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WO2024177542A1 - Agencement de ferlage pour voilier - Google Patents

Agencement de ferlage pour voilier Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2024177542A1
WO2024177542A1 PCT/SE2023/051129 SE2023051129W WO2024177542A1 WO 2024177542 A1 WO2024177542 A1 WO 2024177542A1 SE 2023051129 W SE2023051129 W SE 2023051129W WO 2024177542 A1 WO2024177542 A1 WO 2024177542A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
sheaving
sail
furling
unit
end terminal
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/SE2023/051129
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Mathias LINDSTRÖM
Nils JANHÄLL
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Selden Mast AB
Original Assignee
Selden Mast AB
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Selden Mast AB filed Critical Selden Mast AB
Publication of WO2024177542A1 publication Critical patent/WO2024177542A1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63H—MARINE PROPULSION OR STEERING
    • B63H9/00—Marine propulsion provided directly by wind power
    • B63H9/04—Marine propulsion provided directly by wind power using sails or like wind-catching surfaces
    • B63H9/08—Connections of sails to masts, spars, or the like
    • B63H9/10—Running rigging, e.g. reefing equipment
    • B63H9/1021—Reefing
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63H—MARINE PROPULSION OR STEERING
    • B63H9/00—Marine propulsion provided directly by wind power
    • B63H9/04—Marine propulsion provided directly by wind power using sails or like wind-catching surfaces
    • B63H9/08—Connections of sails to masts, spars, or the like
    • B63H9/10—Running rigging, e.g. reefing equipment
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63H—MARINE PROPULSION OR STEERING
    • B63H9/00—Marine propulsion provided directly by wind power
    • B63H9/04—Marine propulsion provided directly by wind power using sails or like wind-catching surfaces
    • B63H9/08—Connections of sails to masts, spars, or the like
    • B63H9/10—Running rigging, e.g. reefing equipment
    • B63H9/1021—Reefing
    • B63H9/1028—Reefing by furling around stays
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63H—MARINE PROPULSION OR STEERING
    • B63H9/00—Marine propulsion provided directly by wind power
    • B63H9/04—Marine propulsion provided directly by wind power using sails or like wind-catching surfaces
    • B63H9/08—Connections of sails to masts, spars, or the like
    • B63H9/10—Running rigging, e.g. reefing equipment
    • B63H9/1021—Reefing
    • B63H9/1035—Reefing by furling around or inside the mast
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63H—MARINE PROPULSION OR STEERING
    • B63H9/00—Marine propulsion provided directly by wind power
    • B63H9/04—Marine propulsion provided directly by wind power using sails or like wind-catching surfaces
    • B63H9/08—Connections of sails to masts, spars, or the like
    • B63H9/10—Running rigging, e.g. reefing equipment
    • B63H9/1021—Reefing
    • B63H9/1042—Reefing by furling around or inside the boom
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63H—MARINE PROPULSION OR STEERING
    • B63H9/00—Marine propulsion provided directly by wind power
    • B63H9/04—Marine propulsion provided directly by wind power using sails or like wind-catching surfaces
    • B63H9/08—Connections of sails to masts, spars, or the like
    • B63H9/10—Running rigging, e.g. reefing equipment
    • B63H9/1021—Reefing
    • B63H2009/105—Reefing using drives for actuating reefing mechanism, e.g. roll reefing drives
    • B63H2009/1057—Reefing using drives for actuating reefing mechanism, e.g. roll reefing drives using sheaves being friction driven by endless ropes or by ropes having two free ends

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a furling arrangement for furling/unfurling sails having the features of the first part of claim 1.
  • Different sails may be used on a sailing boat, e.g. a mainsail, spinnaker, a jib, a headsail, a genoa etc.
  • the sails may be for different purposes and/or of different types for a similar purpose.
  • the sails are supported by one or more masts, a vertical pole or spar that extends upwardly from the boat deck.
  • the mainsail is also supported by a boom attached to the mast to support the bottom part of the mainsail.
  • the sails are attached to lines, also called ropes, or wires holding them in place and applying tension to the sails and e.g. also supporting the mast.
  • the lines, ropes or wires are denoted differently depending on location and function or attachment such as headstay, backstay, shrouds, sheets, halyards, etc.
  • furling arrangements for furling/unfurling of sails are known. Some known furling arrangements are based on using a rope that is fixed to a drum. When the sail is unfurled, the rope will wind up on the drum, and by pulling the rope the sail will furl back up around the luff of the sail, such as e.g. the manual FurlexTM system by Selden Mast AB.
  • a bottom-up furling system works in a similar way as a jib furling system (such as the FurlexTM by Selden Mast AB referred to above) but instead of the sail being furled onto a stiff aluminium profile arranged around the forestay, the sail has a torsionally stiff rope sewn into its luff. By pulling the rope, the drum will start turning. Since the sail and the rope are attached directly to the drum, the sail and the rope will turn with the drum starting at the bottom. The top of the sail is connected to the mast via a swivel. Because of the limited torsional rigidity of the sewn in rope, the top of the sail will not begin to furl until the rope has twisted around itself enough to transfer enough torque in the top.
  • Bottom up furling works for sails that are relatively flat, such as Code 0 sails but it is not suitable for sails with a fuller or deeper shape such as gennakers and asymmetrical spinnakers since there is too much sail cloth to be furled in in the centre regions of the sail.
  • generally top-down furling is used for sails that are relatively flat, such as Code 0 sails but it is not suitable for sails with a fuller or deeper shape such as gennakers and asymmetrical spinnakers since there is too much sail cloth to be furled in in the centre regions of the sail.
  • generally top-down furling is used for such types of sails.
