at least have an open gap.

[0044] Naturally, the connection means 11 could be made by one or more connecting beams or other connecting systems suitable for defining at least a connection skeleton between the docks 12.

[0045] Connection means 11 , therefore, is mostly submerged in the water basin. Furthermore, it develops along a crossing axis 1a. The crossing axis 1 a is, for example, the axis around which the delimiting walls of the connection means 11 develop.

[0046] Therefore, connection means 11 also defines a channel 11a. The channel 11 a is substantially delimited by the connection means 11. Therefore, channel 11a develops along the crossing axis 1 a. Consequently, the channel 11a can be crossed by one or more yachts 100 along the crossing axis 1 a to cross the station 1 from side to side.

[0047] The connection means 11 may also include additional arrangements.

[0048] For example, the connection means 11 may include at least a pair of end barriers 13

[0049] If present, end barriers 13 are both openable. Furthermore, the end barriers 13 are preferably arranged at opposite ends, along the crossing axis 1 a, of the connection means 11. Therefore, the end barriers 13 are collectively configured to allow or obstruct yacht access into or exit from channel 11 a and thus into and from station 1. Therefore, preferably, the end barriers 13 are arranged transversely to the crossing axis 1 a.

[0050] Additionally, the connection means 11 could also include at least one intermediate barrier 14.

[0051] Preferably, connection means 11 includes at least a pair of intermediate barriers 14. Similarly to the end barriers 13, the intermediate barriers 14 are also openable. Furthermore, the intermediate barriers 14, if more than one, are mutually distinct and separate. Additionally, the intermediate barriers 14 are preferably arranged transversely to the crossing axis 1 a in such a way as to obstruct the passage of a yacht 100 along the crossing axis 1 a when closed. Therefore, the intermediate barriers 14 are collectively configured to form at least two compartments 15 along the connection means 11. If the end barriers 14 are two, they will form three compartments 15 (Fig. 1 ).

[0052] The compartments 15 correspond each to a section of the channel 11a. Furthermore, each compartment 15 is preferably suitable for housing at least one yacht 100. Therefore, the compartments 15 define waiting or refuelling spaces for the yachts 100 within which these can be safely moored or otherwise positioned inside the channel 11 a, that is, at the station 1 .

[0053] This considered, station 1 can preferably include at least one refuelling apparatus 2 operating at least in one and more in detail in each of the compartments 15.

[0054] Even more in detail, one or more of the docks 12 include at least one refuelling apparatus 2 for each compartment 15.

[0055] As already mentioned, connection means 11 connects the docks 12. Therefore, the latter are mutually distinct and separate from channel 11 a. Therefore, the docks 12 preferably develop parallel to the crossing axis 1 a, along at least one development surface 12a.

[0056] The development surface 12a is almost parallel to the free surface of the water basin. Furthermore, the development surface 12a is substantially the surface on which at least one refuelling apparatus 2 is supported. Therefore, each dock 12 preferably defines a development surface 12a on which equipment, including, for example, the at least one refuelling apparatus 2, or even people, such as the crew members of the yachts 100, can be accommodated.

[0057] Station 1 may include additional arrangements.

[0058] For example, one or more of the docks 2 may include a canopy 17.

[0059] If present, canopy 17 substantially shelters the development surface 12a from the outside, for example from the splashes of the water basin breaking against the barge 10, especially in case of poor weather conditions, or more simply from the sun rays. Furthermore, canopy 17 may itself include additional elements, such as solar panels capable of extracting energy from the sun to redistribute it to the station 1 , for example through cables known to the current state of the art. Optionally, solar panels can also be operatively connected to one or more refuelling apparatuses 2 to allow their operation and / or provide at least part of the energy for refuelling. Additionally, one or more docks 12 may include a refreshment area 18.

