Classifications

• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
  • B63H—MARINE PROPULSION OR STEERING
  • B63H9/00—Marine propulsion provided directly by wind power
  • B63H9/04—Marine propulsion provided directly by wind power using sails or like wind-catching surfaces
  • B63H9/06—Types of sail; Constructional features of sails; Arrangements thereof on vessels
  • B63H9/067—Sails characterised by their construction or manufacturing process
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
  • B63H—MARINE PROPULSION OR STEERING
  • B63H9/00—Marine propulsion provided directly by wind power
  • B63H9/04—Marine propulsion provided directly by wind power using sails or like wind-catching surfaces
  • B63H9/06—Types of sail; Constructional features of sails; Arrangements thereof on vessels
  • B63H9/061—Rigid sails; Aerofoil sails
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
  • B63H—MARINE PROPULSION OR STEERING
  • B63H9/00—Marine propulsion provided directly by wind power
  • B63H9/04—Marine propulsion provided directly by wind power using sails or like wind-catching surfaces
  • B63H9/06—Types of sail; Constructional features of sails; Arrangements thereof on vessels
  • B63H9/065—Battens
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
  • B63H—MARINE PROPULSION OR STEERING
  • B63H9/00—Marine propulsion provided directly by wind power
  • B63H9/04—Marine propulsion provided directly by wind power using sails or like wind-catching surfaces
  • B63H9/08—Connections of sails to masts, spars, or the like
  • B63H9/10—Running rigging, e.g. reefing equipment

Definitions

• This disclosure relates to an assembly comprising a profiled sail; a mast and several cambering devices for profiled sail.
• the present disclosure also relates to a method for hoisting and securing a profiled sail of an assembly according to the present disclosure.
• the present disclosure relates to the field of rigging, and more particularly profiled sails, also called “wing sails” or “thick sails”, “thick double-skin sail”, or “thick flexible double-skin wing” by the skilled in the art, and more particularly of the mechanisms, internal to the sail, making it possible to change the profile of the sail
• a semi-rigid, elastically deformable structure including:
• actuating means connect together, on the one hand, the two free ends of the semi-rigid structure, or at least one of the two free ends, and on the other hand, the U-shaped connecting section, configured to arch the first length section and the second length section of the semi-rigid structure by tensioning the two free ends with the U-shaped connecting section of the semi-rigid structure, or at least by tensioning of one of the two free ends with the U-shaped connecting section of the semi-rigid structure, and the generation of an offset between the two free ends.
• the mast extends inside the semi-rigid structure, between the two length sections constituted by the first length section and the second length section of the semi-rigid structure.
• the arching devices according to WO 2021/148734 are configured to be easily movable along the mast, which makes it possible to hoist the profiled sail, or on the contrary to lower it in a low position, easily.
• the profiled sail is free to move around the mast, and according to the race left for the mast inside the inter-space between the two sections of lengths of the semi-rigid structure.
• the section namely the first length section or the second length section of the semi-rigid structure, bears against one or the other of the sides of the mast depending on the direction of the force exerted by the profiled sail on the mast.
• the support of the mast on the cambering devices changes side, namely from the first section of length to the second section of length, or vice versa.
• this freedom of movement around the mast within the semi-rigid structure may, due to repeated shocks on the semi-rigid structure, be the cause of breakage and degradation of the structure.
• Such shocks are further amplified in quantity when the wind is irregular and causes the sail to shake laterally.
• paragraph 152 of WO 2021/148734 A1 for shocks between the mast and spacers connecting the first length section and the second length section.
• WO 2021/148734 A1 proposes to respond to it to remove the spacers in that they are damaging elements in the event of repeated shocks with the mast. The removal of the spacers is however to the detriment of the rigidity of the profiled sail.
• An assembly comprising a profiled sail; a mast and several cambering devices for a profiled sail, all or part of the cambering devices comprising:
• a semi-rigid, elastically deformable structure including:
• - actuating means connecting together, on the one hand, the two free ends of the semi-rigid structure, or at least one of the two free ends and on the other hand, the U-shaped connecting section, configured to arch the first length section and the second length section of the semi-rigid structure by tensioning the two free ends with the U-shaped connecting section of the semi-rigid structure, or at least by tensioning one of the two free ends with the U-shaped connecting section of the semi-rigid structure, and the generation of an offset between the two free ends.
• the mast thus extends inside the semi-rigid structure, between the two length sections formed by the first length section and the second length section.
• all or part of the arching devices has a securing system, which can be activated/deactivated, configured to ensure the securing of the arching device to the mast, the securing system comprising:
• an actuator system activatable, internal to the structure configured to pass the first strand and the second strand in a retracted state configured to tighten the arching device on the mast, clamped between the first strand and the second strand, at the inside the semi-rigid structure, the mast held at a distance from the two length sections by the first strand and the second strand in tension, and until a deployed state of the first strand and second strand configured to release the mast, and authorize the displacement of the arching device along the mast.
