Assembly comprising a profiled sail; a mast and a plurality of cambering devices for a profiled sail

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an assembly comprising a profiled sail; a mast and a plurality of cambering devices (1) for a profiled sail (V), all or some of the cambering devices comprising: an elastically deformable semi-rigid structure (2) including: two length sections, extending one in front of the other, respectively forming a first length section (20) secured to a first surface (S1) of the profiled sail (V) and a second length section secured to a second surface of the profiled sail (V). All or some of the cambering devices have a securing system, able to be activated / deactivated, which is configured to secure the cambering device to the mast.

Description

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an assembly comprising a profiled sail; a mast and several cambering devices for profiled sail.

[0002] The present disclosure further relates to a method for hoisting and securing a profiled sail of an assembly according to the present disclosure. Technical field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to the field of rigging, and more particularly to profiled sails, also called "wing sails" or "thick sails", "double-skinned thick sail", or "double-skinned flexible thick wing" by those skilled in the art, and more particularly to the mechanisms, internal to the sail, allowing the profile of the sail to be changed. Prior art

[0004] Document WO2021 / 148734A1 of the present inventor discloses an assembly comprising a profiled sail; a mast and several cambering devices for a profiled sail, the cambering devices comprising: a semi-rigid, elastically deformable structure, including: -- two length sections, extending one in front of the other, respectively forming a first length section integral with a first surface of the profiled sail, and a second length section integral with a second surface of the profiled sail, -- a U-shaped connecting section, connecting together by extending them the first length section and the second length section at the leading edge of the profiled sail, the two length sections terminating at the trailing edge of the sail by two free ends.

[0005] According to document WO 2021 / 148734, 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 one of the two free ends with the U-shaped connecting section of the semi-rigid structure, and generating an offset between the two free ends. In such an assembly, the mast extends internal to 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.

[0006] The cambering devices according to WO 2021 / 148734 are configured to be easily movable along the mast, which allows the profiled sail to be hoisted, or conversely to be lowered to a low position, easily.

[0007] When the assembly is used as rigging for sailing, the profiled sail is free to move around the mast, and according to the travel left for the mast inside the interspace between the two length sections of the semi-rigid structure. The section, namely the first length section or the second length section of the semi-rigid structure, comes to bear 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. For example, and at each tack (or jibe), the support of the mast on the cambering devices changes side, namely from the first length section to the second length section, or vice versa.

[0008] According to the inventor's findings, this freedom of movement around the mast within the semi-rigid structure can, due to repeated impacts on the semi-rigid structure, cause breakage and degradation of the structure. Such impacts are further amplified in quantity when the wind is irregular and causes the sail to shake laterally. Such a problem is also described in paragraph 152 of WO 2021 / 148734 A1 for impacts between the mast and struts connecting the first length section and the second length section. WO 2021 / 148734 A1 proposes to address this by removing the struts since they are damaging elements in the event of repeated impacts with the mast. However, removing the struts is to the detriment of the rigidity of the profiled sail. Summary

[0009] This disclosure improves the situation.

[0010] A set is proposed comprising a profiled sail; a mast and several cambering devices for profiled sails, all or part of the cambering devices comprising: a semi-rigid, elastically deformable structure, including: -- two length sections, extending one in front of the other, respectively forming a first length section integral with a first surface of the profiled sail, and a second length section integral with a second surface of the profiled sail, -- a U-shaped connecting section, connecting together by extending them the first length section and the second length section at the leading edge of the profiled sail, the two length sections terminating at the trailing edge of the sail by two free ends, - 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 generating an offset between the two free ends. In such an assembly, the mast thus extends internally to the semi-rigid structure, between the two length sections constituted by the first length section and the second length section.

[0011] According to the present disclosure, all or part of the cambering devices have a securing system, which can be activated / deactivated, configured to ensure the securing of the cambering device to the mast, the securing system comprising: - a first flexible strand connected to the first length section by two longitudinal ends of the first strand, the first strand going around the mast from the first length section, - a second flexible strand connected to the second length section by two longitudinal ends of the second strand, the second strand going around the mast from the second length section, - an actuator system, activatable, internal to the structure configured to pass the first strand and the second strand into a retracted state configured to tighten the cambering device on the mast, clamped between the first strand and the second strand, 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 up to a deployed state of the first strand and second strand configured to release the mast, and allow the cambering device to move along the mast.

[0012] 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: - of the two length sections made up of the first length section and the second length section, or even, - of any spacers connecting the two length sections.

[0013] The features set out in the following paragraphs may optionally be implemented. They may be implemented independently of each other or in combination with each other.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the actuator system of the securing system comprises at least one belt actuating member having two longitudinal ends, said belt actuating member, which can be activated, being retractable when activated with its two longitudinal ends brought together.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the first strand comprises a first belt actuating member and the second strand comprises a second belt actuating member. Alternatively, the first strand and the second strand comprise a common belt actuating member.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the cambering devices comprise, in whole or in part, a spacer system comprising a first spacer, connecting together the first length section and the second length section, as well as a second spacer, connecting together the first length section and the second length section, in a manner parallel to said first spacer.

[0017] 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 struts and the first length section. Similarly, 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 struts. The mast thus extends between the struts constituted by the first strut and the second strut, the first strand and the second strand clamped on the mast advantageously ensuring that the mast is kept at a distance from the first strut, on the one hand, and from the mast to the second strut, on the other hand.

[0018] According to one embodiment, each spacer constituted 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 semi-rigid structure 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 the bending and offsetting of the free ends;under the effect of the actuating means the cambering 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 articulated 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 cambering and shifting of the free ends; under the effect of the actuating means.;

[0019] In particular, according to one embodiment, the longitudinal ends of the first strand are attached to the first parts of the connectors integral with the first length section and the longitudinal ends of the second strand are attached to the first parts of the connectors integral with the second length section.

[0020] According to one embodiment, 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, said actuator, activatable being retractable when activated with bringing together of its two longitudinal ends, 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 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 one actuator is connected either to an anchoring point secured to the U-shaped connecting section,either to the other of the two free ends via an angle transmission secured to the U-shaped connecting section by an external tendon, the flexible external tendon passing outside the semi-rigid structure, and the profiled sail between the angle transmission and respectively said other of the two free ends.,

[0021] According to one embodiment, the actuation means are configured to bend the semi-rigid structure selectively: - in a first arched position in which said first length section has a concave profile when said second length section has a convex profile, - in a second arched position in which said second length section has a concave profile when said first length section has a convex profile.

