Pivoting strut for rigid sail

Abstract

The invention relates to a sailing propulsion assembly for a vessel (100), comprising:-a rigid sail (10),-a strut (81, 82) pivotably mounted relative to a wall (11, 12) of the rigid sail (10) between a sailing position, in which the strut (81, 82) extends substantially perpendicular to the wall (11, 12), and a stowed position, in which the strut (81, 82) extends substantially against the wall (11, 12), and-at least two braces (91, 92) mounted on the struts (81, 82) wherein the braces (91, 92) extend substantially against the walls (11, 12) of the rigid sail (10) when the struts (81, 82) are in the stowed position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a sailing propulsion assembly for a ship, and a ship comprising the sailing propulsion assembly. Background Art

[0002] A vessel usually comprises a sailing propulsion assembly including at least one sail allowing the vessel to move forward under the influence of wind.

[0003] Some sailing propulsion assemblies may include one or more rigid sails. Rigid sails may improve aerodynamic efficiency, but may result in certain furling limitations, as their rigid nature prevents them from being lowered as well as conventional sails.

[0004] Documents EP 2 903 890, WO 2018 / 039705 and EP 2 822 851 describe rigid sails mounted on a base for lowering them on the deck of a vessel by pivoting.

[0005] One or more stays are often mounted on a mast to stiffen the mast, particularly in the context of a sailing propulsion assembly comprising a non-rigid sail. The stays extend perpendicularly to the main axis of the sail.

[0006] Documents FR 2 650 801 and DE 8 203 269 describe sailing propulsion assemblies comprising a non-rigid sail and a stay which is mounted on a mast and whose inclination can be adjusted to a certain extent in order to control the sail.

[0007] However, these sailing propulsion assemblies are only suitable for non-rigid sails, not for rigid sails. However, for sailing propulsion assemblies including rigid sails, the presence of the stays further limits the folding of the sails. In fact, the stays increase the bulk of the sail when it is laid down, because the stays are perpendicular to the plane of the rigid sail. Summary of the invention

[0008] An object of the present invention is to propose a sailing propulsion assembly having improved mechanical resistance, in particular improved bending mechanical resistance.

[0009] Another object of the invention is to propose a sailing propulsion assembly making it possible to optimize the furling of a laid-down rigid sail.

[0010] According to a first aspect, the present invention relates to a navigation propulsion assembly for a ship, comprising:

[0011] - a rigid sail forming an airfoil-shaped wing, the rigid sail comprising a wall extending mainly along the sail axis,

[0012] at least one stay adapted to be pivotably mounted relative to the wall of the rigid sail between a sailing position in which the stay extends substantially perpendicularly to the wall of the rigid sail and a stowed position in which the stay extends substantially against the wall of the rigid sail, and

[0013] - At least two stays mounted on the stay, wherein the stays extend substantially at a distance from the wall of the rigid sail when the stay is in the sailing position and substantially against the wall of the rigid sail when the stay is in the stowed position.

[0014] Some preferred but non-limiting features of the above-mentioned propulsion assembly are as follows, either individually or in combination:

[0015] - the brace is inclined less than 10° relative to a plane normal to the sail axis, for example extends substantially in a plane normal to the sail axis;

[0016] - the stay is movable between a sailing position and a stowed position by pivoting about a stay pivot axis which is inclined less than 10° relative to the sail axis, for example substantially corresponding to the sail axis;

[0017] - each rigid sail comprises a rotation mechanism comprising a pivot oriented along the pole pivot axis and an actuator adapted to drive the corresponding pole in rotation so as to adjust the position of the corresponding pole between the sailing position and the stowed position;

[0018] - the pivot of the swivel mechanism comprises two yokes rigidly fixed to the wall of the rigid sail and arranged on either side of the respective strut;

[0019] - in the stowed position, the stays and / or the stays are at least partially in contact with the rigid sail;

[0020] - the stay is adapted to be pivotably mounted about the stay pivot axis between a sailing position and a stowed position at the height of a pivot point, the stay being mounted on the stay and further mounted on the rigid sail at the height of a corresponding connection point, wherein the pivot point of the stay and the connection point of the stay are aligned along the sail axis, so that the stay remains taut regardless of whether the stay is in the sailing position or the stowed position;

[0021] - the assembly comprises a plurality of stays and a plurality of riggings, each of the plurality of stays being adapted to be pivotably mounted relative to a wall of the rigid sail at the height of a respective swivel mechanism of the stays, each stay being pivotably mounted at a pivot point of the stays about a stay pivot axis between a heading position and a stowed position, each of the plurality of riggings being mounted on the stays, at least two of the plurality of riggings being adapted to be further mounted on the rigid sail at the height of respective connection points, wherein the pivot points of the stays are aligned together and aligned with the connection points of the riggings along the sail axis so that the riggings remain taut whether the stays are in the heading position or in the stowed position;

[0022] - A rigid sail comprising a first wall and a second wall, the assembly comprising:

[0023] a plurality of first and second struts adapted to be pivotably mounted relative to the first and second walls, respectively, between a sailing position and a stowed position, and

[0024] - a plurality of first and second guy ropes, each of the plurality of first and second guy ropes being mounted on at least one of the plurality of first and second struts,

[0025] And the rigid sail comprises:

[0026] a sailing configuration in which the plurality of first struts and the plurality of second struts are in a sailing position, and

[0027] a stowed configuration in which the plurality of first struts and the plurality of second struts are in a stowed position;

[0028] - the rigid sail is pivotably mounted about a lying down pivot axis, a change of position of the rigid sail between a raised position and a lying down position comprising a pivoting of the rigid sail about the lying down pivot axis, wherein in the raised position the sail axis is substantially perpendicular to a ship plane formed by the lying down pivot axis and the ship axis, and in the lying down position the sail axis is substantially parallel to the ship plane;

[0029] - the assembly further comprises a base on which the rigid sail is mounted, the base comprising a swivel element pivotably mounted about a sail axis such that pivoting of the swivel element adjusts the angle of incidence of the rigid sail when the rigid sail is in a raised position, wherein the rigid sail is mounted to the base in such a way that it is rotatably fixed to the base about the sail axis when the rigid sail is in the raised position and is mounted to the base in such a way that it is pivotable relative to the base about a laid-down pivot axis;

[0030] - The assembly also comprises at least one photovoltaic panel suitable for being mounted on the wall of the rigid sail.

[0031] According to a second aspect, the invention relates to a vessel comprising a sailing propulsion assembly according to the first aspect, said sailing propulsion assembly comprising one or more rigid sails. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] Other characteristics, objectives and advantages of the invention will emerge on reading the following detailed description given by way of non-limiting example and illustrated by the following drawings:

[0033] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a rigid sail of a sailing propulsion assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention, the rigid sail being shown in a raised position and in a lowered position.

[0034] Figure 2a and Figure 2b Schematic side view and perspective view, respectively, of a vessel comprising a sailing propulsion assembly according to one embodiment of the invention, the sailing propulsion assembly comprising rigid sails of different heights, the rigid sails being in a raised position.

[0035] Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view of a vessel including a sailing propulsion assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention, one of the rigid sails of the sailing propulsion assembly being in a raised position and the other rigid sails on the sailing propulsion assembly being in a lowered position.

[0036] Figure 4a and Figure 4b Schematic top and front views, respectively, of a vessel comprising a sailing propulsion assembly according to one embodiment of the invention, the sailing propulsion assembly comprising a rigid sail laid down in a herringbone pattern, the rigid sail being in a laid down position in a flat pattern.

[0037] Figure 5a and Figure 5b Schematic side and top views, respectively, of a vessel comprising a sailing propulsion assembly according to one embodiment of the invention, the sailing propulsion assembly comprising rigid sails laid down in a herringbone pattern, the rigid sails being in a laid down position on edge.

[0038] Figure 6 is a schematic side view of a vessel comprising a sailing propulsion assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention, the base of the sailing propulsion assembly being located at different distances from the deck of the vessel in the vertical direction.

[0039] Figure 7a is a schematic perspective view of a base of a sailing propulsion assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 7b is a schematic perspective view of a base of a sailing propulsion assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 8a is a schematic perspective view of a rigid sail of a sailing propulsion assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention, the rigid sail being formed by several sail sections stacked along the sail axis.

[0042] Figure 8b yes Figure 8a Schematic perspective view of a section of a rigid sail shown in .

[0043] Fig. 9 is a schematic perspective view of a rotation mechanism of a support rod according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] First embodiment

[0045] In the first embodiment, if Figures 2a to 6 As shown in the non-limiting example in, a sailing propulsion assembly for a vessel 100 comprises at least two rigid sails 10 adapted to be arranged on the vessel 100 at a distance from each other along a vessel axis N, each rigid sail 10 forming an airfoil wing extending mainly along the sail axis A.

[0046] Each rigid sail 10 is pivotably mounted about a laid-down pivot axis P, a position change of the rigid sail 10 between a raised position and a laid-down position comprising a pivoting of the rigid sail 10 about the laid-down pivot axis P.

[0047] In the raised position the sail axis A is substantially perpendicular to the ship plane formed by the lying down pivot axis P and the ship axis N. In the lying down position the sail axis A is substantially parallel to the ship plane and makes a non-zero angle relative to the ship axis N.

