EP4105114A1 - Telescopic mast system - Google Patents
Telescopic mast system Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP4105114A1 EP4105114A1 EP21180395.2A EP21180395A EP4105114A1 EP 4105114 A1 EP4105114 A1 EP 4105114A1 EP 21180395 A EP21180395 A EP 21180395A EP 4105114 A1 EP4105114 A1 EP 4105114A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- actuator
- bolt
- pin
- telescopic mast
- telescopic
- 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.)
- Withdrawn
Links
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 45
- CURLTUGMZLYLDI-UHFFFAOYSA-N Carbon dioxide Chemical compound O=C=O CURLTUGMZLYLDI-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 230000000903 blocking effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 229910002092 carbon dioxide Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000001569 carbon dioxide Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000446 fuel Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000002452 interceptive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012423 maintenance Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 1
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
- B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING
- B63B15/00—Superstructures, deckhouses, wheelhouses or the like; Arrangements or adaptations of masts or spars, e.g. bowsprits
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
- B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING
- B63B15/00—Superstructures, deckhouses, wheelhouses or the like; Arrangements or adaptations of masts or spars, e.g. bowsprits
- B63B2015/0016—Masts characterized by mast configuration or construction
- B63B2015/0041—Telescoping masts
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
- B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING
- B63B2241/00—Design characteristics
- B63B2241/20—Designs or arrangements for particular purposes not otherwise provided for in this class
- B63B2241/22—Designs or arrangements for particular purposes not otherwise provided for in this class for providing redundancy to equipment or functionality of a vessel, e.g. for steering
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- 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
Definitions
- the invention relates to a telescopic mast system comprising at least two telescopic elements that can be telescopically extended and retracted by driving the telescopic elements out of - and into one another, respectively.
- the invention relates in more detail to an actuator mechanism that locks two or more telescopic elements of such a telescopic mast system relative to one another at least in an extended position.
- the telescopic mast system may be a telescopic mast system that is used for telescopic rigid wing sails on ocean vessels.
- FIG. 4016823 B1 A telescopic and foldable mast for a ship is shown in US 4016823 B1 .
- Figure 2 of the US 4016823 B1 illustrates how a ball-spring mechanism locks two telescopic elements in relation to one another.
- the US 4016823 B1 does however not discuss nor disclose any solution for the redundancy in the extending and withdrawing mechanism of the mast.
- a strong bolt can be used, and this bolt is moved from the engaged into a disengaged position and back by an actuator mechanism.
- the inventors of the present invention have realized that it is possible to provide an actuator mechanism that ensures redundancy if one part of the actuator mechanism for locking two or more telescopic elements in relation to one another in an extended position fails.
- the solution the inventors came up with is an actuator mechanism that comprises a first actuator and a second actuator whereby the second actuator is idle during normal operation of the actuator mechanism and the bolt is moved back and forth by the first actuator during normal operation.
- the second actuator can take over its job and at least move the bolt from the engaged position, in which engaged position the two telescopic elements are locked in relation to one another, to a disengaged position in which the two telescopic elements are not locked in relation to one another.
- the linear actuator mechanism is therewith redundant, and the safety improved.
- a telescopic mast system comprising a bolt, at least two telescopic elements, each of the at least two telescopic elements comprising openings for receiving the bolt in an engaged position in which the at least two telescopic elements are locked in relation to one another, and at least one actuator mechanism comprising a first actuator configured to move the bolt from the engaged position into a disengaged position and back.
- the at least one actuator mechanism further comprises a hinge, a second actuator comprising an engaging projection, a hinge element comprising a pin and an engaging surface whereby the hinge element is connected to the hinge so that the hinge element can swivel.
- the first actuator comprises a pin receiving opening at one end for receiving the pin wherein the engaging projection is configured to engage the engaging surface when the second actuator is actuated for disengaging the pin from the pin receiving opening of the first actuator.
- the described telescopic mast system provides an actuator mechanism that comprises a redundant release system for the bolt when the bolt is in the engaged position.
- the bolt In the engaged position the bolt is blocking the at least two telescopic elements from moving in relation to one another.
- the second actuator ensures that the bolt can be moved from the engaged position to the disengaged position when the first actuator fails for whatever reason.
- first and second actuators are mounted to the bolt or to one of the at least two telescopic elements and the at least one actuator mechanism is mounted to one of the at least two telescopic elements or to the bolt.
- each of the telescopic elements besides maybe the top element will comprise an actuator mechanism, a bolt and corresponding openings so that the telescopic elements can be locked in relation to one another when the mast system is extended.
