SAIL BOAT PROPULSION AND STABILISATION SYSTEM AND DEVICE

Abstract

A sail boat propulsion and stabilisation system. The system uses a device to substantially increase the performance of sail or motor boats by reducing the displacement to increase speed and comfort during sailing, due to its light weight and dynamics. The system comprises a control panel connected to a hydraulic group which actuates the device. The device is provided with a keel wing and a counterbalance or lift wing joined by a bulb, a cylindrical actuator for the counterbalance and lift wing, a hydraulic rotary actuator for hoisting the assembly, an articulation shaft, and a tilting shaft for the assembly which is coupled to the broadside or to the mounting base beside sensors of the angle of attack of the counterbalance wing. The hydraulic group and the cylindrical hydraulic actuator are optionally replaced by a cylindrical electric actuator connected to the control panel and acting upon the counterbalance wing.

Claims

1. A system for propelling and stabilizing a sail boat, comprising a control panel (1) actuated by a battery (2) connected to a hydraulic aggregate (3) that is connected to directional valves (4) and solenoids (4) through which the device (5) for propelling and stabilizing the sailboat is actuated and provided with a wing keel (51), a counterbalance or lift wing (52) joined by a bulb (56), a cylindrical actuator (54) of the counterbalance wing and lift (52), a rotary hydraulic actuator (55) for lifting the assembly, a pivoting shaft (58) of the counterbalance wing (52) and a of tilting shaft (57) of the assembly, connected to the broadside or the mounting (53) provided for the broadside of already existing boats, besides sensors of the angle of attack of the counterbalance or lift wing (52).

2. The system for propelling and stabilizing a sail boat, according to claim 1, characterized in that the control panel (1) has two options elated to its electro/electronic sophistication: standard or electronic stabilization, where: in the standard option the panel is that of a command for lowering the device (5) onto the water larboard, a command for lowering the device (5) starboard, a command for lifting the device (5) to its vertical position on the deck larboard, a command for lifting the device (5) to its vertical position on the deck starboard, a command that when pressured increases the angle of attack of the counterbalance wings (52) of the two boards, and a command that when pressured decreases the angle of attack of the counterbalance wings (52) of the two boards said command being through a button or touch screen; panel (1) is also provided with a small digital display that indicates the actual slope angle of the boat, an on/off switch and a pilot lamp that indicates when the oil level in the reservoir of the hydraulic aggregate (3) is low; in the electronic stabilization option, the panel (1) has the same commands referred to in the standard option for lifting and lowering the larboard and starboard devices (5), a pilot lamp that indicates when the oil level in the reservoir of the hydraulic aggregate (3) is low, and has the following complementary controls in addition to said commands: a three-position electric switch: deactivation, automatic activation, and manual activation; a button that while pressured increases the angle of attack of the larboard counterbalance wing (52) (manual electric/hydraulic control); a button that while pressured decreases the angle of attack of the larboard counterbalance wing (52) (manual electric/hydraulic control); a button that while pressured generates increases the angle of attack of the starboard counterbalance wing (52) (manual electric/hydraulic control); a button that while pressured decreases the angle of attack of the starboard counterbalance wing (52) (manual electric/hydraulic control); a digital display that indicates the current slope angle of the boat; a digital display that indicates the requested slope angle set by the commander so that the boat can navigate; in both cases, when there is not wind enough to keep the boat inclined or if the angle is higher than the recommended one for operating the system, the control panel (1) will sound an alarm so that the wing unit is reduced or the system is disconnected.

3. The system for propelling and stabilizing a sail boat, according to claim 1, characterized in that the hydraulic aggregate (3) is fed by a 12 or 24V DC battery (2) and composed of a pump, a hydraulic fluid reservoir, and connected to a set of directional valves (4) at suitable gauges for the operation of the sets and solenoids (4), thus supplying hydraulic flow to the rotary hydraulic actuator (55) and the cylindrical actuator (54).

4. The system for propelling and stabilizing a sail boat, according to claim 1, characterized in that the linear sensors (6) are housed close to the cylindrical actuator (54) of the rod that changes the angle of attack of the counterbalance wing (52) and send signals to the control panel (1) informing the indication of the angle of attack of the counterbalance wing (52) and in the event it is a government system and also an electronic stabilization said signals are used for the instant positioning of the counterbalance wing (52) lift and variations thereof.