  • a top-down furling system comprises a stand-alone, torsionally stiff, rope that extends from a drum unit up to the mast where it is attached via a swivel part.
  • the top of the sail is attached to a torsionally stiff rope (here also denoted torsion rope) which is connected to the swivel part and the bottom of the sail is attached to the drum via a second swivel, i.e. not directly to the drum.
  • the torsion rope will continue to turn with the drum, making the rope twist to a point where enough torque is transferred to the top part of the torsion rope to bring the top of the sail with it and the top of the sail will start to wind up around the torsion rope.
  • Other types of connections are also known, this merely being one example. Examples of top-down furling systems are disclosed in US7263941B2 and US9694890.
  • top-down furling One common problem with top-down furling, however, is that if the operating, furling, line slips on the drum since a lot of energy has been built up as a twist in the torsion rope, the twist will cause the drum to spin back very rapidly. During this spin-back the sail can accidently catch the spinning lower part of the torsion rope and wind up around it. If the top of the sail has already started to furl in such a situation, the sail will be furled in one direction in the top region and in the opposite direction in the bottom region resulting in a sail that can neither be furled, nor be unfurled. The sail will then have to be dropped down and the entangled cloth usually has to be untangled on the dock.
  • top-down furling systems Another problem with top-down furling systems is that the drum must be turned a very large number of times until enough twist/torsion has been built up in the torsion rope to make the top of the sail start furling. Applying a large number of turns on the drum can be exhausting for the crew and any pausing or slack in the operating, furling, line may result in a spin-back situation.
  • Profurl for example discloses a ratchet system that operates both ways by pulling the operating line.
  • a drawback is that the sail itself may accidently disengage the ratchet function, causing spin- back and accidental un-furling.
  • Ubi- Mayor discloses a one-way ratchet system that is operated by a second set of ropes, wherein one rope must be pulled to engage the ratchet, and another rope is used to disengage the ratchet. Adding more ropes to operate considerably enhances complexity of the furling system and when operating the second set of ropes remotely from a cockpit it is easy to mix up the ropes and accidently pull the wrong rope.
  • Facnor and Karver disclose two-way ratchet systems that are operated by pulling an operating rope. These systems are designed to work according to an “automatic ball pen principle” and they can be very confusing to operate from cockpit since it is difficult to know if the ratchet has been engaged or disengaged resulting in a high risk for spin-back situations and accidental unfurling.
  • Another particular object is to provide a flexible concept and to suggest an arrangement that can be used for different types of sails and for different purposes regarding furling in/out sails of different types.
  • Fig. 1 is a schematic view of a furling arrangement, according to one embodiment of the invention, arranged on a deck of a sailing boat with an asymmetrical spinnaker,
  • Fig. 1A is an enlarged view of section C in Fig.l illustrating the furling arrangement and a continuous control, or furling, line,
  • Fig. 2 is a schematic view of a furling arrangement according to the invention arranged on a deck of a sailing boat with a Code 0 sail,
  • Fig. 2A is an enlarged view of section C’ in Fig.2 illustrating the furling arrangement and a continuous control, or furling, line,
  • Fig. 3 is a schematic view in perspective of a furling arrangement with covering element and with a line guarding assembly according to one embodiment of the invention
  • Fig. 4 is a side view of a furling arrangement according to the invention.
  • Fig.4A is a side view of the furling arrangement in Fig.4 without line guard assembly and covering element
  • Fig. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken vertically through a furling arrangement as shown in Fig.4A,
  • Fig, 6A is an exploded view of the furling arrangement shown in Fig. 4A,
  • Fig. 6B is an exploded view as in Fig. 6A with an assembled pawl holding arrangement
  • Fig. 6C is an exploded view as in Fig. 6B with an assembled swivel arrangement
  • Fig. 6D is an exploded view as in Fig. 6C wherein the pawl holding arrangement is arranged within a sheaving unit
  • Fig. 6E is a view in perspective of the furling arrangement in an assembled state
  • Fig. 7A is a schematic top view of the furling arrangement shown in Fig 6E (a section along line Bl -Bl in Fig.4A) in a first state in which a sail is partly, or entirely, furled in, and blocked from unfurling, the sail end terminal being prevented from moving with respect to a boat end terminal,
  • Fig. 7B is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the section B2-B2 in Fig. 4A of the furling arrangement in the first state illustrating two ratchet pawls of a ratchet arrangement being in a rotation blocking position preventing the sail from unfurling,
  • Fig. 8 A is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the section Bl -Bl in Fig. 4 A of the furling arrangement in a second state upon initiation of application of a rotational force in a first direction, here anti-clockwise, to the sheaving arrangement as indicated through arrow XI in Fig.8B to furl out the sail, the sail end terminal being prevented from moving with respect to a boat end terminal,
  • Fig. 8B is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the section B2-B2 in Fig. 4A in the second state illustrating two ratchet pawl receiving openings being partly uncovered enabling reception of ratchet pawl arms in receiving slots or seats in the receiving openings,
  • Fig. 9 A is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the section Bl -Bl in Fig. 4 A in a third state of the furling arrangement upon continued application of a rotational force in the same, first, direction XI, e.g. through a continuous control line being pulled further in the XI -direction, and in which the sheaving unit has also slightly turned the sail end terminal,
  • Fig. 9B is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the section B2-B2 in Fig. 4A in the third state in which the ratchet pawls have been brought to rotate around pawl shafts and ratchet pawl arms are received in the receiving openings,
  • Fig. 10A is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the section Bl -Bl in Fig. 4 A in a fourth state in which the sail can unfurl, if needed, through continued application of rotational force in the first direction XI, the sail end terminal moving with the sheaving unit,
  • Fig. 1 OB is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the section B2-B2 in Fig. 4A in the fourth state showing the ratchet pawls having flipped over allowing unfurling of the sail as long as the sail unfurls by itself or a rotational force is applied,
  • Fig. 11 A is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the section Bl -Bl in Fig. 4 A in a fifth state in which the application of the rotational force in the first direction XI has been interrupted upon which a centering spring arranged around the sail end terminal has returned to a preloaded state as in Fig.lA and urged the sail end terminal in an opposite direction with respect to the sheaving unit such that the receiving slots in the sheaving unit are closed,
  • Fig. 1 IB is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the section B2-B2 in Fig. 4A in the fifth state showing the receiving openings in the sheaving unit being covered by the annular plate of the sail end terminal.