[0048] Each rigid sail 10 in the raised position is pivotally mounted about a sail axis A to adjust the angle of incidence of the rigid sail 10 relative to the vessel axis N. Each rigid sail 10 is also pivotally mounted about a sail axis A when the rigid sail 10 is in the lowered position.

[0049] The vessel 100 extends mainly along a longitudinal axis. The vessel axis N may substantially correspond to the longitudinal axis or may have an orientation of, for example, a few degrees relative to the longitudinal axis. The vessel axis N may be substantially parallel to or coincide with the average alignment axis of the rigid sail 10, in particular with the average alignment axis of the legs 15 of the rigid sail 10.

[0050] The vessel 100 comprises a deck 30 extending mainly along a vessel axis N. At least a portion of the deck 30 is substantially planar and extends substantially in a horizontal plane. In the absence of heel and trim of the vessel 100, the horizontal plane is substantially parallel to the body of water on which the vessel 100 operates. The vertical axis corresponds to an axis perpendicular to the deck 30 of the vessel 100. The vertical axis may be substantially perpendicular to the plane of the vessel. The rigid sail 10 is located above the deck 30 of the vessel 100 in a vertical direction corresponding to the direction of the vertical axis. The plane of the vessel may be substantially parallel to the horizontal plane, and the deck 30 of the vessel 100 may be substantially parallel to the plane of the vessel. When the rigid sail 10 is in a raised position, the sail axis A may be substantially perpendicular to the horizontal plane of the deck 30 of the vessel 100, that is, may extend substantially in a vertical direction.

[0051] In the laid down position, the sail axis A forms a non-zero angle with respect to the ship axis N. In other words, in the laid down position, the sail axis A is contained in a plane parallel to the ship plane and is oriented with a certain non-zero inclination with respect to the ship axis N. Thus, the rigid sail 10 is laid down at an angle with respect to the ship axis N, but not parallel or perpendicular to the ship axis N.

[0052] When the vessel 100 includes multiple decks, the deck 30 of the vessel 100 may correspond to the highest continuous deck of the vessel 100 .

[0053] When the rigid sail 10 is in the laid down position, the rigid sail 10 may be located at a distance from the deck 30 in a vertical direction, or at least partially in contact with the deck 30. As described below, the rigid sail 10 in the laid down position may be furled in a flat mode or on an edge.

[0054] At least two rigid sails 10 of the sailing propulsion assembly can be arranged so that in the lowered position, the sail axes A of the at least two rigid sails 10 are parallel to each other and are positioned at a certain distance from each other along the ship axis N, so that when the at least two rigid sails 10 in the sailing propulsion assembly are in the lowered position, they are folded on the ship 100 in a herringbone pattern.

[0055] The herringbone furling of the laid down rigid sails 10 makes it possible to reduce the volume and minimize the overhang of the rigid sails 10 laid down on the vessel 100. The laid down rigid sails 10 are offset along the vessel axis N and are furled diagonally relative to the vessel axis N and therefore do not touch each other, which facilitates their furling.

[0056] The angle formed between the sail axis A and the ship axis N when the rigid sail 10 is in the laid-down position may be comprised between 5° and 45°, preferably between 5° and 20°, more preferably between 5° and 15°, for example between 10° and 15°. Such angular values ​​make it possible to further optimize the herringbone furling of the rigid sail 10. The angle formed between the sail axis A and the ship axis N when the rigid sail 10 is in the laid-down position may correspond to the lowest angle, below which the sails collide with each other in a flat mode in the laid-down position, as described below.

[0057] When the rigid sail 10 is in the raised position, the pivoting of the rigid sail 10 about the sail axis A makes it possible to adjust the angle of incidence of the rigid sail 10, thereby changing the airflow characteristics along the walls 11, 12 of the rigid sail 10 above it to optimize the propulsion efficiency of the sailing propulsion assembly. The rigid sail 10 can be adapted to pivot about the sail axis A by pivoting by + / -45°, + / -90°, + / -180° or any other suitable value. Thus, when pivoting by + / -180°, the rigid sail 10 can reach a range of angles of incidence, or even all angles of incidence.

[0058] A change of position of the rigid sail 10 between the raised position and the lowered position (e.g. from the raised position to the lowered position or vice versa) comprises a pivoting of the rigid sail 10 about the lowered pivot axis P. The rigid sail 10 may be moved between the raised position and the lowered position by pivoting about the lowered pivot axis P by approximately 90°.

[0059] The position change of the rigid sail 10 between the raised position and the lowered position may also include a pivoting of the rigid sail 10 about the sail axis A, which is suitable for changing the angle of incidence of the rigid sail 10. The pivoting of the rigid sail 10 about the sail axis A may be performed before or after the rigid sail 10 is pivoted about the lowered pivot axis P. The rigid sail 10 may pivot about the sail axis A when the rigid sail 10 is in the raised position or the lowered position.

[0060] The change of position of the rigid sail 10 between the laid down position and the raised position includes a pivoting of the rigid sail 10 about the laid down pivot axis P, which may correspond to a reverse pivoting of the pivoting of the rigid sail 10 about the laid down pivot axis P to switch from the raised position to the laid down position. The rigid sail 10 may be moved between the laid down position and the laid down position by pivoting about the laid down pivot axis P by approximately 90°.

[0061] The sailing propulsion assembly may include at least two first rigid sails 10, each of which is suitable for presenting a sail axis A, which is substantially parallel to the ship plane and forms a first non-zero angle relative to the ship axis N when the rigid sails 10 are in the laid-down position, and the at least two first rigid sails 10 of the sailing propulsion assembly are laid down on a first side relative to the ship axis N. The sailing propulsion assembly also includes at least two second rigid sails 10, each of which is suitable for presenting a sail axis A, which is substantially parallel to the ship plane and forms a second non-zero angle relative to the ship axis N when the rigid sails 10 are in the laid-down position, and the at least two second rigid sails 10 of the sailing propulsion assembly are laid down on a second side relative to the ship axis N, the second side being opposite to the first side relative to the ship axis N. The first angle and the second angle may correspond to alternating internal angles of the same size, and the absolute values ​​of the first angle and the second angle are the same. This configuration is Figure 4a , Figure 4b , Figure 5a and Figure 5b As a variant, the first angle and the second angle may be different from each other.

[0062] Rigid sail

[0063] Each rigid sail 10 forms an airfoil wing section comprising a front edge 13 and a rear edge 14, a first wall 11 connecting the front edge 13 and the rear edge 14, and a second wall 12 connecting the front edge 13 and the rear edge 14. At a given point of the rigid sail 10, the distance between the first wall 11 and the second wall 12 corresponds to the thickness of the rigid sail 10.

[0064] A rigid sail 10 or rigid wing is commonly used on ships to improve aerodynamic efficiency. The shape of each wall 11, 13 of the rigid sail 10 is fixed in that it is not affected by external conditions that may be encountered during sailing. Therefore, during sailing, the thickness of the rigid sail 10 at a given point of the rigid sail 10 is constant.

[0065] When the rigid sail 10 is in the raised position, one of the first wall 11 or the second wall 12 forms an inner camber wall, and the other of the first wall 11 and the second wall 12 forms an outer camber wall. The inner camber wall is the face opposite to the lift. The outer camber wall is the face on the lift side.

[0066] The chord of the rigid sail 10 corresponds to the line connecting the front edge 13 and the rear edge 14 of the rigid sail 10 in a plane orthogonal to the sail axis A, such as Figure 2a and Figure 5a The non-limiting examples are shown in FIG.

[0067] The heights H1 , H2 , H3 of the rigid sail 10 correspond to the dimensions along the sail axis A of the rigid sail 10 .

[0068] The rigid sail 10 may form a conventional airfoil profile, for example a symmetrical NACA profile type.

[0069] The rigid sail 10 may include a foot 15 corresponding to one end of the rigid sail 10 , the foot being adapted to be positioned closest to the deck 30 of the vessel 100 , and a top portion along the sail axis A opposite the foot 15 .

[0070] The rigid sail 10 may be made of, for example, a composite material or aluminum. Thus, the rigid sail 10 is made of a sustainable material and thus has a long lifespan. Aluminum is a cheap and recyclable material, which enables the rigid sail 10 to be manufactured at a low cost. When the rigid sail 10 is made of aluminum, the sailing propulsion assembly including the stays and the stays is particularly advantageous, especially when the rigid sail 10 has a larger size.

[0071] The rigid sail 10 may be formed from a plurality of sail sections 18 stacked along a sail axis A, such as Figure 8a The sail sections 18 may be stacked from the foot 15 of the rigid sail 10 to the top of the rigid sail 10. The height H1, H2, H3 of the rigid sail 10 may correspond to the distance along the sail axis A from the first section 18 forming the foot 15 of the rigid sail to the last section 18 forming the top of the rigid sail 10.

[0072] The rigid sail 10 manufactured in the form of sections 18 can simplify and reduce manufacturing costs due to economies of scale. In addition, the dimensions of the sections 18 are smaller than those of the entire rigid sail 10, which allows them to be transported by truck. Finally, the sail sections 18 can be assembled directly on the vessel 100 by the shipyard to form the rigid sail 10, which makes it possible to avoid having to resort to means for lifting the rigid sail 10 to install it on board.

[0073] Each sail segment 18 of the rigid sail 10 may extend at least 1% and at most 50% over the height H1, H2, H3 of the rigid sail 10, so that the number of segments 18 is comprised between 2 and 100. For example, each sail segment 18 of the rigid sail 10 may extend at least 2% and at most 20% over the height H1, H2, H3 of the rigid sail 10.