5. The system for propelling and stabilizing a sail boat, according to claim 1, characterized in that the function of the sensors (6) of the angle of attack of the counterbalance or lift wing (52) is to send the control panel: for the manual system (Standard system): a signal indicating the angle of attack of the counterbalance wing (52); for the electronic system: a signal of the instant angle of attack of the counterbalance wing (52) so that the electronic system may act in two situations: the first one will keep the boat inclined at a certain preset angle whenever the wind increases or decreases; and the second one, for stern or motor powered navigation, will reduce the rocking of the boat by 95%.

6. The system for propelling and stabilizing a sail boat, according to claim 1, characterized in that in smaller boats the hydraulic aggregate (3) and the cylindrical hydraulic actuator (54) are optionally substituted with an cylindrical electric actuator (10) connected directly to the control panel (1) and acting directly on the counterbalance wing (52), in which case, without the need of sensors, it modifies the angle of attack of the counterbalance wing (52).

7. A device for propelling and stabilizing a sail boat, comprising a mounting base (53) that is attached to the broadside of already existing boats, on which the tilting shaft (57) that has the rotary hydraulic actuator (55) on one of the ends of the wing keel (51) and the other end coupled to the bulb (56) is mounted, that on its turn is coupled in one of the ends of the shaft (58) the other end of which is coupled to the housing (521) provided in the counterbalance or lift wing (52), also coupled to the bulb (56) and that also receives one from the ends of the cylindrical hydraulic or electric actuator (54) that is coupled to the housing (511) provided in the wing keel (51).

8. The device for propelling and stabilizing a sail boat, according to claim 7, characterized in that mounting bases (53), in the larboard and starboard broadsides, are not needed in new boats under construction wherein the broadsides can already be designed for housing the keel wings (51) in accordance with the specifications of the design and be made based on the shaped figure of the broadside in vertical and horizontal plans; in said bases, a lowered and lifted operation lock of the wing keel (51), a rotary hydraulic actuator (55) for lifting the assembly, and a shaft for tilting the set (57) are prepared to be installed; optionally, the rotary hydraulic actuator (55) for lifting the set can be manual.

9. The device for propelling and stabilizing a sail boat, according to claim 7, characterized in that the mounting bases (53) are attached to the broadside by using screws and through adhesion by a bi-component polyurethane paste and an external finishing with a mono-component polyurethane paste, and also hoses of the cylindrical actuator (54) of the counterbalance and lift wing are deployed (52), as well as cables of the sensors (6) of the angle of attack of the counterbalance wing (56); in the event a cylindrical electric actuator (10) is used, only the electric cable and not hydraulic hoses will be deployed.

10. The device for propelling and stabilizing a sail boat, according to claim 7, characterized in that in the line of the tilting shaft (57), hydraulic pressure hoses that will supply the cylindrical actuator (54) of the counterbalance wing (52) or the electric cables of the electric cylindrical actuator (10) and the rotary hydraulic actuators (55) that lift the device (5) from the water or rebound same in order to place them on the water are installed in one of the ends of the tilting shafts.

11. The device for propelling and stabilizing a sail boat, according to claim 10, characterized in that displacement of the device (5) is provided by the hydraulic aggregate (3), or electronically, with a rotation capacity higher than 180 degrees.

12. The device for propelling and stabilizing a sail boat, according to claim 11, characterized in that the function of the rotary hydraulic actuators (55) in small boats can be carried out by rollers with nylon cords.

13. The device for propelling and stabilizing a sail boat, according to claim 7, characterized in that the wing keel (51) generates side sustentation, opposite the pressure of the sail plan, wherein the geometry of the device (5) makes it possible to assemble the wing keel (51) with preset angles in relation to the vertical between 3 and 7 degrees, thus keeping the wing keel (51) perpendicular to the fluctuation plan so that it can be designed with a wing profile.

