Patent Description:
The use of buoys is known during regattas, where they are arranged at a relative distance from each other and, precisely for use in regattas, are distributed over a large surface of water such as the sea or a lake, or even a river. Each buoy is connected to an anchor by a rope.

Usually, the recovery of buoys or anchors on board a boat is carried out manually or by means of a winch fixed to the boat itself. The winch is provided with a drum, that is to say a rotating cylinder, shaft or pin around which the rope of the buoy is wound. The cylinder, shaft or pin is referred to in the remainder of the invention as the drum.

In this case the rope is wound around the above-mentioned drum, by means of the spooling technique, to form a reel or spool. The coil is controlled manually or, more frequently, by an internal combustion engine or an electric motor.

Generally, the procedure provides for the hooking of the load, for example a buoy, and the consequent recovery through a rotation of the drum. Once the load has been recovered, the drum is rotated in the opposite direction to unwind and remove the cable from the drum, and allow the removal of a subsequent buoy. This operation must be repeated for all the buoys of the regatta to be recovered.

The use of such a winch, whilst on the one hand it is advantageous because it allows the effective recovery of loads that are in the water, such as the above-mentioned buoys, or even an anchor with the respective cable, on the other hand it can be inefficient when there is a large number of buoys to recover. The rolling and unrolling times are in fact high.

The present invention starts from the technical problem of providing a winch which is capable of meeting the needs mentioned above with reference to the prior art, and to overcome the above-mentioned drawback and/or to allow further advantages to be achieved.

This is achieved by a winch and a method as defined in the respective independent claims. Secondary characteristics are covered by the respective dependent claims.

In particular, the invention provides a winch comprising a support frame with a seat, a rotating drum or cylinder, and actuation means for actuating the rotation of the rotating drum or cylinder. According to an aspect of the invention, the rotating cylinder or drum is mounted in a removable fashion in the seat of the support frame.

Furthermore, the frame comprises a door capable of adopting a closed position and an open position. In particular, in the closed position the door closes the seat of the frame and protects the drum inside the seat, while when the door is in the open position the drum can be inserted or removed with respect to the seat of the frame.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention it is therefore possible to quickly remove a whole reel from the support frame, that is to say both the drum and the cable wound thereon, for example to replace the cable to be wound.

In other words, the invention makes it possible to recover a load and, once the winding limit of the rope on the reel has been reached, it is possible to replace the reel in a rapid manner in order to recover other loads with a new drum.

It is possible to quickly repeat the winding operation for all the loads to be recovered.

In this way it is possible to significantly optimise the recovery times of floating or submerged loads, as it is not necessary to unwind the rope or cable already recovered before carrying out a new recovery.

Furthermore, in the event of wear or failure of the actuation cable associated with the drum, the winch according to the invention makes replacement quicker thanks to the possibility of quickly removing the reel to replace it with another.

Further advantages, characteristics and methods of use of the object of the invention will become evident from the following detailed description of its embodiments, presented merely by way of non-limiting examples.

It is however evident that each embodiment of the object of this disclosure can have one or more of the advantages listed above; however, no embodiment is required to simultaneously have all the listed advantages.

Reference will be made to the accompanying drawings, wherein:.

With reference to the attached figures, the reference number <NUM> indicates as a whole a winch according to an embodiment of the invention.

The winch <NUM> comprises a support frame <NUM> having a seat <NUM>, a drum <NUM> defining an axis of rotation, and actuation means configured to activate the rotation of the drum <NUM> about the axis of rotation. The drum <NUM> is also mounted in a removable manner in the seat <NUM> of the support frame <NUM>, that is, it is possible to uncouple the drum <NUM> from the frame <NUM> for example to replace the drum <NUM>.

