Pivoting flap for an aerodynamic sail for a maritime vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a pivoting flap (3) for a sail assembly for a maritime vehicle, the pivoting flap (3) being intended to be fitted to and collaborate—directly or indirectly—with a sail (2) of the sail assembly, the pivoting flap (3) comprising a pivoting device (4) for pivoting relative to an axis of rotation located along a bearing edge (31 A) of the pivoting flap (3), the pivoting device (4) comprising (i) at least one inflatable bladder (41 A, 41 B) and a member for controlling a volume of air selectively injected into each at least one inflatable bladder (41 A, 41 B) so as to allow each inflatable bladder to be inflated or deflated in order to generate a force against the bearing edge (31A) in order to bring about a controlled rotation of the pivoting flap (3).

Description

Pivoting flap for the windshield of a maritime vehicle

[0001] The technical context of the present invention is that of rigging equipment for maritime vehicles, and in particular those with sail propulsion. More particularly, the invention relates to a pivoting flap. [2] In the state of the art, the use of inflatable sails as rigging on sail-powered vehicles is known. Such inflatable sails comprise a double skin having an aerodynamic profile whose shape is reminiscent of that of an aircraft wing. The known inflatable sails thus delimit an interior cavity between a first skin wall forming the intrados and a second skin wall forming the extrados. The interior cavity is inflated and maintained at overpressure in order to maintain the aerodynamic profile of such an inflatable sail. [3] Thus, such inflatable sails are held vertically by means of a mast which extends inside the inner cavity of the inflatable sail, between the two skin walls. A pneumatic system makes it possible to control a quantity of air injected into the known inflatable sails, so as to guarantee an overpressure of said inflatable sails. [4] Rigid sails are also known to be used as rigging on sail-powered vehicles. Such rigid sails are similar to inflatable sails but are not held in shape by overpressure in the interior cavity. Conversely, such rigid sails have vertebrae which allow the first skin wall forming the intrados to be kept at a distance from and opposite the second skin wall forming the extrados. [5] A known disadvantage of such inflatable or rigid sails is that the aerodynamic profile is static. It is therefore not possible to modify it and the only known possibilities for adjusting these sails are to modify their orientation in relation to the wind or to partially lower the said sails, when this is possible. [6] To solve this technical problem, we know of the use of inflatable sails whose aerodynamic profile is made variable by modifying the geometry of the inner cavity of the inflatable sail, for example by modifying the overpressure conditions. In particular, document DE20114841 U1 is known, which describes the use of pockets partitioned relative to each other in the inner cavity of the inflatable sail, making it possible, depending on the inflation state of said pockets, to modify the aerodynamic profile of the inflatable sail. A disadvantage of this technical solution lies in the complexity of implementation and in a reduced variability of the possible modifications of the aerodynamic profile. [7] Document FR3008382A1 is also known, which describes an inflatable sail composed of a front part forming a leading edge and a rear part forming a trailing edge, the leading edge and the trailing edge being orientable relative to each other by pivoting around a vertical axis formed by the mast of the inflatable sail. A disadvantage of this configuration lies in the fact that the axis of rotation of the trailing edge is linked to the position of the mast in the sail. In the example embodiment illustrated in document FR3008382A1, this leads to an oversized trailing edge relative to the leading edge, which is not necessarily desired for such a sail-powered vehicle. [8] Finally, the use of inflatable or rigid sails with a symmetrical profile is known. Such inflatable sails have an invariant symmetrical profile. Thus, depending on the wind conditions, it is only possible to adapt the orientation of the sail in relation to the wind, or to reef the sail. The disadvantage of these sails with a symmetrical profile thus lies in reduced adjustment capabilities, leading to reduced performance. [9] The object of the present invention is to propose a new pivoting flap for a sail of a sail-powered vehicle in order to at least largely address the preceding problems and to further lead to other advantages.

[0010] Another object of the invention is to facilitate the use of such a pivoting flap with any type of aerodynamic sail.

[0011] Another aim of the invention is to facilitate the orientation of such a pivoting shutter.

[0012] Another aim of the invention is to increase the performance of a sail with a symmetrical aerodynamic profile.

[0013] According to a first aspect of the invention, at least one of the aforementioned objectives is achieved with a pivoting flap for a sailing assembly of a maritime vehicle, the pivoting flap being intended to equip and collaborate with a sail of the sailing assembly, the pivoting flap extending along a specific elongation axis between a front edge and a rear edge of said pivoting flap, the pivoting flap comprising a pivoting device relative to an axis of rotation located along a bearing edge of said pivoting flap, the pivoting device comprising:

[0014] - at least one inflatable bladder;

[0015] - a control member for a volume of air injected into each at least one inflatable bladder.

[0016] In the context of the present invention, the pivoting flap is a flap mounted pivotally relative to a sail of the sailing assembly, the pivoting flap being able to rotate around its axis of rotation which preferably extends parallel to the axis of elongation of the associated sail and of said pivoting flap. Thus, the pivoting flap is an aerodynamic element which makes it possible, depending on its inclination with respect to the wind and around its axis of rotation, to modify a lift of the sail of the sailing element with which it is intended to be associated, so as to be able to adjust a wind resistance and adapt the associated lift effects. The pivoting flap according to the first aspect of the invention is not limiting in terms of dimensions or shapes of said pivoting flap, nor even its shaping. In particular, the pivoting flap according to the first aspect of the invention may be of the rigid type or the inflatable type.

[0017] In the context of the present invention, the proper elongation axis is advantageously parallel to the axis of rotation of the pivoting shutter. It corresponds for example to the largest dimension of the pivoting shutter. In particular, the proper elongation axis and the axis of rotation of the pivoting shutter extend vertically or substantially vertically for normal use of the pivoting shutter according to the first aspect of the invention.

[0018] In the context of the present invention, the front edge of the pivoting flap corresponds to a leading edge of said pivoting flap. The leading edge of the pivoting flap is a front portion from which an airflow incident on said pivoting flap separates into two when the pivoting flap is located at the front of the sail. associated. In the case where the pivoting flap is located at the rear of the associated sail, then the leading edge of the pivoting flap is placed opposite a trailing edge of the sail. The leading edge and the trailing edge of the pivoting flap are linked together by lateral edges of the pivoting flap. The rear edge of the pivoting flap corresponds to a trailing edge of said pivoting flap. The trailing edge is opposite the leading edge.

[0019] In the context of the present invention, the pivoting device is configured to allow rotation of the pivoting flap about its axis of rotation. The pivoting device is configured to guide rotation of the pivoting flap about its axis of rotation. The pivoting device is integral with the pivoting flap. More generally, the pivoting device is intended to be placed in an intermediate situation between the pivoting flap - taken at its bearing edge, and the sail with which said pivoting flap is intended to collaborate - taken at its bearing surface. Optionally, the pivoting device of the pivoting flap can also be configured to collaborate with the mast of a maritime vehicle.Particularly advantageously, the pivoting system is hydraulic or pneumatic, that is to say that it implements at least one air chamber - the inflatable bladder(s) - which can be filled with a predetermined volume of fluid - preferably a gas, ambient air - to control an angular orientation of the pivoting flap around its axis of rotation. Thus, the pivoting device makes it possible to selectively define an angular orientation of the pivoting flap between a first extreme angular configuration and a second extreme angular orientation. By way of non-limiting example, an angle of between 30° and 60°, preferably equal to 40° separating the first extreme angular configuration from the second extreme angular configuration. In the context of the present invention, the pivoting system comprises one or more inflatable bladders, each inflatable bladder being able to be selectively controlled by the control member.

[0020] In the context of the present invention, each inflatable bladder takes the form of an air chamber fluidly coupled to the control member, so as to be able to control a dimension of the inflatable bladder. Each inflatable bladder thus takes the form of a closed pocket whose dimensions depend on a volume of air injected into said inflatable bladder. As a result, the dimensions of each inflatable bladder allows a thrust force to be applied to the bearing edge of the pivoting flap, leading to a rotation of said pivoting flap in a given direction.

[0021] In the context of the present invention, the control member is of the hydraulic or, preferably, pneumatic type. The control member makes it possible to control a volume of air introduced or present in each inflatable bladder, independently of one another. In the context of the present invention, preferably, the control member is only used in dynamic phases to move one and / or the other inflatable bladder from a first state to a second state. For a given state of an inflatable bladder, the control member is inactive and does not inject air into said inflatable bladder.