[0074] Each segment 18 may be composed of a metal plate and an internal structure, such as Figure 8b Each segment 18 can be stacked with adjacent segments 18 by welding or bolting to adjacent segments 18 .

[0075] All segments 18 of one and the same rigid sail 10 can have the same shape and size, which makes it possible to further simplify the production of the rigid sail 10 .

[0076] A structural frame 19 may be provided between two sections 18 of the rigid sail 10 in order to provide a secure assembly of the sections 18 therebetween.

[0077] The section 18 forming the top of the rigid sail 10 may include a fairing disposed on the top of the section 18 to close the profile of the section 18. Such a fairing may improve the aesthetics of the rigid sail 10 and increase the aerodynamic efficiency of the aerodynamic flow at the height of the top of the rigid sail 10.

[0078] Optionally, the portion close to the rear edge of the section 18 can be pivoted about an axis substantially parallel to the sail axis A, forming a flap, which makes it possible to increase the lift coefficient of the rigid sail 10 .

[0079] The sailing propulsion assembly may include at least one photovoltaic panel adapted to be mounted on at least one wall 11, 12 of the rigid sail 10. The photovoltaic panel may be sized to cover only a portion of the wall 11, 12 of the rigid sail 10, or to cover substantially the entire wall 11, 12 of the rigid sail 10. Thus, in addition to the propulsion function of the vessel 100, the rigid sail 10 may also generate energy for the needs of the vessel 100 or personnel on board the vessel 100.

[0080] Base

[0081] Each rigid sail 10 may be mounted on a respective base 20. Thus, a sailing propulsion assembly comprising at least two rigid sails 10 comprises at least two bases 20. The foot 15 of the rigid sail 10 may be adapted to be inserted into the base 20, in particular into the rotating element 21 of the base 20.

[0082] Each base 20 comprises a rotating element 21 which is pivotably mounted about a sail axis A, such that pivoting of the rotating element 21 adjusts the angle of incidence of the rigid sail 10 when the rigid sail 10 is in the raised position.

[0083] Each rigid sail 10 is mounted on a corresponding base 20 in such a way that it is rotatably fixed to the base 20 about a sail axis A when the rigid sail 10 is in a raised position.

[0084] Each rigid sail 10 is mounted on a respective base 20 in a manner pivotable relative to the base 20 about a lying down pivot axis P. In particular, the foot 15 of the rigid sail 10 may be mounted at the height of a pivot connection of the base 20 oriented along the lying down pivot axis P.

[0085] Furthermore, each rigid sail 10 can be mounted on a corresponding base 20 in such a way that it is rotatably fixed to the base 20 about the sail axis A when the rigid sail 10 is in the laid-down position.

[0086] The rotating element 21 may be a rotating ring, such as Figure 7a and Figure 7b The rotating element 21 is fixed to the base 20 , as shown in the non-limiting example in FIG.

[0087] The base 20 may include at least one mechanical pivot system 22, such as a hydraulic cylinder, a rotating ring or a gear and rack assembly, which is suitable for pivoting the rigid sail 10 about a lowering pivot axis P between a lowered position for stowing and a raised position for sailing on the deck 30.

[0088] For example, Figure 7a and Figure 7b A mechanical pivoting system 22 is shown comprising a hydraulic cylinder adapted to be mounted on the vessel 100 at a first end and to be mounted on the foot 15 of the sail via a swivel element 21 at a second end opposite the first end.

[0089] Thus, the system for pivoting the rigid sail 10 between the raised position and the lowered position and the system for adjusting the angle of incidence of the rigid sail 10 is simple and requires few components. The pivoting and angle of incidence adjustment systems are more reliable and easy to maintain. In fact, the base 20 including the rotating element 21 and the mechanical pivoting system 22 is located at the height of the foot 15 of the rigid sail 10 and is therefore easily accessible.

[0090] The rotating element 21 may be located between one fifth and one quarter of the chord behind the front edge 13 of the rigid sail 10 to orient the rigid sail 10 naturally in the direction of the wind. In practice, the aerodynamic force then passes behind the sail axis A about which the rigid sail 10 pivots to adjust its angle of incidence.

[0091] Each base 20 may include a device for angularly locking the rotating element 21, which is suitable for locking the rotation of the rotating element 21 around the sail axis A when the rotating element 21 is in a predetermined angular position (for example, a predetermined position corresponding to a non-zero angle formed between the sail axis A in the laid-down position and the ship axis N).

[0092] For example, the rigid sail 10 can be laid down, and then when the rigid sail 10 is in the laid down position, the angular position of the rotating element 21 can be adjusted until the desired angle of incidence for herringbone furling is reached. Then, the angular position of the rotating element 21 is locked, thereby fixing the angle of incidence of the rigid sail 10. Thus, herringbone furling of the rigid sail 10 of the sailing propulsion assembly is made easier. As a variation, when the rigid sail 10 is in the raised position, in order to furl the rigid sail 10, the angular position of the rotating element 21 can be adjusted, thereby adjusting the angle of incidence of the rigid sail 10, until the desired angle of incidence for herringbone furling is reached. Then, the angular position of the rotating element 21 is locked, thereby fixing the angle of incidence of the rigid sail 10. Thus, the rigid sail 10 can be laid down according to this specific angle of incidence.

[0093] Each base 20 may be designed to lock the rotation of the swivel element 21 about the sail axis A when the rigid sail 10 is in the laid down position. Thus, the orientation of the rigid sail 10 is fixed when the rigid sail 10 is in the laid down position, and the rigid sail cannot rotate about the sail axis A when the rigid sail 10 is retracted.

[0094] Down position on edge and down position in tile mode

[0095] The laid down position may include a laid down position on edge and a laid down position in a flat lay mode. Thus, each rigid sail 10 may be movably mounted between the following positions:

[0096] - raised position,

[0097] - a laid-down position on edge, in which the sail axis A is substantially parallel to the plane of the vessel and the chord of the rigid sail 10 is substantially perpendicular to the plane of the vessel, and

[0098] - a laid down position in the flat mode in which the sail axis A is substantially parallel to the plane of the vessel and the chord of the rigid sail 10 is inclined at an angle less than 50° relative to the plane of the vessel, for example substantially parallel to the plane of the vessel.

[0099] In other words, a sailing propulsion assembly for a vessel 100 comprises at least two rigid sails 10 adapted to be arranged on the vessel 100 at a distance from one another along a vessel axis N, each rigid sail 10 extending mainly along the sail axis A, each rigid sail 10 forming an airfoil wing portion comprising a leading edge 13 and a trailing edge 14, a chord of the rigid sail 10 corresponding to a line connecting the leading edge 13 and the leading edge 14 of the rigid sail 10 in a plane perpendicular to the sail axis A, wherein each rigid sail 10 is movably mounted between a raised position, a laid-down position on an edge and a laid-down position in a lay-flat mode, wherein each rigid sail 10 is pivotably mounted about a laid-down pivot axis P, a position change of the rigid sail 10 between the raised position and the laid-down position on an edge or between the raised position and the laid-down position in the lay-flat mode comprises a pivoting of the rigid sail 10 about the laid-down pivot axis P, wherein:

[0100] - in the raised position, the sail axis A is substantially perpendicular to the ship plane formed by the lying down pivot axis P and the ship axis N, and the rigid sail 10 is pivotably mounted about the sail axis A to adjust the angle of incidence of the rigid sail 10 relative to the ship axis N;

[0101] - in the laid-down position on edge, the sail axis A is substantially parallel to the ship's plane and forms a non-zero angle with respect to the ship's axis N, and the chord of the rigid sail 10 is substantially perpendicular to the ship's plane N; and

[0102] In the laid down position in the flat mode, the sail axis A is substantially parallel to the ship's plane and forms a non-zero angle with respect to the ship's axis N, the chord of the rigid sail 10 being inclined at an angle less than 50° with respect to the ship's plane 100 , e.g. substantially parallel to the ship's plane 100 .

[0103] The laid down position on the edge of the laid down rigid sail 10 makes it possible to minimize the overhang of the rigid sail 10 in the laid down position, so as not to increase the width of the vessel 100 when the rigid sail 10 is laid down. Therefore, such a laid down position on the edge is particularly useful when the vessel 100 is in port, then optimizing the transverse volume of the vessel 100 to minimize problems approaching the quay. The chord of the rigid sail 10 in the laid down position on the edge may extend substantially in the vertical direction.

[0104] The laid-down position in the flat-lay mode of the rigid sail 10 makes it possible to reduce the distance of the rigid sail 10 laid down on the deck 30 of the vessel 100, thereby being able to increase the height H1, H2, H3 of the rigid sail 10 without hindering the pivoting of another rigid sail 10 that will be in the raised position, thereby improving the propulsion efficiency of the sailing propulsion assembly. In other words, by reducing the size of the base 20 in the vertical direction, the laid-down position in the flat-lay mode can increase the sail area of ​​each rigid sail 10 of the sailing propulsion assembly.

[0105] In fact, especially during sailing at sea, some rigid sails 10 of the sailing propulsion assembly can be in the raised position, while other rigid sails are in the laid-down position, depending on weather conditions, desired speed, etc. The legs 15 of the rigid sails 10 driven to rotate by the rotating element 21 of the base 20 must be located vertically above the rigid sails 10 in the laid-down position to allow the rigid sails 10 in the raised position to rotate around the sail axis A to change their angle of incidence without being hindered by the laid-down rigid sails 10.