  • Fig. 12A is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the section Bl -Bl in Fig. 4 A in a sixth state in which the sail e.g. is completely unfurled, and furling the sail requires application of a rotational force in an opposite, here clockwise, direction to uncover the receiving openings as described with reference to Figs.7A-10B but in the opposite direction; the sail being prevented from unfurling by itself,
  • Fig. l2B is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the section B2-B2 in Fig. 4A in the sixth state showing the ratchet pawls blocking turning of the sail end terminal in the opposite, here clockwise, direction, and
  • Fig.13 is a schematic view in perspective of a ratchet disabling element receivable in a movement restraining opening in a sail end terminal to prevent the ability of forming of a receiving slot.
  • Fig. 1 is a very schematic view of one implementation of a furling arrangement assembly or furling system 100 according to the present invention comprising a furling arrangement 10 with a covering element and a line guard assembly arranged on a sailing boat 151 with an asymmetrical spinnaker sail 104.
  • the head of the sail is directly connected to an anti-torsion line 107 which is connected to a freely rotating halyard swivel 108 connected at the top of mast 103.
  • Anti-torsion line 107 connects the halyard swivel 108 to a furling arrangement 10 arranged on the deck 152 of the sailing boat.
  • the halyard swivel can be connected to the mast in different ways which will not be further described herein.
  • a sheet 105 is connected to a winch 106 in a known manner.
  • the tack 111 of the sail is via tack ropes 112 connected to a sail end terminal 30 of the furling system 100 via a swiveling ring 61 as shown in Fig.lA illustrating the section C indicated in Fig.l.
  • a control means here comprising a continuous, endless, control line 20, also denoted furling line, is used.
  • the furling system 100 comprises a two-way ratcheting mechanism which can be engaged/disengaged from a distance, e.g. from a cockpit, using the continuous control line 20 as will be further described below with reference to Figs.3-12B.
  • the furling line 20 is pulled in one direction, optionally through one or more guiding blocks (not shown) engaging the ratchet mechanism preventing the furling drum comprising a sheaving unit 110 (see Figs. 3-12) from spinning back, and pulling the control line 20 until the sail 104 has been entirely furled.
  • a guiding block is not necessary for the functioning of the invention.
  • the control line 20 is pulled in the opposite direction to a ratcheting state in which the two-way ratcheting mechanism is unblocked (see Figs.
  • Fig. 2 is a very schematic exemplary view of one implementation of a furling arrangement 10’ according to the present invention arranged on a sailing boat 151’ with a so called Code 0 sail 104’ which has a torsionally stiff rope, an anti-torsion line, 107’ sewn into its luff.
  • the sail 104’ is via the anti-torsion line 107’ connected to freely rotating halyard swivel 108’ connected at the top of the mast 103’ and the anti-torsion line 107’ is in the other end connected to furling system 100’ arranged on the deck 152’ of the sailing boat 151’.
  • a sheet 105’ is connected to a winch 106’ in any manner which does not form part of the present invention.
  • the anti-torsion line 107’ end terminal is here directly connected to sail end terminal 30’ of the furling arrangement as shown in Fig.2A illustrating the section C’ indicated in Fig.2.
  • a continuous, endless, control, or furling, line 20’ is used as discussed with reference to Figs. 1,1 A above.
  • Fig. 3 is a schematic view in perspective of a furling arrangement assembly or system 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention. It comprises a furling arrangement 10 comprising a sheaving unit 110 with a covering element 111, a sail end terminal 30 and a boat end terminal 40.
  • the sheaving unit 110 is arranged within a line guarding assembly 50 with a fairing 51 and a line stripper 52 in a manner known per se, the invention not being limited to any particular line guarding assembly.
  • the sail end terminal 30 forms a swivel assembly 300 (see Fig.
  • the boat end terminal 40 (see e.g. Figs. 4, 4 A, 6) comprises a pawl holding arrangement 120 through which the center shaft 101 protrudes, and which is secured thereto, a lower end of the center shaft, on the boat end terminal 40 side, comprising a connection means 140 allowing connection to a sailing boat, e.g. via a shackle 45 (see Figs.4, 5).
  • the assembly and the functioning of the furling arrangement 10 will be further described below.
  • Fig.4 is a side view of a furling arrangement assembly or furling system 100 as in Fig.3 comprising a furling arrangement 10 (cf. Fig.4A) with the sheaving unit 110 arranged within line guarding assembly 50 with a fairing 51 and a line stripper 52, a sail end terminal 30 for connection to a sail and/or an anti-torsion element and a boat end terminal 40 for connection to a boat deck.
  • a furling arrangement 10 cf. Fig.4A
  • the sheaving unit 110 arranged within line guarding assembly 50 with a fairing 51 and a line stripper 52
  • a sail end terminal 30 for connection to a sail and/or an anti-torsion element
  • a boat end terminal 40 for connection to a boat deck.