[0022] The pivoting shutter in accordance with the first aspect of the invention advantageously comprises at least one of the improvements below, the technical characteristics forming these improvements being able to be taken alone or in combination:

[0023] - according to a first embodiment, the pivoting flap is of the rigid type, the pivoting flap comprising a non-deformable frame delimiting a cavity which extends between the front edge and the rear edge of the pivoting flap. This advantageous configuration makes it possible to allow greater forces applied to the pivoting flap. When it is of the rigid type, the pivoting flap can be formed from any material used in the maritime field, and in particular in order to find an ideal compromise between rigidity and lightness. Such materials include in particular plastic or composite materials, including for example carbon fibers or glass fibers;

[0024] - according to a second embodiment, the pivoting shutter is of the inflatable type, the pivoting shutter comprising an inflatable cavity which extends between the front edge and the rear edge of the pivoting shutter. The inflatable cavity thus forms a closed volume which can be filled with a fluid, preferably a gas, preferably air, in order to give the pivoting shutter according to the first aspect of the invention its shape and dimensions in use conditions. The inflatable cavity is advantageously formed from a polyester or synthetic material, offering both good tear resistance and being able to support internal pressure while being subjected to ultraviolet radiation. This advantageous configuration makes it possible to reduce the mass of such a pivoting shutter;

[0025] - according to a first embodiment compatible with one or other of the variant embodiments, the bearing edge along which the pivoting device is placed in support is the front edge of the pivoting flap, said pivoting flap being intended to be placed behind a sail equipping the sailing assembly. As mentioned previously, the pivoting flap may be directly in support against a trailing edge of the sail or in support against a mast or a support located in an intermediate position between the trailing edge of the sail and the front edge of the pivoting flap;

[0026] - according to a second embodiment compatible with one or other of the variant embodiments, the bearing edge along which the pivoting device is placed in support is the rear edge of the pivoting flap, said pivoting flap being intended to be placed in front of a sail equipping the sailing assembly. As mentioned previously, the pivoting flap can be directly supported against a leading edge of the sail or supported against a mast or a support located in an intermediate position between the leading edge of the sail and the rear edge of the pivoting flap;

[0027] - particularly advantageously, each inflatable bladder is airtight, so that it is not necessary to continuously inject air into said inflatable bladder to maintain it in a predetermined state of shape and volume. This advantageous configuration makes it possible to reduce the energy consumption linked to the operation of such a pivoting flap in accordance with the first aspect of the invention, and to simplify its use;

[0028] - the control member is configured to maintain a predetermined pressure in the at least one inflatable bladder. Each internal pressure value of each at least one inflatable bladder corresponds to an angular position of the pivoting flap. Thus, for example, in the case of a pivoting device comprising a single inflatable bladder, a first pressure value corresponds to a first volume of the inflatable bladder and leads to a first angular position of the pivoting flap relative to its axis of rotation; and a second pressure value corresponds to a second volume of the inflatable bladder and leads to a second angular position of the pivoting flap relative to its axis of rotation, the first pressure, the first volume and the first angular position being respectively different from the second pressure, the second volume and the second angular position.In the case of a pivoting device comprising a first inflatable bladder and a second inflatable bladder, then a first pressure value of the first inflatable bladder and a second pressure value of the second inflatable bladder correspond respectively to a first volume of the first inflatable bladder and to a second volume of the second inflatable bladder, leading to a first angular position of the pivoting flap relative to its axis of rotation; and a third pressure value of the first inflatable bladder and a fourth pressure value of the second inflatable bladder correspond respectively to a third volume of the first inflatable bladder and to a fourth volume of the second inflatable bladder, leading to a second angular position of the pivoting flap relative to its axis of rotation;.

[0029] - the front edge and the rear edge of the pivoting shutter are arranged relative to each other relative to a longitudinal elongation chord of the pivoting shutter. The axis of rotation is located along the bearing edge. For this purpose, the pivoting device of the pivoting shutter itself extends along the bearing edge of the pivoting shutter. This advantageous configuration makes it possible to pivot the entire pivoting shutter around its axis of rotation, and to ensure uniform movement along said axis of rotation;

[0030] - in particular, the at least one inflatable bladder bears against the bearing edge of the pivoting shutter. In other words, the at least one inflatable bladder extends against the bearing edge of the pivoting shutter and between a lower edge and an upper edge of the pivoting shutter. In the context of the present invention, the lower edge and the upper edge are both located near an opposite end of the axis of rotation and / or the axis of elongation proper to the pivoting shutter. In other words, the at least one inflatable bladder extends over the entire length of the bearing edge of the pivoting shutter, from its lower edge to its upper edge;

[0031] - preferably, the at least one inflatable bladder extends against the bearing edge, from a lower edge of the pivoting flap and up to an upper edge of said pivoting shutter. In particular, each at least one inflatable bladder bears against the bearing edge of the pivoting shutter, and each at least one inflatable bladder is intended to be placed in abutment against a bearing surface located opposite the bearing edge of the pivoting shutter. This advantageous configuration makes it possible to apply a force - produced by the deformation of the at least one inflatable bladder - against the bearing edge on the one hand and against the bearing surface on the other hand;

[0032] - each at least one inflatable bladder has a cylindrical shape. Alternatively, each at least one inflatable bladder has a conical shape, a cross-section of each at least one inflatable bladder being proportional to a chord length taken between the front edge and the rear edge of the pivoting flap. By proportional, it is understood that there is a linear or polygonal mathematical relationship between the diameter of the at least one inflatable bladder, taken at a given height from the axis of rotation and a chord length of the pivoting flap taken at this same height. In this case, a ratio between the diameter of the at least one inflatable bladder and the chord length of the pivoting flap taken at the same height as said diameter is invariant over the entire height of the pivoting flap, taken along the proper elongation axis.Thus, for a pivoting shutter whose chord length decreases along its axis of rotation, such that the chord length taken at the top of the axis of rotation is less than the chord length taken at the base of the axis of rotation, then the cross-section of each at least one inflatable bladder taken near the top of the axis of rotation is less than the cross-section of said inflatable bladder taken near the base of the axis of rotation. This advantageous configuration makes it possible to optimize a bearing surface of each at least one inflatable bladder against the bearing edge of the pivoting shutter, and to adapt pressure forces exerted by each at least one inflatable bladder on said pivoting shutter.Optionally, each at least one inflatable bladder has a conical shape, and a variation in diameter of the at least one inflatable bladder - taken at a given height from the axis of rotation - decreases more quickly or less quickly than a chord length of the pivoting flap taken at this same height. In this case, a ratio between the diameter of the at least one inflatable bladder and the chord length of the pivoting flap taken at the same height as said diameter is variable depending on the height considered of the pivoting flap, taken along the proper elongation axis. This configuration. advantageous allows the pivoting shutter to be easily twisted along its axis of rotation, in order to be able to compensate for any inhomogeneities in the wind blowing on the pivoting shutter depending on the height;

[0033] - generally speaking, in the particular case of an inflatable pivoting shutter, the at least one inflatable bladder is integral with the inflatable cavity. According to a first embodiment, the at least one inflatable bladder is made of a single material with the inflatable cavity. By material, it is understood that each at least one inflatable bladder is made from the same manufacturing process as the inflatable cavity of the pivoting shutter, so that the at least one inflatable bladder cannot be separated from the inflatable cavity without damaging, tearing or damaging said inflatable bladder and / or said inflatable cavity. According to a second preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one inflatable bladder is attached to the inflatable cavity and fixed integrally to said inflatable cavity. Each at least one inflatable bladder is fixed integrally to the inflatable cavity by any means;

[0034] - the control member comprises a pump and at least one fluid conduit in fluid communication with each at least one inflatable bladder, so as to be able to inject or extract air into each at least one inflatable bladder. As mentioned previously, this advantageous configuration makes it possible to control a volume and a dimension of each inflatable bladder, selectively, so as to control an angular orientation of the pivoting flap around its axis of rotation;

[0035] - preferably, the at least one inflatable bladder comprises a first inflatable bladder located on the side of a first lateral surface of the pivoting flap and a second inflatable bladder located on the side of a second lateral surface of the pivoting flap. In particular, in the case of an inflatable flap, the at least one inflatable bladder comprises a first inflatable bladder located on the side of a first lateral surface of the inflatable cavity and a second inflatable bladder located on the side of a second lateral surface of the inflatable cavity. In the context of the present invention, the first lateral surface of the inflatable cavity corresponds to a first lateral edge of the pivoting flap, and the second lateral surface of said inflatable cavity corresponds to a second lateral edge of the pivoting flap. In other words, the first inflatable bladder and the second inflatable bladder are located side by side with respect to each other, against the bearing edge of the flap pivoting. This advantageous configuration makes it possible to control an angular orientation of the pivoting flap by controlling the volume and dimension of each inflatable bladder, the first inflatable bladder being driven in opposition to the second inflatable bladder. Thus, when the first inflatable bladder is inflated, the second inflatable bladder is deflated, so as to pivot the pivoting flap in a first angular direction; and when the second inflatable bladder is inflated, the first inflatable bladder is deflated, so as to pivot the pivoting flap in a second angular direction opposite to the first angular direction;

[0036] - in this preferred embodiment of the invention, the first inflatable bladder and the second inflatable bladder preferably bear against the bearing edge of the pivoting flap and against the bearing surface. Thus, the first inflatable bladder and the second inflatable bladder are located in an intermediate position between the bearing edge of the pivoting flap and the bearing surface;