[0106] Thus, one of the rigid sails 10 of the sailing propulsion assembly can be in the laid-down position in the flat mode, while the other rigid sail 10 of the sailing propulsion assembly is in the raised position and can pivot about the sail axis A due to its feet 15 being located vertically above the base 20 of the rigid sail 10 laid down in the flat mode. In fact, the dimension in the vertical direction of the rigid sail 10 laid down on the edge substantially corresponds to the dimension of the chord of the rigid sail 10 and is therefore much greater than the dimension in the vertical direction of the rigid sail 10 in the laid-down position in the flat mode (substantially corresponding to the thickness of the rigid sail 10). Furthermore, the laid-down position in the flat mode makes it possible to minimize the wind resistance and maximize the horizontal surface covered by the laid-down rigid sail 10, which makes it possible, for example, to constitute a shelter against external conditions (rain, sun, etc.), to maximize the efficiency of the solar panels on the rigid sail 10, etc. The rigid sail 10 in the laid-down position in the flat mode can extend basically in a plane parallel to the horizontal plane of the deck 30 of the vessel 100, located at a certain distance (zero or strictly positive) from the horizontal plane in the vertical direction, and the rigid sail 10 is placed on the deck 30 or laid flat at a certain distance from the deck 30 and parallel to the deck 30.

[0107] Being able to choose between a laid-down position on the edge and a laid-down position in the flat mode makes it possible to adjust and optimize the laid-down position of the rigid sail 10 according to the external conditions and the desired furling. In particular, due to the laid-down position in the flat mode, the lateral volume of the vessel 100 in the harbor can be minimized, and due to the laid-down position in the flat mode, the heights H1, H2, H3 of the rigid sail 10 can be optimized, so that the propulsion efficiency of the sailing propulsion assembly can be optimized for sailing.

[0108] At least two rigid sails 10 of the assembly can be arranged so that in the laid-down position, at least two rigid sails 10 at least partially overlap. When the plurality of rigid sails 10 of the sailing propulsion assembly are in the laid-down position in the flat-laying mode, the plurality of rigid sails 10 of the assembly thus at least partially overlap, which makes it possible to further minimize the volume of the laid-down rigid sails 10.

[0109] At least two bases 20 may be at a distance from each other along an axis substantially perpendicular to the plane of the vessel, more specifically, along a vertical axis. Thus, the sailing propulsion assembly comprises bases 20 located at different distances in the vertical direction relative to the deck 30 of the vessel 100. This configuration makes it possible to reduce the inclination of the rigid sail 10 laid down in the flat mode relative to the deck 30 of the vessel 100, for example to make the inclination of the rigid sail 10 laid down in the flat mode relative to the deck 30 of the vessel 100 zero. Thus, the laid down position of the rigid sail 10 in the flat mode is substantially parallel to the deck 30 of the vessel 100.

[0110] In particular, the first base 20, which is located farther from the center 103 of the vessel 100 than the second base 20, can be located closer to the deck 30 of the vessel 100 in the vertical direction than the second base 20. Therefore, the rigid sail 10 located farther from the center 103 of the vessel 100 is laid down in the flat mode below the rigid sail 10 located closer to the center 103 of the vessel 100, which makes it possible to further optimize the stowing of the rigid sail 10 in the laid down position in the flat mode.

[0111] When the rigid sail 10 laid down in a flat mode has a non-zero inclination relative to the plane of the ship, the rigid sail 10 can be tilted particularly toward the outside of the ship 100, with the front edge 13 of the rigid sail 10 being arranged to be closer to the deck 30 of the ship 100 in the vertical direction than the rear edge 14 of the rigid sail 10.

[0112] The first rigid sail 10 of the sailing propulsion assembly in the laid-down position in the flat mode may be substantially parallel to the deck 30 of the vessel 100, with an inclination of less than 10°, preferably zero, relative to the plane of the vessel. The second rigid sail 10 of the sailing propulsion assembly in the laid-down position in the flat mode may be located above the first rigid sail 10 in the laid-down position and have an inclination relative to the deck 30 of the vessel 100 that is strictly greater than the inclination of the first rigid sail 10 relative to the deck 30 of the vessel 100.

[0113] In order to lay the rigid sail 10 down over the edge, the rigid sail 10 in the raised position may first be pivoted about the sail axis A until the value of the angle of incidence substantially corresponds to the value of the non-zero angle formed between the sail axis A in the laid down position and the ship axis N. The rigid sail 10 is then pivoted about the laying down pivot axis P until the laid down position over the edge is reached.

[0114] In order to lay down the rigid sail 10 in the flat mode, the rigid sail 10 in the raised position can first be pivoted about the sail axis A until the value of the angle of incidence substantially corresponds to the value of the non-zero angle formed between the sail axis A in the laid down position and the ship axis N, and a value of substantially 90° is added or subtracted from this angle of incidence. The rigid sail 10 is then pivoted about the laying down pivot axis P until the laid down position in the flat mode is reached. As a variant, the rigid sail 10 can first be laid down on an edge and then pivoted about the sail axis A by approximately 90° to reach the laid down position in the flat mode.

[0115] Struts and guy wires

[0116] For one or more or all rigid sails 10 of the sailing propulsion assembly, the sailing propulsion assembly may also include:

[0117] at least one strut 81, 82 adapted to be pivotably mounted relative to the walls 11, 12 of the rigid sail 10 between a sailing position, in which the strut 81, 82 extends substantially perpendicularly to the walls 11, 12 of the rigid sail 10, and a stowed position, in which the strut 81, 82 extends substantially against the walls 11, 12 of the rigid sail 10, and

[0118] - at least two stays 91, 92 mounted on the struts 81, 82, wherein the stays 91, 92 extend substantially at a distance from the walls 11, 12 of the rigid sail 10 when the struts 81, 82 are in the sailing position, and wherein the stays 91, 92 extend substantially against the walls 11, 12 in the rigid sail 10 when the struts 81, 82 are in the stowed position.

[0119] This configuration will be described in more detail below in conjunction with a fourth embodiment that is compatible with the first embodiment. In particular, each feature described below with respect to the fourth embodiment is compatible with each feature described with respect to the first embodiment.

[0120] Example of a propulsion unit

[0121] exist Figures 2a to 6 The sailing propulsion assembly shown in FIG. 1 by way of non-limiting example comprises five rigid sails 10 as described above. Each rigid sail 10 is inserted into a corresponding base 20, and the rigid sails 10 are suitable for being arranged on a vessel 100 at a distance from each other along the vessel axis N.

[0122] The three rigid sails 10 of the assembly are adapted to present a sail axis A which is substantially parallel to the ship plane when the rigid sails 10 are in the laid down position, forms a first non-zero angle with respect to the ship axis N, which may be substantially parallel to or coincident with the average alignment axis of the rigid sails 10, and extends on a first side with respect to the ship axis N. The two rigid sails 10 of the assembly are adapted to present a sail axis A which is substantially parallel to the ship plane when the rigid sails 10 are in the laid down position, forms a second non-zero angle with respect to the ship axis N, and extends on a second side with respect to the ship axis N. The first angle and the second angle correspond to alternating internal angles of the same size, the absolute values ​​of the first angle and the second angle being the same. The second side is opposite the first side with respect to the ship axis N.

[0123] Each rigid sail 10 of the assembly can be pivoted into a laid-down position corresponding to the laid-down position in the flat-lay mode or into a laid-down position corresponding to the laid-down position on edge.

[0124] Ships

[0125] Figures 2a to 6 The vessel 100 shown by way of non-limiting example in FIG. 1 comprises:

[0126] a deck 30 extending mainly along the vessel axis N, and

[0127] - A sailing propulsion assembly according to any of the exemplary embodiments described above with respect to the first embodiment.

[0128] Each rigid sail 10 of the sailing propulsion assembly is suitable for being mounted on a deck 30 of a vessel 100 , for example via a base 20 .

[0129] The deck 30 of the vessel 100 is substantially parallel to the plane of the vessel, and the deck 30 of the vessel 100 and the plane of the vessel are substantially horizontal.

[0130] The vessel 100 may extend between a front end 101 and a rear end 102. A center 103 of the vessel 100 corresponds to a point of the vessel 100 that is substantially equidistant from the front end 101 and the rear end 102 of the vessel 100. The front end 101 corresponds to the bow of the vessel 100, and the rear end 102 corresponds to the stern of the vessel 100.

[0131] The vessel includes multiple rigid sails of varying heights

[0132] The first rigid sail 10 of the sailing propulsion assembly has a first height H1, while the second rigid sail 10 of the sailing propulsion assembly has a second height H2. The second height H2 is strictly greater than the first height H1, and the first rigid sail 10 is arranged closer to the center 103 of the vessel 100 than the second rigid sail 10. In other words, the second rigid sail 10 is closer to one of the front end 101 or the rear end 102 of the vessel 100 than the first rigid sail 10. The greater height H1, H2, H3 of the rigid sail 10 is associated with a larger sail area of ​​the rigid sail 10, so the rigid sail 10 has a larger size.