[0022] According to one embodiment, said at least one actuator of the actuation 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 length section by said flexible outer tendon, which is external to the semi-rigid structure, via a first angle transmission secured to the U-shaped connecting section, the flexible outer tendon passing outside the semi-rigid structure, and to the profiled sail between the first angle transmission and respectively the free end of the first length section, the flexible outer tendon being internal to the semi-rigid structure between the first angle transmission and said first actuator, the first actuator being secured at the other of its longitudinal ends to the inner tendon,said first actuator connected; on the other hand; to the free end of said second length section by said inner tendon, which runs along the first length section to a guide secured to said first length section before connecting said free end of said second length section, the first actuator being configured, in an active state, to retract and pull on the two free ends connected by the outer tendon and the inner tendon, on the one hand, and on the first angle transmission, on the other hand, until the creation of the offset, the end connected by the inner tendon advancing towards the leading edge relative to the free end connected by the outer tendon causing the semi-rigid structure to bend, the stressed outer tendon moving away from the first length section which takes a concave profile, the second length section taking a convex profile in said first bended position,- a second actuator configured to arch the semi-rigid structure into said second arched position, extending along the second length section internal to the semi-rigid structure, secured at one of its longitudinal ends to an external tendon, connected, on the one hand, to the free end of the second length section by the flexible external tendon which is external to the semi-rigid structure, via a second angle transmission secured to the U-shaped connecting section, the flexible external tendon passing outside the semi-rigid structure, and to the profiled sail between the second angle transmission and respectively the free end of the second length section, the flexible external tendon being internal to the semi-rigid structure between the second angle transmission and said second actuator, the second actuator being secured at the other of its longitudinal ends to the internal tendon, said second actuator connected, on the other hand,at the free end of said first length section by said inner tendon which runs along the second length section to a guide secured to said second length section before connecting the free end of said first length section, the second actuator being configured, in an active state, to retract and pull on the two free ends connected by the outer tendon and the inner tendon, on the one hand, and on the second angle transmission, on the other hand, until the creation of the offset, the free end connected by the inner tendon advancing towards the leading edge relative to the free end connected by the outer tendon causing the semi-rigid structure to bend, the stressed outer tendon moving away from the second length section which takes a concave profile, while said first length section takes a convex profile in said second bended position.

[0023] According to one embodiment, said assembly comprises a control means configured to selectively: - activating the first actuator while keeping the second actuator non-activated to cause said first cambered position, - activating the second actuator while keeping the first actuator non-activated to cause said second cambered position, and while the first strand and the second strand are in said retracted state configured to clamp the cambering devices on the mast by actively engaging said securing systems.

[0024] In the case of a fixed mast, i.e. non-pivoting, in particular round-profiled, the first strand and the second strand clamped on the surface of the mast, the profiled sail and the cambering devices are configured to pivot around the mast by sliding the first strand and second strand on the surface of the mast, and in order to allow a change of orientation of the profiled sail around the mast. Such a change of orientation of the sail allows in particular the adjustment of the orientation of the sail around the axis of the mast following the same tack, and / or changes of orientation of the profiled sail around the mast during changes of tack, in particular tacking or gybing.

[0025] According to another variant, the mast may itself be a profiled mast (of non-circular profile, in particular a teardrop shape) and mounted to pivot about its axis, typically by means of a pivot at the base of the vehicle, in particular the sailboat. In such a case, the first strand and the second strand clamped on the surface of the mast, the profiled sail and the cambering devices are configured to pivot jointly with the mast which pivots relative to the vehicle, in particular 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 changes of orientation of the profiled sail around the mast during changes of tack, in particular tacking or gybing.

[0026] According to one embodiment, said at least one belt actuating member of the securing system and / or said at least one actuator of the actuating means is an artificial muscle, contracting when supplied with pressure by a fluid, and releasing when the pressure of the fluid decreases, said artificial muscle having an envelope internally receiving a balloon supplied or discharged from the 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 balloon or fluid, and deploying in length when its section decreases when the balloon is discharged from the fluid.

[0027] According to one embodiment of said assembly, the profiled sail is configured to be: - hoisted along the mast, in the high position of the profiled sail, the cambering devices in positions separated from each other, then secured in a stable position by tightening the cambering devices on the mast by activating the actuator systems, the first strand and the second strand in the retracted state gripping the mast, - lowered along the mast in the low position of the profiled sail, the cambering devices in positions close to each other, in the deployed state of the first strand and second strand releasing the mast.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the artificial muscles of the actuators and / or actuator members of the plurality of cambering devices are supplied with fluid by one or more flexible elastic pipes, shaped in the form of a serpentine, extending in the direction of the height of the mast, the flexible elastic pipe(s) being configured to deploy by spreading the turns of the serpentine in the high position of the profiled sail, and to retract by bringing the turns of the serpentine closer together under the elasticity of the serpentine, in the low position of the profiled sail.

[0029] According to a second aspect, the present disclosure relates to a method for hoisting and securing a profiled sail of an assembly according to the present disclosure from a stowed position of the profiled sail along the mast to a low position of the profiled sail, the cambering devices in positions close to each other, in the deployed state of the actuator system, the method having the following steps: - hoist the profiled sail along the mast, in a high position of the profiled sail, the cambering devices in positions separated from each other, - secure the profiled sail in a stable position on the mast by tightening the cambering devices on the mast by activating the actuator systems and the passage of the first strand and second strand from the deployed state to the retracted state gripping the mast.

[0030] According to a third aspect, the present disclosure relates to a vehicle such as a sailboat or a land yacht comprising an assembly according to the present disclosure. Brief description of the drawings

