Rotationally collapsible sail assembly with rigid sections

Abstract

Sail assembly (100) with rigid sections (120,120a), comprising a shaft (110), preferably with a circular cross-section, having a foot (110a); a plurality of rigid wing sail sections, each having an end in the form of a bush (120a) for mounting on the shaft; a shaft movement assembly which comprises a base (130) which has means for supporting the foot (110a) of the shaft (110); a carriage (140) arranged below the base (130) in a vertical direction; wherein the base has, on the opposite side to the side of the means for engagement with the foot of the shaft, means for hinged engagement with the carriage (140) which in turn has coupling means for coupling with the base (130), so that the base is able to rotate with respect to the carriage about a transverse hinge pin; a device (150) for rotationally operating the carriage (140) about a vertical axis; an actuator for raising / tipping over the shaft, hinged with the carriage (140) and the shaft (110) and designed to cause the rotation of the shaft (110) about an axis parallel to the transverse hinge axis, resulting in the raising / tipping over of the sail assembly with respect to the carriage.

Description

[0001] ROTATIONALLY COLLAPSIBLE SAIL ASSEMBLY WITH RIGID SECTIONS

[0002] DESCRIPTION

[0003] The present invention relates to a collapsible sail assembly with rigid sections.

[0004] It is known in the technical sector relating to sailing to use rigid sails as an auxiliary propulsion means for vessels, which are normally commercial, said means being designed to reduce the power required by the engines and consequently the consumption of fuel and the emission of exhaust gases.

[0005] Also known are rigid sails which are designed to be moved in a vertical raising / lowering direction until they are completely concealed inside compartments below deck, therefore being no longer visible and / or avoiding occupying external spaces once lowered.

[0006] Examples of sails according to the prior art are described in WO 2018 / 039705, WO 2023 / 119245 and EP 3 396 075.

[0007] Although serving their function, these types of rigid sail are less suitable for ships which transport merchandise precisely because they occupy spaces below deck which would be useful for stowage of the transported products; in addition, the sail hoisting and / or lowering devices are particularly complicated and costly.

[0008] The technical problem which is posed, therefore, is that of providing rigid sails designed to be raised / lowered using simple and safe movement means, while being able to withstand the different and more severe wind conditions when raised.

[0009] In connection with this problem it is also required that the sails should in any case be able to be oriented depending on the wind conditions, be easy and inexpensive to produce and assemble and be able to be easily installed on any vessel.

[0010] These results are obtained according to the present invention by a rotationally collapsible sail assembly with rigid sections according to the characteristic features of Claim 1.

[0011] Further details may be obtained from the following description of a nonlimiting example of embodiment of the subject of the present invention provided with reference to the attached drawings in which:

[0012] Figure 1a shows a schematic side view of a vessel with sail assembly according to the invention in the raised condition;

[0013] Figure 1b shows a schematic side view of the vessel according to Fig. 1 with the sail assembly folded down onto the deck of the ship;

[0014] Figure 1c shows a schematic top plan view of the vessel according to Fig. 1 with the sail assembly folded down onto the deck of the ship;

[0015] Figure 2 shows a side view of a first example of embodiment of a sail assembly with rigid sections according to the present invention;

[0016] Figure 3 shows a detailed perspective view of the base of the sail shaft;

[0017] Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the rotating carriage supporting the base of the sail shaft;

[0018] Figure 4a shows a perspective view of the assembly for rotating the sail shaft;

[0019] Figure 5a shows a partially sectioned side view of the means for rotational movement of the sail;

[0020] Figure 5b shows a partially sectioned top plan view of the mechanism for rotationally operating the sail;

[0021] Figure 6 shows a perspective view of a sail provided with manoeuvrable end flaps;

[0022] Figure 7a shows a perspective view of a second example of embodiment of a double-wing sail with rigid sections according to the present invention;

[0023] Figure 7b shows a partially sectioned plan view of the means for opening and closing the wings shown in Fig. 7a;

[0024] Figure 8 shows a perspective view of a further embodiment of a sail according to the present invention.

[0025] As shown and assuming solely for the sake of easier description a set of three reference axes, i.e. in a longitudinal direction X-X, corresponding to a widthwise direction of the sail assembly; vertical direction Z-Z parallel to the lengthwise direction of a shaft of the sail assembly in the raised position; and transverse direction Y-Y, perpendicular to the longitudinal and vertical directions, a preferred example of a sail assembly 100 with rigid sections according to the invention (Fig. 2) comprises:

[0026] - a shaft 110, preferably with a circular cross-section, having a foot 110a;

[0027] - a plurality of rigid sail sections 120 which are arranged above one another in the vertical direction Z-Z and have an end in the form of a bush 120a for mounting on the shaft 110a and a free end 120b, opposite to the first end; in a preferred embodiment, each bush comprises interlocking joints, not shown, for fastening with the respectively upper and lower adjacent sections; although not shown in detail, the interlocking joints are designed to constrain the adjacent sections so as to prevent a relative rotation of the sections, while allowing only the rotation of the entire sail;

[0028] - a shaft movement assembly which comprises:

