Self-steering boat traction system

Abstract

Self-steering traction system for boat Self-steering traction system (1) for a boat (3), the self-steering traction system (1) comprising: a sail (5), a mast (7) configured to cooperate with an upper portion (9) of the sail (5), a floating assembly (11) configured to cooperate with the mast (7) and a lower portion (13) of the sail (13), a connecting element (15) configured to connect the floating assembly (11) to the boat (3), the connecting element (15) comprising a first end (17) configured to be mounted rotatably on the boat (3) and a tack changing mechanism (25) configured to move and hold in position the floating assembly (11) relative to the connecting element (15). Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Self-steering traction system for boats Field of invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a self-steering traction system for a boat. The invention also relates to a sailboat including the boat and the self-steering traction system. Prior art

[0002] It is known to have a boat which can be set in motion by a traction system mounted directly on the boat. The traction system can be a sail system comprising in particular a mast and a sail.

[0003] A sailboat is defined as the assembly comprising a boat and a sail system(s) mounted on the boat.

[0004] The boat extends along a longitudinal axis. The sail is deflected relative to the longitudinal axis to sail in various directions.

[0005] However, the wind thrust which is transverse to the sail, generates, in addition to the movement of the sailboat, a lateral overturning torque which is responsible for the heel.

[0006] To limit the heeling; various more or less expensive, heavy and complex devices are necessary: ​​ballast, deep keel, movement of crew and loads, foils, or lateral floats.

[0007] In addition, the skipper must intervene, almost continuously, to adapt the incidence of the sails to the fluctuations of the wind in order to limit the heel. Tacking requires delicate maneuvers. On multihull sailboats, it is also necessary to avoid capsizing, which is irrecoverable.

[0008] The present invention aims to resolve all or part of the drawbacks mentioned above by simply and reliably limiting the heel while facilitating the piloting of the sailboat. Statement of the invention

[0009] To this end, the present invention relates to a self-steering traction system for a boat, the self-steering traction system comprising:

[0010] a sail,

[0011] a mast configured to cooperate with an upper part of the sail,

[0012] a floating assembly configured to cooperate with the mast and a lower portion of the sail,

[0013] a connecting element configured to connect the floating assembly to the boat, the element connecting element comprising a first end configured to be mounted so as to be rotatable on the boat so as to allow rotation of the floating assembly and the connecting element relative to a reference axis of the boat, the connecting element further comprising a second end configured to cooperate with the floating assembly,

[0014] a tack changing mechanism configured to move and maintain in position the floating assembly relative to the connecting element so as to modify a relative position of the floating assembly relative to the reference axis.

[0015] The self-steering traction system comprises a floating assembly separate from the boat. The movement of the floating assembly and therefore of the sail is carried out without intervention from the boat's crew.

[0016] In fact, the floating assembly on which the sail is mounted is free to rotate relative to the reference axis and is freely oriented to keep the angle of incidence of the sail constant relative to the relative wind.

[0017] The tack changing mechanism is advantageous because it allows the position of the sail to be adjusted relative to the reference axis without moving the sail relative to the floating assembly. Instead, the floating assembly and the sail are moved together.

[0018] This facilitates the changing of the tack and the adjustment of the trim. The manufacture of the tack changing mechanism is also simple since it is a mechanism for maintaining cooperation allowing the relative position of the two cooperating parts to be adjusted.

[0019] Furthermore, the self-steering traction system generates a fundamentally different balance from that of traditional sailboats and pulls the boat vertically, which greatly limits the lateral overturning torque responsible for the heeling existing in traditional sailboats.

[0020] The term "traction" means that the self-orienting traction system is a system capable of allowing the movement of the boat, the sail driving said system and the boat in reaction to the force of the wind.

[0021] Self-orienting means that the floating assembly is able to move relative to the boat so as to keep the angle of incidence of the sail constant with the apparent wind.

[0022] According to one aspect of the invention, the floating assembly has two fixed attachment devices, each configured to cooperate with a corresponding lower attachment element of the sail.

[0023] The lower part of the sail is therefore fixed at two fixed points of the floating assembly, which simplifies the assembly of the sail because there is no device for moving the sail relative to the floating assembly to be provided.

[0024] According to one example, each fixed attachment device has an opening capable of receiving the lower attachment element of the sail.