[0031] Other features, details and advantages will become apparent upon reading the detailed description below, and upon analyzing the attached drawings, in which: Fig. 1 [ Fig. 1 ] shows in transparency a schematic view of a rigging comprising a profiled sail, as well as a plurality of cambering devices in their rest position, the cambering devices being configured to camber the profiled sail, selectively in a first direction and a second direction, the profiled sail being carried by a mast, extending internally to the semi-rigid structures of the cambering devices. Fig. 1a [ Fig. 1a] is a schematic view of the section of the profiled sail, in solid lines, in the rest position of the cambering device, and in dotted lines in two distinct cambered positions, in one direction and the other relative to the rest position. Fig. 2 [ Fig. 2] shows an embodiment of the cambering 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 angle transmission and a second angle transmission, both each comprising a pulley, the spacer system including the first spacer and the second spacer, the flexible connection system, including the first flexible link and the second flexible link interlaced with each other, and fixing means for the edge of each profiled sail, at each free end of the semi-rigid structure, as well as two guides secured to the first and second length sections near the free ends, ensuring guidance of the flexible tendons. Fig. 3 [ Fig. 3] is a view of the cambering device in a cambered position of the elastic semi-rigid structure under the action of actuating means (not shown). Fig. 4 [ Fig. 4 ] is a view of the cambering device of the Figure 3, the fully illustrated actuating means, including the first actuator in the form of a pneumatic muscle running along the first length section in an extended (unactivated) state, connected to the free end of the first section by an outer tensioner via a first angle gear, and connected to the free end of the second section by an inner tensioner, the actuating means further comprising 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 angle gear, and connected to the free end of the first length section by an inner 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 angle gear integral with the U-shaped connecting section, on the other hand. Fig. 5 [ Fig. 5] is a detail view of the bracing system of the semi-rigid structure, including the first brace and the second brace. Fig. 6 [ Fig. 6 ] is a view of an assembly according to the present disclosure (when the actuation means are not illustrated), illustrating in particular the systems for securing the camber devices, each securing system comprising a first strand and a second strand in the retracted state of their actuation member, the first strand and the second strand enclosing the mast at a distance from the semi-rigid structure. Fig. 7a [ Fig. 7a] is a detailed view of an actuation system of the securing system according to a first possible variant, the first strand comprising a first retractable actuation member, and the second strand a second retractable actuation member, the first actuation member and the second actuation member in their retracted state so that the mast is clamped between the first strand and the second strand, secured in position with a distance from the mast, not only with the first length section and the second length section of the semi-rigid structure, but also a distance from the mast with spacers joining the first length section and the second length section together. Fig. 7b [ Fig. 7b ] is a detail view of the 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 [ Fig. 8 ] is a detailed 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 actuation member. Fig. 9 [ Fig. 9 ] is a view of the assembly comprising the profiled sail hoisted in a high position along the mast and the cambering devices in positions spaced apart from each other, notably illustrating flexible elastic hoses for supplying pressurized fluid to the artificial muscles of the cambering devices, the elastic hoses shaped into a serpentine, the hoses deployed with the coils of the serpentine separated. FIG. 10 [ Fig. 10 ] is a view of the whole figure 9 , once the profiled sail is lowered into the low position on the mast, the cambering devices in close positions compared to the view of the figure 9, the pipes retracted with the coils of the coil coming together under the elasticity of the coil. FIG. 11 [ Fig. 11 ] is a schematic view of an artificial muscle in its unactivated position, namely the muscle unloaded from pressurized fluid. FIG. 12 [ Fig. 12 ] is a schematic view of the artificial muscle of the 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 the bringing together of its longitudinal ends. FIG. 13 [ Fig. 13 ] is a sectional view of the Figure 12 illustrating in section the envelope in the form of a braid, and the (watertight) balloon received inside the envelope supplied with pressurized fluid. Description of the embodiments

[0032] The drawings and description below contain, for the most part, elements of a certain character. They may therefore not only serve to better understand this disclosure, but also contribute to its definition, if necessary.

[0033] [Also, the present disclosure relates to an assembly comprising a profiled sail; a mast and several cambering devices for profiled sail.

[0034] All or part of the cambering devices include (for each cambering device): a semi-rigid, elastically deformable structure, including: -- two length sections, extending one in front of the other, respectively forming a first length section secured to a first surface of the profiled sail, and a second length section secured to a second surface of the profiled sail, -- a U-shaped connecting section, connecting together by extending them the first length section and the second length section at the leading edge of the profiled sail, the two length sections ending at the trailing edge BF of the sail by two free ends, - possibly a spacer system, comprising at least one spacer connecting together 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.

[0035] The cambering device 1 also comprises, according to a first possibility (illustrated in particular in the Figure 4 ) actuating means 4 connecting together, 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 semi-rigid structure by tensioning the two free ends 23, 24 with the U-shaped connecting section 22 of the semi-rigid structure 2, and generating an offset d between the two free ends 23, 24.

[0036] According to a second possibility (not illustrated in the present application, but illustrated in particular in figure 11 or 12of document WO2021 / 148734A1) the cambering device 1 comprises actuating means 4 connecting together, 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 camber the first length section and the second length section of the semi-rigid structure by tensioning one of the two free ends 23, 24 with the U-shaped connecting section 22 of the semi-rigid structure 2 and generating an offset d between the two free ends 23, 24.

[0037] As illustrated for information purposes in the Figure 1, a profiled sail may be provided with several cambering devices in accordance with the present disclosure, in particular internal to the profiled sail. The cambering devices are distributed over the height of the profiled sail. The semi-rigid structure 2 of each cambering 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 them the first length section 20 and the second length section 21 at the leading edge BA of the profiled sail, the two length sections ending at the trailing edge BF of the sail by two free ends 23, 24.

[0038] The flexible profiled sail 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 to the free ends 23, 24 via fixing means 6, in particular by pinching the sail edges. Along the length of the two length sections, first length section 20 and second length section 21, removable fixings, such as loop / hook strips, can be provided to secure the sail along the length sections 20 and 21.

[0039] Control means are configured to jointly control in the same direction the different actuating means 4 of the cambering devices to camber the first surface S1 of the profiled sail and the second surface S2 of the profiled sail. For example, the cambering devices can take a (particularly first) cambered position for which the first length section 20 takes a concave profile when the second length section takes a convex profile and / or a (particularly second) cambered position in which said second length section 21 has a concave profile when said first length section 20 has a convex profile.

[0040] It will also be noted that an assembly, in particular a rigging according to the present disclosure, advantageously allows the sail to be lowered, along the mast M, the cambering devices (with the possible exception of that forming the boom); 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.

[0041] The present disclosure also relates to a vehicle comprising such rigging: and in particular a ship or sailing boat or sailboat, or even a land yacht.

[0042] The camber position can be adjusted during maneuvers, for example by switching from the first camber position Pc1 to the second camber position Pc2 of the camber devices (with reverse concavity) during tack change maneuvers, whether tacking maneuvers or gybing maneuvers.

[0043] The actuators used for the actuator means can be progressive (and not all or nothing) and take several positions allowing the first and second sail surfaces to be cambered more or less strongly, in one direction or the other. It is possible to adjust the concavity of the sail surface in contact with the wind in order to maximize the effort required to move the vehicle forward depending on the wind conditions.

[0044] The lower cambering device can simultaneously constitute a boom, in particular articulated to the mast in the case of a non-pivoting mast), allowing the profiled sail to be oriented. The boom is oriented according to the wind conditions of the ship's forward direction

[0045] The semi-rigid structure 2 comprising the connecting section 22 and the two length sections 20, 21, can be constituted by a single-piece semi-rigid element, kept curved by the spacer system 3; and where appropriate a flexible connecting system 5, which is described below.