- the bolts are successively moved into the disengaged position so that the telescopic elements can be retracted.
- the at least one actuator mechanism may further comprise a spring configured to move the pin of the hinge element towards the pin receiving opening of the first actuator.
- the spring ensures that the pin is always pushed or pulled towards the position in which the pin receiving opening and therewith the first actuator is connected. This avoids an unwanted disconnection of the first actuator.
- the first actuator is retracted in the engaged position of the bolt.
- the mechanism could be designed kinematically reversed as well.
- the second actuator is retracted in an idle position and extended in an active position configured to engage the engaging surface of the hinge element via the engaging projection when the first actuator is retracted and the second actuator is extending, whereby the pin is disengaged from the pin receiving opening of the first actuator during an extension of the second actuator, during which extension the second actuator is configured to move the bolt from the engaged position into the disengaged position.
- the second actuator In normal operation, thus when the first actuator is fully functional, then the second actuator remains idle and is not extending to move the bolt. When the first actuator does not move due to damage or failure, then the second actuator can however take over his job by dislocating the pin and therewith preventing the first actuator from interfering with the movement of the bolt.
- the second actuator and in some cases the first actuator may engage via a pushing surface, that may or may not be separate for each actuator.
- the pushing surface may be anchored or fixedly connected to the bolt.
- the actuator mechanism may be a linear actuator mechanism and the first actuator, and the second actuator may be linear actuators for example in the form of electric, hydraulic or pneumatic cylinders.
- Redundant electric, hydraulic and/or pneumatic system can easily be provided for each of the first and second actuator(s). Further, these components are standard and rather easy to obtain.
- the first actuator comprises a powering system that is separated from the powering system of the second actuator.
- the powering system may be an electric, hydraulic or pneumatic powering system.
- the telescopic mast system may further comprise a supporting structure having an opening for receiving the bolt, the first actuator and the second actuator, said supporting structure being arranged away from the ends of the first actuator and second actuator and configured to support the first actuator and the second actuator.
- the first and second actuators may be supported or embedded in the supporting structure for an improved handling and supporting of the first and second actuators.
- first actuator and the second actuator are mounted on any of the at least two telescopic elements.
- the first and second actuators are mounted on the outer of the two telescopic elements for easier access for mounting and maintenance.
- the outer of the at least two telescopic elements is the lower of the two telescopic elements when the telescopic mast system is extended. This means that upper telescopic elements are configured to glide into lower telescopic elements.
- a reversed mechanism may however be employed and the general idea of the invention does also work for such a kinematically reversed solution.
- first actuator and the second actuator are arranged parallel to one another and the pin receiving opening of the first actuator is arranged on the same end as the engaging projection.
- first actuator and the second actuator may further be arranged parallel to a longitudinal direction of the bolt.
- the actuator mechanism may further comprise one or more pushing surface for receiving one end of the second actuator when the first or second actuator is extending.
- the pushing surface may be anchored or fixedly connected to the bolt.
- the pushing surface(s) may be part of the actuator mechanism or arranged separately on the bolt or alternatively one of the at least two telescopic elements.
- the hinge element comprises a first lever arm and a second lever arm, whereby the first lever arm comprises the pin and the second lever arm comprises the engaging surface.
- the pin may be arranged at a free end of the first lever arm and the engaging surface may be arranged at a free end of the second lever arm.
- the hinge may be connected to the hinge element where the first lever arm and the second lever arm are connected.
- Such a designed hinge element ensure a proper functioning of the disengagement procedure in the actuator mechanism in case the first actuator fails.
- the current invention relates to a telescopic mast system for telescopic mast of a telescopic sail system comprising rigid sail elements.
- a telescopic sail system may be employed and used in marine vessels or other large vessels operating on lakes.
- Figure 1 illustrates a schematic and perspective view of the telescopic mast system 1 illustrating an actuator mechanism 4, which is configured to move a bolt 2 from an engaged position as shown in figures 1a-1c into a disengaged position as shown in figures 2a-2c .
- the actuator mechanism 4 comprises a first actuator 8 and second actuator 12.
- the first actuator 8 is design to move the bolt 2 back and forth from an engaged position into a disengaged position and back, depending on an operating status of the telescopic mast system, if a mast of the telescopic mast system is retracted, then the bolt 2 is moved into a disengaged position ( figures 2a-2c ) and if the mast has to be locked when it is extended so that an ocean vessel or the like can use mast and rigid wing sail, respectively, the bolt is in the engaged position as shown in figures 1a-1c .