• the securing system thus advantageously makes it possible to maintain the mast in a stable position inside the inter-space of the semi-rigid structure, and in particular at a distance:
• the actuator system of the securing system comprises at least one actuating member on the belt having two longitudinal ends, said activating member on the belt, which can be activated, being retractable when activated with bringing its two longitudinal ends.
• the first strand comprises a first actuating member on the belting and the second strand comprises a second actuating member on the belting.
• the first strand and the second strand comprise an actuation member with a common belt.
• the bending devices comprise, in whole or in part, a spacer system comprising a first spacer, connecting the first length section and the second length section together, as well as a second spacer, interconnecting the first length section and the second length section, parallel to said first spacer.
• the longitudinal ends of the first strand are preferably secured at two attachment points on the first length section respectively at the junction zones between the first and second spacers and the first length section.
• the longitudinal ends of the second strand are preferably secured at two attachment points on the second length section respectively at the junction zones between the first and second spacers.
• the mast thus extends between the spacers constituted by the first spacer and the second spacer, the first strand and the second strand clamped on the mast advantageously ensuring the maintenance at a distance from the mast with the first spacer, on the one hand, and from the mast with the second spacer, on the other hand.
• each spacer formed by the first spacer and the second spacer of the spacer system is pivotally articulated at its ends, respectively to the first length section along an axis perpendicular to the plane of the structure semi-rigid and to the second length section along an axis perpendicular to the plane of the semi-rigid structure, the or each spacer being configured to pivot relative to the two length sections, first length section and second length section during camber and offset of free ends; under the effect of the actuating means, the bending device comprising articulated connections, comprising a first part secured to the first length section or to the second length section, and a second part receiving one end of the spacer, the second part being hinged to the first part along a pivot axis substantially perpendicular to the plane of the semi-rigid structure to pivot relative to the two length sections during bending and shifting of the free ends; under the effect of the actuating means.
• the longitudinal ends of the first strand are attached to the first parts of the connectors secured to the first length section and the longitudinal ends of the second strand are attached to the first parts of the integral connectors of the second length section.
• the actuating means configured to arch the first length section and the second length section of the semi-rigid structure comprise at least one actuator, having two longitudinal ends of said actuator, which can be activated being retractable when activated with its two longitudinal ends coming together, said at least one actuator extending along one of the two length sections of the semi-rigid structure, first length section or second length section, said actuator being internal to the semi-rigid structure, contained in a plane of the semi-rigid structure, and in which one of the longitudinal ends of the said at least one actuator is connected to one of the two free ends by an internal tendon while the other of the two longitudinal ends of said at least actuator is connected either to an anchor point integral with the U-shaped connecting section, or to the other of the two ends free ities via a bevel gear secured to the U-shaped connecting section by an outer tendon, the flexible outer tendon passing outside of the semi-rigid structure, and of the profiled sail between the bevel gear and respectively said other of the two free ends.
• the actuating means are configured to arch the semi-rigid structure selectively:
• said at least one actuator of the actuating means comprises:
• a first actuator configured to arch the semi-rigid structure into said first arched position, extending along the first length section, internal to the semi-rigid structure, secured at one of its longitudinal ends to the outer tendon, connected, on the one hand, to the free end of the first section of length by the said outer, flexible tendon, which is outside the semi-rigid structure, via a first angle transmission integral with the connecting section, in U, the flexible outer tendon passing outside the semi-rigid structure, and the profiled sail between the first transmission angle and respectively the free end of the first section of length, the flexible outer tendon being internal to the semi-rigid structure between the first bevel gear and the said first actuator, the first actuator being integral with the other of its ends longitudinal to the inner tendon, said first actuator connected; on the other hand ; at the free end of said second length section by said inner tendon, which runs along the first length section to a guide integral with said first length section before connecting said free end of said second length section , the first actuator being configured, in an active state, to
• a second actuator configured to arch the semi-rigid structure into said second arched position, extending along the second section of internal length to the semi-rigid structure, secured at one of its longitudinal ends to an outer tendon , connected, on the one hand, to the free end of the second length section by the tendon, external, flexible which is external to the semi-rigid structure, via a second bevel gear fixed to the connecting section in U, the flexible outer tendon passing outside of the semi-rigid structure, and of the profiled sail between the second bevel gear and respectively the free end of the second section of length, the flexible outer tendon being internal to the semi-rigid structure between the second bevel gear and said second actuator, the second actuator being integral at the other of its ends longitudinal to the inner tendon, said second actuator connected, on the other hand, to the free end of said first length section by said inner tendon which runs along the second length section to a guide integral with said second section of length before connecting the free end of said first length section, the second actuator being configured, in an active state, to
• said assembly comprises control means configured to selectively:
• the profiled sail and the arching devices are configured to pivot around the mast by sliding the first strand and second strand on the surface of the mast, and to allow a change of orientation of the profiled sail around the mast.
• a change of orientation of the sail allows in particular the adjustment of the orientation of the sail around the axis of the mast along the same edge, and/or the changes of orientation of the profiled sail around the mast during changes. tacking, including tacks or gybes.