[0029] -- a base 130 (Fig. 3) with an upper surface 131a supporting the foot 110a of the shaft 110 and lower surface 131b, opposite the surface for engagement with the shaft, which has two lugs 132 extending in the vertical direction Z-Z and respectively provided with a through-hole 132a in the transverse direction Y-Y configured for insertion of a transverse pin 132b so as form a hinge with an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X-X;

[0030] - a carriage 140 (Fig. 4) which has:

[0031] - a flange 141 extending in the vertical direction Z-Z and in turn provided with a through-hole 141a in the transverse direction Y-Y for engagement with the hinge pin 132b;

[0032] - two lugs 143 arranged opposite the flange 141 in the longitudinal direction X-X and extending in a vertical direction Z-Z and provided with a respective through-hole 143a in the transverse direction configured for engagement with a hinge pin 144 of an actuator 160 for raising / lowering the shaft described more fully below;

[0033] - the carriage 140 is integral (Figs. 5a, 5b) with a device 150 for rotationally opening the shaft 110, comprising an axle 151 with an upper plate 151a for fastening to the carriage 140, a bottom base 152 which has, coaxially mounted thereon, a gearing 153a which can be actuated by means of a chain 153b, or toothed belt, in turn moved by a pinion 153c integral with the shaft ml of a motor M.

[0034] Although shown with an orientation in a vertical direction, it is envisaged that the device 150 may also be arranged with an orientation in a transverse direction, depending on the free space available.

[0035] The actuator for raising / lowering the shaft comprises in particular a hydraulic piston 160 (Fig. 2) which is hinged with the carriage 140 and the rod 161 of which is hinged with the shaft 110; actuation of the piston is designed to cause the rotation of the shaft 110 about an axis parallel to the transverse hinge axis formed by the transverse pin 132b, resulting in raising / lowering of the sail assembly with respect to the carriage.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment, the shaft 110 is fastened to a trellis 170 by means of arms 171. The bottom end of the trellis 170 is fastened to the base 130; the connection to the trellis reinforces the resistance to the forces acting on the sail without hindering the possibility of orienting and tilting the sail.

[0037] As shown, each wing section 120 may be extended in the longitudinal direction X-X by means of a flap 180 which is connected to the respective section by means of an interlocking joint 181 provided with a vertical-axis hinge 182; if provided with a hinge, the flaps may be oriented independently of the sail sections by means of hydraulic, mechanical and / or electric means designed to cause the rotation thereof.

[0038] As shown in Fig. 7a, it is possible to envisage an embodiment of the sail which has a double arrangement of sail sections 120 which each have two wings arranged opposite each other in the longitudinal direction X-X; as in the previous example, the sections are mounted on the shaft 110 by means of a bush 120a integral with the two wings.

[0039] A mechanism 190 for performing opening / closing of the two wings is provided at a suitable height along the shaft; in a preferred embodiment, the mechanism 190 comprises two actuating devices acting in opposition to each other and respectively comprising at least one cylinder 191 , per wing, fastened to a flange 192 integral with a bush 120a and an associated rod 191a integral with the respective wing; as shown in Fig. 7b, the controlled actuation of the two cylinders by - per se conventional - operating means causes the closing / opening of the two wings at suitable angles depending on the degree of tilting required and / or the wind conditions acting thereon.

[0040] Although not shown, it is envisaged that, both in the case of a single-wing rigid section and in the case of a double-wing rigid section, each rigid section may be rotationally operated singly and relative to the other sections by means of corresponding actuators, so as to provide a suitable sail surface area which is exposed to the direction and force of the wind; in this case the wing bush does not have the said interlocking joint for preventing relative rotation.

[0041] As shown in Fig. 8, it is possible to envisage a further variation of embodiment of the sail section which, in this case, has wings 220 provided with pins 221 extending outwards in the longitudinal direction from the opposite ends thereof; the pins are designed for insertion in respective seats 221a of the shaft 110 and of a support frame 223, which in this case may also be associated with a reinforcing trellis.

[0042] The sections in this way are able to rotate about a horizontal axis so as to vary the angle of incidence of the wind, down to the flat condition, during the raising / lowering manoeuvres or if its required to reduce the sail area during navigation.

[0043] A flap 180 may be mounted on the support frame 223 by means of a vertical-axis hinge 182.

[0044] Although not specifically described for each movement, it will be understood by the person skilled in the art that the relative orientations must be such as to allow the raising / lowering movements of the shaft 120 and / or the rotation thereof about its axis so as to orient the sails towards the wind

[0045] It is also envisaged that the rigid sections may be lined with elements suitable for the production of electric energy which can be used for the operating movements and / or electric service devices.

[0046] It is envisaged that the sail assembly may comprise devices for controlling and operating the sail movement actuators, and rigid sections which can be activated manually and / or remotely by programmable control units.

[0047] It is therefore clear how the sail assembly according to the invention is such that it may be used on vessels transporting merchandise without occupying spaces intended for stowage and, in the lowered condition, allow covered protection of the deck on transport or cruiser ships as required.