[0037] - the control member is configured to selectively control the volume of air in the first inflatable bladder and in the second inflatable bladder. In particular, the control member comprises (i) a first fluid conduit fluidly coupled to the pump and to the first inflatable bladder, (ii) a second fluid conduit fluidly coupled to the pump and to the second inflatable bladder and (iii) a valve coupled to the pump on the one hand and, on the other hand, to the first fluid conduit and to the second fluid conduit.The valve is configured to be capable of assuming a first configuration in which the first fluid conduit is in fluid communication with the pump while the second fluid conduit is fluidly isolated from said pump, a second configuration in which the second fluid conduit is in fluid communication with the pump while the first fluid conduit is fluidly isolated from said pump, and a third configuration in which the first fluid conduit and the second fluid conduit are simultaneously in fluid communication with the pump;

[0038] - the control member is configured to control a fluid pressure - preferably a gas - advantageously air - in each at least one inflatable bladder, so that it is between 0 mbar and 150 mbar in the case of an inflatable type pivoting flap. Generally speaking, in the case of an inflatable type pivoting flap, the fluid pressure sent into or extracted from each at least one inflatable bladder is such that it remains below 100 mbar. In the case of a rigid flap, the control member is configured to control a fluid pressure - preferably a gas - advantageously air - in each at least one inflatable bladder, so that it could be much higher, for example higher than 1 bar or 2 bars. Such pressures are in fact dependent on the weight of the pivoting flap: the more massive the pivoting flap is - as in the case of a rigid type pivoting flap for example, the greater the internal pressure in the at least one inflatable bladder must be in order to generate a significant force against the bearing edge of said pivoting flap to allow rotation around the axis of rotation.Conversely, the lighter the pivoting shutter - as in the case of an inflatable pivoting shutter for example, the less the internal pressure in the at least one inflatable bladder must be to generate sufficient force against the bearing edge of said pivoting shutter to allow its rotation around the axis of rotation;

[0039] - the pivoting device comprises a system for retaining the pivoting flap - and more particularly the inflatable cavity in the case of an inflatable pivoting flap - with the bearing surface, the retaining system being configured to allow rotation of the pivoting flap around its axis of rotation and to prevent said pivoting flap from moving away from said bearing surface. This advantageous configuration makes it possible, when generating a force against the bearing edge of the pivoting flap by inflating at least one of the at least one inflatable bladder, to prevent the pivoting flap from moving away from the bearing surface, by a translational movement for example, but rather from pivoting around its axis of rotation;

[0040] - for this purpose, the restraint system comprises a plurality of straps, a first end of which is secured to the bearing edge of the pivoting flap and a second end of which is secured to the bearing surface located opposite said bearing edge. Each strap thus makes it possible to hold the bearing edge of the pivoting flap in position close to the bearing surface located opposite said leading edge, during rotation of said pivoting flap;

[0041] - in particular, according to a particularly advantageous embodiment, the pivoting device comprises a system for retaining the pivoting flap with the support surface, the retaining system being configured to allow rotation of the pivoting flap around its axis of rotation and to prevent said pivoting flap from moving away from said bearing surface, the retaining system comprising a plurality of straps, a first end of which is secured to the bearing edge of the pivoting flap and a second end of which is secured to the bearing surface located opposite said bearing edge;

[0042] - the straps of the restraint system are regularly spaced between the upper edge and the lower edge of the pivoting flap. This advantageous configuration ensures that the pivoting flap rotates around its axis of rotation in a homogeneous manner along its own axis of elongation. By way of non-limiting example, a distance between two successive straps is between 40 cm and 100 cm, preferably between 50 cm and 70 cm, advantageously equal to 60 cm;

[0043] - according to a particularly advantageous characteristic of the invention, the straps of the retaining system extend in a crossed manner between the bearing edge of the pivoting flap and the bearing surface. The bearing surface forms a surface for attaching and fixing the pivoting flap to the sail assembly with which it is intended to collaborate. By "crossed", it is understood that the straps together form an X-shaped configuration in a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the pivoting flap. In particular, all the straps extend between the bearing edge and the bearing surface so as to materialize an axis parallel to the axis of rotation. In other words, the straps extend on the one hand from the bearing edge of the pivoting flap towards the bearing surface located opposite, and on the other hand from each lateral edge of the pivoting flap and in the direction of a median plane of the pivoting flap and the sail assembly, the median plane being formed by the chord and the axis of rotation.In particular, between the upper edge of the pivoting flap and the lower edge, the straps extend in a crossed manner and alternating with each other, a first strap extending from a central part of the bearing edge - located on the side of the median plane - and in the direction of the bearing surface on the side of a first lateral edge of the pivoting flap - that is to say outwards with respect to the median plane, for example in the direction of an intrados edge of a sail associated with the pivoting flap according to the first aspect of the invention, and a second strap following the first strap extending from the central part of the bearing edge - located on the side of the median plane - and in the direction of the bearing surface on the side of a. second lateral edge of the pivoting flap - i.e. outwards relative to the median plane, as previously defined, for example towards an extrados edge of said sail;

[0044] - the shoulder straps of the restraint system are formed from a woven material. In other words, the shoulder straps form straps which are tensioned by the inflation or deflation of each at least one inflatable bladder;

[0045] - the pivoting shutter according to the first aspect of the invention comprises a device for locking the pivoting shutter along the axis of rotation and / or the own axis of elongation. Such a device thus makes it possible to prevent the pivoting shutter from being able to slide along the axis of rotation and / or the own axis of elongation. By way of non-limiting example, such a device comprises for example a lower flange and an upper flange, each flange retaining the pivoting shutter along the axis of rotation and / or the own axis of elongation. In other words, each flange forms an axial stop or an axial lock for the pivoting shutter along the axis of rotation and / or the own axis of elongation;

[0046] - the inflatable cavity is of the type of a sealed cavity. In the context of the present invention, the sealed nature of the sealed cavity forming the pivoting flap is verified for a pressure of less than 300 mbar, preferably less than 150 mbar, advantageously less than 100 mbar. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the sealed envelope is sealed for an internal pressure of the inflatable sail of between 20 mbar and 80 mbar, preferably equal to 50 mbar. Thus, for such pressures, the air blown into the sealed cavity remains there without it being necessary to inject air again to maintain the shape of said sealed cavity and, consequently, the pivoting flap.This configuration is particularly advantageous because it facilitates the operation of the pivoting shutter according to the invention and limits the use of pneumatic devices making it possible to maintain a sufficient level of pressure in the inflatable pivoting shutter to ensure its hold. According to a first variant embodiment, the sealed cavity consists of a single volume which extends between the lower edge and the upper edge. Alternatively, the sealed cavity forming the pivoting shutter comprises a plurality of compartments distributed between the lower edge and the upper edge of said sealed cavity, each. compartment being separated from the adjacent compartment by a partition connecting the front edge, the rear edge and the side edges of the watertight cavity.

[0047] - advantageously, in this latter alternative, each partition has an opening allowing all the compartments to be put into fluid communication. This advantageous configuration makes it easier to deploy or fold the pivoting shutter, by allowing fluid communication between all the compartments forming the pivoting shutter;

[0048] - advantageously, the pivoting shutter comprises an outer casing comprising (i) a main part covering the inflatable cavity, (ii) at least one front part covering each at least one inflatable bladder, the at least one front part being integral with the main part. The main part has a shape and dimensions which allow it to cover the inflatable cavity of the pivoting shutter, said inflatable cavity being housed in the main part of the outer casing. Each front part has a shape and dimensions which allow it to cover one of the at least one inflatable bladder of the pivoting shutter, each inflatable bladder being housed in one of the at least one front part of the outer casing.In the case where the pivoting device comprises two inflatable bladders, then the outer casing comprises two front parts each housing one of the two inflatable bladders, the outer casing comprising a flange arranged between, on the one hand, an area of ​​each front part located opposite the other front part and, on the other hand, a front area of ​​the main part located between the two front parts.

[0049] According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a sailing assembly for a maritime vehicle, the sailing assembly comprising:

[0050] - a mast;

[0051] - a sail fixed securely to the mast, the mast extending parallel to an axis of elongation specific to the sail;

[0052] - a pivoting flap according to the first aspect of the invention or according to any of its improvements, the support edge of the pivoting flap being located opposite the leading edge or the trailing edge of the sail.