• the mast can itself be a profiled mast (of non-circular profile, in particular a drop of water) and pivotally mounted around its axis, typically by means of a pivot at the base at the vehicle in particular to the sailboat.
• the first strand and the second strand clamped on the surface of the mast, the profiled sail and the arching devices are configured to pivot together with the mast which pivots relative to the vehicle in particular to the hull of the sailboat, and therefore without sliding of the first strand and the second strand on the surface of the mast, and in order to allow a change of orientation of the profiled sail around the axis of the mast.
• Such a change of orientation of the sail allows in particular the adjustment of the orientation of said sail, and/or the changes of orientation of the profiled sail around the mast during changes of tack, in particular tacks or gybes .
• said at least actuating member for belting the securing system and/or said at least one actuator of the actuating means is an artificial muscle, contracting when pressurized by a fluid, and relaxing when the pressure of the fluid decreases, said artificial muscle having an envelope receiving internally a balloon fed or discharged with fluid, the flexible envelope in particular in the form of a braid, being configured to retract in length when its section increases under the increase of the supplied or fluid balloon, and expanding in length as its section decreases when the balloon is discharged of the fluid.
• the profiled sail is configured to be:
• the artificial muscles of the actuators and/or of the actuator organs of the plurality of arching devices are supplied with fluid by one or more flexible elastic hoses, shaped in the form of a serpentine, extending along the direction of the height of the mast, the flexible elastic pipe(s) being configured to deploy by separating the turns of the coil in the high position of the profiled sail, and to retract by bringing the turns of the coil closer under the elasticity of the coil , in the low position of the streamlined sail.
• the present disclosure relates to a method for hoisting and securing a profiled sail of an assembly according to the present disclosure from a slumped position of the profiled sail along the mast in a low position of the sail profiled, the arching devices in positions close to each other, in the deployed state of the actuator system, the method having the following steps:
• the present disclosure relates to a vehicle such as a sailboat or a sand yacht comprising an assembly according to the present disclosure.
• FIG. 1 shows in transparency a schematic view of a rig comprising a profiled sail, as well as a plurality of arching devices in their rest position, the arching devices being configured to arch the profiled sail, selectively in a first direction and a second direction, the profiled sail being carried by a mast, extending inside the semi-rigid structures of the arching devices.
• FIG.1 a is a schematic view of the section of the profiled sail, in solid line, in the rest position of the arching device, and in dotted lines in two distinct arched positions, in one direction and in the other relative to the rest position.
• FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of the arching device (flexible tendon and pneumatic muscles of the actuating means not shown) including the semi-rigid structure, in its rest position, formed of a curved rod forming the connecting section, the first length section and the second length section, as well as a first bevel gear and a second bevel gear, both each comprising a pulley, including the spacer system, the first spacer and the second spacer, the flexible link system, including the first flexible link and the second flexible link intertwined with each other, and fixing means for the edge of each profiled sail, at each free end of the semi- rigid, as well as two guides integral with the first and second length sections near the free ends, providing guidance for the flexible tendons.
• the arching device flexible tendon and pneumatic muscles of the actuating means not shown
• FIG. 3 is a view of the bending device in a cambered position of the elastic semi-rigid structure under the action of actuating means (not shown).
• FIG. 4 is a view of the arching device of Figure 3, the actuating means fully illustrated, including the first actuator in the form of a pneumatic muscle along the first length section in a state deployed (not activated), connected to the free end of the first section by an outer turnbuckle via a first bevel gear, and connected to the free end of the second section by an inner turnbuckle, the actuating means comprising yet a second actuator formed by a pneumatic muscle, in a retracted (activated) state connected to the free end of the second length section by an outer tendon via a second bevel gear, and connected to the free end of the first section of length by an internal tendon, the second actuator deforming the semi-rigid structure into a cambered position by tensioning between the free ends, on the one hand, and the second bevel gear integral with the connecting section in U, on the other hand.
• FIG. 5 is a detail view of the spacer system of the semi-rigid structure, including the first spacer and the second spacer.
• FIG. 6 is a view of an assembly according to the present disclosure (when the actuating means are not illustrated), illustrating in particular the fastening systems of the arching devices, each fastening system comprising a first strand and a second strand in the retracted state of their actuating member, the first strand and the second strand enclosing the mast at a distance from the semi-rigid structure.
• FIG. 7a is a detail view of an actuation system of the securing system according to a first possible variant, the first strand comprising a first actuating member, retractable, and the second strand a second retractable actuating member, the first actuating member and the second actuating member in their retracted state so that the mast is clamped between the first strand and the second strand, secured in position with a hold at a distance from the mast, not only with the first section of length and the second length section of the semi-rigid structure, but still a maintaining a distance from the mast with spacers joining the first length section and the second length section to each other.
• FIG. 7b is a detail view of Figure 7a, in the deployed state of the first actuating member and the second actuating member, the first strand and the second strand, loose, releasing the mast.
• FIG. 8 is a detail view of an actuation system of the securing system according to a second possible variant, the first strand and the second strand comprising a common actuating member.
