Collapsible sail system

Abstract

The invention relates to a collapsible sail system comprising a sail (2) that can move between a use position and a collapsed position; a base (1) that supports the sail (2), the base (1) being able to rotate between the use position and the collapsed position; a support (3) that hingedly supports the base (1); and a plurality of actuating cylinders (4) that move the base (1) from the use position to the collapsed position or vice versa. The invention provides a collapsible sail system that can be placed in a use position and in a collapsed position and which allows the sail position to be changed easily and safely.

Description

[0001] FOLDING SAIL SYSTEM

[0002] DESCRIPTION

[0003] Object of the invention

[0004] The present invention relates to a jib sail system, in particular a jib suction sail system for boats, which can be placed in a use position and in a folded position.

[0005] Background of the invention

[0006] On ships, sails are used to propel the ship using the forces generated by the wind.

[0007] Traditional sails are made of a flexible material and are attached to a tall mast, to maximize their size and take advantage of the wind's force on the sails.

[0008] There are also suction candles that are rigid, which are also very tall and can be folded down when not in use.

[0009] For example, these suction sails need to be set up to comply with height restrictions in ports due to bridges and other elements.

[0010] Without this possibility of lowering, it would not be possible for a ship to have these suction sails.

[0011] In addition, the ship's loading and unloading system in a port must also be prevented from colliding with the suction sails if they are not lowered.

[0012] Therefore, it is necessary that the suction cups can be placed in a folded position to avoid these inconveniences.

[0013] However, it is common for suction sail lowering systems to be complex and expensive.

[0014] Description of the invention

[0015] Therefore, an objective of the present invention is to provide a folding sail system, which can be placed in a use position and in a folded position, which allows the position of the sail to be varied in a simple and safe manner.

[0016] With the folding sail system of the invention, the aforementioned drawbacks are resolved, presenting other advantages that will be described below.

[0017] The lowering sail system according to the present invention is described in claim 1, and the dependent claims include additional features that are optional.

[0018] In particular, the abatement sail system comprises:

[0019] - a base supporting a candle, said base being rotatable between the use position and the folded position;

[0020] - a support, which supports said base in an articulated manner; and

[0021] - a plurality of drive cylinders that drive the movement of said base from the use position to the folded position, or vice versa.

[0022] Preferably, each drive cylinder comprises a first and second joint at its ends.

[0023] Furthermore, the folding sail system according to the present invention preferably also comprises a plurality of locking elements that lock the base in the use position.

[0024] According to a preferred embodiment, each locking element comprises a locking shaft that can be moved between a locked position, in which the locking shaft is located within a hole in the base, and a released position, in which the locking shaft is located outside the hole in the base. Preferably, the base comprises stops that abut the support in the folded position.

[0025] Furthermore, the folding sail system according to the present invention preferably also comprises a turning element, for example a bearing, located between the base and the sail.

[0026] In particular, the folding sail system according to the present invention provides, among others, the following advantages:

[0027] - The time required to lower the sail is short enough not to affect the operation of the ship and / or the port;

[0028] - Ensures perfect fixation of the sail in working position to avoid losing performance;

[0029] - Ensures that the sail never gets stuck in an intermediate position, considering completely vertical and completely horizontal positions as correct;

[0030] - Access to the sail is from inside the lowering system;

[0031] - In the event of a power failure, the sail remains stopped in that position and slowly lowers to a horizontal position;

[0032] - The system operates in calm waters, and withstands inclement weather in either vertical or horizontal positions;

[0033] - In the event of a controlled failure, it allows the movement to end, both up and down, of the sail, in maintenance mode;

[0034] - Allows the lowering system to operate in calm waters, and / or docked in a port;

[0035] - Ensures the sail is attached to the boat, without losing the sail's contribution to the boat.

[0036] Brief description of the drawings

[0037] For a better understanding of what has been explained, some drawings are attached which, schematically and solely as a non-limiting example, represent a practical case of implementation.