- the first cylinder 8 is driving the bolt 2 back and forth during normal operation and the second actuator 12 remains idle during normal operation and only starts operating if there is a failure with the first cylinder system.
- the bolt 2 In the engaged position the bolt 2 is blocking the relative movement of at least two telescopic elements 6 by extending into openings 32 employed in walls of the at least two telescopic elements 6.
- the first actuator 8 and the second actuator 12 are mounted onto one of the at least two telescopic elements 6 via connections 34.
- the first and second actuators 8, 12 are supported somewhere in between their front ends and their back ends by a supporting structure 22 as shown in figure 1a .
- the supporting structure 22 may be connected to one of the telescopic elements 6 or they may be support otherwise.
- the supporting structure 22 is further comprising a similar opening as the openings 32 in the telescopic elements 6 for supporting the bolt 2 and its movement along its longitudinal direction.
- the bolt 2 is configured to be moved along its longitudinal direction from the engaged position into the disengaged position and back.
- the actuator mechanism 4 comprises a hinge element 14 having an engaging surface 28 and a pin 30.
- the engaging surface 28 and/or the pin 30 may or may not be integrally formed with the hinge element 14.
- the hinge element 14 is embedded so that it can swivel onto a hinge 18 that is mounted on the bolt 2.
- the second actuator 12 comprises an engaging projection 26, which is configured to just touch the engaging surface 28 of the hinge element 14 when the bolt 2 is in an engaged position and when the first actuator 8 and the second actuator 12 is in a retracted position as shown in figures 1a to 1c .
- a spring 20 draws the hinge element 14 so that the pin 30 is positioned in an opening 24 of a front end of the first cylinder 8.
- the front end of the first cylinder 8 is located in between two flanges 10 that are mounted onto the bolt 2.
- the two flanges 10 also comprise openings, which openings are congruent with the opening 24 of the front end of the first cylinder 8 when the pin 30 is engaged in the openings of the flanges and the opening 24 of the first cylinder 8. This allows the actuator mechanism 4 to move the bolt 2 back and forth, since the pin 30 is engaged and locking the bolt 2 versus the first cylinder 8.
- the actuator mechanism 4 further comprises a pushing surface 16 anchored onto the bolt 2, which pushing surface 16 is designed to receive a front part of the second cylinder 12, which will be described referring to figures 3a to 3c .
- Figures 2a to 2c illustrate the telescopic mast system 1 in normal operation mode, in which the first cylinder 8 is extended and the bolt 2 is in a disengaged position, in which the at least two telescopic elements 6 are not locked in relation to one another.
- the second actuator 12 is idle and in a non-extended position since the first actuator 8 s working without any substantial issue or problem.
- Figure 2b illustrates the actuator mechanism 4 in which the pin 30 is engaged in the front end of the first cylinder 8 and, in which the spring 20 pulls the pin 30 into the opening of the front end of the first cylinder 8.
- the pushing surface 16 is well visible, which pushing surface 16 will be engaged by the front end of the second actuator 12 in case the first actuator 8 fails to move the bolt 2 from the engaged position into the disengaged position as will now be described referring to figures 3a and 3c .
- the redundant solution of the actuator mechanism 4 and telescopic mast system 1, respectively, is activated by engaging and extending the second actuator 12, which second actuator has a power system that can be any of hydraulic, electric or pneumatic, which is independent of the system that powers the first actuator 8. This ensures that the telescopic mast of the telescopic mast system can be retracted in case the first actuator 8 fails to be actuated for removal of the bolt 2 from the engaged position into the disengaged position.
- the second actuator 12 can safely move the bolt 2 into the disengaged position.
- the hinge element 14 further comprises a first lever arm 36 and a second lever arm 38 that are interconnected by each of their ends close to or at the hinge 18, as best illustrated in figure 3c .
- the first lever arm 36 comprises the pin 30 at its free end and the second lever arm 38 comprises the engaging surface 28.
- the first lever arm 36 and the second lever arm 38 are arranged at an angle of about 90° in relation to one another and as seen from top down onto the actuator mechanism 4. Any other reasonable angle that works with the presented embodiment and solution may however be considered and employed.
- the first and second actuators 8, 12 may be electric, hydraulic or pneumatic cylinders.
