Rigid sails for a vessel which are recumbent obliquely

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a sail propulsion assembly for a ship, and a ship comprising such a sail propulsion assembly. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] A ship classically includes a set of sail propulsion comprising at least one sail, which allows the ship to move forward under the action of the wind.

[0003] Some wind propulsion systems may include one or more rigid sails. Rigid sails improve aerodynamic efficiency but present specific storage challenges, as their rigidity prevents them from being lowered like conventional sails.

[0004] Document EP 2 903 890 describes a rigid, opening sail mounted on a base that allows the sail to be lowered onto the ship's deck by pivoting it using hydraulic jacks. The lowered sail extends along the ship's centerline.

[0005] Document WO 2018 / 039705 describes a rigid sail mounted on a base that allows the sail to be lowered onto the ship's deck by pivoting it using hydraulic jacks. The lowered sail extends along the ship's centerline. The sail's surface is parallel to the ship's deck.

[0006] Document WO 2012 / 057178 describes a rigid sail mounted on a base that allows the sail to be lowered onto the ship's deck by pivoting it. The lowered sail extends along the ship's centerline. The sail is lowered on its edge, meaning that the sail's surface is perpendicular to the ship's deck. The lowered sail extends into a storage compartment.

[0007] Document EP 2 822 851 describes an assembly comprising several rigid sails that can be laid flat so as to extend along the ship's centerline and partially overlap. The sides of the laid sails have a certain inclination relative to the plane formed by the ship's deck. DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] One objective of the present invention is to provide a wind propulsion system with improved aerodynamic efficiency.

[0009] Another objective of the invention is to provide a sail propulsion system that optimizes the storage of the rigid sail when laid flat.

[0010] According to a first aspect, the invention relates to a sail propulsion system for a ship, comprising at least two rigid sails adapted to be arranged on the ship at a distance from each other along a ship axis, each rigid sail extending principally along a sail axis, each rigid sail forming a wing with an aerodynamic profile comprising a leading edge and a trailing edge, a chord of the rigid sail corresponding to a line connecting the leading edge and the trailing edge of the rigid sail in a plane normal to the sail axis, in which each rigid sail is mounted movably between a hoisted position, a position lying on its side, and a position lying in a tucked position, in which each rigid sail is mounted pivoting about a lying pivot axis,a change of position of the rigid sail between the hoisted position and the lying position on its edge or between the hoisted position and the lying position in a tucked position comprising a pivoting of the rigid sail around the pivoting axis of the lying position, and in which: , In the hoisted position, the sail axis is substantially perpendicular to a ship's plane formed by the sleeping pivot axis and the ship's axis, and the stiff sail is mounted pivotally around the sail axis so as to adjust an incidence of the stiff sail relative to the ship's axis; in the heeled-over position, the sail axis is substantially parallel to the ship's plane and forms a non-zero angle with respect to the ship's axis, and the stiff sail chord is substantially perpendicular to the ship's plane; and in the tiled-over position, the sail axis is substantially parallel to the ship's plane and forms a non-zero angle with respect to the ship's axis, and the stiff sail chord is inclined at an angle of less than 50° with respect to the ship's plane, for example, is substantially parallel to the ship's plane.

[0011] Some preferred but not limiting characteristics of the sail propulsion system described above are as follows, taken individually or in combination: at least two rigid sails of the assembly are arranged so that in the position lying on its side or in the position lying in overlap, the sail axes of the at least two rigid sails are parallel to each other and situated at a distance from each other along the ship's axis, so that the at least two rigid sails are lying in a herringbone pattern; the angle formed between the sail axis and the ship's axis when the rigid sail is in the position lying on its side or in the position lying in overlap is between 5° and 45°, preferably is between 5° and 15°;the assembly further comprises at least two bases, each rigid sail is mounted on a respective base, each base includes a rotating element mounted pivoting around the sail axis so that a pivoting of the rotating element regulates an incidence of the rigid sail when the rigid sail is in the hoisted position, each rigid sail being mounted on the respective base in a manner fixed to the base in rotation around the sail axis when the rigid sail is in the hoisted position, and each rigid sail is mounted on the respective base in a manner pivoting relative to the base around the sleeping pivot axis;each base includes angular locking means for the rotating element adapted to block rotation of the rotating element about the sail axis when the rotating element is in a predetermined angular position corresponding to the non-zero angle formed between the sail axis and the ship axis in the horizontal or horizontally sloping position; at least two of the bases are situated at a distance from each other along an axis substantially perpendicular to the ship plane; at least two rigid sails of the assembly are arranged so that in the horizontal or horizontally sloping position, the at least two rigid sails overlap at least partially; each rigid sail is formed of a plurality of sail sections stacked along the sail axis;Each rigid sail comprises a wall extending principally along the sail axis, and the assembly further comprises: at least one spreader adapted to be mounted pivotally relative to the wall of the rigid sail, between a sailing position in which the spreader extends substantially perpendicularly to the wall of the rigid sail, and a stowed position in which the spreader extends substantially against the wall of the rigid sail, and at least two shrouds mounted on the spreader, in which, when the spreader is in the sailing position, the shrouds extend substantially away from the wall of the rigid sail, and when the spreader is in the stowed position, the shrouds extend substantially against the wall of the rigid sail.

[0012] According to a second aspect, the invention relates to a vessel comprising: a deck extending mainly along the ship's axis, and a sail propulsion assembly according to the first aspect, wherein each rigid sail of the sail propulsion assembly is adapted to be mounted on the ship's deck, and wherein the ship's deck is substantially parallel to the ship's plane.

[0013] The ship according to the second aspect can extend between a forward end and a rear end, a center of the ship corresponding to a point of the ship substantially equidistant from the forward and rear ends of the ship, in which a height of a rigid sail corresponds to a dimension along the sail axis of the rigid sail, in which a first rigid sail of the sail propulsion assembly has a first height and a second rigid sail of the sail propulsion assembly has a second height strictly greater than the first height, and in which the first rigid sail is disposed closer to the center of the ship than the second rigid sail. DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0014] Other features, purposes and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description that follows, given by way of non-limiting example, which will be illustrated by the following figures: There figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a rigid sail of a wind propulsion system according to an embodiment of the invention, the rigid sail being shown in the hoisted position and in the reclined position. figure 2a and the figure 2b These are schematic views, respectively side and perspective, of a vessel comprising a sail propulsion system according to an embodiment of the invention, the sail propulsion system comprising rigid sails of different heights, the rigid sails being in the hoisted position. figure 3 is a schematic perspective view of a vessel comprising a sail propulsion system according to an embodiment of the invention, one of the rigid sails of the sail propulsion system being in the hoisted position while the other rigid sails of the sail propulsion system are in the reefed position. figure 4a and the figure 4bThese are schematic views, respectively from above and from the front, of a vessel comprising a sail propulsion system according to an embodiment of the invention, the sail propulsion system comprising rigid sails laid in a herringbone pattern, the rigid sails being in the laid position in a overlapping pattern. figure 5a and the figure 5b These are schematic views, respectively side and top, of a vessel comprising a sail propulsion system according to an embodiment of the invention, the sail propulsion system comprising rigid sails laid at an angle, the rigid sails being in the position lying on their edge. figure 6 is a schematic side view of a vessel comprising a sail propulsion assembly according to an embodiment of the invention, the bases of the sail propulsion assembly being located at different distances from the ship's deck in the vertical direction. figure 7ais a schematic perspective view of the base of a sail propulsion assembly according to one embodiment of the invention. figure 7b is a schematic perspective view of the base of a sail propulsion assembly according to one embodiment of the invention. figure 8a is a schematic perspective view of a rigid sail of a wind propulsion assembly according to an embodiment of the invention, the rigid sail being formed of several sail sections stacked along the sail axis. figure 8b is a schematic perspective view of a section of the rigid sail shown on the figure 8a . There figure 9 is a schematic perspective view of a rotation mechanism for an arrow bar according to an embodiment of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION First method of implementation

[0015] In a first embodiment, a wind propulsion system for a vessel 100, illustrated by way of non-limiting example in figures 2a to 6 , comprises at least two rigid sails 10 adapted to be arranged on the ship 100 at a distance from each other along a ship axis N, each rigid sail 10 forming a wing with an aerodynamic profile extending mainly along a sail axis A.

[0016] Each rigid sail 10 is mounted pivoting around a sleeping pivot axis P, a change of position of the rigid sail 10 between a hoisted position and a lying position includes a pivoting of the rigid sail 10 around the sleeping pivot axis P.

[0017] In the hoisted position, the sail axis A is substantially perpendicular to a ship plane formed by the sleeping pivot axis P and the ship axis N. In the lying position, the sail axis A is substantially parallel to the ship plane, and forms a non-zero angle with respect to the ship axis N.

[0018] Each rigid sail 10 in the hoisted position is mounted pivotally about the sail axis A so as to adjust an incidence of the rigid sail 10 relative to the ship axis N. Each rigid sail 10 can be mounted so as to also pivot about the sail axis A when the rigid sail 10 is in the reclined position.