[0025] According to one aspect of the invention, the mast comprises a fixing device configured to cooperate with a complementary element in the upper part of the sail. The sail is thus secured to the floating assembly by a fixing at three points fixed relative to each other.

[0026] According to one aspect of the invention, the floating assembly comprises two floats fixedly mounted relative to each other, each float comprising a corresponding fixed attachment device.

[0027] This arrangement makes it possible to lighten the floating assembly and thus facilitate the positioning of the sail in relation to the direction of the wind.

[0028] According to one aspect of the invention, the floating assembly comprises a central part and two side uprights, each side upright connecting the central part to a corresponding float.

[0029] This organization constitutes a tetrahedral structure organized around the central part whose four vertices are the ends of the mast, the lateral uprights and the connecting element.

[0030] According to one aspect of the invention, the floating assembly is symmetrical with respect to a central plane passing through the central part and extending transversely to a straight line connecting the two floats.

[0031] Thus, the connecting element is located either on one side or the other of the central plane, which defines the port tack or the starboard tack when sailing. The maximum deviation is approximately 15 degrees on each side.

[0032] Preferably, an additional cable connects the two floats. The additional cable coincides with the straight line connecting the floats.

[0033] According to one aspect of the invention, each float comprises a foil mounted free to rotate and configured to orient itself according to the movements of the floating assembly.

[0034] The foils arranged under the floats lift the floating assembly when the speed is sufficient. The foils of the floats are equipped with a fin and their vertical axis rotates freely so that they orient themselves in the current.

[0035] According to one aspect of the invention, the mast is mounted on the central part.

[0036] The structure thus created is light and strong. Preferably, the floating assembly comprises two lateral shrouds, each lateral shroud being arranged to connect the mast to the end of the corresponding lateral upright.

[0037] According to one aspect of the invention, the connecting element is a rectilinear arm, the rectilinear arm and the central part constituting a pivoting joint.

[0038] The connecting element and the floating assembly cooperate according to a mechanical principle simple, which facilitates manufacturing and improves the reliability of the self-steering traction system.

[0039] According to one aspect of the invention, the self-steering traction system comprises a rear stay connecting the mast to the first end of the connecting element. Preferably, the rear stay includes a tensioner configured to stiffen the structure.

[0040] According to one aspect of the invention, the central part is raised relative to the floats. Preferably, the elevation of the central part relative to the upper limit of the floats is less than the length of the lateral uprights and / or the connecting element, and in particular of the order of a quarter of the average of the lengths of the lateral uprights and the connecting element.

[0041] According to one aspect of the invention, the tack changing mechanism comprises:

[0042] at least one tensioning cable capable of connecting the floating assembly to the connecting element,

[0043] an arrangement for winding and unwinding the at least one tensioning cable.

[0044] The tack changing mechanism can thus maintain the orientation of the floating assembly relative to the connecting element while allowing the joint rotation of these elements relative to the reference axis.

[0045] The tack change mechanism allows the relative movement of the floating assembly with respect to the connecting element while maintaining the cooperation of the latter.

[0046] According to one aspect of the invention, the winding and unwinding arrangement is attached to the first end of the connecting element and is centered along the reference axis.

[0047] The at least one tensioning cable winds and unwinds around the reference axis. Preferably, the winding and unwinding arrangement comprises a worm drive device allowing rotation of the at least one tensioning cable along the reference axis.

[0048] In particular, the worm drive device comprises a manual rotary lever. This arrangement facilitates winding and unwinding.

[0049] According to one aspect of the invention, the at least one tensioning cable corresponds to a port cable and a starboard cable mounted at two separate locations of the floating assembly, the port cable winding around the reference axis when the starboard cable unwinds and vice versa.

[0050] The floating assembly is held by two cables, the winding and unwinding arrangement allowing simultaneous winding and unwinding. This winding and unwinding arrangement is also called a jibing cam.

[0051] To sail on port tack, the trim of the sail is adjusted by deflecting the element of clockwise link. Conversely, to sail on the starboard tack, the trim is adjusted by deflecting the link element counterclockwise. This deflection of the aft arm is adjusted by the lengths of the port cable and the starboard cable.

[0052] The furling and unfurling arrangement may include a conventional device for displaying the angle of rotation of the floating assembly relative to the connecting element and the trim of the sail.