• FIG. 9 is a view of the assembly comprising the profiled sail hoisted in the high position along the mast and the arching devices in positions spaced apart from each other, notably illustrating pipes, elastic hoses, supply for the supply of pressurized fluid to the artificial muscles of the arching devices, the elastic hoses shaped like a serpentine, the hoses deployed with spacing of the turns of the serpentine.
• FIG. 10 is a view of the assembly of FIG. 9, once the streamlined sail is lowered in the low position on the mast, the arching devices in close positions compared with the view of FIG. 9, the pipes retracted with approximation turns of the coil under the elasticity of the coil.
• FIG. 11 is a schematic view of an artificial muscle in its non-activated position, namely the muscle relieved of pressurized fluid.
• FIG. 12 is a schematic view of the artificial muscle of Figure 11 in its activated position, namely the muscle supplied with pressurized fluid, which causes an increase in its section and the retraction in length of the actuator with approximation of its longitudinal ends.
• FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 12 illustrating in cross-section the envelope in the form of a braid, and the (watertight) balloon received inside the envelope supplied with pressurized fluid.
• the present disclosure relates to an assembly comprising a profiled sail; a mast and several cambering devices for profiled sail.
• All or part of the bending devices comprise (for each bending device):
• a semi-rigid, elastically deformable structure including:
• a spacer system comprising at least one spacer interconnecting the first length section and the second length section, configured to work in compression and in tension, to maintain a gap between the two length sections.
• the bending device 1 also comprises according to a first possibility (illustrated in particular in FIG. 4) actuating means 4 interconnecting, on the one hand, the two free ends 23,24 of the semi-rigid structure, and on the other hand, the U-shaped connecting section 22, configured to arch the first length section and the second length section of the structure semi-rigid by tensioning the two free ends 23,24 with the U-shaped connecting section 22 of the semi-rigid structure 2, and the generation of an offset d between the two free ends 23,24.
• actuating means 4 interconnecting, on the one hand, the two free ends 23,24 of the semi-rigid structure, and on the other hand, the U-shaped connecting section 22, configured to arch the first length section and the second length section of the structure semi-rigid by tensioning the two free ends 23,24 with the U-shaped connecting section 22 of the semi-rigid structure 2, and the generation of an offset d between the two free ends 23,24.
• the bending device 1 comprises actuating means 4 interconnecting, on the one hand, at least one of the two free ends 23,24, and on the other hand, the U-shaped connecting section 22, configured to arch the first length section and the second length section of the semi-rigid structure by placing in tension of one of the two free ends 23,24 with the U-shaped connecting section 22 of the semi-rigid structure 2 and the generation of an offset d between the two free ends 23,24.
• a profiled sail can be provided with several arching devices in accordance with the present disclosure, in particular internal to the profiled sail.
• the arching devices are distributed over the height of the profiled sail.
• the semi-rigid structure 2 of each bending device 1 comprises the first length section 20 secured to a first surface S1 of the profiled sail V, and the second length section 21 secured to a second surface S2 of the profiled sail V, as well as the U-shaped connecting section 22, connecting together by extending the first length section 20 and the second length section 21 at the level of the leading edge BA of the profiled sail, the two length sections ending at the BF trailing edge of the sail with two free ends 23.24.
• the profiled sail flexible, extends from one of the free ends 23, 24, to the other, passing in front of the connecting section 22; a U forming the leading edge BA.
• the profiled sail can be fixed by two sail edges at the free ends 23,24 via fastening means 6, in particular by pinching the sail edges.
• first length section 20 and second length section 21 removable fasteners, such as loop/hook bands can be provided to secure the sail along the length sections 20 and 21.
• Control means are configured to jointly control in the same direction the various actuating means 4 of the arching devices to arch the first surface S1 of the profiled sail and the second surface S2 of the profiled sail.
• the arching devices can take a (in particular first) arched position for which the first length section 20 takes on a concave profile when the second length section takes on a convex profile and/or a (in particular second) arched position in which said second length section 21 has a concave profile when said first length section 20 has a convex profile.
• a set in particular a rig according to the present disclosure, advantageously allows the sail to be lowered, along the mast M, the arching devices (with the possible exception of that forming the terminal); integral with the profiled sail, descending with the profiled sail along the mast, in particular when the halyard is released, namely in the opposite direction to that of the hoisting of the profiled sail.
• the present disclosure also relates to a vehicle comprising such a rig: and in particular a ship or sailing boat or sailboat, or even a sand yacht.
• the cambered position can be adjusted during maneuvers, for example by passing from the first cambered position Pc1 to the second cambered position Pc2 of the cambering devices (of inverted concavity) during edge change maneuvers, whether acts as tack maneuvers or jibe maneuvers.
• the actuators used for the actuator means can be progressive (and not all or nothing) and take several positions making it possible to camber more or less strongly the first and the second sail surface, in one direction or the other. . It is possible to adjust the concavity of the surface of the sail in contact with the wind in order to maximize the effort necessary for the advance of the vehicle according to the wind conditions.