[0060] If present, the refreshment area 18 can include services dedicated to the crew, such as bar services, restaurant, and / or bathrooms. Or, the refreshment area 18 can include a galley suitable for allowing the supply of perishable materials, such as food, for a new provisioning of yacht 100 galley.

[0061] In addition, further to what has been disclosed, the connection means 11 may include, at one or more of its ends, a mouth 16.

[0062] If present, mouth 16 is approximately funnel-shaped. It therefore defines at least two walls converging towards the crossing axis 11a. In detail, preferably, the mouth 16 diverges from the inside towards the outside of the channel 11 a. Therefore, the mouth 16 is, in fact, configured to guide the entry or exit of a yacht 100 into or from channel 11 a.

[0063] The walls of the connection means 11 could also include cavities within which ballast 111 could be housed.

[0064] Therefore, more generally, the connection means 11 could include one or more removable ballast 111.

[0065] The cavities, alternatively, could be used as tanks for containing fuel. Therefore, one or more cavities could be in fluid flow connection with one or more refuelling apparatuses 2.

[0066] To ensure the accumulation of energy extracted from the external environment, in addition or alternatively to solar panels, connection means 11 could include at least one energy conversion device 3. This device 3 is substantially capable of generating electrical energy by interacting with the water basin. In particular, therefore, the device 3 is preferably placed at the free surface of the water basin, or better still in the area of connection means 11 destined to be placed at the free surface.

[0067] For example, this area may be the area just below one or more docks 12.

[0068] Preferably, connection means 11 includes one or more rows of devices 3 developing parallel to the crossing axis 1 a, as shown, for example, in Fig. 1.

[0069] Device 3 can therefore be of various types.

[0070] In a preferred embodiment, the device 3 is configured as follows. The connection means 11 preferably includes a chamber 110.

[0071] The chamber 110 is substantially defined by a casing or tank. Therefore, it is substantially a closed element within which objects can be housed. In particular, the chamber 110 defines a containment volume 110a.

[0072] The containment volume 110a is, of course, the space delimited by the walls of the chamber 110. Therefore, the containment volume 110a is the portion within which other components can be housed. Preferably, the chamber 110 includes at least one gas.

[0073] The gas is substantially an aeriform fluid. Therefore, it is a compressible fluid housed in the containment space 110a. The gas can be, any, i.e. air. Or, gas can include or be composed of inert gas.

[0074] The chamber 110 is also submerged in the water basin. Therefore, the containment volume 110a is preferably surrounded by the water of the water basin.

[0075] The chamber 110 preferably also includes an access 110b.

[0076] The access 110b is substantially defined by an opening. The opening then puts the chamber 110, in particular the containment volume 110a, in fluid flow connection with the water of the water basin.

[0077] The access 110b is, however, preferably but not necessarily, facing the seabed, as shown in Fig. 5. Therefore, the access 110b can possibly face the seabed or a part of the wall of the connection means 11 . This configuration, in detail, allows the gas to obstruct the entry of water into the containment volume 110a. Indeed, the water can rise through the access 110b and / or fill part of the containment volume 110a to the extent that it can compress the gas isolated inside the containment volume 110a. To control the water level at the access 110b and / or in the containment volume 110a, the system 1 may include a control device 34.

[0078] The control device 34 is, therefore, in fluid flow connection with the containment volume 110a. For example, the control device 34 can be placed inside the containment volume 110a.

[0079] In any case, the control device 34 is configured to convey gas into the containment volume 110a. In such a way, the control device 34 can control the pressure exerted by the gas onto the water at least at the access 110b. Indeed, one only needs to introduce gas into the containment volume 110a until the gas pressure is sufficient to push the water downwards. The displacement of the water free surface downwards implies an increase in the pressure exerted by the water onto the gas at the access 110b. Therefore, when the gas and water pressures are balanced, the water level at the access 110b is stable.

[0080] The control device 34, therefore, advantageously allows controlling the water level in the chamber 110 at any time and also allows restoring the water level even when load losses occur, due, for example, by gas dissolving in water and, thereafter, the pressure in the containment volume 110a decreases.