[0133] Therefore, the sailing propulsion assembly comprises a plurality of rigid sails 10 of different sizes, the smaller sized rigid sails 10 being arranged at the center 103 of the vessel 100 and the larger sized rigid sails 10 being arranged at the ends 101 , 102 of the vessel 100 .

[0134] This arrangement makes it possible to minimize the volume of the sailing propulsion assembly without reducing the height H1, H2, H3 of the rigid sail 10 when the rigid sail 10 is in the lowered position. Therefore, this arrangement makes it possible to increase the height H1, H2, H3 of the rigid sail 10 arranged near the front end 101 and the rear end 102 of the vessel 100, thereby increasing the total sail area of ​​the sailing propulsion assembly without increasing the overall length of the vessel 100. In fact, the rigid sail 10 arranged at the height of the center 103 of the vessel 100 may have a height H1, H2, H3 substantially corresponding to half the length of the vessel 100 (that is, corresponding to half the dimension between the front end 101 and the rear end 102 of the vessel 100 along the vessel axis N), while the height H1, H2, H3 of the rigid sail 10 arranged at the height of the front end 101 or the rear end 102 of the vessel 100 may substantially correspond to the length of the vessel 100, that is, to the dimension between the front end 102 and the rear end 101 of the vessel 100 along the vessel axis N. Thus, the rigid sail 10 may be pivoted in a stowed position without increasing the length of the vessel 100 .

[0135] Furthermore, this configuration of the sailing propulsion assembly comprising rigid sails 10 of different heights H makes it possible to adjust the sail area according to wind speed and sea conditions to maintain a constant propulsive force, wherein the longitudinal sail center remains close to the center 103 of the vessel 100. Rigid sails 10 of smaller height H can be structurally sized to withstand greater wind speeds and sea conditions.

[0136] For example, the second height H2 of the second rigid sail 10 may be 5% to 50% higher than the first height H1 of the first rigid sail 10 , and preferably may be 10% to 20% higher than the first height H1 of the first flexible sail 10 .

[0137] The sailing propulsion assembly may include a third rigid sail 10 adapted to be disposed between the first rigid sail 10 and the second rigid sail 10. The third rigid sail 10 has a third height H3, which may be equal to the first height H1 or equal to the second height H2, or may be strictly greater than the first height H1 and strictly less than the second height H2.

[0138] The sailing propulsion assembly may include a greater number of rigid sails 10. The height of each rigid sail 10 can be adjusted by the distance between the rigid sail 10 and the center 103 of the ship 100, and the rigid sail 10 of the sailing propulsion assembly is arranged closer to the center 103 of the ship 100 than another rigid sail, and its height H1, H2, H3 is smaller than the height of another rigid sail. Therefore, the rigid sails 10 are gradually arranged according to their heights, so that the higher the height H1, H2, H3 of the rigid sail 10, the closer the rigid sail 10 is to one of the front end 101 or the rear end 102 of the ship 100. The lower the height H1, H2, H3 of the rigid sail 10, the closer the rigid sail 10 is to the center 103 of the ship 100. Figure 2a The vessel 100 shown by way of non-limiting example in FIG. 1 comprises a sailing propulsion assembly comprising five rigid sails 10 , each having a different height H depending on the distance between the rigid sails 10 and the center 103 of the vessel 100 .

[0139] Combining the rigid sail 10 with a sail axis A which is substantially parallel to the ship plane when the rigid sail 10 is in the laid down position and forms a non-zero angle with respect to the ship axis N which may be substantially parallel to or coincident with the average alignment axis of the rigid sail 10, the height of the rigid sail 10 increases as it moves away from the center 103 of the ship 100, which makes it possible to further increase the height H1, H2, H3 of the rigid sail 10 without increasing the transverse bulk of the ship 100, thereby increasing the sail area of ​​the sailing propulsion assembly. In fact, the rigid sails 10 lying in a herringbone pattern, the rigid sails 10 located near the ends 101, 102 of the ship 100 may even have a higher height H, since they are laid down diagonally to the ship 100 over their entire height H. Thus, this arrangement makes it possible to minimize the overhang of the rigid sail 10 laid down on the deck 30 of the ship 100, while ensuring that the rigid sails 10 do not have to be laid down overlapping.

[0140] Second embodiment

[0141] In the second embodiment, the vessel 100 comprises:

[0142] a deck 30 extending in a horizontal plane mainly along the axis N of the vessel, and

[0143] a rigid sail 10 suitable for being mounted on the deck 30 of the vessel 100, said rigid sail 10 forming an airfoil wing extending mainly along the sail axis A and comprising a leading edge 13 and a trailing edge 14, the chord of the rigid sail 10 corresponding to a line connecting the leading edge 13 and the trailing edge 14 of the rigid sail 10 in a plane perpendicular to the sail axis A,

[0144] The rigid sail 10 is movably mounted between the following positions:

[0145] - a raised position in which the sail axis A is substantially perpendicular to the horizontal plane,

[0146] a laid-down position on edge, in which the sail axis A is substantially parallel to the horizontal plane and the chord of the rigid sail 10 is substantially perpendicular to the horizontal plane, and

[0147] A laid-down position in the flat mode in which the sail axis A is substantially parallel to the horizontal plane and the chord of the rigid sail 10 is inclined at an angle less than 50° relative to the horizontal plane, for example substantially parallel to the horizontal plane.

[0148] The advantages associated with this second embodiment correspond to those described above with respect to the furling of the rigid sail 10 of the sailing propulsion assembly according to the first embodiment in the flat mode or on the edge. In particular, the flattened position on the edge of the laid-down rigid sail 10 makes it possible to minimize the overhang of the rigid sail 10 in the laid-down position, thus not increasing the width of the vessel 100 when the rigid sail 10 is laid down, in particular in port. The flattened position of the rigid sail 10 in the flat mode makes it possible to reduce the distance of the laid-down sail on the deck 30 of the vessel 100, thereby making it possible to increase the height H1, H2, H3 of the rigid sail 10, thereby increasing the sail area of ​​the sailing propulsion assembly without hindering the pivoting of another rigid sail 10 that is in the raised position, thereby improving the propulsion efficiency of the sailing propulsion assembly. Being able to choose between the flattened position on the edge and the flattened position in the flat mode makes it possible to adapt and optimize the furling of the rigid sail 10, in particular to minimize the lateral volume of the vessel 100 in port due to the flattened position, or to optimize the propulsion efficiency of the sailing propulsion assembly for sailing due to the flattened position.

[0149] The position of laying down on edge and the position of laying down in tile mode may correspond to the position of laying down on edge and the position of laying down in tile mode described above with respect to the first embodiment, respectively.

[0150] The second embodiment can be implemented independently of the first embodiment, or in combination with the first embodiment, and the second embodiment is compatible with each of the features described above with respect to the first embodiment. Therefore, the vessel 100 according to the second embodiment may include one, more or all of the elements described above with respect to the first embodiment, for example, it may include a plurality of rigid sails 10 and / or a base 20 as described above, for example, folded in a herringbone pattern, wherein appropriately there is a rotating element 21 as described above and a mechanical pivot system 22, such as one or more stays and stays as described below. The second embodiment is particularly suitable for the herringbone folding described above with respect to the first embodiment. Therefore, the sail axis A can be substantially parallel to the ship plane in the laid-down position on the edge and / or in the laid-down position in the flat mode, and form a non-zero angle with respect to the ship axis N, which can be substantially parallel to the average alignment axis of the rigid sail 10 or coincide with it, so that the plurality of rigid sails 10 of the sailing propulsion assembly are folded in a herringbone pattern. In addition, the second embodiment is compatible with rigid sails 10 of different heights H as described above, and the smaller size rigid sails 10 are arranged closer to the center 103 of the ship 100.

[0151] Third embodiment

[0152] In a third embodiment, a vessel 100 extends between a front end 101 and a rear end 102, a center 103 of the vessel 100 corresponds to a point of the vessel 100 that is substantially equidistant from the front end 101 and the rear end 102 of the vessel 100, and the vessel 100 comprises:

[0153] a deck 30 extending mainly along the vessel axis N, and

[0154] - at least two rigid sails 10, which are suitable for being arranged on the deck 30 of the vessel 100 at a certain distance from each other along the vessel axis N, wherein each rigid sail 10 forms an airfoil wing extending mainly along the sail axis A, and the heights H1, H2, H3 of the rigid sails 10 correspond to the dimensions along the sail axis A of the rigid sails 10, wherein the first rigid sail 10 has a first height H1 and the second rigid sail 10 has a second height H2 strictly greater than the first height H1, and wherein the first rigid sail 10 is arranged closer to the center 103 of the vessel 100 than the second rigid sail 10.

[0155] The advantages associated with this third embodiment correspond to the advantages described above with respect to arranging a plurality of rigid sails 10 of different heights H in the vessel 100 according to the first embodiment. Thus, the arrangement according to the third embodiment makes it possible to increase the heights H1, H2, H3 of the rigid sails 10 disposed near the front end 101 and the rear end 102 of the vessel 100, thereby increasing the total sail area of ​​the sailing propulsion assembly without increasing the overall length of the vessel 100, and also makes it possible to adjust the sail area according to the wind speed and sea conditions to maintain a constant propulsion force.

[0156] The arrangement of a plurality of rigid sails 10 of different heights H of the third embodiment may substantially correspond to the arrangement described above with respect to the vessel 100 according to the first embodiment.