• the lowermost arching device can simultaneously constitute a terminal, in particular hinged to the mast in the case of a non-pivoting mast), making it possible to orient the profiled sail.
• the terminal is oriented according to the wind condition of the direction of advance of the ship
• the semi-rigid structure 2 comprising the connecting section 22 and the two length sections 20, 21, can be constituted by a semi-rigid element in one piece, kept curved by the spacer system 3; and, where appropriate, a flexible connection system 5, which is described below.
• said one-piece element is a rod, in particular straight at rest and curved to form the semi-rigid structure 2, or a blade in particular flat at rest and curved to form the semi-rigid structure.
• the rod or blade is curved to form the first length section 20, the second length section 21 and the U-shaped connecting section 22.
• the semi-rigid structure can be constituted by a curved blade for the terminal of the rigging and curved rods for the semi-rigid structures of the other arching devices (located above the bollard).
• the various sections of the semi-rigid structure 2, including the first length section 20 and the second length section 21 and the connecting section 22, can be constituted by several structural elements assembled together. others.
• the arching devices comprise all or part of the spacer system 3 which may comprise a first spacer 30, connecting together the first length section 20 and the second length section 2, as well as a second spacer 31, interconnecting the first length section 20 and the second length section 21, parallel to said first spacer 30.
• the spacers are of fixed or optionally telescopic lengths as described in WO2021 / 148734A1 of the present inventor.
• the mast extends between the spacers formed by the first spacer and the second spacer.
• the struts (first and second) are configured to work in tension and compression.
• the present disclosure makes it possible to reliably remedy this problem.
• all or part of the arching devices has a fastening system 7, which can be activated/deactivated, configured to ensure the fastening of the arching device on the mast, the fastening system 7.
• the securing system 7 is advantageously configured to keep the mast of the semi-rigid structure of the device at a distance while ensuring the return of the lateral support due to the pressure of the wind on the profiled sail. on the mast.
• the securing system 7 positions the profiled sail avoiding shocks between the mast M and the damaging parts of the arching device.
• the securing system 7 comprises:
• the mast thus extends between the first strand 71 and the second strand 72.
• the securing system further comprises an actuator system, which can be activated, internal to the structure, configured to pass the first strand and the second strand in a retracted state configured to tighten the arching device on the mast M, sandwiched between the first strand 71 and second strand 72, inside the semi-rigid structure, and as illustrated in the detail view of FIG. 7a.
• the mast thus enclosed by the first strand 71 and the second strand 72 is advantageously kept at a distance from the two length sections 20.21 by the first strand 71 and the second strand 72 in tension, as well as kept at a distance from the spacers , first spacer 31 and second spacer 32 when present.
• the force of the wind on the profiled sail is returned to the mast by the first strand 72 and second strand 72 in tension.
• the actuator system when the actuator system is deactivated, the latter is configured to cause a deployed state of the first strand and second strand configured to release the mast; and allow easy movement of the arching device along the mast.
• the profiled sail and the arching devices 1 are configured to pivot around the mast M by sliding the first strand and second strand on the surface of the mast, and in order to allow a change in orientation of the profiled sail around the mast.
• a change of orientation of the sail allows in particular the adjustment of the orientation of the profiled sail around the axis of the mast, and/or the changes of orientation of the profiled sail around the mast during changes of edge, including tacks or gybes.
• the mast may itself be a profiled mast (of non-circular profile) and pivotally mounted around its axis, typically by means of a pivot at the base of the vehicle, in particular the sailboat.
• the first strand 71 and the second strand 72 clamped on the surface of the mast, the profiled sail and the arching devices are configured to pivot together with the mast which pivots relative to the vehicle in particular to the hull of the sailboat, and therefore without sliding of the first strand and the second strand on the surface of the mast, and in order to allow in particular a change of orientation of the profiled sail around the axis of the mast.
• Such a change of orientation of the sail allows in particular the adjustment of the orientation of the profiled sail, and/or the changes of orientation of the profiled sail around the mast during changes of tack, in particular tacks or gybes .
• this disclosure can be broken down (as desired) into four mast configurations.
• rotating mast (with profiled section, i.e. non-circular, typically “teardrop”) and held at the top of the mast by guy wires.
• profiled rotating mast offers less drag than the circular section mast when the profiled sail is partially or totally lowered: the rotating mast accompanies the rotation of the cambering devices ensuring the camber of the profiled sail, without slipping on the mast.
• a rotatable profiled mast can make it possible to sail in very strong winds with the profiled sail completely lowered, by orienting the mast.;
• the profiled sail of said assembly is configured to be:
• the arching devices 1 in positions separated from each other, then secured in a stable position by tightening the arching devices on the mast M by activating the systems of actuators the first strand and the second strand in the retracted state enclosing the mast,
• the arching devices 1 in positions close to each other, in the deployed state of the first strand and second strand releasing the mast.