14. The device for propelling and stabilizing a sail boat, according to claim 7, characterized in that the counterbalance or lift wing (52) is assembled in the bottom, far from the surface of the sea, to the bulb (56), at the end of the wing keel (51), thus generating an optimum thrust/lift/counterbalance in the vertical, lifting the leeward board of the boat in order to keep it halyarded and reducing at the same time the displacement of the boat in movement, since it finally lifts the whole boat assembly, besides reducing the resistance thereof to navigation.

15. The device for propelling and stabilizing a sail boat, according to claim 14, characterized in that the angle of attack of the counterbalance or lift wing (52) is changed in order to generate more or less lift without any cavitation of its back; this angle of attack may be changed manually or electronically between 7.5 degrees downward and 5 degrees upward.

16. The device for propelling and stabilizing a sail boat, according to claim 7, characterized in that the shaft (58) receives and transmits the vertical thrust/sustentation/lift of the counterbalance wing (52) to the wing keel (51) and it also responds with the attachment moment created by the counterbalance wing (52), conveying this attachment moment to the wing keel (51); wherein said shaft is provided with bearings inside the housing (521) of the counterbalance wing (52) so that it can change its angle of attack.

17. The device for propelling and stabilizing a sail boat, according to claim 7, characterized in that when the actuator (54) is hydraulic, it operates with a non-mineral hydraulic oil and increases the angle of attack of the wing counterbalance (52) when extended, and decreases the angle of attack of the wing counterbalance (52) when retracted, wherein this movement of the system can be manually controlled or governed by an electronic system that can manage a preset fixed band angle or, in stern wind navigation or motor-powered navigation when there is no wind, the system will try to compensate the rocking in order to minimize same as much as possible.

18. The device for propelling and stabilizing a sail boat, according to claim 17, characterized in that the actuator (54) is directly electrically fed from the control panel (1), thus preventing the need for hoses and, similarly, the angle of attack of the wing counterbalance (52) is increased when it is extended, and the angle of attack of the wing counterbalance (52) is decreased when it is retracted.

19. The device for propelling and stabilizing a sail boat, according to claim 17, characterized in that the actuator (54) is positioned above the water line in the housing (511) of the wing keel (51).

20. The device for propelling and stabilizing a sail boat, according to claim 17, characterized in that the displacement when the cylinder of the cylindrical actuator (54) is through a L-shaped metallic rod (541) that promotes a variation of about 7.5 degrees downward and 5 degrees upward in the counterbalance wing (52).

21. The device for propelling and stabilizing a sail boat, according to claim 7, characterized in that hoses or electric cables that supply energy to the actuator (54) or the actuator (10) get into wing keel (51) as far as the place of the actuator (54) or the actuator (10), thus passing through the hull in a watertight way.

22. The system for propelling and stabilizing a sail boat, according to claim 1, characterized by being optionally applied in an integrated design in a sailboat or a motor boat and actuated or accessed via a tablet or smartphone via bluetooth or wire, which will then emit a signal in the control panel (1) when the wing keel (101) of the device is not locked, thus preventing the device from being lifted without releasing a lock in advance.

23. The device for propelling and stabilizing a sail boat, according to claim 7, characterized by comprising optionally a pair of side wings (100; 100) assembled in the niches (N) formed in the larboard and starboard broadsides in an integrated design in a sailboat or motor boat, wherein each of the side wings (100; 100) is comprised of a wing keel (101) and a counterbalance or lift wing (102) that are joined by the attachment (103) through its shaft that is connected to an attachment nut provided in the counterbalance or lift wing (102) that is actuated by a linear piston (104) embedded in the wing keel (101) that is provided with a curved region (105) that matches the configuration of the hull (C), in the end of which the tilting shaft (106) that is actuated through two rotary pistons (107) that are embedded inside the hull (C) is provided, and the lowered operation lock (108) that serves to absorb the strains when navigating without transmitting same to the rotary pistons (107) is provided more below, and the set that makes out the device is actuated by an electronic control (109) while a hydraulic electric set supplies hydraulic power.