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- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Ocean & Marine Engineering (AREA)
- Forklifts And Lifting Vehicles (AREA)
Abstract
Disclosed herein is a telescopic mast system comprising a bolt (2), at least two telescopic elements (6), each of the at least two telescopic elements (6) comprising openings (32) for receiving the bolt (2) in an engaged position in which the at least two telescopic elements (6) are locked in relation to one another, and at least one actuator mechanism (4) comprising a first actuator (8) configured to move the bolt (2) from the engaged position into a disengaged position and back. The at least one actuator mechanism (4) further comprises a hinge (18), a hinge element (14) comprising a pin (30) and an engaging surface (28) and a second actuator (12) comprising an engaging projection (26). The hinge element (14) is connected to the hinge (18) so that the hinge element (14) can swivel, the first actuator (8) comprises a pin receiving opening (24) at a front end for receiving the pin (30). The engaging projection (26) is configured to engage the engaging surface (28) when the second actuator (12) is actuated for disengaging the pin (30) from the pin receiving opening (24) of the first actuator (8).
Description
- The invention relates to a telescopic mast system comprising at least two telescopic elements that can be telescopically extended and retracted by driving the telescopic elements out of - and into one another, respectively. The invention relates in more detail to an actuator mechanism that locks two or more telescopic elements of such a telescopic mast system relative to one another at least in an extended position. The telescopic mast system may be a telescopic mast system that is used for telescopic rigid wing sails on ocean vessels.
- Nowadays many companies are increasing their efforts to reduce carbon dioxide and other emissions. One industry that is in particular looking for better and more effective solutions is the worldwide shipping industry. Since the global flow of goods has substantially increased over the past few years, a reduction in emissions, which goes hand in hand with saving fuel used for transporting those goods across oceans, has become a priority for many shipping companies and ship builders.
- In view of these challenges efforts have been made to increase the usage of wind again for moving ships across big water surfaces. In order to use wind many solutions propose to use some sort of sails. Some ideas that have been proposed include rigid, telescopic wing sails, kites and tubular structures. One thing that these solutions have in common is that they can be stowed away rather easily, either on the deck of the ship or in silos in the ship. Besides kites many solutions use some sort of telescopic masts that extend and withdraw telescopic sail elements, which can be stored within one another. Due to safety requirements telescopic sail structures are required to be withdrawable in any circumstance, thus there is a requirement regarding redundancy when it comes to mechanisms for withdrawing, extending and locking such telescopic masts.
- A telescopic and foldable mast for a ship is shown in
US 4016823 B1 .Figure 2 of theUS 4016823 B1 illustrates how a ball-spring mechanism locks two telescopic elements in relation to one another. TheUS 4016823 B1 does however not discuss nor disclose any solution for the redundancy in the extending and withdrawing mechanism of the mast. - In view of the above it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved safety mechanism for the locking of two telescopic elements in relation to one another.
- For the locking of the two telescopic elements in relation to one another a strong bolt can be used, and this bolt is moved from the engaged into a disengaged position and back by an actuator mechanism. The inventors of the present invention have realized that it is possible to provide an actuator mechanism that ensures redundancy if one part of the actuator mechanism for locking two or more telescopic elements in relation to one another in an extended position fails. The solution the inventors came up with is an actuator mechanism that comprises a first actuator and a second actuator whereby the second actuator is idle during normal operation of the actuator mechanism and the bolt is moved back and forth by the first actuator during normal operation. In case the first actuator fails for whatever reason, the second actuator can take over its job and at least move the bolt from the engaged position, in which engaged position the two telescopic elements are locked in relation to one another, to a disengaged position in which the two telescopic elements are not locked in relation to one another. The linear actuator mechanism is therewith redundant, and the safety improved.
- Disclosed herein is a telescopic mast system comprising a bolt, at least two telescopic elements, each of the at least two telescopic elements comprising openings for receiving the bolt in an engaged position in which the at least two telescopic elements are locked in relation to one another, and at least one actuator mechanism comprising a first actuator configured to move the bolt from the engaged position into a disengaged position and back. The at least one actuator mechanism further comprises a hinge, a second actuator comprising an engaging projection, a hinge element comprising a pin and an engaging surface whereby the hinge element is connected to the hinge so that the hinge element can swivel. The first actuator comprises a pin receiving opening at one end for receiving the pin wherein the engaging projection is configured to engage the engaging surface when the second actuator is actuated for disengaging the pin from the pin receiving opening of the first actuator.
- The described telescopic mast system provides an actuator mechanism that comprises a redundant release system for the bolt when the bolt is in the engaged position. In the engaged position the bolt is blocking the at least two telescopic elements from moving in relation to one another. The second actuator ensures that the bolt can be moved from the engaged position to the disengaged position when the first actuator fails for whatever reason.