[0019] The vessel 100 extends primarily along a longitudinal axis. The vessel's axis N may substantially correspond to the longitudinal axis, or may have an orientation, for example, of a few degrees, relative to the longitudinal axis. The vessel's axis N may be substantially parallel to, or coincide with, a mean axis of alignment of the rigid sails 10, in particular with a mean axis of alignment of the feet 15 of the rigid sails 10.

[0020] The vessel 100 includes a deck 30 extending primarily along a ship's axis N. At least a portion of the deck 30 is substantially flat and extends substantially in a horizontal plane. The horizontal plane is substantially parallel to the body of water on which the vessel 100 travels in the absence of a list or trim of the vessel 100. A vertical axis corresponds to an axis perpendicular to the deck 30 of the vessel 100. The vertical axis may be substantially perpendicular to the ship's plane. 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 ship's plane may be substantially parallel to the horizontal plane, the deck 30 of the vessel 100 being substantially parallel to the ship's plane. When the rigid sail 10 is in the hoisted position, the sail axis A can be substantially perpendicular to the horizontal plane of the deck 30 of the ship 100, that is to say, can extend substantially in the vertical direction.

[0021] In the horizontal position, the sail axis A forms a non-zero angle with respect to the ship's axis N. In other words, in the horizontal position, the sail axis A lies in a plane parallel to the ship's plane and is oriented with a certain non-zero inclination with respect to the ship's axis N. The rigid sail 10 is thus lying diagonally with respect to the ship's axis N, and not parallel or perpendicular to the ship's axis N.

[0022] The 30th deck of the 100th ship may correspond to the highest continuous deck of the 100th ship when the 100th ship comprises multiple decks.

[0023] When the rigid sail 10 is in the horizontal position, the rigid sail 10 may be located at a distance from the deck 30 in the vertical direction, or be at least partially in contact with the deck 30. As will be described below, the rigid sails 10 in the horizontal position may be stacked in a tiling position or on their edge.

[0024] At least two rigid sails 10 of the sail propulsion assembly can be arranged so that in the reclining position, the sail axes A of the at least two rigid sails 10 are parallel to each other and situated at a distance from each other along the ship axis N, so that the at least two rigid sails 10 of the sail propulsion assembly are arranged in a herringbone pattern on the ship 100 when in the reclining position.

[0025] The herringbone arrangement of the rigid sails 10 laid down reduces bulk and minimizes the overhang of the rigid sails 10 laid down on the vessel 100. The rigid sails 10 laid down are offset along the axis of the vessel N and arranged diagonally to the axis of the vessel N, so they do not touch, which facilitates their storage.

[0026] The angle formed between the sail axis A and the ship axis N when the rigid sail 10 is in the reefed position can be between 5° and 45°, preferably between 5° and 20°, preferably between 5° and 15°, for example between 10° and 15°. Such angle values ​​further optimize the herringbone arrangement of the rigid sails 10. The angle formed between the sail axis A and the ship axis N when the rigid sail 10 is in the reefed position can correspond to the smallest angle below which the sails collide in the reefed, overlapping position as described below.

[0027] Pivoting the rigid sail 10 around the sail axis A when the rigid sail 10 is in the hoisted position allows adjustment of the rigid sail 10's angle of attack, and thus modifies the airflow properties along the walls 11, 12 of the rigid sail 10 to optimize the propulsive efficiency of the sail propulsion system. The rigid sail 10 can be adapted to pivot around the sail axis A by a pivot of + / - 45°, + / - 90°, + / - 180°, or any other suitable value. Therefore, a certain range of angles of attack, or even all angles of attack when the pivot is + / - 180°, is accessible to the rigid sail 10.

[0028] A change of position of the rigid sail 10 between the hoisted position and the lying position, for example from the hoisted position to the lying position, or conversely from the lying position to the hoisted position, includes a pivoting of the rigid sail 10 around the lying pivot axis P. The rigid sail 10 can be moved between the hoisted position and the lying position by pivoting approximately 90° around the lying pivot axis P.

[0029] A change in position of the rigid sail 10 between the hoisted position and the reclined position may further include a pivoting of the rigid sail 10 around the sail axis A, this pivoting being adapted to modify an angle of incidence of the rigid sail 10. The pivoting of the rigid sail 10 around the sail axis A may take place before or after the pivoting of the rigid sail 10 around the reclining pivot axis P. The pivoting of the rigid sail 10 around the sail axis A may take place when the rigid sail 10 is in the hoisted position or in the reclined position.

[0030] A change in the position of the rigid sail 10 between the lying and hoisted positions involves pivoting the rigid sail 10 around the lying pivot axis P, which can correspond to the inverse pivot of the rigid sail 10 around the lying pivot axis P to move from the hoisted to the lying position. The rigid sail 10 can be moved between the lying and lying positions by pivoting approximately 90° around the lying pivot axis P.

[0031] The sail propulsion assembly may include at least two first rigid sails 10 adapted to each present a sail axis A which, when the rigid sail 10 is in the horizontal position, is substantially parallel to the ship's plane and forms a first non-zero angle with respect to the ship's axis N, the at least two first rigid sails 10 of the sail propulsion assembly being horizontal on one side with respect to the ship's axis N.The sail propulsion system further comprises at least two secondary rigid sails 10, each adapted to have a sail axis A which, when the rigid sail 10 is in the reefed position, is substantially parallel to the ship's plane and forms a second non-zero angle with respect to the ship's axis N. The at least two secondary rigid sails 10 of the sail propulsion system are reefed on a second side with respect to the ship's axis N, the second side being opposite the first side with respect to the ship's axis N. The first and second angles may be alternate interior angles of the same measure, the absolute value of the first and second angles being identical. Such a configuration is illustrated by way of non-limiting examples in Figure 1. figure 4a , there figure 4b , there figure 5a and the figure 5b Alternatively, the first angle and the second angle can be different from each other. Rigid sail

[0032] Each rigid sail 10 forms an aerodynamically profiled wing comprising a leading edge 13 and a trailing edge 14, a first wall 11 connecting the leading edge 13 and the trailing edge 14 and a second wall 12 connecting the leading edge 13 and the trailing edge 14. A distance between the first wall 11 and the second wall 12 at a given point of the rigid sail 10 corresponds to a thickness of the rigid sail 10.

[0033] A rigid sail 10, or rigid wing, is commonly used on ships to improve aerodynamic efficiency. The shape of each of the walls 11, 13 of the rigid sail 10 is fixed, in that it is not affected by external conditions that may be encountered during navigation. The thickness of the rigid sail 10 at any given point is therefore constant during navigation.

[0034] When the rigid sail 10 is in the hoisted position, one of the first wall 11 or the second wall 12 forms an intrados wall, and the other of the first wall 11 or the second wall 12 forms an extrados wall. The intrados wall is the face opposite the lifting surface. The extrados wall is the face on the lifting side.

[0035] A chord of the rigid sail 10 corresponds to a line connecting the leading edge 13 and the trailing edge 14 of the rigid sail 10 in a plane normal to the sail axis A, as illustrated by way of non-limiting example in figure 2a and in figure 5a .

[0036] A height H1, H2, H3 of a rigid sail 10 corresponds to a dimension along the sail axis A of the rigid sail 10.

[0037] The rigid sail 10 can form a classic aerodynamic profile, for example of the symmetrical NACA profile type.

[0038] The rigid sail 10 may include a foot 15 corresponding to one end of the rigid sail 10 adapted to be situated closest to the deck 30 of the ship 100, and a vertex opposite to the foot 15 along the sail axis A.

[0039] The rigid sail 10 can be made, for example, from composite materials or aluminum. The rigid sail 10 is thus made from a durable material, and therefore has a long lifespan. Aluminum is an inexpensive and recyclable material, which allows for the production of a rigid sail 10 at a lower cost. When the rigid sail 10 is made of aluminum, a sail propulsion system including spreaders and shrouds is particularly advantageous, especially when the rigid sail 10 has large dimensions.

[0040] The rigid sail 10 can be formed from a plurality of sail sections 18 stacked along the sail axis A, as illustrated by way of non-limiting example in figure 8a The sail sections 18 can be stacked from the foot 15 of the rigid sail 10 to the top of the rigid sail 10. A height H1, H2, H3 of the rigid sail 10 can correspond to a distance along the sail axis A from a first section 18 forming the foot 15 of the rigid sail to a last section 18 forming the top of the rigid sail 10.

[0041] A rigid sail 10 manufactured in sections 18 simplifies production and reduces manufacturing costs due to economies of scale. Furthermore, the sections 18 are smaller than the dimensions of the entire rigid sail 10, allowing for their transport by truck. Finally, the sail sections 18 can be assembled directly on the vessel 100 by the shipyard to form the rigid sail 10, thus eliminating the need for lifting equipment to install the rigid sail 10 on board.