[0081] For this purpose, the control device 34 may include, for example, a pressure sensor or a water level gauge inside the chamber 110a, particularly within the containment volume 110a and exactly at the access 110b.

[0082] The device 3 therefore includes at least one float 30.

[0083] The float 30 is an element capable of floating on the free surface of the water. Therefore, the float 30 is an element that remains at least partially afloat and is capable of generating a buoyant force higher than its own weight.

[0084] In any case, preferably, the float 30 is configured to capture the wave motion. To this end, the float 30 may include one or more buoys. The buoy may, therefore, also include light and / or visual signals that allow sighting by nearby yachts.

[0085] The device 3 also includes a coil 31.

[0086] The coil 31 is preferably at least partially housed in the containment volume 110a.

[0087] The coil 31 is substantially an element including a solid core on which material in a filament or ribbon shape can be wound. The coil 31 can, therefore, be considered similar to a reel.

[0088] The coil 31 may include at least a first shaft 310.

[0089] The first shaft 310 is housed within the containment volume 110a. Furthermore, it is substantially a rotating element. Therefore, the first shaft 310 preferably defines the core of coil 31 . In particular, the first shaft 310 rotates, relative to the chamber 110, around a first rotation axis 31a.

[0090] The first rotation axis 31 a can be facing in any direction. For example, it can be parallel to the free surface of the water basin.

[0091] In any case, the coil 31 includes opposition means 311. The opposition means 311 are configured to oppose the rotation of the first shaft 310 around the first rotation axis 31 a. In particular, the opposition means 311 are configured to oppose the rotation in at least one direction. In such a way, when the first shaft 310 is rotated, it tends to return to an initial rest position. Naturally, the rotation can be hindered by the opposition means 311 in both directions, around the first rotation axis 31 a.

[0092] Therefore, the coil 31 also includes a rope 312. The term rope 312 generically refers to an elongated object developing mainly along a main direction and whose section is reduced. It can therefore be similar to a cable or wire and can include any material. For example, it can be a rope including braided wires that are more resistant in water.

[0093] The rope 312 is constrained between the float 30 and the first shaft 310. The rope 312 is therefore the connecting element between the float 30 and the first shaft 310 and allows transmitting the motion of the float 30 to the first shaft 310.

[0094] The rope 312 can be wound around the coil 31 to command the rotation of the first shaft 310. To this end, therefore, the coil 31 includes a winding reel for part of the rope 312 and the reel can be defined by a portion of the shaft 310, that is, part of the shaft 310 consists of the reel.

[0095] In detail, the rope 312 is configured to rotate the first shaft 310 around the first rotation axis 31 a proportionally to the wave motion. Even more in detail, preferably, the rope 312 is configured to rotate the first shaft 310 around the first rotation axis 31 a in opposition to the opposition means 311 .

[0096] Preferably, therefore, the opposition means 311 tend to wind the rope 312 in such a way as to keep it taut between the float 30 and the first shaft 310 and so that when the float 30 encounters a wave trough and the distance from the first shaft 310 is reduced, the opposition means 311 wind the rope 312 around the first shaft 310.

[0097] Therefore, the rope 312 is configured to be wound around or unwound from the first shaft 310.

[0098] The device 3 also includes a generator 32.

[0099] The generator 32 is preferably housed in the containment volume 30. Furthermore, the generator 32 is preferably an electric power generator. Therefore, it can convert mechanical energy, given by movement, into electric energy. Preferably, the generator 32 is of the rotary type.

[0100] Therefore, the generator 32 includes a second shaft 320.

[0101] The second shaft 320 is, therefore, an element that rotates defining the mechanical energy then subsequently converted into electric energy by the generator 32.

[0102] In particular, preferably, the second shaft 320 rotates, relative to the chamber 110, around a second rotation axis 32a.