24. The device for propelling and stabilizing a sail boat, according to claim 23, characterized in that optionally the counterbalance or lift wing (102) is rigidly attached to the wing keel (101), wherein the lift rotation is generated by aileron(s) (1021 and 1022) provided in regions (1021) and (1022), respectively; said ailerons(s) (1021 and 1022) will be actuated by a hydraulic piston (104) that is then assembled to the counterbalance or lift wing (102), thus changing the angle of attack of the aileron(s) (1021 and 1022) so that the lift of said wing is changes in accordance with the need of the hydraulic electric system and sensors thereof.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0081] The system and device for propelling and stabilizing a sailboat will be better understood through the figures that represent schematically:

[0082] FIG. 1: a perspective view of the system and device for propelling and stabilizing a sailboat, showing one of the devices lowered and the other one raised;

[0083] FIG. 2: a perspective view of the system and device for propelling and stabilizing a sailboat, showing one of the devices raised;

[0084] FIG. 3: an exploded perspective view of the device for propelling and stabilizing a sailboat;

[0085] FIG. 4: an exploded perspective view of the device for propelling and stabilizing a sailboat, partially assembled;

[0086] FIG. 5: a perspective view of the device for propelling and stabilizing a sailboat with the inspection cover of the counterbalance wing exploded, showing the pivoting shaft;

[0087] FIG. 6: a perspective view of the device for propelling and stabilizing a sailboat;

[0088] FIG. 7: a schematic perspective view of a boat provided with the device for propelling and stabilizing a sailboat, illustrating the two positions, when raised and when lowered;

[0089] FIG. 8: an exploded perspective view of the device for propelling and stabilizing a sailboat;

[0090] FIG. 9: a partial front view of the pivoting system with an extended detail of the lock; and

[0091] FIG. 10: a perspective view of an option of the counterbalance or lift wing attached to the wing keel and provided with two ALEIRONS.

DESCRIPTION DETAILED OF THE INVENTION

[0092] In accordance with FIGS. 1 and 2, the system comprises a control panel (1), actuated by a battery (2), connected to a hydraulic aggregate (3) that is connected to directional valves (4) and solenoids (4) through which the device (5) for propelling and stabilizing a sailboat is actuated, said aggregate being provided with a wing keel (51), a counterbalance or lift wing (52) joined by a bulb (56), a cylindrical actuator (54) for the counterbalance lift wing (52), a hydraulic rotary actuator (55) for hoisting the assembly, a pivoting shaft (58) for the counterbalance wing (52) and a tilting shaft (57) for the assembly, which is coupled to the broadside or to the mounting base (53) provided for already existing boats, besides sensors of the angle of attack of the counterbalance or lift wing (52).

[0093] There are two options for the control panel (1) with regard to its electro-electronic sophistication: Standard or electronic stabilization, wherein: [0094] 1. Standard option: in this option the panel is that of a command for lowering the device (5) onto the water larboard, a command for lowering the device (5) starboard, a command for lifting the device (5) to its vertical position on the deck larboard, a command for lifting the device (5) to its vertical position on the deck starboard, a command that increases the angle of attack of the counterbalance wings (52) of the two boards when pressured down, and a command that decreases the angle of attack of the counterbalance wings (52) of the two boards when pressured down, said command being through a button or touch screen. The panel (1) is also provided with a small digital display that indicates the actual slope angle of the boat, an on/off switch and a pilot lamp that indicates when the oil level in the reservoir of the hydraulic aggregate (3) is low. [0095] 2. Electronic stabilization option: In this option the panel (1) has the same commands referred to in the Standard option for lifting and lowering the devices (5) larboard and starboard, a pilot lamp that indicates when the oil level in the reservoir of the hydraulic aggregate (3) is low, and has the following complementary controls in addition to said commands:

[0096] a three-position electric switch: deactivation, automatic activation, and manual activation;

[0097] a button that while pressured down increases the angle of attack of the larboard counterbalance wing (52) (manual electric/hydraulic control);

[0098] a button that while pressured down decreases the angle of attack of the larboard counterbalance wing (52) (manual electric/hydraulic control);

[0099] a button that while pressured down generates increases the angle of attack of the starboard counterbalance wing (52) (manual electric/hydraulic control);

[0100] a button that while pressured down decreases the angle of attack of the starboard counterbalance wing (52) (manual electric/hydraulic control);

[0101] a digital display that indicates the current slope angle of the boat;

[0102] a digital display that indicates the requested slope angle set by the commander so that the boat can navigate.