[0042] Each sail section 18 of the rigid sail 10 can extend over at least 1% and at most 50% of the height H1, H2, H3 of the rigid sail 10, the number of sections 18 thus being between 2 and 100. For example, each sail section 18 of the rigid sail 10 can extend over at least 2% and at most 20% of the height H1, H2, H3 of the rigid sail 10.

[0043] Each section 18 can be composed of sheet metal and an internal structure, as illustrated by way of non-limiting example in figure 8b Each section 18 can be stacked with an adjacent section 18 by being welded or bolted to the adjacent section 18.

[0044] All sections 18 of the same rigid sail 10 can be of identical shapes and dimensions, which further simplifies the manufacture of the rigid sail 10.

[0045] A structural couple 19 can be arranged between two sections 18 of the rigid sail 10, in order to provide a solid assembly of the sections 18 together.

[0046] The section 18 forming the top of the rigid sail 10 may include a fairing arranged on the top of the section 18 in order to close a contour of the section 18. Such a fairing improves the aesthetics of the rigid sail 10 and improves the aerodynamic efficiency of the airflow at the top of the rigid sail 10.

[0047] Optionally, a part near the trailing edge of a section 18 can pivot around an axis substantially parallel to the sail axis A, so as to form a flap, which makes it possible to increase the lift coefficient of the rigid sail 10.

[0048] The sail propulsion system 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 part of the wall 11, 12 of the rigid sail 10, or substantially all of the wall 11, 12 of the rigid sail 10. Thus, the rigid sail 10 enables, in addition to the propulsion function of the vessel 100, the production of energy for the needs of the vessel 100 or the persons on board the vessel 100. Base

[0049] Each rigid sail 10 can be mounted on a respective base 20. Thus, a sail propulsion assembly comprising at least two rigid sails 10 includes at least two bases 20. The foot 15 of the rigid sail 10 can be adapted to be recessed into the base 20, in particular into the rotating element 21 of the base 20.

[0050] Each base 20 includes a rotating element 21 mounted pivoting about the sail axis A so that a pivoting of the rotating element 21 adjusts an incidence of the rigid sail 10 when the rigid sail 10 is in the hoisted position.

[0051] Each rigid sail 10 is mounted on the respective base 20 in a manner fixed to the base 20 in rotation around the sail axis A when the rigid sail 10 is in the hoisted position.

[0052] Each rigid sail 10 is mounted on the respective base 20 in a pivotal manner relative to the base 20 around the sleeping pivot axis P. In particular, the foot 15 of the rigid sail 10 can be mounted at a pivot joint of the base 20, the pivot joint being oriented along the sleeping pivot axis P.

[0053] In addition, each rigid sail 10 can be mounted on the respective base 20 in a manner fixed to the base 20 in rotation around the sail axis A when the rigid sail 10 is in the horizontal position.

[0054] The rotating element 21 can be a rotating ring, as illustrated by way of non-limiting example in figure 7a and in figure 7b , or alternatively, it can be a shaft on bearings. The rotating element 21 is fixed to the base 20.

[0055] The base 20 may include at least one mechanical pivoting system 22, such as a hydraulic jack, a rotating ring, or a rack and pinion assembly, adapted to pivot the rigid sail 10 around the sleeping pivot axis P between the lying position on the deck 30 for storage, and the hoisted position for navigation.

[0056] For example, the figure 7a and the figure 7billustrate a mechanical pivoting system 22 comprising a hydraulic cylinder adapted to be mounted on the ship 100 at a first end, and to be mounted on the foot 15 of the sail via the rotating element 21 at a second end opposite to the first end.

[0057] Thus, the pivoting system for the rigid sail 10 between the hoisted and retracted positions and the angle of attack adjustment system for the rigid sail 10 are simple and require few parts. Furthermore, the pivoting and angle of attack adjustment system is reliable and allows for easy maintenance. Indeed, the base 20, comprising the rotating element 21 and the mechanical pivoting system 22, is located at the foot 15 of the rigid sail 10 and is therefore easily accessible.

[0058] The rotating element 21 can be located between one-fifth and one-quarter of the chord of the rigid sail 10 aft of the leading edge 13, so as to naturally orient the rigid sail 10 in the direction of the wind. Indeed, the aerodynamic resultant then passes behind the sail axis A around which the rigid sail 10 pivots to adjust its angle of attack.

[0059] Each base 20 may include angular locking means for the rotating element 21 adapted to block a rotation of the rotating element 21 around the sail axis A when the rotating element 21 is in a predetermined angular position, for example in a predetermined position corresponding to the non-zero angle formed between the sail axis A and the ship axis N in the horizontal position.

[0060] For example, the rigid sail 10 can be lowered, and then the angular position of the rotating element 21 can be adjusted while the rigid sail 10 is in the lowered position until the desired angle of attack for herringbone storage is reached. The angular position of the rotating element 21 is then locked, thus fixing the angle of attack of the rigid sail 10. This facilitates herringbone storage of the rigid sails 10 in the sail propulsion system. Alternatively, the angular position of the rotating element 21, and therefore the angle of attack of the rigid sail 10, can be adjusted while the rigid sail 10 is in the hoisted position for storage until the desired angle of attack for herringbone storage is reached. The angular position of the rotating element 21 is then locked, fixing the angle of attack of the rigid sail 10. The rigid sail 10 can then be lowered to this precise angle of attack.

[0061] Each base 20 can be designed to prevent rotation of the rotating element 21 around the sail axis A when the rigid sail 10 is in the reclined position. Thus, the orientation of the rigid sail 10 is fixed when it is in the reclined position, preventing it from rotating around the sail axis A when stowed. Lying on its side and lying in a tucked position

[0062] The horizontal position can include a horizontal position on its edge and a horizontal position with overlapping. Thus, each rigid sail 10 can be mounted movably between: the hoisted position, a position lying on its side, in which the axis of sail A is substantially parallel to the ship's plane and a chord of the rigid sail 10 is substantially perpendicular to the ship's plane, and a position lying in a tucked position, in which the axis of sail A is substantially parallel to the ship's plane and a chord of the rigid sail 10 is inclined at an angle of less than 50° to the ship's plane, for example is substantially parallel to the ship's plane.

[0063] In other words, the sail propulsion system for a ship 100 comprises at least two rigid sails 10 adapted to be arranged on the ship 100 at a distance from each other along a ship axis N, each rigid sail 10 extending principally along a sail axis A, each rigid sail 10 forming an aerodynamically profiled wing comprising a leading edge 13 and a trailing edge 14, a chord of the rigid sail 10 corresponding to a line joining the leading edge 13 and the trailing edge 14 of the rigid sail 10 in a plane normal to the sail axis A, in which each rigid sail 10 is movably mounted between a hoisted position, a sideways position, and a tucked-down position, in which each rigid sail 10 is pivotally mounted about a tucked-down pivot axis P,a change of position of the rigid sail 10 between the hoisted position and the lying position on its edge or between the hoisted position and the lying position in overlapping position comprising a pivoting of the rigid sail 10 around the lying pivot axis P, and in which: , in the hoisted position, the sail axis A is substantially perpendicular to a ship plane formed by the sleeping pivot axis P and the ship axis N, and the rigid sail 10 is mounted pivotally about the sail axis A so as to adjust an incidence of the rigid sail 10 with respect to the ship axis N; in the side-lying position, the sail axis A is substantially parallel to the ship plane and forms a non-zero angle with respect to the ship axis N, and the chord of the rigid sail 10 is substantially perpendicular to the ship plane N; and in the tiled-down position, the sail axis A is substantially parallel to the ship plane and forms a non-zero angle with respect to the ship axis N, and the chord of the rigid sail 10 is inclined at an angle of less than 50° with respect to the ship plane 100, for example is substantially parallel to the ship plane 100.

[0064] Lying on its side, the rigid sail 10 is designed to minimize the overhang of the rigid sails 10 when laid flat, thus preventing an increase in the vessel's beam 100 when the sails 10 are furled. This side-lying position is therefore particularly useful when the vessel 100 is in port, as its lateral dimensions are optimized to minimize dock access issues. A chord of the rigid sail 10 in the side-lying position can extend significantly in the vertical direction.

[0065] The horizontal, overlapping position of the rigid sail 10 reduces the distance of the horizontal rigid sail 10 from the deck 30 of the vessel 100, thus allowing the height H1, H2, H3 of the rigid sail 10 to be increased without hindering the pivoting of another rigid sail 10 that would be in the hoisted position, thereby increasing the propulsive efficiency of the entire sail propulsion system. In other words, the horizontal, overlapping position increases the sail area of ​​each rigid sail 10 in the sail propulsion system by reducing the size of the base 20 in the vertical direction.

[0066] Indeed, particularly at sea during navigation, some rigid sails 10 of the sail propulsion assembly may be in the hoisted position while others are in the reefed position, depending on weather conditions, desired speed, etc. The foot 15 of the rigid sail 10, which is driven in rotation by the rotating element 21 of the base 20, must be located above, in the vertical direction, a rigid sail 10 in the reefed position, so as to allow a rigid sail 10 in the hoisted position to rotate around the axis of sail A to change its angle of attack, without being hindered by the reefed rigid sail 10.