Moreover, the support frame <NUM> comprises a door <NUM>, which is configured to adopt a closed position C and an open position D. In the closed position C the door <NUM> can protect the drum <NUM> in the seat <NUM> of the frame <NUM>, while in the open position D it can allow the drum <NUM> to be inserted or removed in/from the seat <NUM> of the frame <NUM>. In other words, the door <NUM> can move to the open position D to allow the drum <NUM> to be extracted or re-inserted from/in the seat <NUM> of the frame <NUM>, for example to replace the drum <NUM>. The door <NUM> can also pass to the closed position C to protect the drum <NUM>, for example when the winch <NUM> is in use and the rotation of the drum <NUM> can be actuated.

Preferably, the support frame <NUM> comprises a first support element <NUM> having an end inserted in an axial through hole of the drum <NUM>.

The first support element <NUM> is configured to be able to alternatively adopt an operating position A, wherein the first support element <NUM> supports the drum <NUM>, and a release position B, wherein the first support element <NUM> allows the drum <NUM> to be uncoupled from or re-associated with the support frame <NUM>. The first support element <NUM> has the shape of a shaft with a square section in order to be able to transmit a rotational motion to the drum <NUM>. In other words, the first support element <NUM> can transmit a rotational motion to the drum <NUM>, by coupling with the latter, thanks to the shaft shape with a square section.

In the release position the first support element <NUM> is extracted towards an external area outside the frame <NUM>, so as to be able to free the drum <NUM> from the seat <NUM> where it is positioned.

In other words, when the first support element <NUM> is in the operating position A the drum <NUM> is supported, and a rotation of the drum <NUM> can be actuated by the actuation means. When the first support element <NUM> is in the release position B, the drum <NUM> is free to be handled as a separate body from the support frame <NUM> to be uncoupled from or re-associated with it.

According to a preferred embodiment, the frame <NUM> comprises a translation region <NUM> of the first support element <NUM>. In particular, the first support element <NUM> is configured to translate along a direction coinciding with the rotational axis of the drum <NUM>. By means of the translation, the first support element <NUM> can pass from the operating position A to the release position B, or vice versa.

Preferably, with reference to <FIG>, the winch <NUM> comprises a second support element <NUM>. The first support element <NUM> can be positioned at one end of the drum <NUM>, along the axis of rotation of the drum <NUM>, and the second support element <NUM> can be positioned at a second end of the drum <NUM> on the same axis of rotation. In particular, the second support element <NUM> is preferably fixed, that is to say, it can be associated with the support frame <NUM> in a fixed manner. The second support element <NUM> also has shape of a shaft, preferably a shaft shape with a square section. Both the first support element <NUM> and the second support element <NUM> are inserted in an axial internal cavity of the drum <NUM>.

The actuation means are preferably connected to the first support element <NUM>, by means of a motion transmission element <NUM>, such as a motion transmission chain or belt which is mounted on the first support element <NUM> in the translation region <NUM>. More details on the motion transmission are given below.

Preferably, as mentioned, the first support element <NUM> and the second support element <NUM> are substantially solid bodies with square sections configured to support the drum <NUM>, in particular they comprise a portion that can be associated with the drum <NUM> near its axis of rotation, so as to allow the rotation of the drum <NUM>. Moreover, the support frame <NUM> can comprise bearings <NUM> in a known manner to allow the rotation of the first and second support elements <NUM>, <NUM> and consequently the rotation of the drum <NUM> supported by them.

More specifically, the support frame <NUM> has a box-like shape and comprises a first wall <NUM> into which the first support element <NUM> is inserted through and a second wall <NUM> into which the second support element <NUM> is inserted through.

The support frame <NUM> further comprises a grip element <NUM> associated with the first support element <NUM> which can be used by a user to translate the first support element from the operating position A to the release position B, or vice versa. In order make the first support element <NUM> translate, a release and recoupling system can be provided, configured to lock the first support element <NUM> in the operating position A or in the release position B by means of safety elements, such as, for example, spring elements.

By means of partial rotation and a translation of the first support element <NUM> towards the release position B, it is possible to release the drum <NUM> from the first support element <NUM> so as to allow the extraction of the drum <NUM> from the seat <NUM>, as shown in the <FIG>.

Moreover, the first support element can be made to translate again towards the operating position A once the drum <NUM> or another drum has been reinserted inside the seat <NUM>, so as to re-associate the drum itself to the support frame <NUM>.