[0053] According to one aspect of the invention, the port cable and the starboard cable are each configured to be attached to a corresponding fixed attachment device or a corresponding additional attachment device of the floating assembly.

[0054] Thus, the fixed attachment devices can be used to fix both the sail, the port cable and the starboard cable.

[0055] According to one aspect of the invention, the second end of the connecting element is configured to be mounted to move in rotation with the floating assembly along an adjustment axis.

[0056] The tack changing mechanism therefore adjusts an angle between the connecting element and the floating assembly. According to one aspect of the invention, the tack changing mechanism is configured to change tack into a port tack and a starboard tack. The tack changing mechanism also allows the trim to be adjusted.

[0057] Thus, the floating assembly orients itself without intervention from the crew according to the direction of the wind and the heading of the vessel, the only intervention being the inversion of the tack change mechanism during tack changes.

[0058] The adjustment axis is distant from the reference axis. Preferably, the adjustment axis is parallel to the reference axis. According to one aspect of the invention, the mast extends parallel to the adjustment axis or along the adjustment axis.

[0059] The present invention also relates to a sailboat comprising a boat and a self-steering traction system as described above capable of cooperating with the boat (3).

[0060] According to one aspect of the invention, the sailboat comprises a rudder and a rudder control bar, the tack changing mechanism being mounted on the axis of the control bar.

[0061] This arrangement makes it possible to centralize the controls of the sailboat in a single location. Preferably, the control bar extends along the reference axis and also includes a handle. According to one aspect of the invention, the rudder includes a foil.

[0062] This foil-rudder assembly must be able to support the vertical load of the boat and the anti-drift lateral thrust.

[0063] The control bar axis is free to rotate relative to the tack change mechanism to maintain independent heading control.

[0064] According to one aspect of the invention, the boat has a circular shape.

[0065] This arrangement makes it possible to create a sailboat extending in a longitudinal direction. The longitudinal direction extends between the rear defined by the reference axis and the front defined as a central point between the two floats.

[0066] The circular shape has the reference axis as its center.

[0067] This circular-shaped boat or main float ensures buoyancy when stationary and at low speed for the sailboat which sails on its foil as soon as the speed is sufficient.

[0068] During navigation, an aerodynamic force is applied forward along the longitudinal direction of the sailboat. A hydrodynamic resistance, due to the drag and the anti-drift component, is applied at the rear. As a result, the wind thrust does not create a heel.

[0069] During navigation, the longitudinal direction of the sailboat is always oriented at approximately 95 degrees to the direction of the wind, regardless of the variations in the wind, the sailboat moves laterally (crab) towards the rudder heading.

[0070] These fundamental differences in balance, compared to those of conventional sailboats with a mast mounted on the boat, radically change the steering. There is no need to intervene on the sails during navigation or when changing tack. It is also not necessary to move loads and crew on the boat when changing tack.

[0071] The control bar controls the orientation of the rudder and the foil. The movement towards the heading is determined, independently of the orientation of the boat, by the rudder (between 35 and 180 degrees relative to the direction of the true wind).

[0072] The different aspects defined above which are not incompatible can be combined. Brief description of the figures

[0073] The invention will be better understood with the aid of the detailed description which is set out below with reference to the attached drawings.

[0074] [Fig. 1] is a perspective view of a sailboat comprising a boat and a system self-orienting traction.

[0075] [Fig.2] is a top view of the sailboat.

[0076] [Fig.3] is a side view of the sailboat.

[0077] [Fig.4] is a perspective view of a tack changing mechanism and a rudder.

[0078] [Fig.5] is a perspective view of a foil of a float. Description with reference to the figures

[0079] In the detailed description which follows of the figures defined above, the same elements or the elements fulfilling identical functions may retain the same references so as to simplify the understanding of the invention.

[0080] As illustrated in Figures 1 to 3, a self-steering traction system 1 for a boat 3 is presented from several points of view.

[0081] The self-orienting traction system 1 comprises a sail 5, a mast 7 configured to cooperate with an upper part 9 of the sail 5, a floating assembly 11 configured to cooperate with the mast 7 and a lower part 13 of the sail 5, and a connecting element 15.