[0067] Thus, one of the rigid sails 10 of the sail propulsion assembly can be in a folded-down position while another rigid sail 10 of the sail propulsion assembly is hoisted and can pivot around the sail axis A, because its foot 15 is located above, in the vertical direction, the base 20 of the rigid sail 10 that is folded down. Indeed, the rigid sail 10 lying on its side has a dimension in the vertical direction that corresponds approximately to the dimension of the rigid sail 10's chord, and which is therefore much greater than the dimension in the vertical direction of the rigid sail 10 in the folded-down position, corresponding approximately to the thickness of the rigid sail 10.Furthermore, the horizontal, overlapping position minimizes wind resistance and maximizes the horizontal surface area covered by the horizontal rigid sail 10. This can, for example, provide shelter from external conditions (rain, sun, etc.), maximize the efficiency of solar panels on the rigid sails 10, and so on. The rigid sail 10 in the horizontal, overlapping position can extend substantially in a plane parallel to the horizontal plane of the ship's deck 30, located at a certain distance in the vertical direction, zero or strictly positive, from the horizontal plane. The rigid sail 10 is respectively laid on the deck 30 or overlapped at a distance from the deck 30 and parallel to the deck 30.

[0068] Being able to choose between the side-lying and overlapping positions allows for adapting and optimizing the rigid sail's stowed position (10) according to external conditions and desired storage. In particular, the vessel's lateral footprint (100) in port can be minimized thanks to the overlapping position, and the heights (H1, H2, H3) of the rigid sails (10), and therefore the propulsive efficiency of the entire sail propulsion system, can be optimized for sailing.

[0069] At least two rigid sails 10 of the assembly can be arranged so that, in the horizontal position, the at least two rigid sails 10 overlap at least partially. When several rigid sails 10 of the sail propulsion assembly are in the horizontal, overlapping position, said several rigid sails 10 of the assembly thus overlap at least partially, which further minimizes the bulk of the horizontally positioned rigid sails 10.

[0070] At least two of the sterndrives 20 can be located at different distances from each other along an axis substantially perpendicular to the ship's plane, more precisely along the vertical axis. Thus, the sail propulsion system comprises sterndrives 20 located at different distances from the deck 30 of the ship 100 in the vertical direction. Such a configuration makes it possible to reduce the inclination of the rigid sails 10 when laid in a sloping position relative to the deck 30 of the ship 100, for example, to make the inclination of the rigid sails 10 when laid in a sloping position relative to the deck 30 of the ship 100 zero. Thus, the rigid sails 10 are substantially parallel to the deck 30 of the ship 100 in the sloping position.

[0071] In particular, a first base 20 which is located further from a center 103 of the ship 100 than a second base 20, can be located closer to the deck 30 of the ship 100 in the vertical direction than the second base 20. Thus, the rigid sails 10 located further from the center 103 of the ship 100 are laid in a tiling position below the rigid sails 10 located closer to the center 103 of the ship 100, which allows for further optimization of the storage of the rigid sails 10 in the tiling position.

[0072] When the rigid sail 10 lying in a tiled position has a non-zero inclination relative to the ship's plane, the rigid sail 10 can in particular be inclined towards the outside of the ship 100, the leading edge 13 of the rigid sail 10 being positioned closer to the deck 30 of the ship 100 than the trailing edge 14 of the rigid sail 10 in the vertical direction.

[0073] A first rigid sail 10 of the sail propulsion assembly in the horizontally folded position may be substantially parallel to the deck 30 of the vessel 100, with an inclination of less than 10°, preferably zero inclination, relative to the vessel's plane. A second rigid sail 10 of the sail propulsion assembly in the horizontally folded position may be located above the first rigid sail 10 in the horizontal position and have an inclination relative to the deck 30 of the vessel 100 strictly greater than the inclination of the first rigid sail 10 relative to the deck 30 of the vessel 100.

[0074] To lay a rigid sail 10 on its side, the rigid sail 10 in the hoisted position can first be pivoted around the sail axis A until it reaches an angle of attack approximately equal to the non-zero angle formed between the sail axis A and the ship's axis N in the lay-down position. Then, the rigid sail 10 is pivoted around the lay-down pivot axis P until it reaches the lay-down position on its side.

[0075] To lay a rigid sail 10 in a tiling position, the rigid sail 10 in the hoisted position can first be pivoted about the sail axis A to an angle of incidence approximately equal to the non-zero angle formed between the sail axis A and the ship's axis N in the lay-down position, plus or subtracted by approximately 90°. Then, the rigid sail 10 is pivoted about the lay-down pivot axis P until it reaches the lay-down, tiling position. Alternatively, the rigid sail 10 can first be laid on its edge and then pivoted approximately 90° about the sail axis A to reach the lay-down, tiling position. Spreaders and shrouds

[0076] The sail propulsion system may further include, for one or more or all of the rigid sails 10 of the sail propulsion system: at least one spreader 81, 82 adapted to be mounted pivotally relative to the wall 11, 12 of the rigid sail 10, between a sailing position in which the spreader 81, 82 extends substantially perpendicularly to the wall 11, 12 of the rigid sail 10, and a stowed position in which the spreader 81, 82 extends substantially against the wall 11, 12 of the rigid sail 10, and at least two shrouds 91, 92 mounted on the spreader 81, 82, in which, when the spreader 81, 82 is in the sailing position, the shrouds 91, 92 extend substantially away from the wall 11, 12 of the rigid sail 10, and when the spreader 81, 82 is in the stowed position, the shrouds 91, 92 extend substantially against wall 11, 12 of rigid sail 10.

[0077] This configuration will be described in more detail below in relation to the fourth embodiment, which is compatible with the first embodiment. In particular, each feature described below in relation to the fourth embodiment is compatible with each feature described in relation to the first embodiment. Example of a sail propulsion system

[0078] A set of sail propulsion systems, illustrated as a non-limiting example in figures 2a to 6 , comprises five rigid sails 10 as described above. Each rigid sail 10 is fitted onto a respective base 20, the rigid sails 10 being adapted to be arranged on the ship 100 at a distance from each other along the ship axis N.

[0079] Three of the rigid sails 10 in the assembly are adapted to have a sail axis A which, when the rigid sail 10 is in the horizontal position, is substantially parallel to the ship's plane, forms a first non-zero angle with the ship's axis N, which may be substantially parallel to or coincide with the mean alignment axis of the rigid sails 10, and extends on one side from the ship's axis N. Two of the rigid sails 10 in the assembly are adapted to have a sail axis A which, when the rigid sail 10 is in the horizontal position, is substantially parallel to the ship's plane, forms a second non-zero angle with the ship's axis N, and extends on a second side from the ship's axis N. The first and second angles are alternate interior angles of the same measure, the absolute values ​​of the first and second angles being identical. The second side is opposite the first side with respect to the ship's axis N.

[0080] Each rigid sail 10 of the assembly can be pivoted into a horizontal position corresponding to a horizontal position in tiling, or into a horizontal position corresponding to a horizontal position on its edge. Ship

[0081] A ship 100, illustrated as a non-limiting example in figures 2a to 6 , understand : a deck 30 extending mainly along the ship's axis N, and a wind propulsion assembly according to any one of the embodiment examples described above in relation to the first embodiment.

[0082] Each rigid sail 10 of the sail propulsion assembly is adapted to be mounted on the deck 30 of the ship 100, for example via the base 20.

[0083] The deck 30 of the ship 100 is substantially parallel to the ship's plane, the deck 30 of the ship 100 and the ship's plane being substantially horizontal.

[0084] The vessel 100 can extend between a forward end 101 and a rear end 102. A center 103 of the vessel 100 corresponds to a point of the vessel 100 substantially equidistant from the forward end 101 and the rear end 102 of the vessel 100. The forward end 101 corresponds to the bow of the vessel 100, and the rear end 102 corresponds to the stern of the vessel 100. A ship comprising several rigid sails of different heights

[0085] A first rigid sail 10 of the sail propulsion assembly has a first height H1, and a second rigid sail 10 of the sail 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 positioned 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 forward 101 or aft 102 ends of the vessel 100 than the first rigid sail 10. A greater height H1, H2, H3 of the rigid sail 10 is associated with a larger sail area of ​​the rigid sail 10, and therefore with larger dimensions of the rigid sail 10.

[0086] Thus, the sail propulsion system includes several rigid sails 10 of different dimensions, the smaller rigid sails 10 being arranged in the center 103 of the ship 100 and the larger rigid sails 10 being arranged at the ends 101, 102 of the ship 100.