  • Fig.4A shows a furling arrangement 10 comprising a sheaving unit 110, a sail end terminal 30 and a boat end terminal 40, i.e. a furling system as in Fig.4 but without any line guarding assembly 50, fairing 51, and without any boat connection element 45.
  • the sail end terminal 30 comprises an annular plate 34 to which a cylindrical portion or swivel unit 31 with a U-shaped recess is fixedly connected and which is adapted to rotatably hold center shaft 101, also denoted swivel shaft, within it as will be further described with reference to Figs.6A-6E, forming a swivel assembly 300.
  • connection, or locking, pin 32 is releasably taken up in one another facing holes in the U-legs allowing connection/disconnection of anti-torsion line 107; 107’ (see Figs.lA,2A), e.g. by means of pushing a spring-loaded locking element of a locking assembly 33 downwards towards the annular plate 34 allowing withdrawal/insertion of locking pin 32.
  • the locking assembly 33 will not be further illustrated or described in detail since it can be provided for in many different ways and the invention is not limited to any particular locking assembly 33 for locking/unlocking connection pin 32.
  • the boat end terminal 40 is here defined as comprising a pawl holding arrangement or hub unit 120 as also will be further explained with reference to Figs.6A-6E below allowing a ratcheting functionality in cooperation with the sheaving unit 110 and center shaft 101 received within, and fixed to, the pawl holding arrangement or hub unit 120, and which center shaft 101 on an upper side is rotatably received within a cylindrical portion or swivel unit 31 of the sail end terminal 30 as described below with reference to Figs. 6A-6B below.
  • the center shaft 101 on the sail side thus is rotatably taken up within the cylindrical portion 31 and on the boat side is fixedly secured within the pawl holding arrangement 120 and allowing connection to a boat deck by means of e.g. a shackle 45.
  • Fig.5 is a transversal cross-sectional view through the furling arrangement 10 shown in Fig.4A.
  • the furling arrangement 10 comprises a wheel or a sheaving unit 110 which can be driven when a rotational load or torque is applied to it, the control means e.g. comprising a continuous control line 20 (see Figs.lA,2A) partly wound around the sheaving unit 110 which can be pulled in either direction thus applying a torque, the functioning and assembly of which will be further explained with reference to Figs. 6A-6B below wherein the functionality will be explained.
  • Pawl holding arrangement 120 in an assembled state of the furling arrangement 10 is mounted within the sheaving unit 110, the sail end terminal 30 (forming a swivel assembly 300 with the center shaft 101; cf. Fig. 6C below) and center shaft 101, here comprising a connection means comprising a hole 140 through the shaft, perpendicularly to the longitudinal extension of the shaft, through which it is engageable e.g. with a boat connection element, e.g. shackle 45 or similar.
  • the shaft 101 is taken up within, and locked by a locking ring 117 to, a lower portion of boat end terminal 40 fixedly connected to, or integral with, pawl holding arrangement 120 (cf.
  • the sail end terminal 30 thus is arranged to rotatably take up an upper part of the center shaft 101 which in the opposite end is fixedly secured within pawl holding arrangement 120 of the boat end terminal 40.
  • the center shaft 101 upper part is taken up within a recess in the sail end terminal 30 and blocked axially by means of an axial stop 104 via a swivel plug 105, and supported by means of a thrust bearing 225 and a sleeve bearing 226 within the sheaving unit 110 and lower end of boat end terminal 40.
  • the sail end terminal 30 connection pin 32 as referred to above is lockable by means of locking pin 331 forming part of the locking assembly 33.
  • Fig, 6A is an exploded view of the furling arrangement 10 shown in Fig. 4 A in an unassembled state showing sail end terminal 30 comprising a swivel formed by annular plate 34 (cf. fig.6A) to which cylindrical portion 31 is secured, protruding perpendicularly and centrally with respect thereto and being of a smaller diameter.
  • the cylindrical portion 31 comprises a U-shaped recess formed by parallel legs protruding upwardly from an upper part of the bottom portion of the U connecting the U-legs in a lower portion of the cylindrical portion 31.
  • connection pin 32 is disposed between the upper ends of the U-legs in a lockable manner.
  • the cylindrical portion 31 is fixedly connected to, or integral with, annular plate 34 and, here, has an upwardly, facing away from the annular plate 34, somewhat tapering cross-sectional shape except for an, adjacent to the annular plate 34, provided circumferential recess adapted for reception of a centering spring 35, e.g.
  • a torsion spring comprising a substantially semi-oval center portion with two free leg portions 35A,35A pointing out, away, from the semi-oval center portion at an angle of more than 90° therewith, each leg portion 35A,35A comprising an outer end, hooking, portion 35B,35B forming an angle of substantially 90° with the respective leg portion 35A,35A
  • the hooking portions 35B,35B are directed in opposite directions, rearwardly, outwardly from the legs portions 35A,35A in rearward directions allowing engagement with centering first spring blocking elements or end stops 37,37 provided on the annular plate 34.
  • the annular plate 34 first spring blocking elements or end stops 37,37 comprise screws, pins, hooks or bosses with upper head or protruding portions serving the purpose of preventing the centering spring 35 from being disengaged from the annular plate 34.
  • the free leg portions 35A,35A, on outer sides of the centering spring 35, facing away from the cylindrical portion 31, at a distance from the cylindrical portion 31 also are in engagement with second spring blocking elements or end stops 137,137 provided in a same plane, at a larger radial distance from the center shaft 101 than the first spring blocking elements or end stops 37,37, on the wheel, drum, or sheaving unit 110 as will be further described below.
  • the annular plate 34 here, comprises four elongate movement restraining openings 36 symmetrically disposed adjacent, but at a distance from, the outer periphery of the annular plate 34 and at a distance from the outer, lower portion of the cylindrical portion 31.