[0082] The connecting element 15 is configured to connect the floating assembly 11 to the boat 3. The connecting element 15 comprises a first end 17 configured to be mounted so as to be able to rotate on the boat 3 so as to allow the floating assembly 11 and the connecting element 15 to rotate relative to a reference axis 19 of the boat 3.

[0083] The position around the reference axis 19 is a function of the direction of the apparent wind 21 received by the sail 5, the connecting element 15 further comprising a second end 23 configured to cooperate with the floating assembly 11.

[0084] Furthermore, the self-orienting traction system 1 comprises a tack changing mechanism 25 configured to move and maintain in position the floating assembly 11 relative to the connecting element 15 so as to modify a relative position of the floating assembly 11 relative to the reference axis 19.

[0085] The floating assembly 11 is separate from the boat 3. The rotational movement of the floating assembly 11 and therefore of the sail 5 around the reference axis 19 is carried out without intervention.

[0086] Indeed, the floating assembly 11 on which the sail 5 is mounted is free to rotate relative to the reference axis 19. The sail 5 is freely oriented to keep the angle of incidence constant relative to the direction of the apparent wind 21.

[0087] The floating assembly 11 has two fixed attachment devices 27, each being configured to cooperate with a corresponding lower attachment element 29 of the sail 5.

[0088] The lower part 13 of the sail 5 is therefore fixed at two fixed points of the floating assembly 11, which simplifies the assembly of the sail 5 because there is no device for moving the sail 5 relative to the floating assembly 11 to be provided.

[0089] Here, each fixed attachment device 27 has an opening capable of receiving the corresponding lower attachment element 29 of the sail 5.

[0090] The mast 7 comprises a fixing device 31 configured to cooperate with a complementary element, the upper part 9 of the sail 5. The sail 5 is thus secured to the floating assembly 11 by a fixing at three points fixed relative to each other.

[0091] The floating assembly 11 comprises two floats 33 fixedly mounted one by relative to each other, each float 33 comprising a corresponding fixed attachment device 27.

[0092] The floating assembly 11 comprises a central part 35 and two lateral uprights 37, each lateral upright 37 connecting the central part 35 to a corresponding float 33.

[0093] The floating assembly 11 is symmetrical with respect to a central plane 39 passing through the central part 35 and extending transversely to a straight line 41 connecting the two floats 33.

[0094] The connecting element 15 is a rectilinear arm, the rectilinear arm and the central part 35 constituting a pivoting joint.

[0095] Thus, the connecting element 15 is located either on one side or the other of the central plane 39, which defines the port tack or the starboard tack during navigation. The maximum deviation is approximately 15 degrees on each side.

[0096] An additional cable 43 connects the two floats 33. The additional cable 43 is merged with the straight line 41 connecting the floats 33.

[0097] As also visible in [Fig.5], each float 33 comprises a foil 45 mounted free to rotate and configured to orient itself according to the movements of the floating assembly 11.

[0098] The foils 45 arranged under the floats 33 lift the floating assembly 11 when the speed is sufficient. The foils 45 of the floats 33 are provided with a fin and their vertical axis rotates freely so that they orient themselves in the current.

[0099] The mast 7 is mounted on the central part 35. The floating assembly 11 comprises two lateral shrouds 47, each lateral shroud 47 being arranged to connect the mast 7 to the end of the corresponding lateral upright 37.

[0100] The self-steering traction system 1 comprises a rear stay 49 connecting the mast 7 to the first end 17. The rear stay 49 includes a tensioner 51 configured to stiffen the structure.

[0101] The central part 35 is raised relative to the upper limit of the floats 33. The elevation of the central part 35 relative to the floats 33 is less than the length of the lateral uprights 37 and / or of the connecting element 15, and in particular of the order of a quarter of the average of the lengths of the lateral uprights 37 and of the connecting element 15.

[0102] As also illustrated in [Fig.4], the tack changing mechanism 25 comprises at least one tensioning cable 53 capable of connecting the floating assembly 11 to the connecting element 15, and a winding and unwinding arrangement 55 of the at least one tensioning cable 53.

[0103] The tack changing mechanism 25 can thus maintain the orientation of the floating assembly 11 relative to the connecting element 15 while allowing the joint rotation of these elements relative to the reference axis 19.