[0103] The second rotation axis 32a can also be facing in any direction. Therefore, the second rotation axis 32a can also be parallel to the free surface of the water basin. Furthermore, the second rotation axis 32a can be aligned with the first rotation axis 31 a or parallel to it.

[0104] The generator 32 can, of course, be connected to the outside. For example, it can include connectors configured to communicate with the outside of the chamber 110 to bring electrical energy to the outside. Or, the generator 32 can be operatively connected to an electric power accumulator.

[0105] Additionally, the control device 34 can be operatively connected to the generator 32. In this way, at least part of the energy generated by the generator 32 can be used to power the control device 34. In the preferred embodiment, the device 3 includes transmission means 33.

[0106] The transmission means 33 are preferably housed in the containment volume 30. In particular, furthermore, they are operatively connected to the first shaft 310 and the second shaft 320. Therefore, they are configured to move the second shaft 320 in response to a movement of the first shaft 310.

[0107] In other words, the transmission means 33 determine transferring to second shaft 320 of the generator 32 the mechanical energy received from the float 30 through wave motion and sensed by the first shaft 310.

[0108] The transmission means 33 comprise, in broad terms, at least two components.

[0109] In particular, the transmission means 33 include at least one flywheel 330 and conversion means 331.

[0110] The flywheel 330 is preferably integral with the second shaft 320. Therefore, the flywheel 330 is configured to rotate together with the second shaft 320 around the second rotation axis 32a.

[0111] Structurally, the flywheel 330 can consist of a rotating disk.

[0112] The conversion means 331 are partially integral with at least the first shaft 310. Furthermore, the conversion means 331 are advantageously configured to convert the reciprocating circular motion of the first shaft 310 into a continuous and one-way circular motion of the flywheel 330. In this way, the second shaft 320 can rotate proportionally to the first shaft 310 in a one-way manner, in unison with the flywheel 60, that is, continuously, in order to build up inertia, even if the movement of the first shaft 310 is reciprocating.

[0113] The conversion means 331 can be made in different ways.

[0114] In a preferred embodiment, as shown in Fig. 6, the conversion means 331 can include a crown 331a.

[0115] The crown 331 a is preferably integral with the first shaft 310. Therefore, the crown 331 a is suitable for transmitting the rotation of the first shaft 310 to the flywheel 330. The flywheel 330 is preferably integral with the second shaft 320. The conversion means 331 also include a drive shaft 331c. The drive shaft 331 c is suitable for moving the flywheel around the second rotation axis 32a. In particular, it is operatively connected to the flywheel 330 in such a way as to be able to rotate the flywheel 330 in a one-way manner.

[0116] To this end, for example, it is sufficient to structurally constrain the drive shaft 331c to the flywheel 330 through a one-way clutch. A similar device is commonly found in the pulling mechanisms of bicycles wherein the wheel is pulled by the mechanism, but it is also free to rotate relative to it when it reaches a rotational speed higher than that of the pulling mechanism, in this case relative to the drive shaft 331 c.

[0117] The conversion means 331 also include at least two gears 331b.

[0118] The gears 331 b are operatively connected to the crown 331 a in such a way as to be counter-rotated, around the second rotation axis 32a, proportionally to said crown 331 a. Therefore, each of the gears 331 b defines, with the crown 331 a, a bevel gear. Furthermore, each of the gears 331 b is operatively connected to the drive shaft 331 c in such a way as to be able to rotate, when rotated by the crown 331 a, the drive shaft 331 c in a one-way and equidirectional manner, that is, along only the same direction.

[0119] To this end, the gears 331 b can also be each constrained to the drive shaft 331 c through a respective one-way clutch.

[0120] In a further embodiment, the conversion means 331 can include a first stage 332 and a second stage 333.

[0121] The first stage 332 and the second stage 333 are substantially two conversion stages of motion one after the other.