  • the respective movement restraining openings 36 each have opposed restraining opening end walls 36’, 36”, or blocking means for restraining the movement of the sheaving unit 110 when turned through a force being applied in a continuous control line 20 (cf. Fig.lA,2A) partly wound around the sheaving unit 110 through the movement restraining opening end walls 36’, 36” coming in engagement with respective four (here) movement restraining elements, e.g.
  • the movement restraining elements 138 and the movement restraining openings 36 are so and dimensioned and located with respect to one another, that, in an assembled state of the furling arrangement (see Fig.
  • Center shaft 101 is rotatably within the lower portion of the cylindrical portion 31 of the sail end terminal 30 as more thoroughly described with reference to Fig. 5.
  • Center shaft 101 is provided with a rotation stop protrusion 102 for rotationally securing it to pawl holding arrangement 120.
  • the sheaving unit 110 comprises a number of external sheave teeth 112 equidistantly and radially disposed on an interconnecting cylindrical wall interconnecting an upper and a lower ring, e.g. being made in one piece therewith, and having a smaller diameter than upper and lower rings, an inner upright circular wall 136 protruding a distance in a vertical direction from an annular bottom plate 134.
  • the upright circular wall 136 has an upper edge located at a radial distance from an upper surface of the upper ring.
  • the annular bottom plate 134 comprises four (here) receiving openings 139 arranged between annular bottom plate surface sections in the center of each of which a said movement restraining element, e.g.
  • a boss, 138 is provided and are arranged to admit reception of respective ratchet pawl 122 arms of the pawl holding arrangement 120 when the receiving openings 139 are partially misaligned with elongate movement restraining openings 36 of the annular plate 34 of sail end terminal 30 such that respective receiving slots or seats 139 A are provided in a respective end of the receiving opening 139 as referred to above.
  • the sheaving arrangement 110 is adapted to allow reception of the pawl holding arrangement 120 within the sheaving arrangement 110 such that a lower pawl holding plate 121 of the pawl holding arrangement 120 will be disposed, in rotatable contact with, and on the surface of the annular bottom plate 134 of the sheaving unit 110.
  • said second, outer, blocking elements or end stops 137,137 e.g. comprising hooks, screws, pins or bosses, which are provided with upper head or protruding portions (to prevent the spring 35 from being disconnected), are disposed.
  • the first and second blocking elements or end stops 37,37,137,137 on the annular plate 34 of the sail end terminal unit 30 and on the upper side of the sheaving unit 110 respectively, will be arranged radially pairwise in contact with the leg portions 35A,35A of the centering spring 35.
  • the purpose of the centering spring 135 is to align the sail end terminal 30 and the sheaving arrangement 110 such that no receiving slots or spaces 139A will be available allowing the ratchet pawls 122 to flip direction, as soon as there is no torque applied to the sheaving unit 110, and hence to return the annular plate 34 to a position with respect to the sheaving unit 110 such that the movement restraining elements 138 will be located at a same distance from the opposite end wall walls 36’, 36” of the movement restraining openings 36 in the annular plate 34 of the sail end terminal 30.
  • the pawl holding arrangement 120 comprises a lower annular pawl holding plate 121 and an upper annular pawl holding plate 127 of a smaller diameter than the lower annular pawl holding plate 121.
  • the lower and upper pawl holding plates 121,127 are arranged axially at a distance from one another and are connected to an intermediate cylindrical portion 128 adapted for taking up the center shaft 101.
  • the center shaft 101 protrudes upwards where is rotatably taken up within the cylindrical portion 31 of the sail end terminal 30, in an assembled state of the furling arrangement 10, and, on a lower side, is secured in place by means of locking ring 117 to a lower portion of the pawl holding unit 120 secured to the sheaving unit 110 (see Fig.5).
  • Between the upper and the lower annular pawl holding plates 127,121 two ratchet pawls 122 are disposed.
  • ratchet pawls 122 is mounted between the upper and lower annular pawl holding plates 127,121, whereas the other ratchet pawl 122 is shown as a demounted unit in order to explain how the ratchet pawls are mounted in the pawl holding arrangement 120.
  • Each ratchet pawl 122 comprises two in opposite directions protruding portions or branches joined by means of a pawl shaft 123 receiving portion comprising a central opening for receiving the pawl shaft 123.
  • An upper portion of respective pawl shaft 123 is taken up in a receiving opening disposed adjacent the periphery in the upper annular pawl holding plate 127 and a lower portion of the pawl shaft 123 is taken up in a receiving opening in the lower annular pawl holding plate 121.
  • Two pawl springs 124,124 are connected to pawl holding arrangement or hub 120 by means of pawl spring locking pins 126,126.
  • Each pawl spring 124 here comprises a blade spring formed by an arc shaped blade and two semi-arc shaped blades arranged in parallel therewith such that an opening is provided between one another facing outer ends of the semi-arcs, through holes being provided in the junctions between the arc-shaped blade and the semi-arc shaped blades for taking up the pawl spring locking pins 126,126.
  • Each pawl spring 124,124 is arranged to interact with a respective ratchet pawl 122,122.
  • Pawl spring restraining pins 125,125 taken up between the upper and lower plates 127,121 are arranged to ensure that the arms two semi-arc shaped blades of the pawl springs 124,124 are kept slightly open, i.e.at a slight distance from the arc-shaped blade and such that there is a distance between opposed outer ends of the semi-arc shaped blades to admit reception of an end of a ratchet pawl 122.
  • pawl springs 124,124 in the shown embodiment comprise blade springs
  • inventive concept is not limited thereto but in alternative embodiments may comprise torsions springs or compression springs or other types of spring elements.