[0046] For example, said single-piece element is a rod, in particular rectilinear 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 the blade is curved to form the first section of length 20, the second section of length 21 and the U-shaped connecting section 22. For example, the semi-rigid structure may consist of a curved blade for the boom of the rigging and curved rods for the semi-rigid structures of the other cambering devices (located above the boom).

[0047] Alternatively, the different 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 to each other.

[0048] According to one embodiment, the cambering devices comprise in whole or in part the spacer system 3 which may comprise a first spacer 30, connecting together the first section of length 20 and the second section of length 2, as well as a second spacer 31, connecting together the first section of length 20 and the second section of length 21, in a manner parallel to said first spacer 30. The spacers are of fixed lengths or possibly telescopic as described in WO2021 / 148734A1 of the present inventor. It is noted that the mast extends between the spacers constituted by the first spacer and the second spacer. The spacers (first and second) are configured to work in tension and compression.

[0049] The characteristics previously described in the detailed description are known per se from document WO2021 / 148734A1. In use, and according to the inventor's findings, there may be risks of breakage when subjected to the vagaries of the wind, in particular when the sail shakes laterally, due to repeated impacts between the mast and the semi-rigid parts of the cambering devices, and for example due to impacts between the mast and the struts. Such a problem is also described in paragraph 152 of WO 2021 / 148734 A1 which describes, in response to this, removing the struts which are damaging elements in the event of repeated impacts with the mast.

[0050] This disclosure reliably addresses this issue.

[0051] Also, and according to the present disclosure, all or part of the cambering devices have a securing system 7, which can be activated / deactivated, configured to ensure the securing of the cambering device to the mast, the securing system 7.

[0052] In its activated state, the securing system 7 is advantageously configured to keep the mast away from the semi-rigid structure of the device 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 while avoiding impacts between the mast M and the damaging parts of the cambering device.

[0053] As visible for information purposes only figures 6 to 8 , the solidarity system 7 includes: - a first flexible strand 71 linked to the first section of length 21 by two longitudinal ends of the first strand 71, the first strand going around the mast M from the first section of length 20, - a second flexible strand 72 linked to the second section of length 20 by two longitudinal ends of the second strand, the second strand going around the mast M from the second section of length 21.

[0054] The mast thus extends between the first strand 71 and the second strand 72.

[0055] The securing system also comprises an actuator system, activatable, internal to the structure, configured to pass the first strand and the second strand into a retracted state configured to tighten the cambering device on the mast M, sandwiched between the first strand 71 and the second strand 72, inside the semi-rigid structure, and as illustrated in the detail view of the Figure 7a .

[0056] The mast thus clamped by the first strand 71 and the second strand 72 is advantageously kept at a distance from the two sections of length 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 wind force on the profiled sail is returned to the mast by the first strand 72 and second strand 72 in tension.

[0057] On the contrary, and 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 cambering device along the mast.

[0058] In the case of a fixed mast M, i.e. non-pivoting, in particular with a round profile, the first strand 71 and the second strand 72 clamped on the surface of the mast M, the profiled sail and the cambering 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 of orientation of the profiled sail around the mast. Such 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 changes of orientation of the profiled sail around the mast during changes of tack, in particular tacking or gybing.

[0059] According to another variant, the mast may itself be a profiled mast (of non-circular profile) and mounted to pivot around its axis, typically by means of a pivot at the base of the vehicle, in particular the sailboat. In such a case, the first strand 71 and the second strand 72 clamped on the surface of the mast, the profiled sail and the cambering devices are configured to pivot jointly with the mast which pivots relative to the vehicle, in particular 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 changes of orientation of the profiled sail around the mast during changes of tack, in particular tacking or gybing.

[0060] Generally speaking, this disclosure can be declined (at choice) according to four mast configurations. - First configuration: fixed mast (with circular section along the perpendicular to the mast) with stays, the stays connecting the masthead to the hull(s) of the sailboat, the first and second strands 71, 72, in particular the artificial muscle(s) made to slide on the surface of the mast; - Second configuration: rotating mast (with profiled section, namely non-circular, typically “drop-shaped”) and held at the masthead by stays. The advantage of the profiled rotating mast is that it offers less drag than the mast with circular section when the profiled sail is partially or totally lowered: the rotating mast accompanies the rotation of the cambering devices ensuring the cambering of the profiled sail, without sliding on the mast. A rotating profiled mast can allow sailing in very strong winds with the profiled sail totally lowered, by orienting the mast.;- Third configuration: fixed, unstayed mast, allowing 360° rotation of the profiled sail around the mast, compatible in particular with total automatic management of the angle of incidence depending on the wind direction, the first and second strands 71, 72, in particular the artificial muscle(s) being caused to slide on the surface of the mast, - Fourth configuration: unstayed rotating mast with profiled section offering the advantages of the second configuration with regard to reduced drag due to the profiled section of the mast (non-circular) which can be oriented depending on the wind direction by pivoting the mast, as well as the advantages of the third configuration;without shrouds, such a configuration allowing a 360° rotation of the profiled sail around the mast, thus compatible in particular with total automatic management of the angle of incidence according to the direction of the wind: the rotating mast accompanies the rotation of the cambering devices ensuring the cambering of the profiled sail, without sliding on the mast. ;

[0061] Thus, and as understandable from the figures 9 and 10 , the profiled sail of said assembly is configured to be: - hoisted along the mast M, in a high position of the profiled sail, the cambering devices 1 in positions spaced from each other, then secured in a stable position by tightening the cambering devices on the mast M by activating the actuator systems the first strand and the second strand in the retracted state gripping the mast, - lowered along the mast M in the low position of the profiled sail, the cambering devices 1 in positions close to each other, in the deployed state of the first strand and second strand releasing the mast.

[0062] The present disclosure further relates to a method for hoisting and securing a profiled sail of an assembly according to the present disclosure from a lowered position of the profiled sail along the mast M to the lowered position of the profiled sail, the cambering devices 1 in positions close to each other, in the deployed state of the actuator system, the method having the following steps: - hoist the profiled sail along the mast M, in a high position of the profiled sail, the cambering devices 1 in positions spaced from each other, - secure in a stable position, the profiled sail on the mast by tightening the cambering 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 to the retracted state gripping the mast.

[0063] Regarding the first and second spacers 30, 31, it will be noted that such spacers 30, 31 promote the reliable and firm tightening 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.