[0157] The third embodiment may be implemented independently of the first embodiment and the second embodiment, or may be implemented in combination with the first embodiment or the second embodiment.

[0158] The third embodiment is compatible with each of the features described above with respect to the first embodiment. Therefore, the vessel 100 according to the third embodiment may include one, more or all of the elements described above with respect to the first embodiment, for example, it may include a plurality of rigid sails 10 and / or a base 20, wherein appropriately there are a rotating element 21 and a mechanical pivot system 22 as described above, one or more struts and stays as described below, etc. The third embodiment is particularly suitable for herringbone furling and / or furling in a laid-down position on an edge or in a laid-down position in a flat mode as described above with respect to the first embodiment. Therefore, the sail axis A may be substantially parallel to the ship plane in a laid-down position on an edge and / or in a laid-down position in a flat mode, and form a non-zero angle relative to the ship axis N, so that the plurality of rigid sails 10 of the sailing propulsion assembly are furled in a herringbone pattern.

[0159] Fourth embodiment

[0160] In the fourth embodiment, Figure 1 The propulsion assembly of the vessel 100 shown by way of non-limiting example in FIG. 1 comprises:

[0161] a rigid sail 10 forming an aerofoil-shaped wing, the rigid sail 10 comprising walls 11 , 12 extending mainly along the sail axis A,

[0162] at least one strut 81, 82 adapted to be pivotably mounted relative to the walls 11, 12 of the rigid sail 10 between a sailing position, in which the strut 81, 82 extends substantially perpendicularly to the walls 11, 12 of the rigid sail 10, and a stowed position, in which the strut 81, 82 extends substantially against the walls 11, 12 of the rigid sail 10, and

[0163] - at least two stays 91, 92 mounted on the struts 81, 82, wherein the stays 91, 92 extend substantially at a distance from the walls 11, 12 of the rigid sail 10 when the struts 81, 82 are in the sailing position, and wherein the stays 91, 92 extend substantially against the walls 11, 12 in the rigid sail 10 when the struts 81, 82 are in the stowed position.

[0164] The stays 81, 82 are mounted on the rigid sail 10, not on the mast. The stays 81, 82 can be pivoted to be folded completely back against the rigid sail 10. Therefore, the sailing propulsion assembly according to the fourth embodiment allows the stays 81, 82 to be pivoted to be stowed against the walls 11, 12 of the rigid sail 10. By "against", it is understood that when the stays 81, 82 are in the stowed position, the stays 81, 82 and the stays 91, 92 are located in the immediate vicinity of the walls 11, 12 of the rigid sail 10. The stays 81, 82 and / or the stays 91, 92 may be in contact with the rigid sail 10 over part of their dimensions or over all of their dimensions, in particular depending on the airfoil shape of the rigid sail 10.

[0165] When the poles 81, 82 are in the stowed position, the volume of the sailing propulsion assembly is reduced because the poles 81, 82 are folded against the rigid sail 10, and therefore takes up less space on the vessel 100, especially when the rigid sail 10 is laid down on the deck 30 of the vessel 100. In other words, the presence of the poles 81, 82 and the presence of the stays 91, 92 make it possible to rigidify the rigid sail 10 without significantly increasing the volume of the sailing propulsion assembly when the poles 81, 82 are in the stowed position.

[0166] The stays 91, 92 are easy-to-manufacture elements. The stays 91, 92 are mounted on the stays 81, 82 and are not connected to the deck 30 of the vessel 100. The stays 91, 92 are particularly useful when the rigid sail 10 has a large size, and the stays enable the rigid sail 10 to have the rigidity required for sailing under different sailing conditions. In addition, the presence of the stays 91, 92 makes it possible to use a rigid sail 10 (for example, made of aluminum), thereby reducing the cost of the rigid sail 10.

[0167] The poles 81, 82 make it possible to move the stays 91, 92 away from the rigid sail 10 in the sailing position, so that the stays 91, 92 are tensioned and moved away from the rigid sail 10 through the poles 81, 82, thereby providing the rigid sail 10 with mechanical resistance to transverse bending stresses and thus stiffening the rigid sail 10.

[0168] When the poles 81, 82 are in the sailing position, the stays 91, 92 may extend substantially parallel to the sail axis A and parallel to the walls 11, 12 of the rigid sail 10 and at a distance from the walls 11, 12 of the rigid sail 10, or extend diagonally relative to the sail axis A and relative to the walls 11, 12 of the rigid sail 10. When the poles 81, 82 are in the stowed position, the stays 91, 92 may extend substantially parallel to the sail axis A and parallel to the walls 11, 12 of the rigid sail 10, substantially against the walls 11, 12 of the rigid sail 10, or extend substantially diagonally relative to the sail axis A and substantially parallel to the walls 11, 12 of the rigid sail 10, substantially against the walls 11, 12 of the rigid sail 10. When the poles 81, 82 are in the stowed position, the poles 81, 82 extend substantially parallel to the walls 11, 12 of the rigid sail 10.

[0169] When the poles 81 , 82 are in the sailing position and the stays 91 , 92 extend substantially parallel to the sail axis A, the stays 91 , 92 can extend a distance substantially corresponding to the length of the poles 91 , 92 relative to the walls 11 , 12 of the rigid sail.

[0170] The fourth embodiment may be implemented independently of the first embodiment and / or the second embodiment and / or the third embodiment, or may be implemented in combination with the first embodiment and / or the second embodiment and / or the third embodiment.

[0171] The fourth embodiment is particularly compatible with each of the features described above with respect to the first embodiment. Therefore, the vessel 100 according to the fourth embodiment may include one, more or all of the elements described above with respect to the first embodiment, for example, it may include a plurality of rigid sails 10 as described above with respect to the first embodiment, if necessary, manufactured in sections 18, etc. The definitions established with respect to the first embodiment, in particular with respect to the geometric shape of the rigid sail 10 and / or the geometric shape of the vessel, are also valid for the fourth embodiment.

[0172] The fourth embodiment is particularly compatible with herringbone furling and furling in a laid-down position on edge or in a laid-down position in flat mode, as described above with respect to the first embodiment. Thus, the sail axis A can be substantially parallel to the ship plane in the laid-down position on edge and / or in the laid-down position in flat mode and form a non-zero angle with respect to the ship axis N, so that the plurality of rigid sails 10 of the sailing propulsion assembly are furled in a herringbone pattern.

[0173] Furthermore, the fourth embodiment is compatible with the arrangement of a plurality of rigid sails 10 of different heights H as described above with respect to the first embodiment. Thus, a rigid sail 10 of smaller size can be arranged closer to the center 103 of the vessel 100 .

[0174] The struts 81, 82 may be inclined less than 10° relative to a plane normal to the sail axis A, for example may be inclined at an angle comprised between 1° and 8° relative to the plane normal to the sail axis A, or may extend substantially in a plane normal to the sail axis A.

[0175] The stays 81, 82 can be moved between a sailing position and a stowed position by pivoting about a stay pivot axis 85 which is inclined less than 10° relative to the sail axis A, for example at an angle comprised between 1° and 8° relative to the sail axis A, or substantially corresponds to the sail axis A. Thus, the lower anchoring point of the lower stays 91, 92 is distant from the center of the foot 15 of the rigid sail 10, which makes it possible to increase the structural resistance of the foot 15 of the rigid sail 10.

[0176] Therefore, regardless of the position of the poles 81, 82, the poles 81, 82 remain substantially located in a plane orthogonal to the sail axis A, the poles 81, 82 being substantially perpendicular to the rigid sail 10 in the sailing position and being substantially parallel to the rigid sail 10 in the stowed position. When the poles 81, 82 are in the stowed position, the pivoting of the poles 81, 82 is facilitated and the volume of the sailing propulsion assembly is reduced.

[0177] The struts 81 , 82 can be pivoted between the sailing position and the stowed position by pivoting through an angle of approximately 90° about the pivot axis.

[0178] Each rigid sail 10 of the sailing propulsion assembly may include at least one rotating mechanism including a pivot 84 oriented along a pole pivot axis 85 and an actuator (not shown) adapted to drive at least one pole 81, 82 in rotation to adjust the position of the pole 81, 82 between the sailing position and the stowed position by pivoting the pole 81, 82 about the pole pivot axis 85. The pivot 84 of the rotating mechanism may form a joint between the pole 81, 82 and the rigid sail 10. The pivot 84 of the rotating mechanism may be located at a position substantially at the edge of the sail axis A and arranged in a plane orthogonal to the sail axis A. One end of the pole 81, 82 is pivotably mounted on the pivot 84 of the rotating mechanism about a rotation axis of the pivot corresponding to the pole pivot axis 85 at a pivot point of the pole 81, 82, the pivot point being formed, for example, in the pivot 84.

[0179] Therefore, each strut 81, 82 is suitable for being pivotally mounted relative to the wall 11, 12 of the rigid sail 10 at the height of the pivot 84 of the rotation mechanism of the strut 81, 82, and each strut 81, 82 is pivotally mounted about the strut pivot axis 85 at the height of the pivot point of the strut 81, 82 between the sailing position and the stowed position.

[0180] The actuator of the rotating mechanism may be, for example, a cylinder, a rack and pinion assembly, or a rope suitable for pulling the struts 81 , 82 .