  • repelling magnets are used.
  • Fig. 6B is a partially exploded view as in Fig. 6A showing the pawl holding arrangement 120 in an assembled state, with the two ratchet pawls 122,122 and the two pawl springs 124,124 taken up between the upper and lower annular pawl holding plates 127,121 and shows a respective end of each ratchet pawl 122 arm protruding between the semi-arc shaped blades of a respective pawl spring 124, urged outwardly by a semi-arc-shaped blade of pawl spring 124.
  • Fig. 6B corresponds to Fig.6A and will therefore not be further explained.
  • Fig. 6C is a figure similar to Fig. 6B with the difference that the center shaft 101 has been taken up within the sail end terminal 30 wherein it is axially and radially mounted and in combination with which it forms a swivel assembly 300, the sail end terminal 30 forming a swivel freely rotatable around the center shaft 101.
  • Fig. 6C corresponds to Fig. 6B and will therefore not be further explained.
  • Fig. 6D is a figure similar to Fig. 6C with the difference that the pawl holding arrangement 120 is arranged within the sheaving unit 110, the lower pawl holding plate 121 being disposed on the annular bottom plate 134 of the sheaving unit 110, at a distance from the cylindrical upright inner wall 136 of the sheaving unit 110 such that the movement restraining elements 138 protrude upwardly.
  • Fig. 6D corresponds to Fig. 6C and will therefore not be further explained.
  • Fig. 6E is a view in perspective of the furling arrangement 10 in an assembled state, i.e. the swivel assembly 300 and the sheaving unit 110 with the pawl holding unit 120 as shown in Fig. 6D have been assembled, the centering spring 35 mounted on the annular plate 34 of the sail end terminal 30, the leg portions 35A,35A of the centering spring 35 being in contact with the inner spring blocking elements or end stops 37 on the annular plate 34 of the sail end terminal 30 and with the outer spring blocking elements or end stops 137 on the sheaving unit 110 via their hooking portions 35B,35B securely held in place, and the locking ring 117 securing the center shaft 101 to the pawl holding arrangement 120 as also described with reference to Fig. 5.
  • the control means in this embodiment comprises a continuous control line 20 (not shown; cf. Figs. 1A,2A) partly wound around the sheaving unit 110.
  • Fig. 7A is a schematic top view of the furling arrangement 10 e.g. as shown in Fig 6E (along section Bl -Bl in Fig.4A) in a first state in which the sail has been entirely or partly furled in (in a clockwise direction) and the intention is to allow the sail to unfurl itself.
  • each ratchet pawl 122 In this first state the two ratchet pawls 122 are in a blocked position, one ratchet pawl arm of each ratchet pawl 122 being in contact with, urged outwardly by a respective pawl spring 124, and blocked by a respective first end wall 36’ of a respective sail end terminal annular plate 34 elongate restraining opening 36 preventing the sail end terminal 30 from rotating, or turning in an anti-clockwise direction, thereby preventing the furled sail from being unfurled under the influence of the wind filling a partly furled in sail or under the influence of a force in a sheet 105; 105’ pulling in the sail clew 109; 109’ (cf. Figs. 1,2).
  • leg portions 35A,35A of the centering spring 35 mounted on the annular plate 34 of the sail end terminal 30 are in contact with the inner 37 and outer 137 blocking elements and the movement restraining elements, e.g. bosses, 138 provided on annular bottom plate 134 of the sheaving unit 110 are located in an intermediate, central, position in a respective movement elongate restraining opening 36 in the annular plate 34 of the sail end terminal 30.
  • the ratchet pawls 122,122 need to be unblocked and the control means partly wound around the sheaving unit 110 needs to be pulled in a first direction (here anticlockwise) as indicated through arrow XI to allow the sail to unfurl in an anti-clockwise direction, i.e. a rotational force, a torque, needs to be applied to the sheaving unit 110 in the anticlockwise direction.
  • a first direction here anticlockwise
  • a rotational force, a torque needs to be applied to the sheaving unit 110 in the anticlockwise direction.
  • the torque exerted by the centering spring 35 serving the purpose of aligning the sail end terminal 30 with respect to the sheaving unit 110 such that there are no receiving slots or seats 139A available for access by ratchet pawl arms as also discussed earlier in the application, needs to be overcome.
  • the two ratchet pawls 122,122 mounted on pawl shafts 123,123 are located such that for each of them a respective arm is in abutment with a respective first end wall 36’ of a respective sail end terminal annular plate 34 elongate restraining opening 36 as more clearly shown in Fig.7B which is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the section B2-B2 in Fig. 4 A in the first state.
  • the two ratchet pawls 122,122 are thus in a rotation blocking position such that the sail end terminal 30 is prevented from turning.
  • the two pawl springs 124,124 are in neutral, ratcheting enabling, positions.
  • Fig. 8 A is a schematic cross-sectional view of the furling arrangement 10 taken along the section Bl -Bl in Fig. 4 A in a second state in which the continuous control line 20 has been pulled slightly in the first direction XI after an initial activation, here pulling, operation.
  • the sheaving unit 110 has turned slightly with respect to the boat end terminal 40.
  • One leg of the centering spring 35 mounted on the annular plate 34 of the sail end terminal 30 is now only in contact with the respective outer blocking element 137 provided on the sheaving unit 110, the other leg 35A of the centering spring 35 is only in contact with the respective inner blocking element 37, thus loading the spring 35.
  • the movement restraining elements e.g.
  • bosses, 138 provided on annular bottom plate 134 of the sheaving unit 110 have moved towards respective positions in which they come in contact with a respective second end wall 36” of the respective movement elongate restraining opening 36 in the annular plate 34 of the sail end terminal 30.