[0087] This arrangement minimizes the overall size of the sail propulsion system without reducing the height H1, H2, H3 of the rigid sails 10 when they are in the reefed position. Therefore, this arrangement increases the height H1, H2, H3 of the rigid sails 10 positioned near the forward 101 and aft 102 ends of the vessel 100, thus increasing the total sail area of ​​the sail propulsion system without increasing the overall length of the vessel 100.Indeed, a rigid sail 10 positioned at the center 103 of the vessel 100 can have a height H1, H2, H3 corresponding approximately to half the length of the vessel 100, that is, half of a dimension along the vessel's axis N between the forward end 101 and the aft end 102 of the vessel 100, while a rigid sail 10 positioned at a forward end 101 or aft end 102 of the vessel 100 can have a height H1, H2, H3 corresponding approximately to a length of the vessel 100, that is, a dimension along the vessel's axis N between the forward end 101 and the aft end 102 of the vessel 100. The rigid sails 10 can thus be pivoted into the horizontal position without increasing the length of the vessel 100.

[0088] In addition, this overall sail propulsion configuration comprising rigid sails 10 of different heights H allows the sail area to be adjusted according to wind speed and sea state, in order to maintain a constant propulsive force, with a longitudinal center of sail that remains close to the center 103 of the ship 100. The rigid sails 10 of smaller heights H can be structurally dimensioned to withstand higher wind speeds and sea states.

[0089] For example, the second height H2 of the second rigid sail 10 can be 5% to 50% greater than the first height H1 of the first rigid sail 10, preferably can be 10% to 20% greater than the first height H1 of the first rigid sail 10.

[0090] The sail propulsion assembly may include a third rigid sail 10 adapted to be arranged 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 to the second height H2, or which may be strictly greater than the first height H1 and strictly less than the second height H2.

[0091] The sail propulsion assembly may include a greater number of rigid sails 10. The height of each rigid sail 10 may be conditioned by the distance between the rigid sail 10 and the center 103 of the ship 100, a rigid sail 10 of the sail propulsion assembly being located closer to the center 103 of the ship 100 than another having a height H1, H2, H3 less than the other. Thus, the rigid sails 10 are arranged progressively according to their height so that the greater the height H1, H2, H3 of a rigid sail 10, the closer the rigid sail 10 is to one of the ends, forward 101 or aft 102, of the vessel 100. The lower the height H1, H2, H3 of a rigid sail 10, the closer the rigid sail 10 is to the center 103 of the vessel 100. The vessel 100 illustrated by way of non-limiting example in figure 2aincludes a sail propulsion system comprising five rigid sails 10, each having different heights H depending on the distance between the rigid sail 10 and the center 103 of the ship 100.

[0092] Combining rigid sails 10 with a sail axis A, which, when the rigid sail 10 is in the reefed position, is substantially parallel to the ship's plane and forms a non-zero angle with the ship's axis N (which may be substantially parallel to or coincide with the mean alignment axis of the rigid sails 10), with rigid sails 10 of increasing heights as they move away from the center 103 of the ship 100, allows for a further increase in the height H1, H2, H3 of the rigid sails 10, and therefore the sail area of ​​the entire sail propulsion system, without increasing the lateral dimensions of the ship 100. Indeed, since the rigid sails 10 are reefed diagonally, the rigid sails 10 located near the extremities 101, 102 of the ship 100 can have even greater heights H, because they are reefed diagonally to the ship. 100 along their entire height H.This arrangement therefore minimizes the overhang of the rigid sails 10 lying on the deck 30 of the ship 100, while ensuring that the rigid sails 10 are lying down without having to overlap. Second embodiment

[0093] In a second embodiment, a ship 100 comprises: a deck 30 extending mainly along a ship axis N in a horizontal plane, and a rigid sail 10 adapted to be mounted on the deck 30 of the ship 100, said rigid sail 10 forming an aerodynamically profiled wing extending mainly along a sail axis A and 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 trailing edge 14 of the rigid sail 10 in a plane normal to the sail axis A, in which the rigid sail 10 is mounted movably between: a hoisted position, in which the sail axis A is substantially perpendicular to the horizontal plane, a position lying on its side, in which the sail axis A is substantially parallel to the horizontal plane and a chord of the rigid sail 10 is substantially perpendicular to the horizontal plane, and a position lying in overlapping, in which the sail axis A is substantially parallel to the horizontal plane and a chord of the rigid sail 10 is inclined at an angle of less than 50° to the horizontal plane, for example is substantially parallel to the horizontal plane.

[0094] The advantages associated with this second embodiment correspond to the advantages described above concerning the stacking of the rigid sails 10 of the sail propulsion system in a stacked or edge-on position according to the first embodiment. In particular, the edge-on position of the stacked rigid sail 10 minimizes the overhang of the rigid sails 10 in the stacked position, and thus avoids increasing the beam of the vessel 100 when the rigid sails 10 are stowed, especially in port. The stacked position of the rigid sail 10 reduces the distance of the stowed sail from the deck 30 of the vessel 100, thus allowing the height H1, H2, H3 of the rigid sail 10 to be increased, and therefore the sail area of ​​the sail propulsion system, without hindering the pivoting of another rigid sail 10 that would be in the hoisted position, and thus increasing the propulsive efficiency of the sail propulsion system.Being able to choose between the side-lying position and the overlapping position allows for adapting and optimizing the storage of the rigid sail 10, in particular to minimize the lateral bulk of the vessel 100 in port thanks to the side-lying position, or to optimize the propulsive efficiency of the sail propulsion system for navigation thanks to the overlapping position.

[0095] The positions lying on edge and lying in tiling can correspond respectively to the positions lying on edge and lying in tiling described above concerning the first embodiment.

[0096] The second embodiment can be implemented independently of the first embodiment, or in combination with the first embodiment, the second embodiment being compatible with each of the features described above concerning the first embodiment. The vessel 100 according to the second embodiment can thus comprise one, several, or all of the elements described above concerning the first embodiment; for example, it may comprise several rigid sails 10 and / or bases 20 as described above, for example, arranged in a herringbone pattern, optionally with a rotating element 21 and a mechanical pivoting system 22 as described above, one or more spreaders and shrouds as described below, etc. The second embodiment is particularly compatible with the herringbone arrangement described above concerning the first embodiment.Thus, in the horizontal position and / or in the horizontal position with overlapping sails, the sail axis A can be substantially parallel to the ship's plane and form a non-zero angle with the ship's axis N, which can be substantially parallel to or coincide with the mean alignment axis of the rigid sails 10, so that several rigid sails 10 of the sail propulsion assembly are arranged in a herringbone pattern. Furthermore, the second embodiment accommodates rigid sails 10 of different heights H as described above, with the smaller rigid sails 10 being arranged closer to the center 103 of the ship 100. Third mode of implementation

[0097] In a third embodiment, a vessel 100 extends between a forward end 101 and a rear end 102, a center 103 of the vessel 100 corresponding to a point of the vessel 100 substantially equidistant from the forward end 101 and the rear end 102 of the vessel 100, the vessel 100 comprising: a deck 30 extending mainly along the ship axis N, and at least two rigid sails 10 adapted to be arranged on the deck 30 of the ship 100 at a distance from each other along the ship axis N, wherein each rigid sail 10 forms an aerodynamically profiled wing extending mainly along a sail axis A, a height H1, H2, H3 of a rigid sail 10 corresponding to a dimension along the sail axis A of the rigid sail 10, wherein a first rigid sail 10 has a first height H1 and a 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 ship 100 than the second rigid sail 10.

[0098] The advantages associated with this third embodiment correspond to the advantages described above concerning the arrangement of several rigid sails 10 of different heights H in the vessel 100 according to the first embodiment. The arrangement according to the third embodiment thus makes it possible to increase the height H1, H2, H3 of the rigid sails 10 located near the forward 101 and aft 102 ends of the vessel 100, thereby increasing the total sail area of ​​the sail propulsion system without increasing the overall length of the vessel 100, and also allows the sail area to be adjusted according to wind speed and sea state, in order to maintain a constant propulsive force.

[0099] The arrangement of several rigid sails 10 of different heights H of the third embodiment can correspond substantially to the arrangement described above concerning the ship 100 according to the first embodiment.

[0100] The third embodiment can be implemented independently of the first embodiment and the second embodiment, or in combination with the first embodiment and / or with the second embodiment.

[0101] The third embodiment is compatible with each of the features described above concerning the first embodiment. The vessel 100 according to the third embodiment may thus comprise one, several, or all of the elements described above concerning the first embodiment; for example, it may comprise several rigid sails 10 and / or bases 20, optionally with a rotating element 21 and the mechanical pivoting system 22, as described above, one or more spreaders and shrouds as described below, etc. The third embodiment is particularly compatible with herringbone storage and / or storage in a horizontal position on its side or in a horizontal position with overlapping, as described above concerning the first embodiment.Thus, in the horizontal position and / or in the horizontal position in overlapping, the sail axis A can be substantially parallel to the ship's plane, and form a non-zero angle with respect to the ship's axis N, so that several rigid sails 10 of the sail propulsion assembly are arranged in a herringbone pattern. Fourth mode of implementation

[0102] In a fourth embodiment, a sail propulsion system for a vessel 100, illustrated by way of non-limiting example in figure 1 , understand : a rigid sail 10 forming an aerodynamically profiled wing, the rigid sail 10 comprising a wall 11, 12 extending principally along a sail axis A, at least one spreader 81, 82 adapted to be mounted pivotally relative to the wall 11, 12 of the rigid sail 10, between a sailing position in which the spreader 81, 82 extends substantially perpendicularly to the wall 11, 12 of the rigid sail 10, and a stowed position in which the spreader 81, 82 extends substantially against the wall 11, 12 of the rigid sail 10, and at least two shrouds 91, 92 mounted on the spreader 81, 82, in which, when the spreader 81, 82 is in the sailing position, the shrouds 91, 92 extend substantially at a distance from the wall 11, 12 of the rigid sail 10, and when the spreader bar 81, 82 is in the stowed position, the shrouds 91, 92 extend substantially against the wall 11, 12 of the rigid sail 10.