[0122] In particular, preferably, the first stage 332 includes a slider 332a.

[0123] The slider 332a is a mobile element. Preferably, it is mobile along a first direction 332b. The first direction 332b can be rectilinear or curvilinear. For example, the first direction 332b can be a skew axis relative to the first rotation axis 31a. Possibly, the first direction 332b can be crossed, possibly perpendicularly, to the first rotation axis 31 a.

[0124] Furthermore, the slider 332a is preferably operatively connected to the first shaft 310 in such a way that the first stage 332 is configured to convert the reciprocating circular motion of the first shaft 310 into a reciprocating linear motion of the slider 332a.

[0125] To this end, the first shaft 310 could include a crown suitable for meshing a gearing developing along the first direction 332b on the slider 332.

[0126] The second stage 333 could instead include a connecting device 333a.

[0127] The connecting device 333a is preferably connected between the slider 332a and the second shaft 320. In particular therefore the connecting device 333a is configured to convert the reciprocating linear motion of the slider 332a into continuous circular motion of the second shaft 320.

[0128] In detail, the stages 332, 333 can make an oscillating glyph mechanism, as shown in Figs. 7-8, or a crankshaft. Naturally, other different types of mechanisms can be used provided that the reciprocating motion of the first shaft 310 can be converted into continuous motion of the second shaft 320. The device 3 may, in addition to what has been disclosed, provide further arrangements to improve resistance and stability.

[0129] For example, the device 3 can include at least one pulley 35 for diverting the rope 312.

[0130] The pulley 35 is a rotating element suitable for guiding the sliding, preferably, of the rope 312. Naturally, the device 3 could include a plurality of pulleys 35 suitable for defining a predetermined path for the rope 312.

[0131] However, preferably, the at least one pulley 35 is placed between the access 110b and the seabed. Therefore, it is preferably configured to convey the rope 312 tangentially so that the rope 312 defines a ll-path between the coil 31 and the float 30 (Fig. 5).

[0132] The pulley 35 so configured, therefore, prevents the rope 312 from being damaged by friction, for example, against the walls of the chamber 110.

[0133] Furthermore, the connection means 11 can include a deflector 19.

[0134] If present, the deflector 19 is placed next to the float 3. Furthermore, the deflector 19 is configured to divert at least part of the water basin affected by the wave motion against the float 30 in such a way as to force it to increase its oscillation.

[0135] In particular, the deflector 19 may include a curved slide 19a. The curved slide 19a preferably wraps around at least part of the float 30. Furthermore, it is configured in such a way that the water of the water basin can slide on its surface thus guiding it to reverse its path. In detail, as shown in Fig. 4, the curved slide 19a is capable of generating return waves that impact the float 30 to make it oscillate.

[0136] The operation of the previously disclosed refuelling and supply station 1 for yachts in structural terms is as follows. Substantially, the barge 10 can be taken offshore to allow offshore yachts 10Orefuelling and suppling. Yachts can enter the channel 11 a through, for example, a mouth 16 and can enter a compartment after passing through one or more barriers 13, 14.

[0137] Once inside the compartment 15, the yacht 100 can be refuelled thanks to the refuelling apparatus 2. The crew of the yacht 100 can disembark on the dock 12 and, if necessary, use the refreshment area 18.

[0138] The energy needed to operate the station 1 can be at least partially recovered from the wave motion of the water basin thanks to the energy conversion devices 3 on the connection means 11 .

[0139] The refuelling and supply station 1 for yachts according to the invention achieves important advantages.

[0140] Indeed, the refuelling and supply station 1 for yachts allows drastically reducing water contamination near coastal areas, especially when inhabited.

[0141] Furthermore, the refuelling and supply station 1 for yachts allows reducing the route required for navigating yachts to fully refuel.

[0142] In conclusion, the refuelling and supply station 1 allows the crew to wait for refuelling more comfortably and, in any case, in lesser waiting times.