[0053] The sail assembly in accordance with the second aspect of the invention advantageously comprises at least one of the improvements below, the technical characteristics forming these improvements which can be taken alone or in combination:

[0054] - according to a first embodiment, the sail of the sailing assembly is of the type of an inflatable sail comprising a three-dimensional watertight envelope forming an inflatable volume delimited by an intrados edge and an extrados edge located opposite each other, on either side of the proper elongation axis, a leading edge and a trailing edge, said leading edge, said trailing edge, said intrados edge and said extrados edge defining a predetermined aerodynamic profile for the inflatable sail.In a particularly advantageous manner, the sail assembly according to the second aspect of the invention comprises (i) a mast, (ii) an inflatable sail fixed integrally to the mast, the mast extending parallel to a specific elongation axis of the inflatable sail, the inflatable sail comprising a three-dimensional watertight envelope forming an inflatable volume delimited by an intrados edge and an extrados edge located opposite each other, on either side of the specific elongation axis, a leading edge and a trailing edge, said leading edge, said trailing edge, said intrados edge and said extrados edge defining a predetermined aerodynamic profile for the inflatable sail, and (iii) a pivoting flap according to the first aspect of the invention or according to any of its improvements, the bearing edge of the pivoting flap being located opposite the leading edge or the trailing edge of the inflatable sail;

[0055] - according to a second embodiment, the sail of the sailing assembly is of the rigid sail type. Generally speaking, the sail of the sailing assembly is of the thick sail type;

[0056] - according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the trailing edge of the inflatable sail forms the bearing surface for the pivoting flap according to the first aspect of the invention. In other words, the pivoting flap is mounted at the rear of the inflatable sail, and against the inflatable sail, so that, during its use, the at least one inflatable bladder implemented by the pivoting device inflates between the trailing edge of the inflatable sail and the front edge of the pivoting flap, so as to generate a force on said front edge leading to the rotation of the pivoting flap;

[0057] - the inflatable sail comprises a three-dimensional waterproof envelope forming an inflatable volume delimited by (i) an outer surface and an inner surface located opposite the outer surface, the outer surface and the inner surface being connected to each other by a plurality of connectors which extend between the inner surface and the outer surface, (ii) an upper surface connecting the outer surface to the inner surface at an upper edge of the waterproof envelope, (iii) a lower surface connecting the outer surface to the inner surface at a lower edge of the waterproof envelope, (iv) a rear surface connecting the outer surface to the inner surface at a trailing edge of the waterproof envelope, the waterproof envelope being folded back on itself at a leading edge of the inflatable sail and around an axis of elongation specific to said inflatable sail,so that the inflatable sail comprises a lower surface edge and an upper surface edge located opposite each other, on either side of the proper elongation axis, the leading edge, the lower surface edge and the upper surface edge delimiting between them - by the inner surface of the waterproof envelope - an inner volume of the inflatable sail, said lower surface edge and said upper surface edge presenting - by the outer surface of the waterproof envelope - a predetermined aerodynamic profile for the inflatable sail;,

[0058] - the sealed envelope allows that, when said inflatable sail is inflated, by blowing air into the sealed envelope, then the air thus injected can no longer escape freely from the sealed envelope. In other words, the sealed envelope forms a closed envelope, free from leaks, so that when a gas is injected therein, it cannot escape in an uncontrolled manner. In particular, in the context of the present invention, the sealed nature of the sealed envelope is verified for a pressure of less than 500 mbar, preferably less than 150 mbar, advantageously less than 100 mbar. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the sealed envelope is sealed for an internal pressure of the inflatable sail of at least 80 mbar.Thus, for such pressures, the air blown into the airtight envelope remains there without it being necessary to inject air again to maintain the shape of said airtight envelope and, consequently, the inflatable sail. This configuration is particularly advantageous because it facilitates the operation of the inflatable sail and limits the use of devices. pneumatic tires allowing a sufficient level of pressure to be maintained in the inflatable sail to ensure its hold;

[0059] - the watertight envelope forms a volume folded back on itself around the proper elongation axis of the inflatable sail and delimited in particular by the lower surface and the upper surface which extend respectively at one end of the proper elongation axis and at another end of said proper elongation axis. Thus, the lower surface closes the inflatable volume of the watertight envelope at a proximal edge of a deck of the maritime vessel on which the sail assembly according to the second aspect of the invention is intended to be embarked; and the upper surface closes the inflatable volume of the watertight envelope at a distal edge of the deck of the maritime vessel, that is to say at an upper end of a mast used to raise the inflatable sail. According to a first variant embodiment, the watertight envelope consists of a single volume which extends between the inner surface, the outer surface, the lower surface and the upper surface.Alternatively, according to a second embodiment, between the inner surface, the outer surface, the lower surface and the upper surface, the sealed envelope comprises several interior spaces in fluid communication with each other or isolated from each other;

[0060] - the inner surface and the outer surface of the waterproof envelope are located opposite each other, and connected to each other by the lower surface and the upper surface. The inner surface and the outer surface are kept at a distance from each other by means of several connectors which extend into the inflatable volume of the waterproof envelope, between the inner surface and the outer surface;

[0061] - the connectors are made of a material with the inner surface and / or the outer surface of the waterproof envelope, or they are attached and fixed integrally to the inner surface and / or the outer surface. The connectors are configured to prevent the inner surface and the outer surface from moving away from each other when the waterproof envelope is pressurized. In particular, the connectors are put under tension when the waterproof envelope is inflated, so as to fix a distance between the inner surface and the outer surface. The connectors are preferably of a non-elastic nature with regard to the forces exerted on the inflatable sail during its normal use and for the inflation pressures mentioned above. The connectors can take multiple forms. By way of non-limiting example, the connectors can take the form of filaments and / or partitions and / or diaphragms which extend between the inner surface and the outer surface. Preferably, the waterproof envelope is formed from a material comprising a polyester, as well as the filaments forming the connectors of said waterproof envelope;

[0062] - According to a particularly advantageous and effective form of the invention, the waterproof envelope of the inflatable sail of the sailing assembly according to the second aspect of the invention takes the form of a "Drop Stitch" structure as known in other technical fields, such as those relating to inflatable boats and paddle boards. Such technology has never been used for shaping an inflatable sail, and in particular a waterproof inflatable sail. Generally speaking, this technology is based on the principle of a three-dimensional fabric which allows its subsequent inflation. This fabric is shaped by the air blown inside its peripheral membrane - the inner surface, the outer surface, the upper surface and the lower surface in the inflatable sail according to the first aspect of the invention - and by means of filaments connecting opposite parts of the envelope.This makes it possible to achieve flat surfaces once the structure is inflated. Finally, such a "Drop Stitch" structure is closed on the entire side, sealed watertight. The higher the density of filaments - the connectors in the inflatable sail -, the higher the rigidity and robustness of the three-dimensional structure - the waterproof envelope in the inflatable sail.

[0063] - the waterproof envelope is shaped to form a complex structure intended to define an aerodynamic profile for the inflatable sail. Such an aerodynamic profile is delimited by the leading edge, the intrados edge, the extrados edge and the trailing edge of the inflatable sail, themselves being formed by the folding of the waterproof envelope around the proper elongation axis of the inflatable sail. Such an aerodynamic profile formed by the intrados edge and the extrados edge of the inflatable sail through the outer surface of the waterproof envelope is of the NACA profile type. In other words, the outer surface of the waterproof envelope taken at the intrados edge, the leading edge and the extrados edge of the inflatable sail forms an aerodynamic profile taking the form of a wing, according to a NACA profile, complete or incomplete. In the context of the present invention, a shape of the NACA profile is described using a series of numbers making it possible to describe - via equations - a section of the profile and determine its properties. The numbers correspond here to the relative value of a given dimension compared to a length of a chord taken between the leading edge and the trailing edge of the inflatable sail. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention but not limiting thereof, the inflatable sail in accordance with the first aspect of the invention has all or part of a NACA profile of the 0021 type. Generally speaking, the NACA profile of the inflatable sail can take any shape.In particular, it may be asymmetrical or symmetrical, relative to the chord of the inflatable sail extending between the trailing edge and the leading edge of said inflatable sail. In a particularly advantageous manner, the sail assembly according to the second aspect of the invention comprises a thick sail - rigid or inflatable, and preferably waterproof in the case of an inflatable sail - of which a first part of said thick sail, taken from its leading edge and along the chord, is of the type of an aerodynamic sail which can be described by a symmetrical NACA profile, and of which a second part taken beyond the first part is replaced by the pivoting flap according to the first aspect of the invention.Advantageously, the first part is between 60% and 85% of a total length of the thick sail that would be taken without the pivoting flap, i.e. between 60% and 85% of a complete symmetrical airfoil; and the second part is between 15% and 40% of the total length of the thick sail. In other words, the symmetrical airfoil (NACA) of the thick sail is interrupted at a distance between 60% and 85% of a complete symmetrical NACA airfoil, taken from its leading edge, and the second part that extends to the trailing edge of the complete NACA airfoil is replaced by the pivoting flap according to the invention. Preferably, the thick sail extends along 75% of a complete NACA airfoil, and the pivoting flap extends along the remaining 25% of said complete NACA airfoil.The pivoting flap thus allows, at the level of the second part of the thick sail, to improve the capacities of. adjustment and adaptation of the sail assembly to wind conditions and thus improving the lift of the sail assembly;

[0064] - in the context of the present invention, the leading edge of the inflatable sail is a front portion of the inflatable sail, from which an airflow incident on said inflatable sail separates in two, housing the intrados edge and the extrados edge of the inflatable sail. The trailing edge corresponds to a rear portion of the inflatable sail. The trailing edge is opposite the leading edge. The intrados edge of the inflatable sail corresponds to a side of said inflatable sail placed facing the wind. The intrados edge takes a concave shape when the inflatable sail of the sailing assembly according to the second aspect of the invention is put into the wind. The extrados edge of the inflatable sail corresponds to a side of said inflatable sail placed under the wind. The extrados edge is opposite the intrados edge. The extrados edge takes a convex shape when the inflatable sail of the sailing assembly according to the second aspect of the invention is put into the wind.The intrados edge and the extrados edge extend from the leading edge of the inflatable sail. The intrados edge, the extrados edge, the leading edge and the trailing edge are all made of one material. In other words, they are all formed by the single waterproof envelope which is shaped so as to form each of them. Each leading edge, intrados edge, extrados edge and trailing edge are delimited by the inner surface and the outer surface of the waterproof envelope. Of course, the invention is not limiting of a shape and / or a dimension of the inflatable sail and the waterproof envelope;