Preferably, the winch <NUM> comprises a thread-like or rope-like body, for example a cable or a rope (not shown in the drawings), wound on the drum <NUM> to form a reel.

In particular, the operating position A preferably corresponds to a winding condition of the thread-like or rope-like body on the drum <NUM>. In other words, when the first support element <NUM> is in the operating position A and the drum <NUM> is associated with the support frame <NUM>, the thread-like or rope-like body can be wound on the drum <NUM>.

According to a preferred embodiment, the winch <NUM> further comprises a thread guide element <NUM>, associated with a translation shaft <NUM> having an axis parallel to the axis of the drum <NUM>.

The thread guide element <NUM> is configured to be able to translate along the axis of the translation shaft <NUM> and to guide the suitable winding of the thread-like or rope-like body on the drum <NUM>. In particular, a condition of translation of the thread guide element <NUM> along the axis of the translation shaft <NUM> corresponds to the winding of the thread-like or rope-like body on the drum <NUM>.

In other words, when the thread guide element is made to translate, the thread-like or rope-like body is wound on the drum <NUM> by means of the rotation of the latter.

Preferably, the thread guide element <NUM> has an opening <NUM> open on an edge with an access mouth for a passage in insertion and/or extraction of the thread-like or rope-like body. In other words, the thread-like or rope-like body can be inserted or extracted from the thread guide element <NUM> by means of a passage through the above-mentioned opening <NUM>.

According to a preferred embodiment, the support frame <NUM> comprises a sensor <NUM> configured to allow the activation of the actuation means when the door <NUM> is in the closed position C and to prevent the activation of the actuation means when the door <NUM> is in the open position D. For example, when the door <NUM> is in the closed position C, the sensor <NUM> can close an electrical circuit connected to the actuation means and allow the latter to start. Moreover, when the door <NUM> is in the open position D, the sensor <NUM> is unable to close the above-mentioned electrical circuit and the actuation means cannot be started.

Preferably, the sensor <NUM> is configured to switch off the actuation means when the door <NUM> is in the open position D, so that the drum <NUM> cannot rotate.

According to a preferred embodiment, the actuation means comprise a motor, for example an electric motor or an internal combustion engine. The motor can be used to actuate the rotation of the drum <NUM> by means of a first transmission element <NUM>, for example a chain or a transmission belt. In particular, the motor actuates, by means of the first transmission element <NUM>, a rotation of the first support element <NUM> when it is in the operating position A, and the first support element <NUM> consequently transmits the rotational motion to the drum <NUM> with which it is associated. The drum <NUM> can in turn transmit a rotational motion to the second support element <NUM>.

Preferably, the support frame <NUM> comprises a casing <NUM> defining the above-mentioned translation region <NUM>, and configured to also house the first transmission element <NUM>. Even more preferably, the casing <NUM> is configured to also house the actuation means.

According to a preferred embodiment, the second support element <NUM> is configured to transmit, by means of a second transmission element <NUM>, a rotational motion to the translation shaft <NUM>, which is configured to allow the translation of the thread guide element <NUM> along its axis. In other words, the translation shaft <NUM> is rotated by means of a transfer of rotational motion from the second support element <NUM>, by means of the second transmission element <NUM>, for example a chain or a transmission belt which can be associated with one or more gear wheels. Moreover, the rotation of the translation shaft <NUM> can transmit a translation motion to the thread guide element <NUM>, which can translate along the axis of the translation shaft <NUM> itself, for example by means of a coupling by means of a pawl associated with the thread guide element <NUM>.

According to a preferred embodiment, the winch <NUM> comprises a braking unit <NUM> configured to prevent a rotation of the drum <NUM> in the opposite direction to that of winding the thread-like or rope-like body thereon. In particular, the braking unit <NUM> can be operated or activated to block any rotation of the drum <NUM> contrary to the winding of the thread-like or rope-like body, in such a way as to prevent unwanted unwinding of the thread-like or rope-like body from the drum <NUM>. For example, the braking unit <NUM> can comprise a freewheel mechanism which, when operated or activated, allows the drum <NUM> to rotate only in the winding direction and blocks the rotation in the opposite direction. Preferably, the braking unit <NUM> can be deactivated so as to allow rotation of the drum <NUM> in the opposite direction to the winding of the thread-like or rope-like body, for example when it is necessary to unroll the latter from the drum <NUM>.