- In one embodiment the first and second actuators are mounted to the bolt or to one of the at least two telescopic elements and the at least one actuator mechanism is mounted to one of the at least two telescopic elements or to the bolt.
- In case many telescopic elements are used, each of the telescopic elements besides maybe the top element will comprise an actuator mechanism, a bolt and corresponding openings so that the telescopic elements can be locked in relation to one another when the mast system is extended. During retraction, the bolts are successively moved into the disengaged position so that the telescopic elements can be retracted.
- In another embodiment the at least one actuator mechanism may further comprise a spring configured to move the pin of the hinge element towards the pin receiving opening of the first actuator.
- The spring ensures that the pin is always pushed or pulled towards the position in which the pin receiving opening and therewith the first actuator is connected. This avoids an unwanted disconnection of the first actuator.
- In a further embodiment the first actuator is retracted in the engaged position of the bolt.
- The mechanism could be designed kinematically reversed as well.
- In a further embodiment the second actuator is retracted in an idle position and extended in an active position configured to engage the engaging surface of the hinge element via the engaging projection when the first actuator is retracted and the second actuator is extending, whereby the pin is disengaged from the pin receiving opening of the first actuator during an extension of the second actuator, during which extension the second actuator is configured to move the bolt from the engaged position into the disengaged position.
- In normal operation, thus when the first actuator is fully functional, then the second actuator remains idle and is not extending to move the bolt. When the first actuator does not move due to damage or failure, then the second actuator can however take over his job by dislocating the pin and therewith preventing the first actuator from interfering with the movement of the bolt.
- The second actuator and in some cases the first actuator, may engage via a pushing surface, that may or may not be separate for each actuator. The pushing surface may be anchored or fixedly connected to the bolt.
- In a further embodiment the actuator mechanism may be a linear actuator mechanism and the first actuator, and the second actuator may be linear actuators for example in the form of electric, hydraulic or pneumatic cylinders.
- Redundant electric, hydraulic and/or pneumatic system can easily be provided for each of the first and second actuator(s). Further, these components are standard and rather easy to obtain.
- The first actuator comprises a powering system that is separated from the powering system of the second actuator. The powering system may be an electric, hydraulic or pneumatic powering system.
- In a further embodiment the telescopic mast system may further comprise a supporting structure having an opening for receiving the bolt, the first actuator and the second actuator, said supporting structure being arranged away from the ends of the first actuator and second actuator and configured to support the first actuator and the second actuator.
- The first and second actuators may be supported or embedded in the supporting structure for an improved handling and supporting of the first and second actuators.
- In a further embodiment the first actuator and the second actuator are mounted on any of the at least two telescopic elements.
- Preferably the first and second actuators are mounted on the outer of the two telescopic elements for easier access for mounting and maintenance. Typically the outer of the at least two telescopic elements is the lower of the two telescopic elements when the telescopic mast system is extended. This means that upper telescopic elements are configured to glide into lower telescopic elements. A reversed mechanism may however be employed and the general idea of the invention does also work for such a kinematically reversed solution.
- In a further embodiment the first actuator and the second actuator are arranged parallel to one another and the pin receiving opening of the first actuator is arranged on the same end as the engaging projection. Preferably the first actuator and the second actuator may further be arranged parallel to a longitudinal direction of the bolt.
- This ensures a kinematically smooth movement.
- In a further embodiment the actuator mechanism may further comprise one or more pushing surface for receiving one end of the second actuator when the first or second actuator is extending. The pushing surface may be anchored or fixedly connected to the bolt.
- The pushing surface(s) may be part of the actuator mechanism or arranged separately on the bolt or alternatively one of the at least two telescopic elements.
- In an embodiment the hinge element comprises a first lever arm and a second lever arm, whereby the first lever arm comprises the pin and the second lever arm comprises the engaging surface.
- The pin may be arranged at a free end of the first lever arm and the engaging surface may be arranged at a free end of the second lever arm.
- The hinge may be connected to the hinge element where the first lever arm and the second lever arm are connected.
- Such a designed hinge element ensure a proper functioning of the disengagement procedure in the actuator mechanism in case the first actuator fails.
- The embodiments illustrated herein can be combined and various features of one embodiment can be introduced in other embodiments. The features illustrated in one embodiment may be applied in another embodiment. None of the features are in particular excluded from being employed or implemented in another embodiment shown herein.