• the present disclosure also relates to a method for hoisting and securing a profiled sail of an assembly according to the present disclosure from a slumped position of the profiled sail along the mast M in the low position of the profiled sail, the devices archers 1 in positions close to each other, in the deployed state of the actuator system, the method having the following steps:
• the profiled sail on the mast by tightening the arching devices on the mast M by activating the actuator systems and the passage of the first strand 71 and second strand 72 from the deployed state until the retracted state enclosing the mast.
• first and second spacers 30, 31 promote reliable and firm clamping of the mast by the first strand 71 and the second strand 72, by the compression work of the spacers which opposes the retraction of the first and second strands 71, 72.
• the longitudinal ends of the first strand 71 can be secured at two attachment points on the first length section 20 respectively at the junction zones between the first and second spacers 30, 31 on the one hand, and the first section of length 20, on the other hand,
• the longitudinal ends of the second strand 72 can be secured at two attachment points on the second length section 21 respectively at the level of the junction zones between the first and second spacers 30, 31 on the one hand, and the second section of length 21, on the other hand.
• Each spacer formed by the first spacer and the second spacer 30, 31 of the spacer system 3 can be pivotally articulated at its ends, respectively to the first length section 20 along an axis perpendicular to the plane of the semi-structure. -rigid and to the second length section 21 along an axis perpendicular to the plane of the semi-rigid structure, the or each spacer 30,31 being configured to pivot relative to the two length sections, first length section 20 and second section of length 21 when bending and shifting the free ends 23.24; under the effect of the actuating means 4.
• the bending device may comprise articulated connectors 32, comprising a first part 33 integral with the first length section 20 or the second length section 21, or even a second part 34 receiving one end of the spacer 30; 31, the second part 34 being hinged to the first part 33 along a pivot axis substantially perpendicular to the plane of the semi-rigid structure 2 to pivot relative to the two length sections during bending and shifting of the free ends 23.24; under the effect of the actuating means.
• articulated connectors 32 comprising a first part 33 integral with the first length section 20 or the second length section 21, or even a second part 34 receiving one end of the spacer 30; 31, the second part 34 being hinged to the first part 33 along a pivot axis substantially perpendicular to the plane of the semi-rigid structure 2 to pivot relative to the two length sections during bending and shifting of the free ends 23.24; under the effect of the actuating means.
• first strand 71 can be advantageously attached to the first parts 33 of the connectors 32 integral with the first length section 20 and the longitudinal ends of the second strand 72 are attached to the first parts 32 of the connectors 32 integral with the second length section 21 .
• the actuator system of the securing system 7 comprises at least one actuating member on the belt m having two longitudinal ends e1, e2 of said actuating member, activatable being retractable when activated with approximation of its two longitudinal ends e1, e2.
• Said belt actuation member may be an artificial muscle, in particular a pneumatic muscle.
• Such an actuator has an envelope receiving internally a ball fed or discharged from the fluid.
• the flexible envelope retracts in length when its section increases under the increase in the supplied or fluid balloon (contraction of the muscle), and expands in length when its section decreases when the balloon is discharged from the fluid (decrease in the pressure of the fluid ).
• Actuator retraction can be gradual by controlling the amount of fluid fed into the balloon.
• Such pneumatic actuation systems are commonly called “artificial muscles” consisting of inflatable tubes inserted in protective braids forming an envelope, such that the artificial muscle contracts or expands depending on whether its internal fluid pressure increases or decreases.
• artificial muscles are, for example, described by B. Tondu and P. Lopez in “Compte Rendu de l'Académie des Sciences", t. 320, PP 105-114, 1995.
• Such an artificial muscle is schematically illustrated in its deployed position in Figure 11 and in its retracted position in Figure 12, as well as in a sectional view in Figure 13.
• the braiding of the envelope generates a force ensuring the retraction of the artificial muscle, by bringing together the longitudinal ends e1 or e2.
• Such an actuator has the advantage of:
• the first strand 71 may comprise a first actuating member on the belt m1, in particular a first artificial muscle, and the second strand 72 may comprise a second actuating member on the belt m2 in particular a second artificial muscle.
• Such an embodiment is illustrated by way of indication in FIG. 7a when the first belting actuator member m1 and the second belting actuator member m2 are artificial muscles.
• the longitudinal ends e1 and e2 of the first actuating member to the belt m1 are integral in two attachment positions on the first parts 33 of the connectors 32 connected to the first length section 20, respectively at the level of the junction zone with the first spacer 30 and the second spacer 31 .
• the longitudinal ends e1 and e2 of the second actuating member to the belt m2 are integral in two attachment positions on the first parts 33 of the connectors 32 connected to the second length section 21 respectively at the level of the junction zone with the first spacer 30 and the second spacer 31 .
• the first strand 71 and the second strand 72 may comprise an actuation member with the common belt m3, and as illustrated in FIG. 8.
• the actuation member actuation to the common belt m3 extends in length and forms the first strand 71, over a first length of the artificial muscle, from a fixed attachment point on the first length section 20 to a pulley PI forming the other point of attachment, then, extends for an intermediate length between the pulley and an opposite pulley fixed on the second length section 21.
• the muscle extends again and finally forms the second strand 72 from the opposite pulley on a third length, and up to a fixed attachment point on the second length section 21 .