[0065] - in the context of the present invention, the shaping of the waterproof envelope leads to delimiting the interior volume located between the intrados edge and the extrados edge. For this purpose, the waterproof envelope is curved around the proper elongation axis of the inflatable sail, so that a first part of the inner surface and the outer surface of the waterproof envelope is located on a first side of the proper elongation axis - thus forming the intrados edge of the inflatable sail, and a second part of the inner surface and the outer surface of the waterproof envelope is located on a second side of the proper elongation axis - thus forming the extrados edge of the inflatable sail. This configuration is particularly advantageous because it exploits both the properties of a three-dimensional structure held in shape by the connectors and shaping of an inflatable sail to precisely, rigidly and reliably form an aerodynamic profile;

[0066] - the inflatable sail comprises a plurality of devices for attaching the intrados edge and the extrados edge of the inflatable sail at its trailing edge. The attachment devices thus make it possible to connect the intrados edge to the extrados edge of the inflatable sail at its trailing edge. This advantageous configuration makes it possible to form, in addition to the shape itself of the waterproof envelope defined by its inner surface and its outer surface in particular, the desired aerodynamic profile. In addition, the attachment devices make it possible to keep the inflatable sail together and in shape and to prevent it from deforming under the effect of the wind to which it is subjected;

[0067] - advantageously, the attachment devices are regularly distributed along the proper elongation axis of the inflatable sail. For example, the attachment devices are distributed every 60 cm relative to the proper elongation axis, between the lower surface and the upper surface of the waterproof envelope. This advantageous configuration makes it possible to guarantee a regular aerodynamic profile of the inflatable sail along its proper elongation axis;

[0068] - for this purpose, each attachment device comprises a strap, a first end of which is secured to the intrados edge and / or the extrados edge and a second end of which is secured respectively to the extrados edge and the intrados edge;

[0069] - each strap comprises, at the first end and / or the second end, a device for adjusting a tension of the strap between the intrados edge and the extrados edge of the inflatable sail. The device for adjusting the tension of the strap comprises, for example, a bridle loop collaborating with one of several holes provided on the strap itself, thus making it possible to select several different tension values ​​depending on the hole selected to engage the bridle loop;

[0070] - each strap has a stiffener configured to stiffen said strap between the intrados edge and the extrados edge of the inflatable sail and to fix a distance between the two free edges. The stiffener thus makes it possible to avoid a bending effect of the strap when a tensile force is applied to the strap;

[0071] - the stiffener is attached to the corresponding strap. Alternatively, the stiffener is made of the same material as the corresponding strap. The stiffener is of the type of a rib which extends between the first end and the second end of the corresponding strap. The stiffener is formed from a material comprising a composite material. The stiffener material comprises a carbon fiber filler and / or a glass fiber filler;

[0072] - preferably, the inflatable sail comprises a plurality of devices for attaching the intrados edge and the extrados edge of the inflatable sail at its trailing edge, each attachment device comprising a strap, a first end of which is secured to the intrados edge and a second end of which is secured to the extrados edge, each strap comprising a stiffener configured to stiffen said strap between the intrados edge and the extrados edge of the inflatable sail;

[0073] - in a particularly advantageous manner, when the pivoting flap is secured to the inflatable sail, and in particular at its trailing edge, then the second end of the straps of the pivoting flap retention system is secured to one of the attachment devices of the inflatable sail located opposite, and in particular to the corresponding strap of said inflatable sail. In other words, the second end of the straps of the pivoting flap retention system is secured to straps of the inflatable sail, said straps of the inflatable sail forming attachment devices configured to connect the intrados edge to the extrados edge at a trailing edge of said inflatable sail. Thus, in a particularly clever manner, it is possible to attach the pivoting flap directly against the inflatable sail - here against its trailing edge then forming the support surface for the pivoting flap.The presence of the stiffeners makes it possible to transmit the expected forces to the support edge of the pivoting flap, with a view to its rotation as described above. Of course, it is entirely possible in the context of the present invention to attach the pivoting flap directly against the leading edge of the inflatable sail. The leading edge of the inflatable sail then forms the support surface for the pivoting flap, located at the front of the inflatable sail. These two alternatives can also be combined with each other, a sail assembly in accordance with the second aspect of the invention being able to comprise. a first pivoting flap associated with the trailing edge of the inflatable sail and a second pivoting flap associated with the leading edge of said inflatable sail;

[0074] - in the case of the use of an inflatable sail associated with a pivoting flap of the same inflatable type, then the member for controlling the volume of air injected into each at least one inflatable bladder of the pivoting flap is also a device for controlling the flow of air into or out of the sealed envelope of the inflatable sail. The control device is configured to control a volume and / or a flow rate and / or a pressure of a fluid injected into the sealed envelope in order to inflate the inflatable sail. In other words, the control device is configured to inject a predetermined volume of fluid into the sealed envelope in order to inflate the inflatable sail, and to extract a predetermined quantity of fluid from the sealed envelope in order to deflate the inflatable sail. When the inflatable sail is inflated, the control device is then inactive thanks to the sealing of the sealed envelope.In the context of the present invention, the fluid injected into the inflatable sail is a gas, preferably air;

[0075] - the device for controlling the air flow into or out of the sealed envelope comprises a pump and at least one fluid conduit in fluid communication with the inflatable volume of the sealed envelope. Thus, the pump makes it possible to inject air into the sealed envelope, and possibly to extract air from the sealed envelope.

[0076] According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a maritime vehicle comprising:

[0077] - at least one hull;

[0078] - at least one sailing assembly in accordance with the second aspect of the invention or according to any of its improvements and the mast of which is fixed integrally and in a rotatable manner to one of the at least one hull.

[0079] The maritime vehicle is of the monohull or multihull type. In particular, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the maritime vehicle is of the catamaran type.

[0080] The maritime vehicle is of the sail propulsion type or of the hybrid type comprising a powertrain complementary to at least one sail assembly. The powertrain includes, for example, a thermal engine or an electric motor.

[0081] Various embodiments of the invention are provided, incorporating, according to all of their possible combinations, the various optional features set out herein.

[0082] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description on the one hand, and from several examples of embodiment given for informational and non-limiting purposes with reference to the attached schematic drawings on the other hand, in which:

[0083] Figure 1: illustrates a three-dimensional view of a first exemplary embodiment of a pivoting shutter according to the first aspect of the invention;

[0084] Figure 2: illustrates a view from the bearing edge of the pivoting shutter shown in FIGURE 1;

[0085] Figure 3: illustrates a detailed view of an exemplary embodiment of a device for attaching the pivoting flap to a support surface of a marine vehicle sail;

[0086] Figure 4: illustrates a first example of embodiment of a sail assembly in accordance with the second aspect of the invention;

[0087] Figure 5: illustrates a second example of embodiment of a sail assembly in accordance with the second aspect of the invention;

[0088] Figure 6: illustrates a bottom view of the sail assembly illustrated in FIGURE 5, in a first angular configuration of the pivoting flap relative to the sail of said sail assembly;

[0089] Figure 7: illustrates a bottom view of the sail assembly illustrated in FIGURE 5, in a second angular configuration of the pivoting flap relative to the sail of said sail assembly;

[0090] Figure 8: illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a maritime vehicle in accordance with the third aspect of the invention.

[0091] Of course, the features, variants and different embodiments of the invention can be combined with each other, according to various combinations, provided that they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive. In particular, variants of the invention may be imagined comprising only a selection of features described below in isolation from the other features described, if this selection of features is sufficient to confer a technical advantage or to differentiate the invention from the prior art.

[0092] In particular, all the variants and embodiments described can be combined with each other if there is no technical obstacle to this combination.

[0093] In the figures, elements common to several figures retain the same reference.

[0094] With reference to FIGURES 1 and 4, the invention relates to a pivoting flap 3 configured to collaborate with a sailing assembly 1 of a maritime vehicle 8. FIGURE 1 illustrates a first example of embodiment of such a pivoting flap 3, and FIGURE 4 illustrates a second example of embodiment of such a pivoting flap 3, implemented on a sailing assembly 1.