[0103] When there is not wind enough to keep the boat inclined or if the angle is higher than the recommended one for operating the system, the control panel (1) will sound an alarm so that the wing unit (excessive wind) is reduced or the system is disconnected (in the case of no wind at all).

[0104] Said hydraulic aggregate (3) is fed through a 12 or 24 V DC battery (2) and is comprised of a pump, a hydraulic fluid reservoir, and is connected to a set of directional valves (4) at suitable gauges for operating the sets and solenoids (4) by supplying a hydraulic flow to the rotary hydraulic actuator (55) and the cylindrical actuator (54).

[0105] Linear sensors (6) are housed close to the cylindrical actuator (54) of the rod that changes the angle of attack of the counterbalance wing (52) and sends signals to the control panel (1) informing the indication of angle of attack of the counterbalance wing (52), and in the event it is a government system and also an electronic stabilization, said signals are used for the instant positioning of the counterbalance wing (52) lift and variations thereof.

[0106] The function of said sensors (6) of the angle of attack of the counterbalance or lift wing (52) is to send the control panel:

[0107] in the manual system (Standard system): a signal indicating the angle of attack of the counterbalance wing (52);

[0108] in the electronic system: a signal of the instant angle of attack of the counterbalance wing (52) so that the electronic system may act in two situations;

[0109] the first one, if it is the chosen option, will keep the boat inclined at a certain preset angle whenever the wind increases or decreases; and

[0110] the second one, for stern or engine-powered navigation, will reduce the rocking of the boat by 95%.

[0111] Optionally, for smaller boats, the hydraulic aggregate (3) and the cylindrical hydraulic actuator (54) will be replaced with by a cylindrical electric actuator (10) directly connected to the control panel (1) and acting directly on the counterbalance wing (52), in which case, without the need of sensors, it modifies the angle of attack of the counterbalance wing (52). Said cylindrical electric actuator (10) could be, for example, a LENCO 101 XD type actuatorpart Number 15055-001.

[0112] In accordance with FIGS. 3 the 6, the device (5) for propelling and stabililizing a the sailboat comprises a mounting base (53) that is attached to the broadside of already existing boats, or already provided in new boats, on which the tilting shaft (57) that has the rotary hydraulic actuator (55) on one of the ends of the wing keel (51) and the other end coupled to the bulb (56) is mounted, that on its turn is coupled in one of the ends of the shaft (58) whose other is coupled to the housing (521) provided in the counterbalance or lift wing (52), also coupled to the bulb (56) and that also receives one from the ends of the cylindrical hydraulic or electric actuator (54) that is coupled to the housing (511) provided in the wing keel (51).

[0113] The mounting bases (53), in the larboard and starboard broadsides, are not needed in new boats under construction. Indeed, for boats under construction, the broadsides can already be designed for housing the keel wings (51) in accordance with the specifications of the design (see FIGS. 6 to 10).

[0114] For the already existing boats provided with fixed or moving keels, with one or two helms, it is necessary to install the mounting base (53) in order to make the installation of the devices (5) quite easy. Usually, it is not necessary to reinforce the broadside region for the installation of said bases on boards by virtue of the distribution of strains resulting from the mounting part (53). However, it is convenient to consult a naval engineer or architect who, with the requested strains in hand, can analyze indeed if a local reinforcement is necessary or not, case by case.

[0115] The mounting bases (53), one for each board, are made based on the shaped figure of the broadside in the vertical and horizontal plans. In said bases, a lowered and lifted operation lock of the wing keel (51), a rotary hydraulic actuator (55) for lifting the assembly, and a shaft for tilting the set (57) are prepared to be installed. Optionally, the rotary hydraulic actuator (55) for lifting the set can be manual.

[0116] The mounting bases (53) are attached to the broadside by using screws and also adhered by using a bi-component polyurethane paste and an external finishing with a mono-component polyurethane paste. Some screws to help in the attachment and also in the adhesion operation are gauged. Hoses of the cylindrical actuator (54) of the counterbalance and lift wing are deployed (52), as well as cables of the sensors (6) of the angle of attack of the counterbalance wing (56). In the event a cylindrical electric actuator (10) is used, only the electric cable but not hydraulic hoses will be deployed.