- The present invention will now be described, for exemplary purposes, in more detail by way of an embodiment(s) and with reference to the enclosed drawings, in which:
- Fig. 1a:
- schematically illustrates a perspective view of a telescopic mast system in which a bolt is an engaged position;
- Fig. 1b
- schematically illustrates a perspective view of a part of
figure 1a of an actuator mechanism in a locked position; - Fig. 1c
- schematically illustrates a top-down view of the embodiment shown in
figure 1 b; - Fig. 2a:
- schematically illustrates a perspective view of the telescopic mast system in which the bolt is in a disengaged position;
- Fig. 2b
- schematically illustrates a perspective view of a part of
figure 2a of the actuator mechanism in a locked position; - Fig. 2c
- schematically illustrates a top-down view of the embodiment shown in
figure 2b ; - Fig. 3a:
- schematically illustrates a perspective view of the telescopic mast system in which the bolt is in a disengaged position;
- Fig. 3b
- schematically illustrates a perspective view of a part of
figure 3a of the actuator mechanism in a locked position, and - Fig. 3c
- schematically illustrates a top-down view of the embodiment shown in
figure 3b . - As mentioned in the introduction the current invention relates to a telescopic mast system for telescopic mast of a telescopic sail system comprising rigid sail elements. Such a telescopic sail system may be employed and used in marine vessels or other large vessels operating on lakes.
-
Figure 1 illustrates a schematic and perspective view of thetelescopic mast system 1 illustrating anactuator mechanism 4, which is configured to move abolt 2 from an engaged position as shown infigures 1a-1c into a disengaged position as shown infigures 2a-2c . Theactuator mechanism 4 comprises afirst actuator 8 andsecond actuator 12. Thefirst actuator 8 is design to move thebolt 2 back and forth from an engaged position into a disengaged position and back, depending on an operating status of the telescopic mast system, if a mast of the telescopic mast system is retracted, then thebolt 2 is moved into a disengaged position (figures 2a-2c ) and if the mast has to be locked when it is extended so that an ocean vessel or the like can use mast and rigid wing sail, respectively, the bolt is in the engaged position as shown infigures 1a-1c . As previously mentioned, thefirst cylinder 8 is driving thebolt 2 back and forth during normal operation and thesecond actuator 12 remains idle during normal operation and only starts operating if there is a failure with the first cylinder system. In the engaged position thebolt 2 is blocking the relative movement of at least twotelescopic elements 6 by extending intoopenings 32 employed in walls of the at least twotelescopic elements 6. Thefirst actuator 8 and thesecond actuator 12 are mounted onto one of the at least twotelescopic elements 6 viaconnections 34. The first andsecond actuators structure 22 as shown infigure 1a . The supportingstructure 22 may be connected to one of thetelescopic elements 6 or they may be support otherwise. The supportingstructure 22 is further comprising a similar opening as theopenings 32 in thetelescopic elements 6 for supporting thebolt 2 and its movement along its longitudinal direction. - The
bolt 2 is configured to be moved along its longitudinal direction from the engaged position into the disengaged position and back. - The
actuator mechanism 4 will now be described in more detail turning tofigures 1b and 1c . Theactuator mechanism 4 comprises ahinge element 14 having an engagingsurface 28 and apin 30. The engagingsurface 28 and/or thepin 30 may or may not be integrally formed with thehinge element 14. Thehinge element 14 is embedded so that it can swivel onto ahinge 18 that is mounted on thebolt 2. Thesecond actuator 12 comprises an engagingprojection 26, which is configured to just touch the engagingsurface 28 of thehinge element 14 when thebolt 2 is in an engaged position and when thefirst actuator 8 and thesecond actuator 12 is in a retracted position as shown infigures 1a to 1c . - Still referring to
figures 1a to 1c , aspring 20 draws thehinge element 14 so that thepin 30 is positioned in anopening 24 of a front end of thefirst cylinder 8. The front end of thefirst cylinder 8 is located in between twoflanges 10 that are mounted onto thebolt 2. The twoflanges 10 also comprise openings, which openings are congruent with theopening 24 of the front end of thefirst cylinder 8 when thepin 30 is engaged in the openings of the flanges and theopening 24 of thefirst cylinder 8. This allows theactuator mechanism 4 to move thebolt 2 back and forth, since thepin 30 is engaged and locking thebolt 2 versus thefirst cylinder 8. Theactuator mechanism 4 further comprises a pushingsurface 16 anchored onto thebolt 2, which pushingsurface 16 is designed to receive a front part of thesecond cylinder 12, which will be described referring tofigures 3a to 3c . -