• All or part of the arching devices 1 may have a flexible connection system 5, joining together the first length section 20 and the second length section 21 .
• This flexible connection system is arranged in an intermediate position of the structure between the two free ends 23,34 and said spacer system 3; said connecting system 5, flexible, working in tension to maintain between them a spacing between the two length sections.
• the spacer system 3 and the flexible connection system 5 both extend flexibly inside the semi-rigid structure 2, in the inter-space between the first length section 20 and the second section of length 21, and preferably entirely in the plane of the semi-rigid structure 2.
• the flexible connection system 5 comprises two flexible links, including a first flexible link 50 fixed at both ends to the first length section 20, and a second flexible link 51 fixed at both ends to the second length section 21 .
• the two flexible links, first flexible link 50 and second flexible link 51 are interlaced at a contact zone Zc between the two flexible links 50,51.
• the contact zone Zc between the two flexible links is configured to slide along the flexible links 50,51 during bending and shifting of the free ends 23, 24; under the effect of the actuating means 4.
• the semi-rigid structure 2 may have a profile having a plane of symmetry, in a rest position Pr of the semi-rigid structure 2 in which the first length section 20 and the second length section 21 have a profile convex.
• the plane of symmetry AS of the semi-rigid structure 2 in its rest position extends along the direction between the leading edge BA and the trailing edge BF, perpendicular to the plane of the structure semi-rigid 2 containing the first length section 20, the second length section 21 and the connecting section 22, in U.
• the first spacer 30 and the second spacer 31 respectively extend substantially perpendicular to the plane of symmetry AS.
• said first section of length 20 has a concave profile when said second section of length 21 is of convex profile, or else said second length section 21 has a concave profile when said first length section 20 has a convex profile.
• the actuating means 4 are configured to arch the semi-rigid structure selectively:
• the actuating means 4 may comprise at least one actuator 40, 41, extending along one of the two length sections of the structure, first length section 20 (or second length section 21), connected to the free end 23 or 24 of the length section by an external, flexible tendon 42, external to the semi-rigid structure 2, via at least one reference angle 43 secured to the U-shaped connecting section, and connected to the free end 24, 23 of the other length section by an inner tendon 44 which runs along the length section to a guide 45 , before connecting said free end 24 or 23 of the other length section, second length section 21 or first length section 20.
• Said at least bevel gear 43 is located on the side of the plane of symmetry (and not on the latter) of the semi-rigid structure 2 whose profile of the length section is to be changed (first length section or second length section) from the convex profile to the concave profile.
• the actuating means make it possible to obtain the two arched positions Pc1 and Pc2
• two bevel gears arranged on either side of the plane of symmetry respectively make it possible to arch the semi-rigid structure in these two arched positions:
• a second bevel gear 432 integral with the connecting section; disposed on the side of the second length section 21 (with respect to the plane of symmetry), is biased to allow the profile change of the second length section 10 (and therefore the second surface S2 of the profiled sail) of the convex profile in the rest position Pr of the semi-rigid structure 2 to said second cambered position Pc2 where the second length section 21 assumes the concave profile.
• Said actuator 40; 41 is configured to retract in an active state and pull on the two free ends 23, 24 connected respectively by the outer tendon 42 and the inner tendon 44, on the one hand, and on the return of angle 43 of the connecting section 22, on the other hand, until the creation of the offset d, the free end connected by the inner tendon 44 advancing towards the leading edge BA with respect to the end free connected by the outer tendon 42 causing the semi-rigid structure to bend, the outer tendon 42 stressed moving away from the length section, first length section (or second length section, immediately adjacent to the outer tendon 42) , which then takes on a concave profile, and while the other length section, second length section or first length section takes on a convex profile.
• the offset of the free ends 23,24 makes it possible to initiate the change of profile of the length section - first length section 20 or second length section - of the convex profile in the rest position Pr of the structure semi-rigid 2, and up to the concave profile in said cambered position, in particular first cambered position Pc1 or second cambered position Pc2.
• the profile change of the first length section 20 is initiated, in particular from the convex profile in the rest position Pr to a concave profile in the first cambered position Pc1, by shifting the free end 24 of the second connecting section 21 towards the leading edge BA with respect to the free end 23 of the first connecting section 20.
• the concavity of the first length section 20 can be accentuated by the actuating means 4, by the traction of the external tendon 42 connecting the first bevel gear 431 and the free end 23 (such as the string of a bow).
• the profile change of the second length section 21 is initiated, in particular from the convex profile in the rest position Pr to a concave profile in the first cambered position Pc2, by shifting the free end 23 of the first length section 20 towards the leading edge BA with respect to the free end 24 of the second length section 21 .
• the concavity of the second length section 21 can be accentuated by the actuating means 4, by the traction of the external tendon 42 connecting the second bevel gear 432 and the free end 24 (such as the string of a bow).