[0117] In the tilting shaft (57) line, the hydraulic pressure hoses that will supply the cylindrical actuator (54) of the counterbalance wing (52) or the electric cables of the electric cylindrical actuator (10) are installed when this option of the electric actuator is used. The rotary hydraulic actuators (55) that lift the device (5) from the water or rebound same in order to place them on the water are installed in one of the ends of the tilting shafts. Its displacement is provided by the hydraulic aggregate (3), with a rotation capacity higher than 180 degrees. This function of the rotary hydraulic actuators (55) in small sized boats could be carried out by rollers with nylon cords.

[0118] The function of the wing keel (51) is to generate side sustentation, opposite the pressure of the sail plan. The geometry of the device (5) makes it possible to assemble the wing keel (51) with preset angles in relation to the vertical between 3 and 7 degrees (a 5 degree fall degree being advisable in relation to the vertical). During the navigation, by adjusting the stabilization control panel (1) or actuating same manually, when the boat careens by 5 degrees the wing keel (51) is fully perpendicular to the fluctuation plan (maximum efficiency) as well as the emerged windward helm without touching the surface in the case of boats provided with two helms.

[0119] This perpendicularity arrangement in relation to the water line plan generates a perfect thrust in opposition to the attempt of the wing unit to displace the boat laterally. The conventional keels do not attain this geometry.

[0120] In view of the design and height of the windward helm, when higher angles are needed, a compression should be checked so that the wing keel (51) is further raised (an angle higher than 5 degrees).

[0121] Similarly, if desired, differently from conventional keels, this wing keel (51) can be designed with a wing profile. It generates a side sustentation thrust even when the boat is fully lined up with the flow of its movement. A fall/angle of attack is not necessary to generate sustentation strains. Thus, the hull flows lined up with the surrounding water flow. There is no flow oblique to the hull.

[0122] The counterbalance or lift wing (52) is assembled in the bottom, far from the surface of the sea, to the bulb (56), at the end of the wing keel (51).

[0123] Due to its depth and surrounding water pressure, there is no cavitation in its back, thus generating an optimum thrust/lift/counterbalance in the vertical, lifting the leeward board of the boat in order to keep it halyarded and reducing at the same time the displacement of the boat in movement, since it finally lifts the whole boat assembly. In order to lift the boat, it also it reduces the resistance thereof to navigation.

[0124] Since this counterbalance or lift wing (52) is at a reasonable depth, it can have its angle of attack changed in order to generate more or less lift without cavitation of the back thereof. This angle of attack, that can be changed manually or electronically between 7.5 degrees downward and 5 degrees upward, generates an optimum band point for the navigation, thus placing the water line plan in a privileged condition for the hydrodynamic resistance. Further, the variation of the angle of attack of the counterbalance or lift wing (52) practically annuls the rocking of the boat, thus providing the members of the crew and passengers with more comfort.

[0125] In stern navigation, when all sailboats are unstable, if one opts for placing one board or two boards of the device (5) on the water, the stability is highly enlarged, thus assuring that the sails are armed with efficiency and prediction in a safe way.

[0126] Similarly, in any course with the boat powered by a motor and not the sails, a situation where sailboats are extremely discomforted in view of the side rocking, one or two devices (5) lowered generate rocking angles up to 95% lower than the boats not provided with said device (5) through the counterbalance and lift wings (52).

[0127] The function of the metallic shaft (58) is to receive and transmit the vertical thrust/sustentation/lift of the counterbalance wing (52) to the wing keel (51). In a way similar to the one this shaft transmits the vertical thrust, it also responds with the attachment moment created by the counterbalance wing (52), conveying this attachment moment to the wing keel (51). This shaft is provided with bearings inside the housing (521) of the counterbalance wing (52) so that it can change its angle of attack, thus resulting more or less lift in accordance with the manual or electronic operation of the system.

[0128] When said actuator (54) is hydraulic, it operates with a non-mineral hydraulic oil and its function is to extend to increase the angle of attack of the wing counterbalance (52), thus generating a higher sustentation or lift thereof. This actuator (54) can be directly electrically fed from the control panel (1), thus avoiding the need for hoses (in the case of smaller boats). When said cylinder (hydraulic or electric) extends, the sustentation or lift of the counterbalance wing (52) is increased. When the actuator retracts, the same sustentation decreases. This movement of the system can be manually controlled (in the most economic option) or governed by an electronic system that can manage a preset fixed band angle or, in stern wind navigation or motor-powered navigation when there is no wind, the system will try to compensate the rocking in order to minimize same as much as possible.