Figures 2a to 2c illustrate thetelescopic mast system 1 in normal operation mode, in which thefirst cylinder 8 is extended and thebolt 2 is in a disengaged position, in which the at least twotelescopic elements 6 are not locked in relation to one another. Thesecond actuator 12 is idle and in a non-extended position since the first actuator 8 s working without any substantial issue or problem. -
Figure 2b illustrates theactuator mechanism 4 in which thepin 30 is engaged in the front end of thefirst cylinder 8 and, in which thespring 20 pulls thepin 30 into the opening of the front end of thefirst cylinder 8. Fromfigure 2c the pushingsurface 16 is well visible, which pushingsurface 16 will be engaged by the front end of thesecond actuator 12 in case thefirst actuator 8 fails to move thebolt 2 from the engaged position into the disengaged position as will now be described referring tofigures 3a and 3c . - When the
first actuator 8 fails to be actuated for instance due to a problem, which can be of hydraulic, electric or pneumatic nature, then the redundant solution of theactuator mechanism 4 andtelescopic mast system 1, respectively, is activated by engaging and extending thesecond actuator 12, which second actuator has a power system that can be any of hydraulic, electric or pneumatic, which is independent of the system that powers thefirst actuator 8. This ensures that the telescopic mast of the telescopic mast system can be retracted in case thefirst actuator 8 fails to be actuated for removal of thebolt 2 from the engaged position into the disengaged position. - When the
bolt 2 is in the engaged position as illustrated infigures 1a to 1c and then it has to be moved into the disengaged position as disclosed infigures 2a to 2c and thefirst actuator 8 fails to be actuated, then thesecond actuator 12 is actuated and extended. Then the following steps happen in the following sequence: - 1. The engaging
portion 26 of the front end of thesecond actuator 12 is touching the engagingsurface 28 of thehinge element 14. - 2. The pressure on the engaging
surface 28 makes thehinge element 14 swivel so that thepin 30 starts to disengage from theopening 24 of the front end of the second actuator 12 (c.f.figures 1a to 2c ) freeing the front end of thefirst actuator 8. - 3. Once the
pin 30 is disengaged from theopening 24 thefirst actuator 8 no longer blocks the movement of thebolt 2. - 4. At the same time as the
pin 30 is completely removed a front pushingsurface 15 of thesecond actuator 12 is engaging the pushingsurface 16 that is anchored onto thebolt 2 and starts to push thebolt 2 into the disengaged position. - Then the
second actuator 12 can safely move thebolt 2 into the disengaged position. - The
hinge element 14 further comprises afirst lever arm 36 and asecond lever arm 38 that are interconnected by each of their ends close to or at thehinge 18, as best illustrated infigure 3c . Thefirst lever arm 36 comprises thepin 30 at its free end and thesecond lever arm 38 comprises the engagingsurface 28. Thefirst lever arm 36 and thesecond lever arm 38 are arranged at an angle of about 90° in relation to one another and as seen from top down onto theactuator mechanism 4. Any other reasonable angle that works with the presented embodiment and solution may however be considered and employed. - The first and
second actuators - The invention has now been described according to the illustrated embodiment. Other solutions or kinematically reversed solutions may however be employed and used and fall within the scope of the invention.
Claims (15)
- A telescopic mast system comprising a bolt (2), at least two telescopic elements (6), each of the at least two telescopic elements (6) comprising openings (32) for receiving the bolt (2) in an engaged position in which the at least two telescopic elements (6) are locked in relation to one another, and at least one actuator mechanism (4) comprising a first actuator (8) configured to move the bolt (2) from the engaged position into a disengaged position and back, characterized in that the at least one actuator mechanism (4) further comprises a hinge (18), a hinge element (14) comprising a pin (30) and an engaging surface (28) and a second actuator (12) comprising an engaging projection (26), the hinge element (14) being connected to the hinge (18) so that the hinge element (14) can swivel, the first actuator (8) comprising a pin receiving opening (24) at a front end for receiving the pin (30) wherein the engaging projection (26) is configured to engage the engaging surface (28) when the second actuator (12) is actuated for disengaging the pin (30) from the pin receiving opening (24) of the first actuator (8).
- The telescopic mast system according to claim 1, wherein the first and second actuators (8, 12) are mounted to the bolt (2) or to one of the at least two telescopic elements (6) and the actuator mechanism (4) is mounted to the one of the at least two telescopic elements (6) or to the bolt (2).
- The telescopic mast system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the actuator mechanism (4) further comprises a spring (20) configured to move the pin (30) of the hinge element (14) towards the pin receiving opening (24) of the first actuator (8).