[0064] In order to optimize the synergy between the spacers 30, 31 and the 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 length section 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 junction zones between the first and second spacers 30, 31 on the one hand, and the second length section 21, on the other hand.

[0065] Each spacer constituted 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-rigid structure 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 length section 21 during the bending and offsetting of the free ends 23, 24; under the effect of the actuating means 4.

[0066] For this purpose, the cambering device may comprise articulated connections 32, comprising a first part 33 secured to the first length section 20 or to the second length section 21, or even a second part 34 receiving one end of the spacer 30; 31, the second part 34 being articulated 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 cambering and shifting of the free ends 23, 24; under the effect of the actuating means.

[0067] Also, the longitudinal ends of the first strand 71 can advantageously be attached to the first parts 33 of the connectors 32 integral with the first section of length 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 section of length 21.

[0068] According to one embodiment, the actuator system of the securing system 7 comprises at least one actuating member on the belt m having two longitudinal ends e1, e2, said actuating member, activatable, being retractable when activated with bringing together of its two longitudinal ends e1, e2.

[0069] Said belt actuating member may be an artificial muscle, in particular a pneumatic muscle. Such an actuator has a casing internally receiving a balloon supplied or discharged with fluid. The flexible casing retracts in length when its section increases under the increase of the supplied balloon or fluid (contraction of the muscle), and deploys in length when its section decreases when the balloon is discharged with fluid (decrease in the fluid pressure). The retraction of the actuator may be progressive by controlling the quantity of fluid supplied into the balloon.

[0070] Such pneumatic actuation systems are commonly called "artificial muscles" consisting of inflatable tubes inserted into protective braids forming an envelope, such that the artificial muscle contracts or expands depending on whether its internal fluid pressure increases or decreases. Such 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.

[0071] Such an artificial muscle is schematically illustrated in its deployed position at Figure 11 and in its retracted position at the Figure 12 , as well as according to a sectional view at the figure 13 .

[0072] When the balloon B is supplied with pressurized fluid (for example air) the section of the balloon increases which causes an increase in the section of the envelope Ev in the form of a braid at the Figure 11 .

[0073] Under the effect of the increase in the section of the envelope, the braiding of the envelope generates a force ensuring the retraction of the artificial muscle, by bringing together the longitudinal ends e1 or e2.

[0074] Such an actuator has the following advantages: - not requiring electrification of the profiled sail, - being a flexible component; unlikely to be aggressive to the surfaces of the profiled sail, avoiding the risk of tearing, or even likely to come into direct contact to grip the mast without risk of altering the surface of the mast M.

[0075] According to a first embodiment, 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.

[0076] Such an embodiment is illustrated for information purposes in Figure 7a when the first belt actuator member m1 and the second belt actuator member m2 are artificial muscles. The longitudinal ends e1 and e2 of the first belt actuator member m1 are integral in two attachment positions on the first parts 33 of the connectors 32 linked to the first length section 20, respectively at the junction zone with the first spacer 30 and the second spacer 31. Similarly, the longitudinal ends e1 and e2 of the second belt actuator member m2 are integral in two attachment positions on the first parts 33 of the connectors 32 linked to the second length section 21 respectively at the junction zone with the first spacer 30 and the second spacer 31.

[0077] According to one embodiment, the first strand 71 and the second strand 72 may comprise an actuating member with a common belt m3, and as illustrated in figure 8 . In this embodiment 8, the actuating member with 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 section of length 20 to a pulley Pl forming the other attachment point, then, extends over an intermediate length between the pulley and an opposite pulley fixed on the second section of length 21. The muscle extends further and finally forms the second strand 72 from the opposite pulley over a third length, and up to a fixed attachment point on the second section of length 21.

[0078] All or part of the camber 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 flexible connection system 5, working in tension to maintain a spacing between the two length sections.

[0079] It will also be noted that the spacer system 3 and the flexible connection system 5 both extend internally to the semi-rigid structure 2, in the interspace between the first section of length 20 and the second section of length 21, and preferably entirely in the plane of the semi-rigid structure 2.

[0080] The flexible connection system 5; comprises two flexible links, including a first flexible link 50 secured by its two ends to the first length section 20, and a second flexible link 51 secured by its two 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 the bending and the offsetting of the free ends 23, 24; under the effect of the actuating means 4.

[0081] Thus, whether it is the spacer system, when the or each spacer is articulated at its ends to the two length sections (first length section 20 or second length section 21), or the flexible connection system with the possibility of sliding of the contact zone between the two flexible links, these two systems promote the offset between free ends 23 24, when the actuation means 4 are activated.

[0082] 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 section of length 20 and the second section of length 21 have a convex profile. As visible in the Figure 2, the plane of symmetry AS of the semi-rigid structure 2 in its rest position extends in the direction between the leading edge BA and the trailing edge BF, perpendicular to the plane of the semi-rigid structure 2 containing the first section of length 20, the second section of length 21 and the connecting section 22, in U.

[0083] In the rest position Pr of the semi-rigid structure, it is noted that the first spacer 30 and the second spacer 31 extend respectively substantially perpendicular to the plane of symmetry AS.

[0084] In at least one arched position Pc1 and / or Pc2 of the semi-rigid structure 2 under the action of the actuating means 4, said first length section 20 has a concave profile when said second length section 21 has a convex profile, or said second length section 21 has a concave profile when said first length section 20 has a convex profile.

[0085] According to one embodiment, the actuation means 4 are configured to bend the semi-rigid structure selectively: - in a first arched position Pc1 in which said first section of length 20 has a concave profile when said second section of length 21 has a convex profile, - in a second arched position Pc2 in which said second section of length 21 has a concave profile when said first section of length 20 has a convex profile.

[0086] According to one embodiment (notably illustrated in the Figure 4) 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 angle transmission 43 secured to the U-shaped connecting section, and connected to the free end 24, 23 of the other length section by an internal 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.

[0087] Said at least one angle return 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 (first length section or second length section) is to be changed from the convex profile to the concave profile.

[0088] When the actuating means make it possible to obtain the two cambered positions Pc1 and Pc2, two angle transmissions arranged on either side of the plane of symmetry make it possible respectively to camber the semi-rigid structure into these two cambered positions: - a first angle gear 431, integral with the connecting section 22, arranged on the side of the first section of length 20 (relative to the plane of symmetry) is used to allow the change of profile of the first section of length 20 (and therefore the first surface S1 of the profiled sail) from the convex profile in the rest position Pr of the semi-rigid structure 2 to said first cambered position Pc1 where the first section of length 20 takes the concave profile; - a second angle gear 432, integral with the connecting section; arranged on the side of the second section of length 21 (relative to the plane of symmetry), is requested to allow the change of profile of the second section of length 10 (and therefore the second surface S2 of the profiled sail) from the convex profile in the rest position Pr of the semi-rigid structure 2 to said second cambered position Pc2 where the second section of length 21 takes the concave profile.