[0048] The sail assembly according to the invention constitutes an auxiliary system for propelling vessels which results in a reduced fuel consumption of the main propulsion engines, with a reduction in the CO2 emissions and reduced atmospheric pollution.

[0049] In the version equipped with clean energy production systems, a further reduction in energy is also obtained as regards the consumption needed for the general energy requirements of the vessel equipment.

[0050] Although described in connection with a number of embodiments and a number of preferred examples of implementation of the invention, it is understood that the scope of protection of the present patent is determined solely by the claims below.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Sail assembly (100) with rigid sections (120,120a), comprising:- a shaft (110), preferably with a circular cross-section, having a foot (110a);- a plurality of rigid wing sail sections (120), each having an end in the form of a bush (120a) for mounting on the shaft;- a shaft movement assembly which comprises:- a base (130) which has means for supporting the foot (110a) of the shaft (110);- a carriage (140) arranged underneath the base (130) in a vertical direction; wherein the base has, on the opposite side to the side of the means for engagement with the foot of the shaft, means for hinged engagement with the carriage (140) which in turn has coupling means for coupling with the base (130), whereby the base is able to rotate with respect to the carriage about a transverse-axis hinge pin (132b);- a device (150) for rotational operation of the carriage (140) about a vertical axis;- an actuator for raising / tipping over the shaft, hinged to the carriage (140) and the shaft (110) and designed to cause rotation of the shaft (110) about an axis parallel to the transverse hinge axis, causing raising / tipping over of the sail assembly with respect to the carriage.

2. Sail assembly according to Claim 1, characterized in that the means for hinged engagement of the base with the carriage comprise two lugs (132) extending in the vertical direction (Z-Z) towards the carriage and provided with a respective through-hole (132a) in a transverse direction (Y-Y) configured for insertion of a transverse pin (132b) which forms the hinge axis.

3. Sail assembly according to one of the preceding claims, wherein each bush comprises interlocking joints for performing fastening with the respectively upper and lower adjacent sections, designed to prevent relative rotation of the adjacent sections.

4. Sail assembly according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuator for raising / lowering the shaft comprises a hydraulic piston (160) which is hinged together with the carriage (140) and the shaft (110) and operation of which causes raising / lowering rotation of the shaft (110) and thebase (130) about the hinge axis with respect to the carriage.

5. Sail assembly according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the coupling means for coupling the carriage (140) with the base comprise a flange (141) extending in the vertical direction (Z-Z) and provided with a through-hole (141a) in the transverse direction configured for engagement with the hinge pin (132b); and / or in that the carriage is hinged with the actuator (160) by means of transverse-axis coupling means arranged opposite the means for hinged engagement with the base in a direction perpendicular to the hinge axis, preferably comprising two lugs (143) arranged opposite the flange (141) in a direction perpendicular to the hinge axis and extending in a vertical direction (Z-Z) towards the base (130), and provided with a respective through-hole (143a) configured for engagement with a hinge pin (144) of an actuator (160).

6. Sail assembly according to Claim 1, characterized in that said device (150) for rotationally operating the shaft (110) comprises an axle (151) with an upper plate (151a) for fastening to the carriage (140) and movement take-up means for taking up the movement from a motor (M).

7. Sail assembly according to the preceding claim, wherein the movement take-up means include a bottom base (152) which has, coaxially mounted thereon, a gearing (153a) and a transmission (153b) connected to a pinion (153c) integral with a shaft (ml) of the motor (M).

8. Sail assembly according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the shaft (110) is fastened to a trellis (170) by means of arms (171), the bottom end of the trellis (170) being fastened to the base (130).

9. Sail assembly according to Claim 1, characterized in that each sail section (120) is extended in the longitudinal direction (X-X) by means of a flap (180) connected to the respective section by means of an interlocking joint (181) provided with a vertical-axis hinge (182) about which it may rotate upon operation of hydraulic, mechanical or electrical means.

10. Sail assembly according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the sail comprises sail sections (120) arranged opposite each other in the longitudinal direction (X-X) and an operating mechanism (190) for opening / closing the two wings.

11. Sail assembly according to the preceding claim, characterized in thatthe mechanism (190) comprises at least two actuating devices acting in opposition to each other and respectively comprising at least one cylinder (191), per wing, fastened to a flange (192) integral with a bush (120a) and an associated rod (191a) integral with the respective wing.

12. Sail assembly according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it comprises a mechanism (190) for each sail section, designed to allow different wing opening adjustments along the shaft (110).

13. Sail assembly according to Claim 1, characterized in that wings (220) are provided with pins (221) extending outwards in the longitudinal direction from opposite ends thereof, the pins being able to be inserted inside respective seats (221a) of the shaft (110) and of a support frame (223).

14. Sail assembly according to Claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a flap (180) connected to the support frame (223) by means of a vertical-axis hinge (182).

15. Sail assembly according to Claim 1, characterized in that the sail sections are lined with elements configured for the production of electric energy.

16. Sail assembly according to Claim 1, characterized in that it comprises devices for controlling and operating the sail movement actuators and rigid sections, which can be activated manually and / or remotely by programmable control units.

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