[0129] For the sake of a practical maintenance and also aiming at extending the lifetime of the actuator (54), it is positioned above the water line in the housing (511) of the wing keel (51).

[0130] With the function of activating the cylindrical actuator (54) with the counterbalance wing (52), a L shaped metallic rod (541) is provided, with a displacement when the cylinder is extended or contracted, thus promoting a change of about 7.5 degrees downward and 5 degrees upward in the counterbalance wing (52).

[0131] [50] The electric cables or hoses that supply the actuator (54) or the actuator (10) with power penetrate the wing keel (51) as far as the actuator (54) or the actuator (10), thus passing through the hull in a watertight way.

[0132] In accordance with FIGS. 7 to 10, optionally the system for propelling and stabilizing a sailboat that comprises a control panel, actuated by a battery, connected to hydraulic aggregate(s) that is connected to directional valves and solenoids through which the device for propelling and stabilizing the sailboat is actuated and accessed via tablet or smartphone via bluetooth and/or wire, that will emit a signal in the control panel when the wing keel (101) of the device is locked, thus preventing the device from being lifted without releasing a lock in advance.

[0133] The device for propelling and stabilizing a sailboat, formed by a pair of side wings (100; 100) that are assembled in the niches (N) formed in the larboard and starboard broadsides in an integrated design in a sailboat or motor boat, will have each of the side wings (100; 100) comprised of a wing keel (101) and a counterbalance or lift wing (102) that are joined by the attachment (103) through its shaft that is connected to an attachment nut provided in the counterbalance or lift wing (102) that is actuated by a linear piston (104) embedded in the wing keel (101) that is provided with an arcuate region (105) that matches the configuration (curvature) of the hull (C), in the end of which the tilting shaft (106) that is actuated through two rotary pistons (107) that are embedded inside the hull (C) is provided, and the lowered operation lock (108) that serves to absorb the strains when navigating without transmitting same to the rotary pistons (107) is provided more below. The set that makes out the device is actuated by an electronic control (109) while a hydraulic electric set supplies hydraulic power.

[0134] In accordance with FIG. 10, when the strain of the counterbalance or lift wing (102) is too high, optionally the counterbalance or lift wing (102) is rigidly attached to the wing keel (101). In this situation, instead of rotary the wing lift (102) about a shaft, the lift thereof is generated by aileron(s) (1021 and 1022) provided in regions (1021) and (1022), respectively. Said ailerons(s) (1021 and 1022) will be actuated by a hydraulic piston (104) that is then assembled to the counterbalance or lift wing (102). Thus, the linear hydraulic piston (104) that was installed in the wing keel in the systems having a moving lift wing, is then installed in the counterbalance or lift wing (102), thus changing the angle of attack of the aileron(s) (1021 and 1022) so that the lift of said wing is changes in accordance with the need of the hydraulic electric system and sensors thereof.

[0135] With the thus obtained device, in accordance with FIGS. 7 to 10, the side wings (100; 100) are assembled in the niche (N), where the region (105) of the wing keel (101) is formed based on the shaped figure of the broadside in the vertical and horizontal plans and is installed through tilting shafts (106) and rotary lifting pistons (107) of the assembly.

[0136] Hoses of the linear pistons (104) of the counterbalance or lift wing (102) and cables of the sensors of the angle of attack thereof are also provided.

[0137] Hydraulic pressure hoses that will supply the linear piston (104) of the counterbalance wing (102) are installed on the line of the tilting shafts (106). The rotary pistons (107) that are used to lift device from the water or rebound same in order to place same on the water are installed in the ends of the tilting shafts (106). Its displacement has a rotation capacity higher than 180 degrees.

[0138] In stern or fierce winds, as well as while the sailboat is motor-powered, the wings (100; 100) can be positioned horizontally or vertically, thus reducing the drag, increasing the speed, and also substantially improving the fuel economy.