[0089] 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 angle transmission 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 relative to the free end connected by the outer tendon 42 causing the semi-rigid structure to bend, the stressed outer tendon 42 moving away from the length section, first length section (or second length section, immediately adjacent to the outer tendon 42), which then takes a concave profile, and while the other length section, second length section or first length section, takes a convex profile.

[0090] 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 - from the convex profile in the rest position Pr of the semi-rigid structure 2, and up to the concave profile in said cambered position, in particular first cambered position Pc1 or second cambered position Pc2.

[0091] The change in profile of the first section of length 20, in particular from the convex profile in the rest position Pr to a concave profile in the first cambered position Pc1, is initiated by the offset of the free end 24 of the second connecting section 21 towards the leading edge BA relative to the free end 23 of the first connecting section 20.

[0092] Therefore, the concavity of the first section of length 20 can be accentuated by the actuating means 4, by the traction of the external tendon 42 connecting the first angle transmission 431 and the free end 23 (like the string of a bow).

[0093] The change in profile of the second section of length 21, in particular from the convex profile in the rest position Pr to a concave profile in the first cambered position Pc2, is initiated by the offset of the free end 23 of the first section of length 20 towards the leading edge BA relative to the free end 24 of the second section of length 21.

[0094] Therefore, the concavity of the second section of length 21 can be accentuated by the actuating means 4, by the traction of the external tendon 42 connecting the second angle transmission 432 and the free end 24 (like the string of a bow).

[0095] External tendon 42 means that the flexible tendon passes outside the semi-rigid structure 2 and the sail between the angle gear 43 - first angle gear 431 or second angle gear 432 - and respectively the free end, respectively the free end of the first section of length 20 and the end 24 of the second section of length 21, and even if the flexible tendon is partially internal to the structure between the angle gear and the actuator (first actuator 40 or second actuator 41).

[0096] According to one embodiment (illustrated in the Figure 4) the outer tendon 42 between the angle gear (first angle gear 431 or second angle 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 angle gear 431 and the free end 23 and outside the second sail surface S2 between the second angle gear 432 and the free end 24. For this purpose, the first sail surface S1 (respectively the second sail surface S2) has a passage opening for the outer tendon 42 at the first angle gear 431 (respectively the second angle gear 432).

[0097] When the first sail surface S1 takes on a concave surface under the action of the first section of length 20, the outer tendon 42 also moves away from this first profiled sail surface S1.

[0098] When the second sail surface S2 takes on a concave surface under the action of the second section of length 21, the outer tendon 42 also moves away from this first profiled sail surface S2.

[0099] According to one embodiment (illustrated in the Figure 4 ), the actuation means include: a first actuator 40 configured to arch the semi-rigid structure into said first arched position Pc1, extending along the first length section 20 connected to the free end 23 of the first length section by a flexible outer tendon 42, to the semi-rigid structure 2, via a first angle transmission 431 secured to the U-shaped connecting section 22, and by an inner tendon 44 which runs along the first length section 20 to 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 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 first angle transmission 431, on the other hand, until the creation of the offset d,the connected end 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 semi-rigid structure to bend, the stressed outer tendon 42 moving away from the first length section 20 which takes a concave profile, the second length section 21 taking a convex profile in said first bended position Pc1, a second actuator 41 configured to bend the semi-rigid structure in said second bended 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 angle transmission 432 secured to the U-shaped connecting section 22,and by an inner tendon 44 which runs along the second section of length 21 to a guide 45 of said second section of length 21 before connecting the free end 23 of said first section of length 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 angle transmission 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 relative to the free end 24 connected by the outer tendon 42 causing the semi-rigid structure 2 to bend, the stressed outer tendon 42 moving away from the second section of length 21 which takes a concave profile, while said first section of length 20 takes a convex profile in said second arched position Pc2. ,

[0100] According to one embodiment, the cambering device comprising a control means configured to selectively: - activate the first actuator 40 while keeping the second actuator 41 non-activated to cause said first cambered position Pc1, - activate the second actuator 41 while keeping the first actuator 40 non-activated to cause said second cambered position Pc2.

[0101] The first actuator 40 and the second actuator 41 are selectively activated while the first strand 71 and the second strand 72 are in said retracted state configured to actively tighten the cambering devices on the mast M by said securing system(s) 7.

[0102] These control means can be external to the semi-rigid structure of the cambering device.

[0103] The control means can also make it possible to adjust the concavity depth setting when the actuator, first actuator 40 and / or second actuator 41 is a progressive actuator.

[0104] Said at least one actuator, where appropriate first actuator 40 and second actuator 41, may be an actuator which retracts when supplied with fluid such as an artificial muscle, in particular a pneumatic muscle. Such an actuator, illustrated in FIGS. 11 to 14, has already been described previously, and is not redeveloped. It has an envelope internally receiving a balloon supplied or discharged with fluid. The flexible envelope retracts in length when its section increases under the increase in the balloon supplied or fluid (contraction of the muscle), and deploys in length when its section decreases when the balloon is discharged with fluid (decrease in the pressure of the fluid). The retraction of the actuator may be progressive by controlling the quantity of fluid supplied into the balloon.

[0105] According to one embodiment, the artificial muscles of the actuators 40, 41 and / or of the actuator members m of the plurality of cambering devices 1 are supplied with fluid by one or more flexible elastic pipes AL1, AL2, AL3, shaped in the form of a serpentine, extending in the direction of the height of the mast M. The flexible elastic pipe(s) are configured to deploy by spreading the turns of the serpentine in the high position of the profiled sail, and to retract by bringing the turns of the serpentine together under the elasticity of the serpentine, in the low position of the profiled sail.

[0106] Separate elastic hoses are used for the actuators 40, 41 configured for bending and the actuator members m, m1, m2, m3 at the belt in order to be able to control these different actuators independently.

[0107] 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. Industrial application

[0108] These technical solutions can be applied in particular in the maritime field of sailing boats, as an improved rigging solution.

[0109] Since the cambering devices are made up of a semi-rigid, elastically deformable structure, or even flexible actuator(s) in the form of artificial muscles, they are particularly suitable for a marine environment, where the rigging elements may be subject to shocks, under the action of the wind or unforeseen maneuvering events.

