TELESCOPIC MAST SYSTEM

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

Technical Field

[0001] 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.

Background of the Invention

[0002] 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.

[0003] 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.

[0004] 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.

Summary of the Invention

[0005] 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.

[0006] 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.

[0007] 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.

[0008] 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.

[0009] 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.

[0010] 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.

[0011] 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.

[0012] 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.

[0013] In a further embodiment the first actuator is retracted in the engaged position of the bolt.

[0014] The mechanism could be designed kinematically reversed as well.

[0015] 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.

[0016] 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.

[0017] 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.

[0018] 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.

[0019] 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.

[0020] 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.

[0021] 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.

[0022] 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.

[0023] In a further embodiment the first actuator and the second actuator are mounted on any of the at least two telescopic elements.

[0024] 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.

[0025] 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.

[0026] This ensures a kinematically smooth movement.

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] The hinge may be connected to the hinge element where the first lever arm and the second lever arm are connected.

[0032] Such a designed hinge element ensure a proper functioning of the disengagement procedure in the actuator mechanism in case the first actuator fails.

[0033] 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.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0034] 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.

Detailed Description

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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. As previously mentioned, 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. 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.

[0037] The bolt 2 is configured to be moved along its longitudinal direction from the engaged position into the disengaged position and back.

[0038] The actuator mechanism 4 will now be described in more detail turning to figures 1b and 1c. 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.

[0039] Still referring to 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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. From figure 2c 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.

[0042] 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 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.

[0043] When the bolt 2 is in the engaged position as illustrated in figures 1a to 1c and then it has to be moved into the disengaged position as disclosed in figures 2a to 2c and the first actuator 8 fails to be actuated, then the second 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 the second actuator 12 is touching the engaging surface 28 of the hinge element 14.

2. The pressure on the engaging surface 28 makes the hinge element 14 swivel so that the pin 30 starts to disengage from the opening 24 of the front end of the second actuator 12 (c.f. figures 1a to 2c) freeing the front end of the first actuator 8.

3. Once the pin 30 is disengaged from the opening 24 the first actuator 8 no longer blocks the movement of the bolt 2.

4. At the same time as the pin 30 is completely removed a front pushing surface 15 of the second actuator 12 is engaging the pushing surface 16 that is anchored onto the bolt 2 and starts to push the bolt 2 into the disengaged position.

[0044] Then the second actuator 12 can safely move the bolt 2 into the disengaged position.

[0045] 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.

[0046] The first and second actuators 8, 12 may be electric, hydraulic or pneumatic cylinders.

[0047] 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

1. 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).

2. 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).

3. 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).

4. 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).

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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).

9. 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).

10. 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).

11. 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).

12. 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).

13. 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).

14. 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).

15. 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.

Drawing