[0139] In order to improve the comfort, only the leeward assembly can be lowered onto the water, thus generating an exceptional stability and reducing the dynamic displacement of the boat.

[0140] If the conditions of the sea so require or even if the priority is the comfort with relation to the performance, both wings (100; 100) can be lowered. The operational control of the system can be run through a tablet with an application via bluetooth or wire that manages the hydraulic and electronic systems of the device.

[0141] When anchored, a regular boat rocks transversally and works sideways in an attempt to remove the anchor from its position. When a boat is anchored using the device object of the present invention, it is lined up with the chain and the anchor, thus preventing unnecessary efforts in anchoring same, and it is not affected by the side rocking caused by waves as well.

Advantages Attained with the Invention

[0142] With the system and device for propelling and stabilizing a sailboat thus obtained, the following extraordinary advantages can be attained:

[0143] Low or no draught appendix for entering any port or marina;

[0144] Reduction of the wet surface of the boat, thus generating a consequent reduced resistance to the movement;

[0145] Reduction of the displacement (weight) of the boat when navigating due to the removal of substantial weight of the keel (70%), thus generating a consequent reduced resistance to the movement;

[0146] Reduction of the resistance of the boat due to navigation of the hull and the line plan thereof duly lined up with the flow of the water without the need to fall or angle of attack of the submerged profile (old keel);

[0147] Reduction of the displacement of the moving boat due to the appearance of a vertical dynamic thrust in the system (LIFT). There will be a higher speed gain;

[0148] Reduction of the rocking due to the stabilizing effect and the possibility to install an electronic stability system when the sail is either in the luff, or in the traverse wind, or in the stern wind;

[0149] Reduction of the rocking due to the stabilizing effect and the possibility of install an electronic stability system when the boat is not navigating using the sail but motor-powered in calm sea;

[0150] Lift of the prow of the boat to better face the waves when sailing at high speed and under strong winds, also making it possible for the boat to glide whenever possible;

[0151] Lower compensation angles and leeward helm work due to the alignment of the wind thrust forces with the hydrodynamic resistance forces of the hull. This behavior will result in less drag in the helm, thus influencing positively the speed gain;

[0152] The windward set, that will be lifted to the deck when luffed, will generate a positive traction force due to the wing effect on the wind;

[0153] Possibility to keep the boat at a certain optimum preset slope angle when sailing transversely, luff or stern;

[0154] Reduction of the number of the crew members for effecting the counterbalance in the windward broadside. The eventual lack of counterbalance with a reduction of crew members and weight on board, thus increasing the speed of the boat;

[0155] Board luff change in a quick way without the need of crew members working in the deck for lifting and lowering bowline keels or even for rebounding keels;

[0156] Easy installation in already existing boats that are to generate a substantial performance increment;

[0157] In most of the already existing boats there is no need to change the inner arrangement at all;

[0158] There is no volume loss in the cabin or bowline;

[0159] Simple and fast assembly on broadside;

[0160] For new boats already designed for the system, there will be a substantial cost reduction when the design and manufacture thereof are compared to retractable keels, DSS systems and the like;

[0161] Higher speeds in all the wind directions and when the navigation is motor-powered with low consumption of fuel;

[0162] Safer trips if the equipment is operated with due knowledge.

[0163] More safety for the crew;

[0164] Thrust gain in the prow, thus preventing the boat to pitch due to the actuation of the counterbalance wing or lift leeward, whenever there is an attempt to immerse the prow;

[0165] Reduction of draught when approaching ports and marinas;

[0166] With the boat out of water, the system allows for an easy maintenance of said boat in view of the fact that it can be kept dry in a substantially low position, thus making it possible to easily accessing in order to work in the bottom of the hull, helms, shafts, propellers, and the like;

[0167] The system allows one to choose the slope angle of inclination so that the commander may have use the best water line adjustment, and also leave the windward helm emerged, thus reducing the friction resistances and turbulences of said helm;

[0168] Perfect inclination and windward helm out of water; and

[0169] The efficiency of the leeward helm, with its actuation plan perpendicular to the water line plan, is extremely extended.

[0170] The scope of the present patent shall not be limited to the components used in the example, but to the terms defined in the claims and its equivalents.