[0110] The systems 7 for securing the cambering devices of the assembly according to the present disclosure advantageously allow, when activated, better positioning of the cambering devices on the mast, without risk of impact between the damaging parts of the rigid structures and the mast, while allowing the sail to be easily lowered, when deactivated. List of reference signs

[0111] 1. Cambering device, 2 Semi-rigid structure 20,21: First length section and second length section, 22. U-shaped connecting section 23,34: Free ends, 3. Bracing system, 30, 31. First brace and second brace, 32. Connection, 4 Actuation means, 40,41. Actuators, first and second; 42 External tendon(s) 43. Angle drives, in particular first angle drive 431, and second angle drive 432 44. Flexible internal tendon, 5. Flexible connecting system 50. First flexible link, 51. Second flexible link, 6. Fixing means (sail), 7. Securing system (for locking the cambering device on the mast), - 71, 72, First strand and second strand, AS. Symmetry plane of the semi-rigid structure ( Figure 2) B. Balloon (artificial muscle), Ev Envelope (in particular braid), BA. Leading edge BF Trailing edge Ev. Envelope V. Profiled sail d: offset between the two free ends ZC. Contact area between the two flexible links, m, m1, m2, m3. Respectively at least one actuating member on the belt, first and second actuating members on the belt, and common belt actuating member, Pr. Rest position, Pc1. First cambered position, Pc2. Second cambered position, R. reserve of compressed fluid.

Claims

1. An assembly comprising a profiled sail; a mast and several cambering devices (1) for a profiled sail (V), all or part of the cambering devices comprising: - an elastically deformable semi-rigid structure (2), including: -- two length sections, extending one in front of the other, forming respectively a first length section (20) secured to a first surface (S1) of the profiled sail (V), and a second length section (21) secured to a second surface (S2) of the profiled sail (V), -- a U-shaped connecting section (22), interconnecting the first length section (20) and the second length section (21) by extending them at the leading edge (BA) of the profiled sail, the two length sections terminating at the trailing edge (BF) of the sail in two free ends (23, 24), - actuating means (4) interconnecting, on the one hand, the two free ends (23, 24) of the semi-rigid structure, or at least one of the two free ends (23, 24) and, on the other hand, the U-shaped connecting section (22), configured to camber the first length section and the second length section of the semi-rigid structure by tensioning the two free ends (23, 34) with the U-shaped connecting section (22) of the semi-rigid structure (2), or at least by tensioning one of the two free ends (23, 24) with the U-shaped connecting section (22) of the semi-rigid structure (2), and generating an offset (d) between the two free ends (23, 24), and wherein the mast extends inside the semi-rigid structure, between the two length sections characterised in that all or part of the cambering devices has an activatable / deactivatable securing system (7) configured to ensure securing of the cambering device on the mast, the securing system (7) comprising: - a first flexible strand (71) connected to the first length section (21) by two longitudinal ends of the first strand (71), the first strand (71) bypassing the mast (M) from the first length section (20), - a second flexible strand (72) connected to the second length section (20) by two longitudinal ends of the second strand, the second strand (72) bypassing the mast (M) from the second length section (21), - an actuator system, which is activatable, internal to the structure configured to pass the first strand and the second strand into a retracted state configured to block the cambering device on the mast (M), enclosed between the first strand (71) and the second strand (72), inside the semi-rigid structure, the mast held at a distance from the two length sections (20, 21) by the tensioned first strand (71) and second strand (72), and into a deployed state of the first strand and second strand configured to release the mast; and enable the movement of the cambering device along the mast.

2. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein the actuator system of the securing system comprises at least one girding actuating member (m) having two longitudinal ends (e1, e2), said actuating member, activatable, being retractable when activated with its two longitudinal ends (e1, e2) approaching one another.

3. The assembly according to claim 2, wherein the first strand (71) comprises a first girding actuating member (m1) and the second girding strand (72) comprises a second actuating member (m2).

4. The assembly according to claim 2, wherein the first strand (71) and the second strand (72) comprise a common girding actuating member (m3).

5. The assembly according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the cambering devices comprise all or part of a spacer system (3) comprising a first spacer (30), interconnecting the first length section (20) and the second length section (21), 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), and wherein the longitudinal ends of the first strand (71) are secured at two attachment points on the first length section (20) respectively at the junction areas between the first and second spacers (30, 31) and the first length section (20), the longitudinal ends of the second strand (72) being secured at two attachment points on the second length section (21) respectively at the junction areas between the first and second spacers (30, 31), and wherein the mast (M) extends between the spacers formed by the first spacer (30) and the second spacer (31), the first strand (71) and the second strand (72) enclosed on the mast ensuring remote holding of the mast with the first spacer (30), on the one hand, and of the mast with the second spacer (31), on the other hand.

6. The assembly according to claim 5, wherein each spacer formed by the first spacer and the second spacer (30, 31) of the spacer system (3) is pivotably hinged at its ends, respectively to the first length section (20) according to an axis perpendicular to the plane of the semi-rigid structure and to the second length section (21) according to 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, the first length section (20) and the second length section (21) during cambering and offset of the free ends (23, 24); under the effect of the actuating means (4) the cambering device comprising hinged connectors (32), comprising a first portion (33) secured to the first length section (20) or to the second length section (21), and a second portion (34) receiving one end of the spacer (30; 31), the second portion (34) being hinged to the first portion (33) according to a pivot axis substantially perpendicular to the plane of the semi-rigid structure (2) to pivot relative to the two length sections during cambering and offset of the free ends (23, 24); under the effect of the actuating means.

7. The assembly according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the longitudinal ends of the first strand (71) are attached on the first portions (33) of the connectors (32) secured to the first length section (20) and the longitudinal ends of the second strand (72) are attached on the first portions of the connectors (32) secured to the second length section (21).

8. The assembly according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the actuating means (4) configured to camber the first length section and the second length section of the semi-rigid structure comprise at least one actuator (40, 41), having two longitudinal ends (40a; 41a, 40b; 41b) said actuator (40, 41), which is activatable being retractable when activated with the approach of its two longitudinal ends, said at least one actuator (40, 41) extending along one of the two length sections of the semi-rigid structure, first length section (20) or second length section (21), said actuator (40, 41) being internal to the semi-rigid structure (2), contained in a plane of the semi-rigid structure (2), and wherein one of the longitudinal ends (40a, 41a) of said at least one actuator (40, 41) is connected to one of the two free ends (23, 24) by an internal tendon (44) while the other one (41a, 41b) of the two longitudinal ends of said at least one actuator (40, 41) is connected either to an anchor point (221, 222) secured to the U-shaped connecting section (22), or to the other one of the two free ends (23, 24) via an angle transmission (43) secured to the U-shaped connecting section (22) by an external tendon (42), the flexible external tendon (42) passing outside the semi-rigid structure (2), and the profiled sail between the angle transmission (43) and respectively said other one of the two free ends (23, 24).