[0103] The spreader bar 81, 82 is mounted on the rigid sail 10, and not on a mast. The spreader bar 81, 82 can pivot to fold completely against the rigid sail 10. Thus, the sail propulsion system according to the fourth embodiment allows the spreader bar 81, 82 to pivot to be stowed against the wall 11, 12 of the rigid sail 10. By "however," it is understood that when the spreader bar 81, 82 is in the stowed position, the spreader bar 81, 82 and the shrouds 91, 92 are located in the immediate vicinity of the wall 11, 12 of the rigid sail 10. The spreader bar 81, 82 and / or the shrouds 91, 92 may be in contact with the rigid sail 10 along part or all of their length, particularly depending on the shape of the aerodynamic profile of the rigid sail 10.

[0104] When the spreader 81, 82 is in the stowed position, the sail propulsion assembly has a reduced footprint due to the folding of the spreader 81, 82 against the rigid sail 10, and therefore takes up less space on the vessel 100, particularly when the rigid sail 10 is lying on the deck 30 of the vessel 100. In other words, the presence of the spreader 81, 82 and the shrouds 91, 92 makes it possible to stiffen the rigid sail 10, without significantly increasing the footprint of the sail propulsion assembly when the spreader 81, 82 is in the stowed position.

[0105] The shrouds 91 and 92 are easy to manufacture. They are mounted on the spreader bar 81 and 82 and are not connected to the deck 30 of the vessel 100. The shrouds 91 and 92 are particularly useful when the rigid sail 10 is large, as they provide the necessary rigidity for sailing in varying conditions. Furthermore, the presence of shrouds 91 and 92 allows the use of rigid sails 10 made of aluminum, for example, thus reducing the cost of the rigid sail 10.

[0106] The spreader bar 81, 82 allows the shrouds 91, 92 to be moved away from the rigid sail 10 in the sailing position, so that the shrouds 91, 92, tensioned and moved away from the rigid sail 10 by the spreader bar 81, 82, provide mechanical resistance to the rigid sail 10 under transverse bending stresses, and thus stiffen the rigid sail 10.

[0107] When the spreader bar 81, 82 is in the sailing position, the shrouds 91, 92 can extend either substantially parallel to the sail axis A and the wall 11, 12 of the rigid sail 10 and at a distance from the wall 11, 12 of the rigid sail 10, or diagonally with respect to the sail axis A and the wall 11, 12 of the rigid sail 10. When the spreader bar 81, 82 is in the stowed position, the shrouds 91, 92 can extend either substantially parallel to the sail axis A and the wall 11, 12 of the rigid sail 10, substantially against the wall 11, 12 of the rigid sail 10, or substantially diagonally with respect to the sail axis A and substantially parallel to the wall 11, 12 of the rigid sail 10, substantially against the wall 11, 12 of the rigid sail 10. When the spreader bar 81, 82 is in the stowed position, the spreader bar 81, 82 extends substantially parallel to the wall 11, 12 of the rigid sail 10.

[0108] When the spreader bar 81, 82 is in the sailing position and the shrouds 91, 92 extend substantially parallel to the sail axis A, the shrouds 91, 92 can extend to a distance corresponding substantially to a length of the spreader bar 91, 92 relative to the wall 11, 12 of the rigid sail.

[0109] This fourth embodiment can be implemented independently of the first embodiment and / or the second embodiment and / or the third embodiment, or in combination with the first embodiment and / or with the second embodiment and / or with the third embodiment.

[0110] The fourth embodiment is particularly compatible with each of the characteristics described above concerning the first embodiment. The vessel 100 according to the fourth embodiment may thus comprise one, several, or all of the elements described above concerning the first embodiment; for example, it may comprise several rigid sails 10 as described above concerning the first embodiment, possibly manufactured in sections 18, etc. The definitions established in relation to the first embodiment, particularly those relating to the geometry of the rigid sails 10 and / or the vessel, are also valid for the fourth embodiment.

[0111] The fourth embodiment is particularly compatible with herringbone and sideways or overlapping sideways storage, as described above for the first embodiment. Thus, in the sideways and / or overlapping sideways position, the sail axis A can be substantially parallel to the ship's plane and form a non-zero angle with the ship's axis N, so that several rigid sails 10 of the sail propulsion assembly are herred.

[0112] Furthermore, the fourth embodiment is compatible with the arrangement of several rigid sails 10 of different heights H as described above for the first embodiment. Thus, the smaller rigid sails 10 can be arranged closer to the center 103 of the vessel 100.

[0113] The spreader bar 81, 82 may be inclined by less than 10° with respect to a plane normal to the sail axis A, for example may be inclined by an angle between 1° and 8° with respect to the plane normal to the sail axis A, or may extend substantially in the plane normal to the sail axis A.

[0114] The spreader bar 81, 82 can be moved between the sailing position and the stowed position by pivoting around a pivot axis of the spreader bar 85, said pivot axis of the spreader bar 85 being inclined by less than 10° with respect to the sail axis A, for example being inclined at an angle between 1° and 8° with respect to the sail axis A, or corresponding substantially to the sail axis A. Thus, the lower attachment point of the lower shroud 91, 92 is moved away from a 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.

[0115] Thus, the spreader 81, 82 remains substantially in a plane normal to the sail axis A regardless of its position, as the spreader 81, 82 is substantially perpendicular to the rigid sail 10 in the sailing position and substantially parallel to the rigid sail 10 in the stowed position. The pivoting of the spreader 81, 82 is facilitated, and the overall size of the sail propulsion system is reduced when the spreader 81, 82 is in the stowed position.

[0116] The spreader bar 81, 82 can be pivoted between the navigation position and the storage position by pivoting through an angle of approximately 90° around the pivot axis.

[0117] Each rigid sail 10 of the sail propulsion assembly may include at least one rotation mechanism comprising a pivot 84 oriented along the pivot axis of the spreader 85, and an actuator, not shown, adapted to drive at least one spreader 81, 82 in rotation so as to adjust the position of the spreader 81, 82 between the sailing position and the stowed position by pivoting the spreader 81, 82 around the pivot axis of the spreader 85. The pivot 84 of the rotation mechanism may form a junction between the spreader 81, 82 and the rigid sail 10. The pivot 84 of the rotation mechanism may be located in a position substantially close to the sail axis A, and be disposed in a plane normal to the sail axis A.One end of the spreader bar 81, 82 is pivotally mounted on the pivot 84 of the rotation mechanism around an axis of rotation of the pivot corresponding to the pivot axis of the spreader bar 85, at the level of a pivot point of the spreader bar 81, 82, the pivot point being for example formed in the pivot 84.

[0118] Thus, each spreader 81, 82 is adapted to be mounted pivoting relative to the wall 11, 12 of the rigid sail 10 at the pivot 84 of the rotation mechanism of the spreader 81, 82, each spreader 81, 82 being mounted pivoting between the sailing position and the storage position around the pivot axis of the spreader 85 at the pivot point of the spreader 81, 82.

[0119] The actuator of the rotation mechanism can be, for example, a jack, a rack and pinion assembly, or ropes adapted to pull the spreader bar 81, 82.

[0120] The spreader bar 81, 82 can be adapted to be mounted pivoting between the sailing position and the stowed position around a pivot axis of the spreader bar 85 at the pivot point, the shrouds 91, 92 being mounted on the spreader bar 81, 82 and being further mounted on the rigid sail 10 at respective connection points, wherein the pivot point of the spreader bar 81, 82 is aligned with the connection points of the shrouds 91, 92 along the sail axis A, so that the shrouds 91, 92 remain taut whether the spreader bar 81, 82 is in the sailing position or in the stowed position.For example, a spreader bar 81, 82 and two shrouds 91, 92 may be present, each shroud 91, 92 being mounted at one end on the spreader bar 81, 82 and at one end on the wall 11, 12 of the rigid sail 10 at a connection point, the connection points of the two shrouds 91, 92 being aligned with the pivot point of the spreader bar 81, 82.