[0143] The invention is susceptible to variations within the scope of the inventive concept defined by the claims.

[0144] For example, the station 1 can be configured so that the barriers 13, 14 open only after predetermined actions. In particular, one or more of the compartments 15 could include sensors, for example optical sensor, configured to control or analyse the state of the water present inside the compartment 15. Therefore, the station 1 could wait for the completion of the analyses and thereafter open the barriers 13, 14 only once possible spill of fuel, oils, or other has been excluded.

[0145] In this context, all details can be replaced by equivalent elements and the materials, shapes, and sizes can be any.

Claims

C LA I M S1. Refuelling and supply station (1 ) for yachts comprising at least one refuelling apparatus (2) configured to allow the refuelling of a yacht (100), and characterized by comprising- a barge (10) floating on a water basin and including at least:- a connection means (11 ) mostly submerged in said water basin, developing along a crossing axis (1 a) and defining a channel (11 a) crossable by one or more said yachts (100) along said crossing axis (1 a) to cross from side to side said station (1 ), and- two docks (12) structurally connected to one another by said connection means (11 ), separated by said channel (11 a) and developing along at least one development surface (12a) almost parallel to the free surface of said water basin on which said at least one refuelling apparatus (2) is supported.

2. Station (1 ) according to claim 1 , wherein said connection means (11 ) defines a structure having a semi-tubular shape.

3. Station (1 ) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said connection means (11 ) comprises at least one pair of openable end barriers (13) arranged at opposite ends, along said crossing axis (1 a), of said connection means (11 ) and arranged transversely to said crossing axis (1 a) to allow or obstruct the access or exit of a said yacht (100) into or from said station (1 ).

4. Station (1 ) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said connection means (11 ) further comprises at least a pair of openable intermediate barriers (14), mutually distinct and separate, arranged transversely to said crossing axis (1 a) in such a way as to obstruct the passage of a said yacht (100) along said crossing axis (1a) when closed and configured in such a way as to form at leastthree compartments (15) along said connection means (11 ) suitable for housing at least one said yacht (100).

5. Station (1 ) according to at least the preceding claim, wherein one or more of said docks (12) includes at least one said refuelling apparatus (2) for each of said compartments (15).

6. Station (1 ) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein one or more ends of said tubular portion (11 ) comprise a mouth (16) being approximately funnel- shaped, that is diverging from the inside towards the outside of said station (1 ) and configured to guide the entry or exit of a said yacht (100) into or from said station(I ).

7. Station (1 ) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said connection means (11 ) comprises at least one energy conversion device (3) placed at said free surface of said water basin.

8. Station (1 ) according to the preceding claim, wherein said connection means (11 ) comprises one or more rows of said energy conversion devices (3) developing parallel to said crossing axis (1 a).

9. Station (1 ) according to any of claims 7-8, wherein said connection means(I I ) comprises a chamber (110) defining a containment volume (110a) and one or more of said energy conversion devices (3) comprises:- at least one float (30) configured to capture said wave motion of said water basin,- a coil (31 ) including:- a first shaft (310) housed in said containment volume (110a) and rotating, relative to said chamber (100), around a first rotation axis (31 a),- opposition means (311 ) configured to oppose the rotation of said first shaft (310) around said first rotation axis (31a) in at least one direction, and- a rope (312) constrained between said float (30) and said first shaft (310) and configured to rotate said first shaft (310) around said first rotation axis (31a) proportionally to said wave motion in opposition to said opposition means (31 ),- a rotary electric power generator (32) housed in said containment volume (110a) and including a second shaft (320) rotating, relative to said chamber (110), around a second rotation axis (32a),- transmission means (33) housed in said containment volume (110a), operatively connected to said first shaft (310) and to said second shaft (320) and configured to move said second shaft (320) in response to a movement of said first shaft (310).

10. Station (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein said connection means (11 ) comprises one or more removable ballast (111 ).

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