[0095] In general, the pivoting flap 3 has a pyramidal conformation, one base of which has a triangular profile. Of course, the invention is not limiting of a form of pivoting flap 3, and the examples illustrated in FIGURES 1 and 4 are only exemplary embodiments given as non-limiting illustrations. The pivoting flap 3 extends along a proper elongation axis 01, between a front edge 31 and a rear edge 32 of said pivoting flap 3. The pivoting flap 3 is delimited by two lateral edges 33, 34, each lateral edge being respectively located in the extension of a lower edge 23 and an upper edge 24 of a sail 2 of the sail assembly 1 with which the pivoting flap 3 is intended to collaborate, so that, when the pivoting flap 3 is in a neutral angular position, it extends an aerodynamic profile of the sail 2.On the other hand, when the pivoting flap 3 is inclined relative to its axis of rotation, then it modifies the aerodynamic profile of the sail 2.

[0096] The pivoting flap 3 extends along the proper elongation axis 01, between a front edge 31 and a rear edge 32 of said pivoting flap 3. The pivoting flap 3 is delimited, towards the front, by a front edge 31 and, towards the rear, by a rear edge 32. Relative to the proper elongation axis 01, the pivoting flap 3 is delimited, downwards, by a lower edge 36 and, upwards, by an upper edge 35. Each lateral edge of the pivoting flap 3 has a generally trapezoidal shape, so that a lower edge 36 of the pivoting flap 3 is longer than an upper edge 35 of said pivoting flap 3, taken relative to a chord 02 extending between the front edge 31 and the rear edge 32 of the pivoting flap 3.

[0097] The pivoting flap 3 can be inflatable - as shown in FIGURE 1 - or rigid - as shown in FIGURES 4 to 7.

[0098] In the case of a pivoting flap 3 of the inflatable type, with reference to FIGURE 1, the pivoting flap 3 comprises an inflatable cavity 30 configured to be able to be filled with a gas - preferably air - in order to shape the pivoting flap 3 according to a predetermined profile. Advantageously, the pivoting flap 3 is of the sealed type, that is to say that, for given internal gas pressures, said gas introduced into the inflatable cavity 30 remains there without loss and without leakage. The inflatable cavity 30 is preferably formed of a polyester or synthetic material, offering both good tear resistance, allowing pressurization and resistance to ultraviolet radiation.

[0099] In the embodiment illustrated in FIGURE 1, the inflatable cavity 30 is formed of a plurality of compartments 302 distributed between the lower edge 36 and the upper edge 35 of said inflatable cavity 30, each compartment 302 being separated from the adjacent compartment 302 by a partition 301 connecting the front edge 31, the rear edge 32 and the lateral edges 33, 34 of the inflatable cavity 30. In order to facilitate the inflation of the inflatable cavity 30, each partition 301 comprises at least one opening - not shown in FIGURE 1 - making it possible to put all the compartments 302 of the inflatable cavity 30 forming the pivoting flap into fluid communication. Each compartment 302 extends from the front edge 31 to the rear edge 32 of the pivoting flap 3, thus facilitating the folding of the pivoting flap 3, if necessary. The inflatable cavity 30 of the pivoting flap 3 is inflated or deflated via at least one inflation valve 303.The inflation valve 303 is intended to be fluidically coupled to a device for controlling the flow of air injected into said inflatable cavity 30, so as to be able to control an air pressure in the inflatable cavity 30.

[0100] In the embodiment illustrated in FIGURES 4 to 7, the pivoting shutter 3 is of the rigid type. It comprises a rigid frame and one or more non-deformable panels - in the context of normal use - which form the profile of the pivoting shutter 3. The non-deformable panels are flat or curved, depending on the type of pivoting shutter 3 desired. The non-deformable panels are preferably formed from a synthetic or, preferably, composite material in order to minimize the weight of the pivoting shutter 3 according to the invention. By way of non-limiting example, the material forming such a pivoting shutter 3 of the rigid type may comprise a fiberglass and / or carbon fiber filler.

[0101] In order to allow the pivoting flap 3 to rotate around its axis of rotation, the pivoting flap 3 further comprises a pivoting device 4. The axis of rotation is located along a bearing edge 31 A of said pivoting flap 3. The pivoting device 4 thus makes it possible to orient the pivoting flap 3 in a direction different from the orientation of the sail 2 of the sailing assembly 1 which it equips, the orientation of the sail 2 being given by the orientation of the mast 7 to which it is attached. Thus, the pivoting flap 3 makes it possible to have an additional adjustment means for adapting the wind resistance of the sailing assembly 1. An angular adjustment amplitude provided by such a pivoting device 4 is for example between +45° and -45° relative to a neutral position in which the pivoting flap 3 is aligned with the sail 2 of the sailing assembly 1.

[0102] In the embodiment illustrated in FIGURES 1, 4, 5, 6 and 7, the bearing edge 31A of the pivoting flap 3 is the front edge 31 of said pivoting flap 3. Thus, the pivoting flap 3 is configured to be located behind the sail 2 of the sailing assembly 1. However, according to another possible variant embodiment not shown in the FIGURES, the bearing edge 31A of the pivoting flap 3 is the rear edge 32 of said pivoting flap 3. Thus, the pivoting flap 3 is then configured to be located in front of the sail 2 of the sailing assembly 1.

[0103] Additionally, in one or other of the variants mentioned here, the pivoting flap 3 can be located in the direct extension of the sail 2 of the sail assembly 1, the bearing edge 31A of the pivoting flap 3 being located directly opposite a bearing surface of the sail 2 against which the pivoting device 4 collaborates during its operation. This is for example the case in the exemplary embodiments illustrated in FIGURES 5 to 7. Conversely, as visible in the embodiment illustrated in FIGURE 4, the pivoting flap 3 can be placed at a distance from the inflatable sail 2 of the sailing assembly 1, the pivoting flap 3 then being separated from the sail 2 with which it is associated by the mast 7 which then forms the support surface for the pivoting device 4 of said pivoting flap 3.

[0104] The pivoting device 4 is visible more particularly in FIGURES 1, 2, 6 and 7. The pivoting device 4 is of the pneumatic type. For example, the pivoting device 4 comprises at least one inflatable bladder 41 A, 41 B - and preferably two inflatable bladders 41 A, 41 B located one next to the other against the bearing edge 31 A of the pivoting flap 3, and a control member - not visible in the FIGURES - of a volume of air injected into each at least one inflatable bladder 41 A, 41 B.

[0105] Each inflatable bladder extends from the lower edge 36 of the pivoting flap 3 to the upper edge 35, in order to allow better interaction between the bearing surface and the bearing edge 31A of the pivoting flap 3.

[0106] Each inflatable bladder takes the form of an air chamber fluidly coupled to the control member, so as to be able to control a dimension of the inflatable bladder. Each inflatable bladder forms a closed pocket whose dimensions depend on a volume of air injected into said inflatable bladder. In particular, as visible in FIGURES 1 and 2, each inflatable bladder has a cylindrical or, preferably, conical shape, in order to adapt to the variations in surface area of ​​the bearing edge 31A of the movable flap as said bearing edge 31A becomes narrower along the proper elongation axis 01 and approaching the upper edge 35.

[0107] The control member is of the pneumatic type. The control member makes it possible to control a volume of air introduced or present in each inflatable bladder, independently of one another. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIGURE 1, the pivoting device 4 comprises a first inflatable bladder 41 A and a second inflatable bladder 41 B, the air being selectively introduced into each of them by means of an inflation valve 42.

[0108] As seen in FIGURES 6 and 7, the pivoting device 4 allows the pivoting shutter 3 to pivot around its axis of rotation. Thus:

[0109] - a first pressure value of the first inflatable bladder 41 A and a second pressure value of the second inflatable bladder 41 B correspond respectively to a first volume of the first inflatable bladder 41 A and to a second volume of the second inflatable bladder 41 B, leading to a first angular position of the pivoting flap 3 relative to its axis of rotation; and

[0110] - a third pressure value of the first inflatable bladder 41 A and a fourth pressure value of the second inflatable bladder 41 B correspond respectively to a third volume of the first inflatable bladder 41 A and to a fourth volume of the second inflatable bladder 41 B, leading to a second angular position of the pivoting flap 3 relative to its axis of rotation.

[0111] In the example illustrated in FIGURE 6, the two inflatable bladders 41 A, 41 B are inflated with the same level of internal pressure, corresponding to the same volume of air in each inflatable bladder - here represented as being zero or almost zero. In this case, the force exerted on the bearing edge 31 A opposite each lateral edge of the pivoting flap 3 is equal or substantially equal, causing said pivoting flap 3 to take a neutral angular position, in the direct extension of the associated inflatable sail 2, so that the chord 02 of the sail 2 is collinear or parallel to the chord 02 of the pivoting flap thus oriented.

[0112] Conversely, in the example illustrated in FIGURE 7, the first inflatable bladder 41 A is inflated with a volume of air - and therefore an internal pressure - lower than the volume of air - and therefore respectively an internal pressure - of the second inflatable bladder 41 B. In this case, the force exerted by the first inflatable bladder 41 A on the side of the lateral edge of the pivoting flap 3 located opposite said first inflatable bladder 41 A is less than the force exerted by the second inflatable bladder 41 B on the side of the lateral edge of the pivoting flap 3 located opposite said second inflatable bladder 41 B. As a result, the pivoting flap 3 pivots until it takes a different angular position, said pivoting flap 3 having a non-zero angle relative to the inflatable sail 2.