[0104] The winding and unwinding arrangement 55 is attached to the first end 17 of the connecting element 15 and is centered along the reference axis 19.

[0105] The at least one tensioning cable 53 winds and unwinds around the reference axis 19. The winding and unwinding arrangement 55 comprises a worm drive device 57 allowing the rotation of the at least one tensioning cable 53 along the reference axis 19. The worm drive device 57 comprises a manual rotary lever 59.

[0106] Here, the at least one tensioning cable 53 corresponds to a port cable 61 and a starboard cable 63 mounted at two separate locations of the floating assembly 11, the port cable 61 winding around the reference axis 19 when the starboard cable 63 unwinds and vice versa.

[0107] The floating assembly 11 is held by two cables, the winding and unwinding arrangement 55 allowing simultaneous winding and unwinding. This winding and unwinding arrangement 55 is also called a jibing cam.

[0108] As illustrated in [Fig.2], to sail on port tack, the trim of the sail 5 is adjusted by deflecting the connecting element 15 clockwise. On the contrary, to sail on starboard tack, the trim is adjusted by deflecting the connecting element counterclockwise. Axis 39 is the axis of symmetry, axes 65 and 75 corresponding respectively to the position of the connecting element on starboard tack and port tack. This deflection of the rear arm is adjusted by the lengths of the port cable 61 and the starboard cable 63.

[0109] The winding and unwinding arrangement 55 may include a conventional device for displaying the angle of rotation of the floating assembly 11 relative to the connecting element 15 and the trim of the sail.

[0110] The port cable 61 and the starboard cable 63 are each configured to be attached to a corresponding fixed attachment device 27 of the floating assembly 11.

[0111] The second end 23 of the connecting element 15 is configured to be mounted so as to be able to rotate with the floating assembly 11 along an adjustment axis 67.

[0112] The tack changing mechanism 25 therefore sets an angle between the connecting element 15 and the floating assembly 11. The tack changing mechanism 25 is configured to change tack into a port tack and a starboard tack. The tack changing mechanism 25 also allows the trim to be adjusted.

[0113] Thus, the floating assembly orients itself without intervention from the crew according to the direction of the wind and the heading of the vessel, the only intervention being the inversion of the tack change mechanism during tack changes.

[0114] The adjustment axis 67 is distant from the reference axis 19. The adjustment axis 67 is parallel to the reference axis 19. In the embodiment presented, the mast 7 extends along the adjustment axis 67.

[0115] The boat 3 and the self-steering traction system 1 thus constitute a sailboat 69 when they cooperate. The sailboat 69 comprises a rudder 71 and a control bar 73 of the rudder 71, the tack change mechanism 25 being mounted on the axis of the control bar 73, the axis being free to rotate relative to the tack change mechanism 25 to maintain independent control of the heading.

[0116] This arrangement makes it possible to centralize the controls of the sailboat 69 in a single location. The control bar 73 extends along the reference axis 19 and also includes a handle.

[0117] As seen in [Fig.4], the rudder 71 includes a foil 45. This foil-rudder assembly 71 supports the vertical load of the boat 3 and the anti-drift lateral thrust.

[0118] The boat 3 has a circular shape. As illustrated in [Fig.2], this arrangement makes it possible to create a sailboat 69 extending in a longitudinal direction 75. The longitudinal direction 75 extends between the rear defined by the reference axis 19 and the front defined as a central point between the two floats 33. The circular shape has the reference axis 19 as its center.

[0119] The trim adjustable by the tack change mechanism 25 corresponds to the angle between the perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 75 and the straight line 41 connecting the two floats 33 on the port tack, and to the angle between the perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 65 and the straight line 41 connecting the two floats 33 on the starboard tack.

[0120] During port tack sailing in accordance with [Fig.2], an aerodynamic force 77 is applied forward in the longitudinal direction 75 of the sailboat 69. A hydrodynamic resistance 79, due to the drag and the anti-drift component, is applied to the rear. Consequently, the wind thrust does not create a heel.

[0121] During navigation, whatever the variations in the wind, the sailboat 69 moves laterally (crab) towards a heading 81 of the rudder 71.