[0121] When a plurality of spreaders 81, 82 are present, a plurality of corresponding rotation mechanisms may be present, each rotation mechanism being adapted to rotate a corresponding spreader 81, 82. The pivot axes 85 of all the pivots 84 of the rotation mechanisms may be aligned and coincide, so that the pivot axes 85 of all the spreaders 81, 82 coincide. The pivots 84 of the rotation mechanisms may be located at a distance from each other along the sail axis A, in particular according to the spacing of the spreaders 81, 82 along the sail axis A; for example, they may be regularly spaced along the sail axis A.

[0122] The actuator(s) of the rotation mechanism can be adapted to simultaneously rotate all the spreaders 81, 82, so as to move the spreaders 81, 82 between the sailing position and the stowed position while maintaining the tension of the shrouds 91, 92.

[0123] When the rigid sail 10 is made up of a plurality of sections 18, the pivot 84 of the rotation mechanism can be mounted at a junction between two sections 18 of the rigid sail 10. Indeed, the junction between two sections of the rigid sail 18 is particularly strong in terms of structure.

[0124] The pivot 84 of the rotation mechanism may comprise two clevises, as illustrated by way of non-limiting example in figure 9 , a ball joint, or any other suitable element to drive at least one spreader bar 81, 82 in rotation. For example, the pivot of the rotation mechanism illustrated in figure 9comprises two cleats 84 rigidly fixed to a wall 11, 12 of the rigid sail 10. The two cleats 84 are arranged on either side of the corresponding spreader 81, 82, one end of the corresponding spreader 81, 82 being mounted between the two cleats 84, the corresponding spreader 81, 82 being held between the two cleats 84. Each cleat 84 includes a through opening, the through openings of the two cleats being aligned along the pivot axis of the spreader 81, 82. The end of the spreader 81, 82 mounted on the cleats 84 also includes a through opening adapted to be aligned with the through openings of the two cleats 84, the through openings of the spreader 81, 82 corresponding to the pivot point of the spreader 81, 82.

[0125] The rotation mechanism may further include a shroud pivot rigidly fixed to the rigid sail 10 and to which one end of the shroud 91, 92 closest to the deck 30 of the ship 100 is fixed, and a shroud pivot rigidly fixed to the rigid sail and to which one end of the shroud 91, 92 furthest from the deck 30 of the ship 100 is fixed.

[0126] In the stowed position, the spreader bar 81, 82 and / or the shrouds 91, 92 can be at least partially in contact with the rigid sail 10. Thus, the bulk of the entire sail propulsion system is further reduced.

[0127] The sail propulsion assembly may include a plurality of spreaders 81, 82 and a plurality of shrouds 91, 92.

[0128] Each spreader of the plurality of spreaders 81, 82 can be adapted to be mounted pivotally relative to a wall 11, 12 of the rigid sail 10 at the level of a corresponding rotation mechanism 84 of the spreader 81, 82.

[0129] Each shroud of the plurality of shrouds 91, 92 can be mounted on at least one spreader 81, 82, at least two shrouds of the plurality of shrouds 91, 92 being adapted to be mounted further on the rigid sail 10 at the respective connection points.

[0130] The pivot points of the spreaders 81, 82 can be aligned with each other and with the connection points of the shrouds 91, 92 along the sail axis A, so that the shrouds 91, 92 remain taut, whether the spreader 81, 82 is in the sailing position or in the stowed position.

[0131] A stay 91, 92 can be a cable comprising a first end and a second end substantially opposite the first. A spreader bar 81, 82 can be a rigid bar comprising a first end and a second end substantially opposite the first. The rigid bar of the spreader bar 81, 82 is adapted to withstand compression due to the tension of the stays 91, 92.

[0132] Each shroud 91, 92 can be mounted on one side to a spreader 81, 82 and on the other side to another spreader 81, 82 or to the rigid sail 10. Each spreader 81, 82 is mounted on the rigid sail 10 at its first end. A shroud 91, 92 is mounted on the spreader 81, 82 at the second end of the spreader 81, 82.

[0133] A shroud 91, 92 which extends substantially parallel to the sail axis A, or parallel shroud 91, 92, is mounted at its first end on a first spreader 81, 82 and at its second end on a second spreader 81, 82, the second spreader 81, 82, being situated at a distance from the first spreader 81, 82 along the sail axis A.

[0134] A shroud 91, 92 extending diagonally from the sail axis A, or diagonal shroud 91, 92, is mounted at its first end on a spreader 81, 82 and at its second end on the rigid sail 10 at a connection point. The diagonal shroud 91, 92 can be mounted on a pivot 84 of a rotation mechanism for the spreader 81, 82, the connection point corresponding to a mounting point of the shroud 91, 92 on the pivot 84 of the rotation mechanism. Thus, the at least two shrouds of the plurality of shrouds 91, 92 which are mounted on one side on a spreader 81, 82 and on the other side on the rigid sail 10 include the diagonal shrouds 91, 92. In particular, a diagonal shroud 91, 92 can be mounted at its first end on a spreader 81, 82 and at its second end on the foot 15 of the rigid sail 10.Thus, the diagonal shroud 91, 92 closest to deck 30 is taken up at the foot 15 of the rigid sail 10, and not on deck 30.

[0135] Several shrouds of the plurality of shrouds 91, 92 can be formed from a single piece joined together. For example, a parallel shroud and a diagonal shroud can be formed from a single line which extends in a first part corresponding to the parallel shroud substantially parallel to the sail axis A, and which extends in a second part corresponding to the diagonal shroud substantially diagonally to the sail axis A.

[0136] The shroud of the plurality of shrouds 91, 92 which is located closest to the deck 30 of the ship can be a diagonal shroud whose first end is mounted on the spreader 81, 92 which is located closest to the deck 30 of the ship, and a second end is mounted on the foot 15 of the rigid sail 10. Thus, the shrouds 91, 92 do not come onto the deck 30 of the ship 100, unlike conventional stayed masts.

[0137] The rigid sail 10 may comprise a first wall 11 and a second wall 12. The assembly comprises: a plurality of first spreaders 81, respectively of second spreaders 82, adapted to be mounted pivotally relative to the first wall 11, respectively to the second wall 12, between the sailing position and the stowed position, and a plurality of first shrouds 91, respectively of second shrouds 92, each shroud of the plurality of first shrouds 91, respectively of second shrouds 92, being mounted on at least one of the spreaders of the plurality of first spreaders 81, respectively of second shrouds 82.

[0138] The first spreaders 81 and the first stays 91 extend along the side of the first wall 11. The second spreaders 82 and the second stays 92 extend along the side of the second wall 12. Several, or all, of the first stays 91 may be formed in one piece. Several, or all, of the second stays 92 may be formed in one piece.

[0139] The rigid sail 10 includes: a navigation configuration, in which the plurality of first arrow bars 81 and the plurality of second arrow bars 82 are in the navigation position, and a storage configuration, in which the plurality of first arrow bars 81 and the plurality of second arrow bars 82 are in the storage position.

[0140] Thus, spreaders 81, 82 and stays 91, 92 are installed on each side of the rigid sail 10, which allows the rigid sail 10 to be made as rigid as possible.

[0141] The sailing position of each of the spreaders of the plurality of first spreaders 81 and of the plurality of second spreaders 82 can be such that, in the sailing position, the spreader 81, 82 extends substantially perpendicularly to the wall 11, 12 of the rigid sail 10 on which it is mounted. The stowed position of each of the spreaders of the plurality of first spreaders 81 and of the plurality of second spreaders 82 can be such that, in the stowed position, the spreader 81, 82 extends substantially against the wall 11, 12 of the rigid sail 10 on which it is mounted.

[0142] Each spreader of the plurality of first spreaders 81 is mounted on the side of the first wall 11 of the rigid sail 10 so as to extend against the first wall 11 of the rigid sail 10 in the stowed position. Each spreader of the plurality of second spreaders 82 is mounted on the side of the second wall 12 of the rigid sail 10 so as to extend against the second wall 12 of the rigid sail 10 in the stowed position.

[0143] In the storage configuration, the sail propulsion assembly has a reduced footprint, the spreaders 81, 82 and the shrouds 91, 92 not significantly increasing the footprint compared to the footprint of a rigid sail 10 without spreaders 81, 82 or shrouds 91, 92.

[0144] The spreader bar 81, 82 can be mounted so that it can be pivoted, via the rotation mechanism 84, through a continuum of positions between the sailing position and the stowed position. Thus, all orientations of the spreader bar 81, 82 relative to the wall 11, 12 of the rigid sail 10 on which it is mounted are accessible.

[0145] The rigid sail 10 can be pivoted about a sleeping pivot axis P, a change of position of the rigid sail 10 between a hoisted position and a lying position comprising a pivoting of the rigid sail 10 about the sleeping pivot axis P. In the hoisted position, the sail axis A is substantially perpendicular to a ship plane formed by the sleeping pivot axis P and a ship axis N, and in the lying position, the sail axis A is substantially parallel to the ship plane.

[0146] When the rigid sail 10 is in the horizontal position, the sail axis A can form a non-zero angle with respect to the ship axis N. The herringbone arrangement of the rigid sails 10 of the sail propulsion assembly according to the fourth embodiment can correspond to the herringbone arrangement described above concerning the first embodiment.