[0113] Each inflatable bladder is preferably airtight, so that it is not necessary to continuously inject air into said inflatable bladder to maintain it in a predetermined state of shape and volume. Thus, air is selectively injected or extracted from each inflatable bladder in order to be able to modify a angular orientation of the pivoting flap 3. Once the pivoting flap 3 is established in a given angular position, the pivoting device 4 - and more particularly the inflatable bladders 41 A, 41 B - are conservative and allow the given angular position to be maintained without the control member being active.

[0114] The pivoting flap 3 is fixedly attached to the support surface through a connection which allows the pivoting flap 3 to rotate but which prevents said pivoting flap 3 from moving away from the support surface and relative to the rope 02 of the sail assembly 1. For this purpose, the pivoting device 4 comprises a system for retaining the pivoting flap 3 - and more particularly the inflatable cavity 30 in the case of a pivoting flap 3 of the inflatable type - with the support surface, the retaining system being configured to allow rotation of the pivoting flap 3 around its axis of rotation and to prevent said pivoting flap 3 from moving away from said support surface.

[0115] More particularly, with reference to FIGURES 1, 2, 3, 6 and 7, the retaining system comprises a plurality of straps 9, a first end of which is secured to the bearing edge 31A of the pivoting flap 3 and a second end of which is secured to the bearing surface located opposite said bearing edge 31A. Each strap 9 thus makes it possible to hold the bearing edge 31A of the pivoting flap 3 in position near the bearing surface located opposite said leading edge 22, during rotation of said pivoting flap 3.

[0116] The straps 9 of the retaining system are regularly spaced between the upper edge 35 and the lower edge 36 of the pivoting flap 3. This advantageous configuration makes it possible to ensure that the pivoting flap 3 rotates around its axis of rotation in a homogeneous manner along its own axis of elongation 01. In the exemplary embodiment visible in FIGURE 2, a distance between two successive straps 9, taken along the own axis of elongation 01, is between 50 cm and 70 cm, advantageously equal to 60 cm.

[0117] The straps 9 of the retaining system extend in a crossed manner between the bearing edge 31A of the pivoting flap 3 and the bearing surface. By "crossed", it is understood that the straps 9 together form an X-shaped configuration in a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the pivoting flap 3. In particular, as seen in FIGURES 1, 6 and 7, all the straps 9 extend between the edge support 31A of the support surface so as to materialize an axis parallel to the axis of rotation.

[0118] As seen in FIGURES 1, 6 and 7, between the upper edge 35 of the pivoting flap 3 and the lower edge 36, the straps 9 extend in a crossed manner and alternating with each other:

[0119] - a first strap 9 extends from a central part of the bearing edge 31A and towards the bearing surface on the side of a first lateral edge 33 of the pivoting flap 3, and

[0120] - a second strap 9 located directly below or above the first strap 9 extends from the central part of the bearing edge 31 A and towards the bearing surface on the side of a second lateral edge 34 of the pivoting flap 3.

[0121] In the context of the present invention, the central portion of the bearing edge 31A is understood as a portion located on the side of a median region of the bearing edge 31A. This clever configuration makes it easier to attach the straps 9 to the bearing surface. Indeed, it is important that the straps 9 define an axis of rotation. Their positioning and orientation is therefore particularly critical. Also, a staggered and alternating installation makes it possible to avoid friction between straps 9 which would have led to poor materialization of the axis of rotation.

[0122] At the level of the support edge 31A of the pivoting flap 3, the straps 9 forming the retaining system all extend between the two lateral edges 33, 34 of the pivoting flap 3, and more particularly between the first inflatable bladder 41A and the second inflatable bladder 41B.

[0123] The shoulder straps 9 of the restraint system are formed from a woven material. In other words, the shoulder straps 9 form straps which are tensioned by the inflation or deflation of each at least one inflatable bladder 41 A, 41 B. This advantageous configuration is simpler to implement and lighter. At the pivoting flap 3, the shoulder straps 9 are fixed securely to the pivoting flap 3 by any means and in particular by welding and / or by gluing, or by sewing.

[0124] As visible in FIGURES 4 and 5, the invention also relates to a sail assembly 1. Such a sail assembly 1 comprises a mast 7, a sail 2 fixedly attached to the mast 7 and a pivoting flap 3 as described previously.

[0125] As mentioned previously, the embodiment illustrated in FIGURE 4 shows the pivoting flap 3 at a distance from the inflatable sail 2 of the sailing assembly 1, the pivoting flap 3 then being separated from the sail 2 to which it is associated by the mast 7 which then forms the support surface for the pivoting device 4 of said pivoting flap 3. In this case the straps 9 forming the retaining system are fixed integrally to the mast 7 by any means at their second end.

[0126] On the contrary, the embodiment illustrated in FIGURE 5 shows the pivoting flap 3 located in the direct extension of the sail 2 of the sail assembly 1, so that the bearing edge 31 A of the pivoting flap 3 is located directly opposite a bearing surface of the sail 2 against which the pivoting device 4 collaborates during its operation.

[0127] In this exemplary embodiment, the sail 2 is more particularly of the type of an inflatable sail 2, the inflatable sail 2 comprising a three-dimensional sealed envelope 20 forming an inflatable volume delimited by an intrados edge 23 and an extrados edge 24 located opposite each other, on either side of the specific elongation axis 01 of said inflatable sail 2, a leading edge 22 and a trailing edge 21, said leading edge 22, said trailing edge 21, said intrados edge 23 and said extrados edge 24 defining a predetermined aerodynamic profile for the inflatable sail 2.

[0128] The inflatable sail 2 comprises a three-dimensional waterproof envelope 20 forming an inflatable volume delimited by:

[0129] - an outer surface 202 and an inner surface 201 located opposite the outer surface 202, the outer surface 202 and the inner surface 201 being connected to each other by a plurality of connectors 206 which extend between the inner surface 201 and the outer surface 202,

[0130] - an upper surface 203 connecting the outer surface 202 to the inner surface 201 at an upper edge 35 of the sealed envelope 20,

[0131] - a lower surface 204 connecting the outer surface 202 to the inner surface 201 at a lower edge 36 of the sealed envelope 20,

[0132] - a rear surface 205 connecting the outer surface 202 to the inner surface 201 at a trailing edge 21 of the waterproof envelope 20, the waterproof envelope 20 being folded back on itself at a leading edge 22 of the inflatable sail 2 and around a specific elongation axis 01 of said inflatable sail 2, so that the inflatable sail 2 has a lower surface edge 23 and an upper surface edge 24 located opposite each other, on either side of the specific elongation axis 01, the leading edge 22, the lower surface edge 23 and the upper surface edge 24 delimiting between them - by the inner surface 201 of the waterproof envelope 20 - an interior volume VI of the inflatable sail 2, said intrados edge 23 and said extrados edge 24 having - by the exterior surface 202 of the waterproof envelope 20 - a predetermined aerodynamic profile for the inflatable sail 2.

[0133] The waterproof envelope 20 is shaped so as to form the aerodynamic profile for the inflatable sail 2. Such an aerodynamic profile is delimited by the leading edge 22, the intrados edge 23, the extrados edge 24 and the trailing edge 21 of the inflatable sail 2, themselves being formed by the folding of the waterproof envelope 20 around the proper elongation axis 01 of the inflatable sail 2. Such an aerodynamic profile formed by the intrados edge 23 and the extrados edge 24 of the inflatable sail 2 through the outer surface 202 of the waterproof envelope 20 is of the NACA profile type.

[0134] Thus, the shaping of the watertight envelope 20 leads to delimiting the interior volume VI located between the intrados edge 23 and the extrados edge 24. For this purpose, the watertight envelope 20 is curved around the proper elongation axis 01 of the inflatable sail 2, so that a first part of the interior surface 201 and of the exterior surface 202 of the watertight envelope 20 is located on a first side of the proper elongation axis 01 - thus forming the intrados edge 23 of the inflatable sail 2, and a second part of the interior surface 201 and of the exterior surface 202 of the watertight envelope 20 is located on a second side of the proper elongation axis 01 - thus forming the extrados edge 24 of the inflatable sail 2. This configuration is particularly advantageous because it exploits both the properties of a three-dimensional structure held in shape by the connectors 206 and shaping an inflatable sail 2 to precisely, rigidly and reliably form an aerodynamic profile;

[0135] In order to maintain the inflatable sail 2 in its shape as visible in FIGS. 5 to 7, the inflatable sail 2 comprises a plurality of attachment devices 5 for the intrados edge 23 and the extrados edge 24 of the inflatable sail 2 at its trailing edge 21. The attachment devices 5 make it possible to connect the intrados edge 23 to the extrados edge 24 of the inflatable sail 2 at its trailing edge 21. This advantageous configuration makes it possible to form, in addition to the shape itself of the waterproof envelope 20 defined by its inner surface 201 and its outer surface 202 in particular, the desired aerodynamic profile. In addition, the attachment devices 5 make it possible to maintain the inflatable sail 2 together and in shape and to prevent it from deforming under the effect of the wind to which it is subjected;

[0136] The attachment devices 5 are regularly distributed along the trailing edge 21 of each intrados edge 23 and extrados edge 24. For example, two adjacent attachment devices 5 along the trailing edge 21 of the inflatable sail 2 are 60 cm apart.