9. The assembly according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the actuating means (4) are configured to selectively camber the semi-rigid structure: - in a first cambered position (Pc1) in which said first length section (20) has a concave profile when said second length section (21) has a convex profile, - in a second cambered position (Pc2) in which said second length section (21) has a concave profile when said first length section (20) has a convex profile.

10. The assembly according to one of claims 8 and 9, wherein said at least one actuator of the actuating means comprises: - a first actuator (40) configured to camber the semi-rigid structure in said first cambered position (Pc1), extending along the first length section (20), internal to the semi-rigid structure, secured at one (40b) of the longitudinal ends thereof to the external tendon (42), connected, on the one hand, to the free end (23) of the first length section (20) by said flexible external tendon (42), which is external to the semi-rigid structure (2), via a first angle transmission (431) secured to the U-shaped connecting section (22) the flexible external tendon (42) passing outside the semi-rigid structure (2), and the profiled sail between the first angle transmission (431) and respectively the free end (23) of the first length section (20), the flexible external tendon (42) being internal to the semi-rigid structure between the first angle transmission (431) and said first actuator (40), the first actuator (40) being secured at the other one of the longitudinal ends thereof to the internal tendon (44), said first actuator (40) connected; on the other hand; to the free end (24) of said second length section (21) by said internal tendon (44), which runs along the first length section (20) to a guide (45) secured to said first length section (20) before connecting said free end (24) of said second length section (21), the first actuator (40) being configured, in an active state, to be retracted and pull on the two free ends (23, 24) connected by the external tendon (42) and the internal tendon (44), on the one hand, and on the first angle transmission (431), on the other hand, until the creation of the offset (d), the end (24) connected by the internal tendon (44) advancing towards the leading edge (BA) relative to the free end (23) connected by the external tendon (42) while causing cambering of the semi-rigid structure, the biased external tendon (42) deviating from the first length section (20) which takes a concave profile, the second length section (21) taking a convex profile in said first cambered position (Pc1), - a second actuator (41) configured to camber the semi-rigid structure in said second cambered position (Pc2), extending along the second length section (21) internal to the semi-rigid structure, secured at one of the longitudinal ends thereof to an external tendon (42), connected, on the one hand, to the free end (24) of the second length section (21) by the flexible external tendon (42) which is external to the semi-rigid structure (2), via a second angle transmission (432) secured to the U-shaped connecting section, the flexible external tendon (42) passing outside the semi-rigid structure (2), and the profiled sail between the second angle transmission (432) and respectively the free end (24) of the second length section (21), the flexible external tendon (42) being internal to the semi-rigid structure between the second angle transmission (432) and said second actuator (41), the second actuator (41) being secured at the other one of the longitudinal ends thereof to the internal tendon (44), said second actuator (41) connected, on the other hand, to the free end (23) of said first length section (21) by said internal tendon (44) which runs along the second length section (21) to a guide (45) secured to said second length section (21) before connecting the free end (23) of said first length section (20), the second actuator (41) being configured, in an active state, to be retracted and pull on the two free ends (23, 24) connected by the external tendon (42) and the internal tendon (44), on the one hand, and on the second angle transmission (432), on the other hand, until the creation of the offset (d), the free end (23) connected by the internal tendon (44) advancing towards the leading edge (BA) relative to the free end (24) connected by the external tendon (42) while causing cambering of the semi-rigid structure (2), the loaded external tendon (42) deviating from the second length section (21) which takes a concave profile, while said first length section (20) takes a convex profile in said second cambered position (Pc2).

11. The assembly (1) according to claim 10, comprising control means configured to selectively: - activate the first actuator (40) by keeping the second actuator (41) not activated to cause said first cambered position (Pc1), - activate the second actuator (41) by keeping the first actuator (40) not activated to cause said second cambered position (Pc2), and while the first strand (71) and the second strand (72) are in said retracted state configured to clamp the cambering devices on the mast (M) by activating said securing systems (7).

12. The assembly according to one of claims 2, 3, 4; 8, 10, 11, wherein said at least one belt actuating member (m) of the securing system and / or said at least one actuator (40, 41) of the actuating means (4) is an artificial muscle, being contracted when supplied with pressure by a fluid, and being relaxed when the pressure of the fluid decreases, said artificial muscle having an envelope receiving inside a balloon supplied with or discharged from the fluid, the flexible envelope in particular in the form of a braid, being configured to be retracted in length when the section thereof increases under the increase of the balloon supplied with fluid, and being deployed in length when the section thereof decreases when the balloon is discharged from the fluid.

13. The assembly according to one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the profiled sail is configured to be: - hoisted along the mast (M), in the high position of the profiled sail, the cambering devices (1) in positions spaced apart from each other, then secured in a stable position by clamping the cambering devices on the mast (M) by activating the actuator systems, the first strand and the second strand in the retracted state enclosing the mast, - sprawled along the mast (M) in the lower position of the profiled sail, the cambering devices (1) in positions close to each other, in the deployed state of the first strand and second strand releasing the mast.

14. The assembly according to claim 12 and 13, wherein the artificial muscles of the actuators (40, 41) and / or of the girding actuating members (m) of the plurality of cambering devices (1) are supplied with fluid by one or more flexible, serpentine-like shaped, elastic hoses (AL1, AL2, AL3) extending in the direction of the height of the mast (M), the flexible elastic hose(s) being configured to deploy by spacing the turns of the serpentine in the high position of the profiled sail, and to retract by bringing the turns of the serpentine close to one another under the elasticity of the serpentine, in the low position of the profiled sail.

15. A method for hoisting and securing a profiled sail of an assembly according to one of claims 1 to 14 from a sprawled position of the profiled sail along the mast (M) in the lower position of the profiled sail, the cambering devices (1) in positions close to one another, in the deployed state of the actuator system having the following steps: - hoisting the profiled sail along the mast (M), in a high position of the profiled sail, the cambering devices (1) in positions spaced apart from each other, - securing the profiled sail in a stable position on the mast by clamping the cambering devices on the mast (M) by activating the actuator systems and passing the first strand (71) and the second strand (72) from the deployed state into the retracted state enclosing the mast.-16. A vehicle in particular a sailboat comprising an assembly according to one of claims 1 to 14.

Images