[0147] In particular, the sail propulsion system may include at least two rigid sails 10 arranged so that, in the reefed position, the sail axes A of the at least two rigid sails 10 are parallel to each other and located at a distance from each other along the ship's centerline N, such that the at least two rigid sails 10 of the sail propulsion system are stowed in a herringbone pattern on the ship 100 when in the reefed position. The angle formed between the sail axis A and the ship's centerline N when the rigid sail 10 is in the reefed position may be between 5° and 45°, preferably between 5° and 15°.

[0148] The sail propulsion assembly may further include a base 20, with the rigid sail 10 mounted on the base 20. The base 20 may correspond to the base 20 described above for the first embodiment. In particular, the base 20 may include a rotating element 21 pivotally mounted about the sail axis A such that pivoting the rotating element 21 adjusts the angle of attack of the rigid sail 10 when the rigid sail 10 is in the hoisted position. The rotating element 21 may be a rotating ring or a shaft on bearings. The base 20 may include angular locking means and / or one or more mechanical pivoting systems 22 as described above for the first embodiment.The rigid sail 10 is mounted on the base 20 in a manner fixed to the base 20 in rotation around the sail axis A when the rigid sail 10 is in the hoisted position and in a pivoting manner relative to the base 20 around the sleeping pivot axis P.

[0149] The sail propulsion assembly may further include a photovoltaic panel adapted to be mounted on the wall 11, 12 of the rigid sail 10. The photovoltaic panel may correspond to the photovoltaic panel according to the first embodiment.

[0150] A sail propulsion system may include a plurality of rigid sails 10.

[0151] Each rigid sail 10 of the plurality of rigid sails 10 of the sail propulsion assembly may include one or more respective spreaders 81, 82, and one or more respective shrouds 91, 92, which may have the same characteristics as those of the spreaders 81, 82 or shrouds 91, 92 described above.

[0152] Each rigid sail 10 can in particular comprise a plurality of first spreaders 81 mounted on a first wall 11 of the rigid sail 10, a plurality of second spreaders 82 mounted on a second wall 12 of the rigid sail 10, a plurality of first shrouds 91 mounted on the plurality of first spreaders 81, and a plurality of second shrouds 92 mounted on the plurality of second spreaders 82.

[0153] The number of second spreaders 82 and second shrouds 92, respectively, can be equal to the number of first spreaders 81 and first shrouds 91, respectively. The first and second spreaders 81, 82 can be arranged substantially symmetrically around the sail axis A, particularly when the rigid sail 10 has a symmetrical NACA airfoil. The first and second shrouds 91, 92 can be arranged substantially symmetrically around the rigid sail 10, particularly when the rigid sail 10 has a symmetrical NACA airfoil. Symmetrical spreaders 81, 82 and shrouds 91, 92 improve the stiffening of the rigid sail 10 by the shrouds 91, 92 and the ease of pivoting of the spreaders 81, 82.

[0154] For each rigid sail 10 of the sail propulsion assembly, the shroud of the plurality of shrouds 91, 92 that is located closest to the deck 30 of the ship can be a diagonal shroud, one end of which is mounted on the spreader 81, 92 that is located closest to the deck 30 of the ship, and a second end is mounted on the foot 15 of the rigid sail 10. For each rigid sail 10 of the sail propulsion assembly, the pivot points of the spreaders 81, 82 can be aligned with each other and with the connection points of the shrouds 91, 92 along the sail axis A, so that the shrouds 91, 92 remain taut, whether the spreader 81, 82 is in the sailing position or in the stowed position.

[0155] There figure 2a , there figure 2b , there figure 4a and the figure 5aillustrate a non-limiting example of a sail propulsion system comprising five rigid sails 10. As illustrated by way of non-limiting example in figure 1 Each rigid sail 10 comprises three first spreaders 81 mounted on the first wall 11 of the rigid sail 10 via three respective rotation mechanisms 84, and six first shrouds 91 mounted on the first three spreaders 81. Each rigid sail 10 further comprises three second spreaders 82 mounted on the second wall 12 of the rigid sail 10 via three respective rotation mechanisms 84, and six second shrouds 92 mounted on the three second spreaders 82.

[0156] A vessel 100 may include a sail propulsion system according to the fourth embodiment described above. The sail propulsion system comprises one or more rigid sails 10 as described above. The vessel 100 may include features corresponding to the features described above for the first embodiment.

[0157] Other embodiments may be considered and a person skilled in the art can easily modify the embodiments or examples set out above or consider others while remaining within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A sailing propulsion assembly for a vessel (100), comprising 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) extending mainly along a sail axis (A), each rigid sail (10) forming an aerodynamic wing 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 trailing edge (14) of the rigid sail (10) in a plane normal to the sail axis (A), wherein each rigid sail (10) is mounted so as to be movable between a hoisted position, a position lying on its edge, and a position lying tilted, wherein each rigid sail (10) is mounted so as to pivot about a lying pivot axis (P), a change in position of the rigid sail (10) between the hoisted position and the position lying on its edge or between the hoisted position and the position lying tilted comprising pivoting of the rigid sail (10) about the lying pivot axis (P), and wherein: - in the hoisted position, the sail axis (A) is substantially perpendicular to a vessel plane formed by the lying pivot axis (P) and the vessel axis (N), and the rigid sail (10) is mounted so as to pivot about the sail axis (A) in order to adjust the angle of incidence of the rigid sail (10) relative to the vessel axis (N); - in the position lying on its edge, the sail axis (A) is substantially parallel to the vessel plane and forms a non-zero angle with respect to the vessel axis (N), and the chord of the rigid sail (10) is substantially perpendicular to the vessel plane (N); and - in position lying titled, the sail axis (A) is substantially parallel to the vessel plane and forms a non-zero angle with respect to the vessel axis (N), and the chord of the rigid sail (10) is inclined at an angle of less than 50° with respect to the vessel plane (100), for example is substantially parallel to the vessel plane (100).

2. Sailing propulsion assembly according to claim 1, wherein at least two rigid sails (10) of the assembly are arranged such that in the position lying on its edge or in the position lying titled, the sail axes (A) of the at least two rigid sails (10) are parallel to each other and spaced apart from each other along the vessel axis (N), so that the at least two rigid sails (10) are laid down in a herringbone pattern.

3. Sailing propulsion assembly according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the angle formed between the sail axis (A) and the vessel axis (N) when the rigid sail (10) is in the position lying on its edge or in the position lying tilted is between 5° and 45°, preferably between 5° and 15°.

4. Sailing propulsion assembly according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising at least two bases (20), wherein each rigid sail (10) is mounted on a respective base (20), each base (20) comprises a rotary element (21) mounted so as to pivot about the sail axis (A) such that pivoting of the rotary element (21) adjusts the angle of incidence of the rigid sail (10) when the rigid sail (10) is in the hoisted position, each rigid sail (10) being mounted on the respective base (20) so as to be integral with the base (20) in rotation about the sail axis (A) when the rigid sail (10) is in the hoisted position, and wherein each rigid sail (10) is mounted on the respective base (20) so as to pivot relative to the base (20) about the lying pivot axis (P).

5. Sailing propulsion assembly according to claim 4, wherein each base (20) comprises angular locking means for the rotary element (21) adapted to lock rotation of the rotary element (21) about the sail axis (A) when the rotary element (21) is in a predetermined angular position corresponding to the non-zero angle formed between the sail axis (A) and the vessel axis (N) in the position lying on its edge or in the position lying tilted.

6. Sailing propulsion assembly according to claim 4 or claim 5, wherein at least two of the bases (20) are located at a distance from each other along an axis substantially perpendicular to the vessel plane.

7. Sailing propulsion assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least two rigid sails (10) of the assembly are arranged such that in the position lying on its edge or in position lying tilted, the at least two rigid sails (10) overlap at least partially.

8. Sailing propulsion assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein each rigid sail (10) is formed from a plurality of sail sections (18) stacked along the sail axis (A).

9. A vessel (100), comprising: - a deck (30) extending mainly along the vessel axis (N), and - a sailing propulsion assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein each rigid sail (10) of the sailing propulsion assembly is adapted to be mounted on the deck (30) of the vessel (N), and wherein the deck (30) of the vessel (100) is substantially parallel to the vessel plane.

10. A vessel (100) according to claim 9, extending between a forward end (101) and an aft end (102), a center (103) of the vessel (100) corresponding to a point on the vessel (100) substantially equidistant from the front end (101) and rear end (102) of the vessel (100), wherein a height (H1, H2, H3) of a rigid sail (10) corresponds to a dimension along the sail axis (A) of the rigid sail (10), wherein a first rigid sail (10) of the sailing propulsion assembly has a first height (H1) and a second rigid sail (10) of the sailing propulsion assembly has a second height (H2) strictly greater than the first height (H1), and wherein the first rigid sail (10) is disposed closer to the center (103) of the vessel (100) than the second rigid sail (10).

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