[0137] More particularly, with reference in particular to FIGURE 3, each attachment device 5 comprises:

[0138] - a strap 50, a first end of which is secured to the intrados edge 23 and a second end of which is secured to the extrados edge 24. The strap 50 is for example formed from a woven material or a rope;

[0139] - a first adjustment device 51 for adjusting the tension of the strap 50 located at the intrados edge 23. The first adjustment device 51 takes, for example, the form of a loop collaborating with holes provided on the strap 50 at the first end;

[0140] - a second adjustment device 51 for adjusting the tension of the strap 50 located at the extrados edge 24. The second adjustment device 51 takes the form, for example, of a loop collaborating with holes provided on the strap 50 at the second end.

[0141] Each strap 50 comprises a stiffener 52 configured to stiffen said strap 50 between the intrados edge 23 and the extrados edge 24 of the inflatable sail 2 and fix a distance between the two free edges. The stiffener 52 thus makes it possible to avoid a bending effect of the strap 50 when a tensile force is applied to the strap 50, in particular by the pivoting flap 3 when the latter is located behind the inflatable sail 2 and is linked directly to said inflatable sail 2, through its attachment devices 5 and, more particularly, through its straps.

[0142] The stiffener 52 is of the type of a rib which extends between the first end and the second end of the corresponding strap 50. The stiffener 52 is formed of a material comprising a composite material. The material of the stiffener 52 comprises a carbon fiber filler and / or a glass fiber filler;

[0143] In the embodiment illustrated in FIGURES 5 to 7, the pivoting flap 3 is secured to the inflatable sail 2 at its trailing edge 21, said trailing edge 21 then forming the bearing surface for the pivoting device 4 of the pivoting flap 3. In this case, in a particularly advantageous manner, the second end of the straps 9 of the system for retaining the pivoting flap 3 is secured to one of the attachment devices 5 of the inflatable sail 2 located opposite, and in particular to the corresponding strap 50 of said inflatable sail 2. In other words, the second end of the straps 9 of the system for retaining the pivoting flap 3 is secured to the strap 50 located opposite on the inflatable sail 2, said straps of the inflatable sail 2 forming attachment devices 5 configured to connect the intrados edge 23 to the extrados edge 24 at a trailing edge of said inflatable sail 2.

[0144] The stiffeners of each strap 50 forming the attachment devices 5 of the inflatable sail 2 make it possible to transmit the expected forces to the level of the support edge 31A of the pivoting flap 3, with a view to its rotation as described previously.

[0145] Thus it is advantageous that the straps 9 forming the retaining system of the pivoting flap 3 are located and distributed along the bearing edge 31A of said pivoting flap 3 opposite the straps forming the attachment devices 5 of the trailing edge 21 of the inflatable sail 2.

[0146] The second ends of the straps 9 are attached to the straps by any means, and in particular by sewing or through a detachable fastening system, such as by a buckle or a fastening clip for example.

[0147] Finally, FIGURE 8 illustrates a maritime vehicle 8 comprising at least one hull 81 and at least one sail assembly 1 as described previously, the mast 7 of each at least one sail assembly 1 being fixedly and rotatably to one of the at least one hull 81 or to a platform 82 of the maritime vehicle 8.

[0148] In the embodiment illustrated in FIGURE 8, the maritime vehicle 8 is of the type of a pleasure boat, and in particular a catamaran. Such a catamaran has for example two sail assemblies 1 as described previously, each sail assembly 1 being fixed integrally to the platform 82 of the maritime vehicle 8, on each side of one of the two hulls 81.

[0149] In summary, the invention relates to a pivoting flap 3 for a sailing assembly 1 of a maritime vehicle 8, the pivoting flap 3 being intended to equip and collaborate - directly or indirectly - with a sail 2 of the sailing assembly 1, the pivoting flap 3 comprising a pivoting device 4 relative to an axis of rotation located along a bearing edge 31 A of said pivoting flap 3, the pivoting device 4 comprising (i) at least one inflatable bladder 41 A, 41 B and a member for controlling a volume of air selectively injected into each at least one inflatable bladder 41 A, 41 B, so as to allow inflation or deflation of each inflatable bladder in order to generate a force against the bearing edge 31 A in order to lead to a controlled rotation of said pivoting flap 3.

[0150] Of course, the invention is not limited to the examples which have just been described and numerous adjustments can be made to these examples without departing from the scope of the invention. In particular, the different characteristics, forms, variants and embodiments of the invention can be associated with each other in various combinations to the extent that they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive. In particular, all the variants and embodiments described above can be combined with each other.

Claims

Claims

1. Pivoting flap (3) for a sailing assembly (1) of a maritime vehicle (8), the pivoting flap (3) being intended to equip and collaborate with a sail (2) of the sailing assembly (1), the pivoting flap (3) extending along a proper elongation axis (01) between a front edge (31) and a rear edge (32) of said pivoting flap (3), the pivoting flap (3) comprising a pivoting device (4) relative to an axis of rotation located along a bearing edge (31A) of said pivoting flap (3), the pivoting device (4) comprising: - at least one inflatable bladder (41 A, 41 B); - a control member for a volume of air injected into each at least one inflatable bladder (41 A, 41 B).

2. Pivoting shutter (3) according to the preceding claim, wherein the pivoting shutter (3) is of the inflatable type, the pivoting shutter (3) comprising an inflatable cavity (30) which extends between the front edge (31) and the rear edge (32) of the pivoting shutter (3).

3. A pivoting shutter (3) according to any preceding claim, wherein the bearing edge (31A) along which the pivoting device (4) is supported is: - the front edge (31) of the pivoting flap (3), said pivoting flap (3) being intended to be placed behind a sail (2) equipping the sailing assembly (1); or - the rear edge (32) of the pivoting flap (3), said pivoting flap (3) being intended to be placed in front of a sail (2) equipping the sailing assembly (1).

4. Pivoting flap (3) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the control member comprises a pump and at least one fluid conduit in fluid communication with each at least one inflatable bladder (41 A, 41 B), so as to be able to inject or extract air into each at least one inflatable bladder (41 A, 41 B).

5. A pivoting flap (3) according to any preceding claim, wherein the at least one inflatable bladder (41 A, 41 B) comprises a first inflatable bladder (41 A) located on the side of a first lateral surface of the pivoting flap (3) and a second inflatable bladder inflatable (41 B) located on the side of a second lateral surface of the pivoting flap (3).

6. Pivoting shutter (3) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the pivoting device (4) comprises a system for retaining the pivoting shutter (3) with a bearing surface, the retaining system being configured to allow rotation of the pivoting shutter (3) around its axis of rotation and to prevent said pivoting shutter (3) from moving away from said bearing surface, the retaining system comprising a plurality of straps (9) a first end of which is secured to the bearing edge (31 A) of the pivoting shutter (3) and a second end of which is secured to the bearing surface located opposite said bearing edge (31 A).

7. Pivoting shutter (3) according to the preceding claim, wherein, between the upper edge (35) of the pivoting shutter (3) and the lower edge (36), the straps (9) extend in a crossed manner and alternating with each other, a first strap (9) extending from a central part of the bearing edge (31A) and in the direction of the bearing surface on the side of a first lateral edge (33) of the pivoting shutter (3), and a second strap (9) following the first strap (9) extending from the central part of the bearing edge (31A) and in the direction of the bearing surface on the side of a second lateral edge (34) of the pivoting shutter (3)

8. Sailing assembly (1) for a maritime vehicle (8), the sailing assembly (1) comprising: - a mast (7); - an inflatable sail (2) fixedly attached to the mast (7), the mast (7) extending parallel to a specific elongation axis (01) of the inflatable sail (2), the inflatable sail (2) comprising a three-dimensional sealed envelope (20) forming an inflatable volume delimited by an intrados edge (23) and an extrados edge (24) located opposite each other, on either side of the specific elongation axis (01), a leading edge (22) and a trailing edge (21), said leading edge (22), said trailing edge (21), said intrados edge (23) and said extrados edge (24) defining a predetermined aerodynamic profile for the inflatable sail (2); - a pivoting shutter (3) according to any one of the preceding claims, the support edge (31 A) of the pivoting flap (3) being located opposite the leading edge (22) or the trailing edge (21) of the inflatable sail (2).

9. Sailing assembly (1) according to the preceding claim taken in combination with the pivoting flap (3) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the second end of the straps (9) of the system for retaining the pivoting flap (3) is integral with straps of the inflatable sail (2), said straps of the inflatable sail (2) forming attachment devices (5) configured to connect the intrados edge (23) to the extrados edge (24) at a trailing edge of said inflatable sail (2).

10. Maritime vehicle (8) comprising: - at least one shell (81); - at least one sailing assembly (1) according to any one of claims 9 or 10 and the mast (7) of which is fixed integrally and rotatably to one of the at least one hull (81).

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