  • ratchet pawl 122 receiving openings or recesses 139 provided in the annular bottom plate 134 of the sheaving unit 110, disposed between the movement restraining elements 138 will be partly uncovered, i.e.
  • Fig.8B is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the section B2-B2 in Fig. 4A of the furling arrangement 10 in the second state.
  • FIG. 8B illustrates more clearly how a respective receiving slot or space 139A is provided, between first end wall 36’ (here, considering a force applied by the control line 20 in the anti-clockwise direction, a rear end wall) of the annular plate 34 of the sail end terminal 30 and, here, a front end wall of receiving opening 139 in the sheaving unit 110, thus admitting reception of a ratchet pawl arm 122.
  • the (here) four movement restraining elements e.g.
  • the two ratchet pawls 122,122 are thus located such that for each ratchet pawl 122 a respective arm has entered a respective receiving opening 139 in annular bottom plate 134 of sheaving unit 110 and is in abutment with a respective first, here rear, end wall 36’ of the terminal annular plate 34 elongate movement restraining opening 36.
  • Fig. 8B is more clearly illustrated the two ratchet pawls 122,122 being in a position in which a respective arm have entered a respective receiving slot 139A in annular bottom plate 134 of sheaving unit 110.
  • Fig.9A is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the section Bl -Bl in Fig. 4A in a third state of the furling arrangement 10 in which the continuous control line 20 has been further pulled in the first, here anti-clock-wise, direction XI, the sheaving unit 110 now also having turned the sail end terminal or swivel 30 slightly in the same direction.
  • the respective ratchet pawl 122 arms have been substantially aligned with a respective first end wall 36’ of a respective sail end terminal annular plate 34 opening 36 as shown in Fig. 9B below.
  • ratchet pawl 122 arms are received in the respective receiving slots 139A, and, during further rotation in the same, here anti-clockwise, direction exerting an increasing compressive force on the respective internal pawl springs (e.g. blade springs) 124,124 until the ratchet pawls 122,122 flip over as illustrated in Figs. lOA, 10B below.
  • respective internal pawl springs e.g. blade springs
  • the sail end terminal 30 has started turning with it due to the contact between the movement restraining elements 138 and the respective second (here front) end walls 36” of the respective elongate movement restraining openings 36 of the sail end terminal annular plate 34.
  • One of the leg portions 35 A, here the first leg portion in the rotation or moving direction, of the centering spring 35 mounted on the annular plate 34 of the sail end terminal 30 is still only in engagement with an outer blocking element 137, whereas the other leg portions 35 A only is in engagement with an inner blocking element 37.
  • Fig. 10A is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the section Bl -Bl in Fig. 4 A of the furling arrangement in a fourth state in which the sail can start unfurl by itself by a sheeting or a wind load until it is entirely unfurled.
  • the ratchet pawls 122,122 will pass the respective subsequent receiving openings 139 as long as there is applied a torque in the same, unfurling, direction by the sail.
  • the first leg portion 35 A, in the rotation or moving direction, of the centering spring 35 mounted on the annular plate 34 is still only in engagement with an outer blocking element 137, whereas the other leg portions 35A still only is in engagement with an inner blocking element 37.
  • the continuous control line 20 can be pulled further in the same, first direction XI to assist in unfurling.
  • Fig. 10B is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the section B2-B2 in Fig. 4A in the fourth, ratcheting, state showing the ratchet pawls 122,122 having flipped over allowing the sail to unfurl by itself since it is able to turn the sail terminal end 30 and the sheaving unit 110 in the anti-clockwise direction (if needed through application of an additional force by the control means 20 as referred to above).
  • Fig. 11A is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the section Bl -Bl in Fig. 4A in a fifth state in which the sail is unfurling by itself or just has stopped unfurling, or any application of a pulling force in the continuous control line 20 in the first direction XI just has ceased.
  • the fifth state as illustrated in Fig. 5 is a momentary view of, here, an unfurling state, and the sail end terminal 30 and the sheaving unit 110 both rotate substantially as one unit.
  • the fifth state is similar to the fourth state with the difference that the centering spring 35 arranged around the sail end terminal or swivel 30 has returned to its normal preloaded position in which the leg portions 35A,35A of the centering spring 35 are in contact both with the inner 37 and the outer 137 blocking elements, having turned the sail end terminal 30 slightly with respect to the sheaving unit 110 such that the temporary receiving slots 139A are covered.
  • the sail end terminal 30 and the sheaving unit 110 are thus aligned such that the ratchet pawl 122 receiving slots 139A provided in the annular bottom plate 134 will be closed, i.e.
  • Fig.1 IB is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the section B2-B2 in Fig. 4A in the fifth state.
  • Fig. 1 IB there are no receiving slots 139A accessible for the ratchet pawl 122 arms and respective ratchet pawl arms are instead in contact with upright cylindrical inner wall 136 of the sheaving unit 110, and an edge of the first, here rear, end wall 36’ of the respective elongate restraining openings 36 of the sail end terminal annular plate 34.
  • the continuous control line 20 can be pulled in the same direction, here anti-clockwise, the sail end terminal 30 would be slightly rotated such that movement restraining openings 36 thereof would again be partly misaligned with the receiving openings 139 of the sheaving unit 110, and the furling arrangement be back in the fourth state (Figs. l0A,10B), but due to the rotation direction of the respective ratchet pawl arms, the respective ratchet pawl arms would not be able to enter the receiving slots and flip over, and as soon as the pulling force ceases, centering spring 35 would rotate the sail end terminal 30 with respect to sheaving unit 110 such that the receiving slots 139A are closed.