- The telescopic mast system according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first actuator (8) is retracted in the engaged position of the bolt (2).
- The telescopic mast system according to claim 4, wherein the second actuator (12) is retracted in an idle position and extended in an active position configured to engage the engaging surface (28) of the hinge element (14) via the engaging projection (26) when the first actuator (8) is retracted and the second actuator (12) is extending, whereby the pin (30) is disengaged from the pin receiving opening (24) in the first actuator (8) during an extension of the second actuator (12), during which extension the second actuator (12) is configured to move the bolt (2) from the engaged position into the disengaged position.
- The telescopic mast system according to any of the previous claims 1 to 5, wherein the actuator mechanism (4) is a linear actuator mechanism and wherein the first actuator (8) and the second actuator (12) are linear actuators.
- The telescopic mast system according to claim 6, wherein the first actuator (8) and the second actuator (12) are electric, hydraulic or pneumatic powered cylinders.
- The telescopic mast system according to any of the preceding claims 1 to 7, further comprising a supporting structure (22) comprising an opening for receiving the bolt (2), the first actuator (8) and the second actuator (12), said supporting structure (22) being arranged away from the ends of the first actuator (8) and second actuator (12) and configured to support the first actuator (8) and the second actuator (12).
- The telescopic mast system according to any of the preceding claims 1 to 8, wherein the first actuator (8)and the second actuator (12) are mounted on any of the at least two telescopic elements (6).
- The telescopic mast system according to any of the previous claims 1 to 9, wherein the first actuator (8) and the second actuator (12) are arranged parallel to one another and wherein the pin receiving opening (24) of the first actuator (8) is arranged at the same end as the engaging projection (26).
- The telescopic mast system according to claim 10, wherein the first actuator (8) and the second actuator (12) are further arranged parallel to a longitudinal direction of the bolt (2).
- The telescopic mast according to any of the previous claims 1 to 11, wherein the actuator mechanism (4) further comprises one or more pushing surface (16) anchored on the bolt (2), said pushing surface (16) being designed for receiving a front end of the second actuator (12), when the first or second actuator is extending and when the pin (30) is removed from the pin-receiving opening (24).
- The telescopic mast system according to any of the previous claims 1 to 12, wherein the hinge element (14) comprises a first lever arm (36) and a second lever arm (38), whereby the first lever arm (36) comprises the pin (30) and the second lever arm (38) comprises the engaging surface (28).
- The telescopic mast system according to claim 13, wherein the pin (30) is arranged at a free end of the first lever arm (36) and the engaging surface (28) is arranged at a free end of the second lever arm (38).
- The telescopic mast system according to claim 14, wherein the hinge (18) is connected to the hinge element (14) where the first lever arm (36) and the second lever arm (38) are connected.
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP21180395.2A EP4105114A1 (en) | 2021-06-18 | 2021-06-18 | Telescopic mast system |
PCT/EP2022/063780 WO2022263106A1 (en) | 2021-06-18 | 2022-05-20 | Telescopic mast system |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP21180395.2A EP4105114A1 (en) | 2021-06-18 | 2021-06-18 | Telescopic mast system |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP4105114A1 true EP4105114A1 (en) | 2022-12-21 |
Family
ID=76532087
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP21180395.2A Withdrawn EP4105114A1 (en) | 2021-06-18 | 2021-06-18 | Telescopic mast system |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP4105114A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2022263106A1 (en) |
Citations (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4016823A (en) | 1976-05-21 | 1977-04-12 | Davis Robert S | Retractable sailboat mast |
CN101920777B (en) * | 2010-09-15 | 2012-07-04 | 武汉理工大学 | Wing sail and ship with same |
JP2015205525A (en) * | 2014-04-17 | 2015-11-19 | 株式会社タダノ | Hard sail ship |
-
2021
- 2021-06-18 EP EP21180395.2A patent/EP4105114A1/en not_active Withdrawn
-
2022
- 2022-05-20 WO PCT/EP2022/063780 patent/WO2022263106A1/en active Application Filing
Patent Citations (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4016823A (en) | 1976-05-21 | 1977-04-12 | Davis Robert S | Retractable sailboat mast |
CN101920777B (en) * | 2010-09-15 | 2012-07-04 | 武汉理工大学 | Wing sail and ship with same |
JP2015205525A (en) * | 2014-04-17 | 2015-11-19 | 株式会社タダノ | Hard sail ship |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
WO2022263106A1 (en) | 2022-12-22 |
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