[0181] The poles 81, 82 may be adapted to be pivotably mounted about the pole pivot axis 85 between the sailing position and the stowed position at the height of the pivot point, the stays 91, 92 being mounted on the poles 81, 82 and further mounted on the rigid sail 10 at the height of the respective connection points, wherein the pivot point of the poles 81, 82 is aligned with the connection points of the stays 91, 92 along the sail axis A, so that the stays 91, 92 remain tensioned regardless of whether the poles 81, 82 are in the sailing position or in the stowed position. For example, there may be a pole 81, 82 and two stays 91, 92, each stay 91, 92 being mounted at a first end on the poles 81, 82 and at a second end on the walls 11, 12 of the rigid sail 10 at the height of the connection points, the connection points of the two stays 91, 92 being aligned with the pivot points of the poles 81, 82.

[0182] When there are multiple poles 81, 82, there may be multiple corresponding rotation mechanisms, each rotation mechanism being adapted to drive the rotation of a corresponding pole 81, 82. The pivot axes 85 of all pivots 84 of the rotation mechanism may be aligned and coincident, so that the pivot axes 85 of all poles 81, 82 coincide. The pivot axes 84 of the rotation mechanism may be at a certain distance from each other along the sail axis A, in particular according to the spacing of the poles 81, 82 along the sail axis A, for example, may be evenly spaced along the sail axis A.

[0183] The actuator of the rotating mechanism may be adapted to simultaneously drive all of the poles 81 , 82 to rotate so as to switch the poles 81 , 82 between the sailing position and the stowed position while maintaining the tension of the guy wires 91 , 92 .

[0184] When the rigid sail 10 is composed of a plurality of sections 18, the pivot 84 of the swivel mechanism can be mounted at the level of the junction between two sections 18 of the rigid sail 10. In fact, the junction between two sections of the rigid sail 18 is particularly structurally strong.

[0185] The pivot 84 of the rotating mechanism may include two yokes, such as Fig. 9 As shown in the non-limiting example of FIG, a ball joint, or any other element suitable for driving at least one support rod 81, 82 to rotate. For example, Fig. 9The pivot of the illustrated swivel mechanism comprises two yokes 84 rigidly fixed to the walls 11, 12 of the rigid sail 10. The two yokes 84 are arranged on both sides of the respective struts 81, 82, one end of the respective struts 81, 82 is mounted between the two yokes 84, and the respective struts 81, 82 are held between the two yokes 84. Each yoke 84 comprises a through hole, the through holes of the two yokes being aligned along the strut pivot axes 81, 82. The ends of the struts 81, 82 mounted on the yokes 84 also comprise a through hole, which is adapted to be aligned with the through holes of the two yokes 84, the through holes of the struts 81, 82 corresponding to the pivot points of the struts 81, 82.

[0186] The rotating mechanism may also include a stay pivot rigidly fixed to the rigid sail 10, and an end of the stays 91, 92 closest to the deck 30 of the vessel 100 is fixed to the stay pivot, and the stay pivot is rigidly fixed to the rigid sail, and an end of the stays 91, 92 farthest from the deck 30 of the vessel 100 is fixed to the stay pivot.

[0187] In the stowed position, the stays 81, 82 and / or the stays 91, 92 may at least partially be in contact with the rigid sail 10. Thus, the volume of the sailing propulsion assembly is further reduced.

[0188] The sailing propulsion assembly may include a plurality of struts 81 , 82 and a plurality of guy wires 91 , 92 .

[0189] Each of the plurality of struts 81 , 82 may be adapted to be pivotably mounted relative to the walls 11 , 12 of the rigid sail 10 at the height of the respective swivel mechanism 84 of the strut 81 , 82 .

[0190] Each of the plurality of guy ropes 91, 92 may be mounted on at least one of the struts 81, 82, and at least two of the plurality of guy ropes 91, 92 are adapted to be further mounted on the rigid sail 10 at the height of the respective connection points.

[0191] The pivot points of the poles 81, 82 may be aligned with each other and with the connection points of the guy wires 91, 92 along the sail axis A so that the guy wires 91, 92 remain taut whether the poles 81, 82 are in the sailing position or the stowed position.

[0192] The guy wires 91, 92 may be ropes including a first end and a second end substantially opposite the first end. The brace bars 81, 82 may be rigid rods including a first end and a second end substantially opposite the first end. The rigid rods of the brace bars 81, 82 are adapted to support the compression caused by the tension of the guy wires 91, 92.

[0193] Each guy wire 91, 92 can be mounted on one hand on a pole 81, 82 and on the other hand on another pole 81, 82 or on the rigid sail 10. Each pole 81, 82 is mounted at its first end on the rigid sail 10. Guy wires 91, 92 are mounted on poles 81, 82 at the level of their second ends.

[0194] Stays 91, 92 extending substantially parallel to the sail axis A or parallel stays 91, 92 are mounted at their first ends on first stays 81, 82 and at their second ends on second stays 81, 82 located at a distance along the sail axis A from the first stays 81, 82.

[0195] A stay 91, 92 extending diagonally with respect to the sail axis A or a diagonal stay 91, 92 is mounted at its first end on the strut 81, 82 and at its second end on the rigid sail 10 at the height of the connection point. The diagonal stay 91, 92 can be mounted on the pivot 84 of the swivel mechanism of the strut 81, 82, the connection point corresponding to the mounting point of the stay 91, 92 on the pivot 84 of the swivel mechanism. Thus, at least two of the plurality of stays 91, 92 mounted on the strut 81, 82 on the one hand and on the rigid sail 10 on the other hand comprise a diagonal stay 91, 92. In particular, the diagonal stay 91, 92 can be mounted at its first end on the strut 81, 82 and at its second end on the foot 15 of the rigid sail 10. Thus, the diagonal stays 91 , 92 closest to the deck 30 are stowed at the level of the foot 15 of the rigid sail 10 , rather than on the deck 30 .

[0196] Several of the plurality of riggings 91, 92 may be formed integrally with each other. For example, the parallel riggings and the diagonal riggings may be formed by a single rope extending substantially parallel to the sail axis A in a first portion corresponding to the parallel riggings and extending substantially diagonally relative to the sail axis A in a second portion corresponding to the diagonal riggings.

[0197] The stays of the plurality of stays 91, 92 closest to the deck 30 of the vessel may be diagonal stays, the first ends of which are mounted on the stays 81, 82 located closest to the deck 30 of the vessel, and the second ends of which are mounted on the legs 15 of the rigid sail 10. Thus, unlike conventional shrouded masts, the stays 91, 92 are not present on the deck 30 of the vessel 100.

[0198] The rigid sail 10 may include a first wall 11 and a second wall 12. The assembly includes:

[0199] a plurality of first struts 81 and second struts 82 adapted to be pivotably mounted relative to the first wall 11 and the second wall 12 respectively between a sailing position and a stowed position, and

[0200] - A plurality of first cables 91 and second cables 92, each of which is mounted on at least one of the plurality of first support rods 81 and the plurality of second support rods 82.

[0201] The first brace 81 and the first guy wire 91 extend on the side of the first wall 11. The second brace 82 and the second guy wire 92 extend on the side of the second wall 12. A plurality of or all of the first guy wires 91 may be integrally formed. A plurality of or all of the second guy wires 92 may be integrally formed.

[0202] The rigid sail 10 comprises:

[0203] a sailing configuration in which the plurality of first struts 81 and the second struts 82 are in a sailing position, and

[0204] A stowed configuration, in which the plurality of first struts 81 and the second struts 82 are in a stowed position.

[0205] Therefore, the stays 81, 82 and the stays 91, 92 are installed on both sides of the rigid sail 10, which makes it possible to rigidify the rigid sail 10 as much as possible.

[0206] The sailing position of each of the plurality of first struts 81 and each of the plurality of second struts 82 may be such that the struts 81, 82 extend substantially perpendicular to the walls 11, 12 of the rigid sail 10 on which the struts are mounted in the sailing position. The stowed position of each of the plurality of first struts 81 and each of the plurality of second struts 82 may be such that the struts 81, 82 extend substantially against the walls 11, 12 of the rigid sail 10 on which the struts are mounted in the stowed position.

[0207] Each of the plurality of first braces 81 is mounted on a side of the first wall 11 of the rigid sail 10 to extend against the first wall 11 of the rigid sail 10 in the stowed position. Each of the plurality of second braces 82 is mounted on a side of the second wall 12 of the rigid sail 10 to extend against the second wall 12 of the rigid sail 10 in the stowed position.

[0208] In the stowed configuration, the volume of the sailing propulsion assembly is reduced, without the stays 81 , 82 and the stays 91 , 92 adding significantly to the volume compared to the volume of a rigid sail 10 without the stays 81 , 82 or the stays 91 , 92 .

[0209] The poles 81, 82 may be mounted such that they can be pivoted along a succession of positions between a sailing position and a stowed position by means of a swivel mechanism 84. Thus, the poles 81, 82 are accessible in all orientations relative to the walls 11, 12 of the rigid sail 10 on which they are mounted.

[0210] The rigid sail 10 can be pivoted about a laid-down pivot axis P, and a change of position of the rigid sail 10 between a raised position and a laid-down position comprises a pivoting of the rigid sail 10 about the laid-down pivot axis P. In the raised position, the sail axis A is substantially perpendicular to a ship plane formed by the laid-down pivot axis P and a ship axis N, and in the laid-down position, the shaft sail line A is substantially parallel to the ship plane.