  • Fig. 12A is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the section Bl -Bl in Fig. 4A showing the furling arrangement 10 in a sixth state in which the sail, here, is supposed to be completely unfurled. If the sail is to be furled in, application of a rotational force, torque, in an opposite, here clockwise, direction to uncover the receiving openings to provide available receiving slots is required.
  • the sail end terminal 30 and the sheaving unit 110 can however only rotate a few degrees until, the ratchet pawls 122 would engage with the cylindrical inner wall 136 of the sheaving unit 110 and prevent furling in of the sail. To furl in, the ratchet pawls 122 need to flip over and a ratcheting state be achieved.
  • control means 20 here the continuous control line
  • the control means 20 is pulled in the, here, clockwise direction, to go through the steps described with reference to Figs.7A-10B but in the opposite, reversed, direction; the sail being prevented from unfurling by itself.
  • pulling of the control line is continued and the sail is furled in a clockwise direction.
  • Fig. l2B is more clearly illustrated the two ratchet pawls 122,122 being in a rotation blocking position, such that the sail end terminal 30 or swivel is prevented from turning in, here, a clockwise direction.
  • the sail cannot be furled in the clockwise direction.
  • the continuous control line 20 In order to be able to furl the sail in the clockwise direction, the continuous control line 20 must be pulled in the clockwise direction as described above.
  • the furling arrangement comprises a motor, e.g. an electric motor or a hydraulic arrangement, thus forming a control means allowing driven operation instead of manual operation by means of e.g. a continuous control line.
  • a motor e.g. an electric motor or a hydraulic arrangement
  • the ratcheting pawls, or elements are directed inwardly, arranged in an inverted manner, e.g. on sheaving unit instead and the furling arrangement is operated manually or comprises an electric motor or a hydraulic arrangement.
  • a ratchet disabling element 360 adapted to be receivable in a sail end terminal 30 movement restraining opening 36 can be used-to completely close the movement restraining opening 36 between the end walls 36’, 36” to prevent any ratchet pawl arm from being able be received in any receiving slot and reach a ratcheting state.
  • the ratchet disabling element 360 comprises a receiving recess 361 for taking up a protruding movement restraining element 138 of the sheaving unit 110, which however is not necessary for the functioning of the disabling functionality.
  • a furling arrangement is provided which is safe, easy to use, robust and which requires but one control means, e.g. one continuous control line, or a motor, and through which spin-back situations and accidental unfurling are prevented and through which furling/unfurling of a sail is facilitated and rendered safe.
  • the arrangement is particularly intended for use on a boat, particularly a leisure or a racing sailing boat, such as a furling system for a mainsail, a furling system for a headsail (Jib, Genoa), as a Code 0 or gennaker furling system, particularly asymmetric spinnaker (aka), but also for other systems where similar problems may arise, also in other applications.

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Abstract

La présente invention concerne un agencement de ferlage (10) pour le ferlage/le déroulement d'une voile (104), comprenant un mécanisme d'encliquetage bidirectionnel avec des cliquets à encliquetage à ressort, stockés de manière rotative et un moyen de commande (20) pour l'application d'un couple à une unité de roue à gorge pouvant être entraînée. Un ressort de centrage préchargé (35) maintient un terminal d'extrémité de voile (30) et l'unité de roue à gorge, comprenant des éléments de retenue de mouvement pour une coopération avec des éléments de blocage de terminal d'extrémité de voile, dans un état neutre pour empêcher le terminal d'extrémité de voile (30) de changer de direction de rotation. Dans l'état neutre, les cliquets à encliquetage bloquent la rotation dans une première direction. L'application d'un couple à l'unité de roue à gorge dans ladite première direction tourne légèrement par rapport au terminal d'extrémité de voile (30) contre l'action du ressort de centrage préchargé, rendant des fentes de réception temporaires disponibles, et jusqu'à ce que des éléments de retenue de mouvement et les éléments de blocage de terminal d'extrémité de voile viennent en prise. Grâce à l'application d'un couple supplémentaire, le terminal d'extrémité de voile (30) tourne avec l'unité de roue à gorge permettant aux cliquets à encliquetage de basculer dans les fentes temporaires, permettant une rotation dans ladite première direction à la place.
PCT/SE2023/051129 2023-02-23 2023-11-08 Agencement de ferlage pour voilier Ceased WO2024177542A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
SE2350207-3 2023-02-23
SE2350207A SE546351C2 (en) 2023-02-23 2023-02-23 A furling arrangement for a sailing boat

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WO2024177542A1 true WO2024177542A1 (fr) 2024-08-29

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Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7263941B2 (en) 2004-03-25 2007-09-04 Renzo Greghi Sail furling device
US9694890B2 (en) 2014-01-28 2017-07-04 Harken, Incorporated Top down furling system
WO2021096404A1 (fr) * 2019-11-13 2021-05-20 SELDéN MAST AB Agencement pour un système de ferlage de voilier et système de ferlage doté d'un tel agencement

Family Cites Families (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB1371994A (en) * 1972-04-18 1974-10-30 Francis B F Sail rigging
GB2410731B (en) * 2004-02-05 2007-05-30 Allen Brothers Ratchet block

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7263941B2 (en) 2004-03-25 2007-09-04 Renzo Greghi Sail furling device
US9694890B2 (en) 2014-01-28 2017-07-04 Harken, Incorporated Top down furling system
WO2021096404A1 (fr) * 2019-11-13 2021-05-20 SELDéN MAST AB Agencement pour un système de ferlage de voilier et système de ferlage doté d'un tel agencement

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SE2350207A1 (en) 2024-08-24

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