[0038] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the lower part of the folding sail system according to the present invention, in its use position;

[0039] Figure 2 is a front elevational view of the lower part of the lowering sail system according to the present invention, in its use position;

[0040] Figure 3 is a front elevational view of the lower portion of the lowering sail system according to the present invention, in its lowered position; and

[0041] Figure 4 is a sectional view of a locking element that locks the sail in its use position.

[0042] Description of a preferred embodiment

[0043] Figures 1 to 3 show the lowered sail system according to the present invention, comprising a sail (2) that can be placed in a use position, shown in Figure 2, or in a folded position, shown in Figure 3.

[0044] In the operating position, the sail (2) is in a vertical position, relative to the deck of the boat, and in the lowered position, the sail (2) is in a horizontal position, relative to the deck of the boat.

[0045] It should be noted that in the description and claims, the term "sail" refers to any type of sail or similar, such as a Flettner rotor, a suction sail, a rigid sail, etc.

[0046] To allow this movement from the position of use to the folded position, the folding sail system according to the present invention comprises a base (1), on which the sail (2) is supported.

[0047] Preferably, a rotating element (11), for example a bearing, is located between the base (1) and the sail (2).

[0048] This base (1) is supported in an articulated manner by means of a support (3) and is also movable between the position of use and the folded position, that is, it can be rotated 90°, as can be seen in figures 2 and 3, by using a plurality of drive cylinders (4).

[0049] The drive cylinders (4), which in the embodiment shown in Figure 1 are four, although there could be more or less, are located side by side, and inclined with respect to the base (1). In addition, each drive cylinder (4) comprises a first and second joint (5, 6) located at each end of the drive cylinder (4).

[0050] In this way, to change the position of the candle (2), the drive cylinders (4) are actuated, extending or retracting their rods, as can be seen in figures 2 and 3.

[0051] Furthermore, as can be seen in figures 1 to 3, the base (1) comprises stops (10), which in the folded position, are in contact with the support (3), as shown in figure 3.

[0052] The folding sail system according to the present invention also comprises locking elements (7), for example, hydraulic or pneumatic cylinders, which lock the base (1) in its use position.

[0053] As can be seen in Figure 4, each locking element (7) comprises a locking shaft (8), which is movable between a locking position and a release position.

[0054] In the locked position, the locking shaft (8) is housed inside a hole (9) of the base (1), shown in figure 5, while in the released position, the locking shaft (8) is located outside said hole (9) of the base (1), allowing rotation of the same for its placement in the folded position.

[0055] In this way, a simple and easy-to-operate suction sail lowering system is achieved, simply by means of the drive cylinders (4), also using the locking elements (7) as a safety system to prevent accidental movement of the sail (2) from the use position to the folded position. Although reference has been made to a specific embodiment of the invention, it is evident to a person skilled in the art that the described lowering sail system is susceptible to numerous variations and modifications, and that all the details mentioned can be replaced by others that are technically equivalent, without departing from the scope of protection defined by the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. A folding sail system, comprising a sail (2) that moves between a use position and a folded position, characterized in that it comprises: - a base (1) supporting the candle (2), said base (1) being rotatable between the use position and the folded position; - a support (3), which supports said base (1) in an articulated manner; and - a plurality of drive cylinders (4) that drive the movement of said base (1) from the use position to the folded position, or vice versa.

2. A lowering sail system according to claim 1, wherein each drive cylinder (4) comprises first and second joints (5, 6) at its ends.

3. A folding sail system according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a plurality of locking elements (7) that lock the base (1) in the use position.

4. A folding sail system according to claim 3, wherein each locking element (7) comprises a locking shaft (8) which is movable between a locking position, in which the locking shaft (8) is located inside a hole (9) of the base (1) and a release position in which the locking shaft (8) is located outside the hole (9) of the base (1).

5. A folding sail system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the base (1) comprises stops (10), which abut the support (3) in the folded position.

6. A scupper sail system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sail (2) is a Flettner rotor, a suction sail or a rigid sail.

7. Abatible sail system according to any one of the preceding claims, which also comprises a turning element (11) located between the base (1) Ċ and the candle (2).

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