[0122] In [Fig.2], the wind direction 21 is shown coming from above, with the sailboat 69 sailing on port tack. Under these conditions, the aerodynamic force 77 orients the sailboat 69 at approximately 95 degrees from the wind to starboard, while the hydrodynamic resultant 79 is opposite it in the opposite direction. On this port tack, the movement towards heading 81 can be chosen between 35 degrees and 180 degrees from the true wind to starboard. On starboard tack, the movement can be chosen between 35 and 180 degrees from the true wind to port.

[0123] These fundamental differences in balance, compared to those of conventional sailboats with a mast mounted on the boat, radically modify the steering. There is no need to intervene on the sails during navigation or when changing tack. It It is also not necessary to move loads and crew on the boat when changing sides.

[0124] Furthermore, the tack changing mechanism 25 is advantageous because it allows the position of the sail 5 to be adjusted relative to the reference axis 19 without moving the sail 5 relative to the floating assembly 11. Instead, the floating assembly 11 and the sail 5 are moved together.

[0125] This facilitates changing the tack and adjusting the trim. The manufacture of the tack changing mechanism 25 is also simple since it is a mechanism for maintaining cooperation allowing the relative position of the two cooperating parts to be adjusted.

[0126] As goes without saying, the invention is not limited to the single embodiment described above as an example; on the contrary, it encompasses all the variant embodiments and can be extended to other supports, hard ground, snow or ice, by replacing the boat and the floats with wheels, skis or skates.

Claims

Claims

1. A sailboat (69) comprising a boat (3) and a self-steering traction system (1), the self-steering traction system (1) comprising: - a sail (5), - a mast (7) configured to cooperate with an upper portion (9) of the sail (5), - a floating assembly (11) configured to cooperate with the mast (7) and a lower portion (13) of the sail (13), - a connecting element (15) configured to connect the floating assembly (11) to the boat (3), the connecting element (15) comprising a first end (17) configured to be mounted rotatably on the boat (3) so as to allow rotation of the floating assembly (11) and the connecting element (15) relative to a reference axis (19) of the boat (3), the connecting element (15) further comprising a second end (23) configured to cooperate with the floating assembly (11),- a tack changing mechanism (25) configured to move and maintain in position the floating assembly (11) relative to the connecting element (15) so as to modify a relative position of the floating assembly (11) relative to the reference axis (19).,

2. A sailboat (69) according to claim 1, wherein the floating assembly (11) has two fixed attachment devices (27), each configured to cooperate with a corresponding lower attachment element (29) of the sail (5).

3. A sailboat (69) according to claim 2, wherein the floating assembly (11) comprises two floats (33) fixedly mounted relative to each other, each float (33) comprising a corresponding fixed attachment device (27).

4. A sailboat (69) according to claim 3, wherein the floating assembly (11) comprises a central piece (35) and two lateral uprights (37), each lateral upright (37) connecting the central piece (35) to a corresponding float (33).

5. A sailboat (69) according to claim 4, wherein the mast (7) is mounted on the central piece (35).

6. Sailboat (69) according to one of claims 4 or 5, in which the connecting element (15) is a rectilinear arm, the rectilinear arm and the central part (35) constituting a pivoting joint.

7. Sailboat (69) according to one of claims 1 to 6, in which the tack changing mechanism (25) comprises: - at least one tensioning cable (53) capable of connecting the floating assembly (11) to the connecting element (15), - a winding and unwinding arrangement (55) of the at least one tensioning cable (53).

8. Sailboat (69) according to claim 7, in which the winding and unwinding arrangement (55) is attached to the first end (17) of the connecting element (15) and is centered along the reference axis (19).

9. Sailboat (69) according to one of claims 7 or 8, in which the at least one tensioning cable (53) corresponds to a port cable (61) and a starboard cable (63) mounted at two separate locations of the floating assembly (11), the port cable (61) winding around the reference axis (19) when the starboard cable (63) unwinds and vice versa.

10. Sailboat (69) according to one of claims 1 to 9, in which the second end (23) of the connecting element (15) is configured to be mounted mobile in rotation with the floating assembly (11) according to an adjustment axis (67).

11. Sailboat (69) according to one of claims 1 to 10, comprising a rudder (71) and a control bar (73) of the rudder (71), the tack changing mechanism (25) being mounted on the axis of the control bar (73).

12. Sailboat (69) according to one of claims 1 to 11, in which the boat (3) has a circular shape.

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