• external tendon 42 is meant the fact that the flexible tendon passes outside the semi-rigid structure 2, and the sail between the angle transmission 43 - first angle transmission 431 or second transmission d angle 432- and respectively the free end, respectively the free end of the first length section 20 and the end 24 of the second length section 21, and even if the flexible tendon is partially internal to the structure between the angle transmission and the actuator (first actuator 40 or second actuator 41).
• the outer tendon 42 between the bevel gear (first bevel gear 431 or second bevel gear 432) and the free end (free end 23 or 24) is still outside the profiled sail, in particular outside the first sail surface S1 between the first bevel gear 431 and the free end 23 and outside the second sail surface S2 between the second angle transmission 432 and the free end 24.
• the first sail surface S1 (respectively the second sail surface S2) has a passage opening for the outer tendon 42 at the level of the first transmission d angle 431 (respectively of the second angel 432).
• the actuating means comprise:
• a first actuator 40 configured to arch the semi-rigid structure in said first arched position Pc1, extending along the first length section 20 connected to the free end 23 of the first length section by an external tendon 42 , flexible, to the semi-rigid structure 2, via a first bevel gear 431 integral with the connecting section 22, in U, and by an internal tendon 44 which runs along the first length section 20 until a guide 45 of said first length section 20 before connecting the free end 24 of said second length section 21, the first actuator 40 being configured to retract and pull the two free ends 23, 24 connected by the external tendon 42 and the inner tendon 44, on the one hand, and on the first bevel gear 431, on the other hand, until the creation of the offset d, the end connected 24 by the inner tendon 44 advancing towards the leading edge BA relative to the free end 23 connected by the outer tendon 42 causing the arching of the semi-rigid structure, the outer tendon 42 biased away from the first length section 20 which takes a concave profile, the second length section 21 taking a convex
• a second actuator 41 configured to arch the semi-rigid structure into said second arched position Pc2, extending along the second length section 21 connected to the free end 24 of the second length section by a tendon 42, external, flexible to the semi-rigid structure 2, via a second bevel gear 432 secured to the U-shaped connecting section 22, and by an internal tendon 44 which runs along the second length section 21 up to a guide 45 of said second length section 21 before connecting the free end 23 of said first length section 20, the second actuator 41 being configured to retract and pull on the two free ends 23, 24 connected by the outer tendon 42 and the inner tendon 44, on the one hand, and on the second bevel gear 432, on the other hand, until the creation of the offset d, the free end 23 connected by the inner tendon 44 advancing towards the leading edge BA with respect to the free end 24 connected by the outer tendon 42 causing the arching of the semi-rigid structure 2, the outer tendon 42 stressed deviating from the second section of length 21 which takes on a concave profile, while said
• the arching device comprising a control means configured to selectively:
• the first actuator 40 and the second actuator 41 are activated selectively while the first strand 71 and the second strand 72 are in said retracted state configured to tighten the arching devices on the mast M by actively said one or more securing systems 7 .
• control means can be external to the semi-rigid structure of the arching device.
• the control means can also make it possible to adjust the adjustment of the concavity depth when the actuator, first actuator 40 and/or second actuator 41 is a progressive actuator.
• first actuator 40 and second actuator 41 can be an actuator which retracts when supplied with fluid such as an artificial muscle, in particular a pneumatic muscle.
• Such actuator illustrated in Figures 11 to 14, has already been described above, and is not redeveloped. It has an envelope receiving internally a ball fed or discharged from the fluid. The flexible envelope retracts in length when its section increases under the increase in the supplied or fluid balloon (contraction of the muscle), and expands in length when its section decreases when the balloon is discharged from the fluid (decrease in the pressure of the fluid ). Retraction of the actuator can be gradual by controlling the amount of fluid fed into the balloon.
• the artificial muscles of the actuators 40, 41 and/or of the actuator bodies m of the plurality of arching devices 1 are supplied with fluid by one or more flexible elastic hoses AL1, AL2, AL3, shaped like a serpentine, extending in the direction of the height of the mast M.
• the flexible elastic pipe(s) are configured to deploy by separating the turns of the serpentine in the high position of the profiled sail, and to retract by bringing together the turns of the serpentine under the elasticity of the serpentine, in the low position of the profiled sail.
• the actuators or actuator members on the belt can be supplied with fluid by a reserve of compressed fluid R, in particular compressed air, which can be housed in the hollow of the mast at its base.
• the present technical solutions can be applied in particular in the maritime field of sailing boats, as an improved rigging solution.
• the arching devices being composed of an elastically deformable semi-rigid structure, or even, where appropriate, of flexible actuator(s) in the form of artificial muscles, they are particularly suitable for a marine environment, where the elements of rigging can suffer shocks, under the action of the wind or unforeseen maneuvers.
• the securing systems 7 of the arching devices of the assembly according to the present disclosure advantageously allow, when activated, a better positioning of the arching devices on the mast, without risk of impact between the damaging parts of the rigid structures and the mast, while by allowing easy lowering of the sail, when deactivated.
• Angle transmissions in particular first angle transmission 431, and second angle transmission 432

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• 2021
  • 2021-09-20 FR FR2109877A patent/FR3127197B1/fr active Active
• 2022
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