According to a preferred embodiment, the support frame <NUM> comprises one or more anchoring elements <NUM>, <NUM> configured to allow the winch <NUM> to be fixed in a removable manner to the boat. The one or more anchoring elements <NUM>, <NUM> can be, for example, eyebolts for connecting the winch <NUM> to the boat by means of a rope or cable. In other words, a rope or cable can be used to connect the winch <NUM> to the boat, by passing the rope or cable through the eyebolts, for example to prevent unwanted movement of the winch <NUM> during use.

The winch according to one of the embodiments described here is used to wind a thread-like or rope-like body connected to a mass. For example, it can be used to wind a rope connected to a submerged weight that anchors a buoy used during a race or regatta.

Preferably, the drum <NUM> is removed after having been used to wind a first thread-like or rope-like body connected to a first mass. Subsequently, a second drum is positioned in the seat <NUM> of the frame <NUM> to wind a second thread-like or rope-like body connected to a second mass. For example, a first rope connected to a first buoy is wound around the drum <NUM> by means of its rotation. The reel formed is removed from the seat <NUM> of the frame <NUM> and replaced with a second drum used to wind a second rope connected to a second buoy.

A method for using the winch <NUM> according to one of the embodiments described provides for the following steps.

Initially, the first support element <NUM> is placed in the operating position A, so as to support the drum <NUM>, and the door <NUM> is placed in the closed position C. Subsequently, the actuation means activate a rotation of the drum <NUM> and a consequent translation of the thread guide element <NUM> along the axis of the translation shaft <NUM>, to wind a first thread-like or rope-like body around the drum <NUM>, for example until reaching a complete winding of a rope around the drum <NUM>. The rotation of the drum <NUM> is stopped and the handle element <NUM> is actuated so as to make the first support element <NUM> pass from the operating position A to the release position B. Lastly, the door <NUM> is placed in the open position D and the reel formed is extracted from the seat <NUM> of the support frame <NUM>.

Preferably, the described method provides for the following further steps.

A second drum is inserted in the seat <NUM> of the support frame <NUM> and the door <NUM> is placed again in the closed position C. The handle element <NUM> is actuated so as to make the first support element <NUM> pass from the release position B to the operating position A, so as to support the second drum. Finally, the actuation means activate a rotation of the drum and a consequent translation of the thread guide element <NUM> along the axis of the translation shaft <NUM>, to wind a second thread-like or rope-like body around it.

The second drum, once the second thread-like or rope-like body has been wound, can be removed from the seat <NUM> and replaced with a third drum similarly to what has been described above.

This method can be repeated as many times as necessary to wind further thread-like or rope-like bodies, connected to as many other floating or submerged masses, for example to retrieve or tow several buoys connected to their respective ropes during a regatta or a race in an expanse of water.

It is to be understood that the winch <NUM> according to the invention can also be used in environments other than the nautical environment.

Claim 1:
A winch (<NUM>) comprising:
- a support frame (<NUM>) having a seat (<NUM>);
- a drum (<NUM>) defining an axis of rotation;
- actuation means, configured to actuate the rotation of said drum (<NUM>) around said axis of rotation;
whereby said drum (<NUM>) is mounted in a removable manner in the seat (<NUM>) of said support frame (<NUM>),
characterised in that said frame (<NUM>) comprises a door (<NUM>) configured to adopt a closed position (C) and an open position (D), wherein in said closed position said door (<NUM>) closes said seat (<NUM>) and protects said drum (<NUM>) in said seat (<NUM>), and wherein in said open position (D) said door (<NUM>) allows an insertion or removal of said drum (<NUM>) with respect to the seat (<NUM>) of said frame (<NUM>).