[0211] When the rigid sail 10 is in the laid down position, the sail axis A may form a non-zero angle with respect to the vessel axis N. The herringbone furling of the rigid sail 10 of the sailing propulsion assembly according to the fourth embodiment may correspond to the herringbone furling described above in relation to the first embodiment.

[0212] In particular, the sailing propulsion assembly may comprise at least two rigid sails 10 arranged such that in the laid-down position, the sail axes A of the at least two rigid sails 10 are parallel to each other and are positioned at a distance from each other along the ship axis N, such that the at least two rigid sails 10 of the sailing propulsion assembly are furled in a herringbone pattern on the ship 100 when in the laid-down position. When the rigid sails 10 are in the laid-down position, the angle formed between the sail axis A and the ship axis N may be comprised between 5° and 45°, preferably between 5° and 15°.

[0213] The sailing propulsion assembly may further comprise a base 20 on which the rigid sail 10 is mounted. The base 20 may correspond to the base 20 described above in relation to the first embodiment. In particular, the base 20 may comprise a rotating element 21 which is pivotably mounted about a sail axis A, such that when the rigid sail 10 is in the raised position, the pivoting of the rotating element 21 adjusts the angle of incidence of the rigid sail 10. The rotating element 21 may be a rotating ring or a shaft on a bearing. The base 20 may comprise an angle locking device and / or one or more mechanical pivoting systems 22 as described above in relation to the first embodiment. The rigid sail 10 is mounted on the base 20 in a manner that it is rotatably fixed to the base 20 about the sail axis A when the rigid sail 10 is in the raised position, and is mounted on the base in a manner that it is pivotable relative to the base 20 about a laying down pivot axis P.

[0214] The sailing propulsion assembly may further comprise photovoltaic panels adapted to be mounted on the walls 11, 12 of the rigid sail 10. The photovoltaic panels may correspond to the photovoltaic panels according to the first embodiment.

[0215] The sailing propulsion assembly may include a plurality of rigid sails 10 .

[0216] Each rigid sail 10 of the plurality of rigid sails 10 of the sailing propulsion assembly may include one or more corresponding poles 81, 82, and one or more corresponding stays 91, 92, which may have the same characteristics as the poles 81, 82 or stays 91, 92 described above.

[0217] Each rigid sail 10 may specifically include a plurality of first poles 81 mounted on the first wall 11 of the rigid sail 10 , a plurality of second poles 82 mounted on the second wall 12 of the rigid sail 10 , a plurality of first cables 91 mounted on the plurality of first poles 81 , and a plurality of second cables 92 mounted on the plurality of second poles 82 .

[0218] The number of the second struts 82 and the second guy wires 92 may be equal to the number of the first struts 81 and the first guy wires 91, respectively. In particular, when the rigid sail 10 has a symmetrical NACA airfoil, the first struts 81 and the second guy wires 82 may be arranged in a substantially symmetrical manner about the sail axis A. In particular, when the rigid sail 10 has a symmetrical NACA airfoil, the first guy wires 91 and the second guy wires 92 may be arranged in a substantially symmetrical manner about the rigid sail 10. The symmetrical struts 81, 82 and guy wires 91, 92 improve the rigidity of the rigid sail 10 and the ease of pivoting of the struts 81, 82 through the guy wires 91, 92.

[0219] For each rigid sail 10 of the sailing propulsion assembly, the stays of the plurality of stays 91, 92 located closest to the deck 30 of the vessel may be diagonal stays, the first ends of which are mounted on the poles 81, 92 located closest to the deck 30 of the vessel, and the second ends of which are mounted on the legs 15 of the rigid sail 10. For each rigid sail 10 of the sailing propulsion assembly, the pivot points of the poles 81, 82 may be aligned with each other and with the connection points of the stays 91, 92 along the sail axis A, so that the stays 91, 92 remain taut regardless of whether the poles 81, 82 are in the sailing position or in the stowed position.

[0220] Figure 2a , Figure 2b , Figure 4a and Figure 5a A non-limiting example of a sailing propulsion assembly comprising five rigid sails 10 is shown. Figure 1 As shown in the non-limiting example in FIG. 1 , each of the rigid sails 10 includes three first poles 81 mounted on the first wall 11 of the rigid sail 10 via three corresponding rotation mechanisms 84, and six first cables 91 mounted on the three first poles 81. Each rigid sail 10 also includes three second poles 82 mounted on the second wall 12 of the rigid sail 10 via three corresponding rotation mechanisms 84, and six second cables 92 mounted on the three second poles 82.

[0221] The vessel 100 may comprise a sailing propulsion assembly according to the fourth embodiment described above. As described above, the sailing propulsion assembly comprises one or more rigid sails 10. The vessel 100 may comprise features corresponding to those described above in relation to the first embodiment.

[0222] Other embodiments are conceivable and a person skilled in the art may easily modify the above described embodiments or the exemplary embodiments or consider other embodiments while remaining within the framework of the invention.

Claims

1. A navigation propulsion assembly for a ship, comprising: - a rigid sail (10) forming an airfoil-shaped wing, said rigid sail (10) comprising walls (11, 12) extending mainly along a sail axis (A), at least one strut (81, 82) adapted to be pivotably mounted relative to a wall (11, 12) of the rigid sail (10) between a sailing position in which the strut (81, 82) extends substantially perpendicularly to the wall (11, 12) of the rigid sail (10) and a stowed position in which the strut (81, 82) extends substantially against the wall (11, 12) of the rigid sail (10), and - at least two stays (91, 92) mounted on the struts (81, 82), wherein the stays (91, 92) extend substantially at a distance from the walls (11, 12) of the rigid sail (10) when the struts (81, 82) are in the sailing position, and wherein the stays (91, 92) extend substantially against the walls (11, 12) of the rigid sail (10) when the struts (81, 82) are in the stowed position.

2. The sailing propulsion assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The struts (81, 82) are inclined less than 10° relative to a plane orthogonal to the sail axis (A), for example extending substantially in a plane orthogonal to the sail axis (A), and wherein the struts (81, 82) move between the sailing position and the stowed position by pivoting around a strut pivot axis (85), the strut pivot axis (85) being inclined less than 10° relative to the sail axis (A), for example substantially corresponding to the sail axis (A).

3. The navigation propulsion assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: Each rigid sail (10) comprises a rotation mechanism, which includes a pivot (84) oriented along the pole pivot axis (85) and an actuator suitable for driving the corresponding pole (81, 82) to rotate so as to adjust the position of the corresponding pole (81, 82) between the sailing position and the stowed position, wherein the pivot (84) of the rotation mechanism includes two yokes rigidly fixed to the wall (11, 12) of the rigid sail (10) and arranged on both sides of the corresponding pole (81, 82).

4. A navigation propulsion assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: In the stowed position, the stays (81, 82) and / or the guy wires (91, 92) are at least partially in contact with the rigid sail (10).

5. A navigation propulsion assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The poles (81, 82) are adapted to be pivotably mounted between the sailing position and the stowed position about a pole pivot axis (85) at the height of a pivot point, the stays (91, 92) being mounted on the poles (81, 82) and further mounted on the rigid sail (10) at the height of a corresponding connection point, wherein the pivot point of the poles (81, 82) and the connection point of the stays (91, 92) are aligned along the sail axis (A), so that the stays (91, 92) remain taut regardless of whether the poles (81, 82) are in the sailing position or in the stowed position.

6. A navigation propulsion assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The rigid sail (10) comprises a first wall (11) and a second wall (12), wherein the assembly comprises: - a plurality of first struts (81) and second struts (82) adapted to be pivotally mounted relative to the first wall (11) and the second wall (12), respectively, between the sailing position and the stowed position, and - a plurality of first support cables (91) and second support cables (92), each of the plurality of first support cables (91) and second support cables (92) being mounted on at least one of the plurality of first support cables (81) and second support cables (82), respectively; And wherein the rigid sail (10) comprises: a sailing configuration in which the plurality of first struts (81) and the plurality of second struts (82) are in the sailing position, and - a stowed configuration in which the plurality of first struts (81) and the plurality of second struts (82) are in the stowed position.

7. A navigation propulsion assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The rigid sail (10) is pivotally mounted about a laid-down pivot axis (P), a position change of the rigid sail (10) between a raised position and a laid-down position comprising a pivoting of the rigid sail (10) about the laid-down pivot axis (P), wherein in the raised position the sail axis (A) is substantially perpendicular to a ship plane (100) formed by the laid-down pivot axis (P) and a ship axis (N), and in the laid-down position the sail axis (A) is substantially parallel to the ship plane (10).

8. The sailing propulsion assembly according to claim 7, further comprising a base (20), the rigid sail (10) being mounted on the base (20), the base (20) comprising a rotating element (21), the rotating element being pivotally mounted around the sail axis (A), so that when the rigid sail (10) is in the raised position, the pivoting of the rotating element (21) adjusts the incident angle of the rigid sail (10), wherein, The rigid sail (10) is mounted on the base (20) in such a manner that it is rotatably fixed to the base (20) about the sail axis (A) when the rigid sail (10) is in the raised position, and is mounted on the base in such a manner that it is pivotable relative to the base (20) about the laid-down pivot axis (P).

9. Sailing propulsion assembly according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one photovoltaic panel adapted to be mounted on a wall (11, 12) of the rigid sail (10).

10. A vessel (100) comprising a sailing propulsion assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising one or more rigid sails (10).

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