telescopic mast for sail-powered vessel

Abstract

The invention relates to a telescopic mast device (1) for a sail-powered vessel, the telescopic mast device (1) being erected along a specific elongation axis (O1) and comprising: - a fixed section (11) intended to be positioned above an upper deck (42) of the vessel; - a plurality of movable sections (10, 10A, 10B) coaxial with the fixed section (11), each upper movable section (10, 10A, 10B) – called the upper section (10B) – being slidably mounted in the directly lower movable section (10, 10A, 10B) – called the lower section (10A) – relative to the specific elongation axis (O1) of the mast; - axial centering elements (3) for the lower section (10A) and the upper section (10B). Figure to be published with the abstract: Fig. 1

Description

Title of the invention: telescopic mast for a sail-powered vessel

[0001] The technical context of the present invention is that of devices equipping sail-powered vessels. More particularly, the invention relates to a telescopic mast for a sail-powered vessel.

[0002] In the state of the art, and in particular that of known sail-powered vessels, certain situations require the mast of such sail-powered vessels to be dismantled, for example to have them towed or to allow them to pass under a low bridge. Such situations lead to complex maneuvers which are not feasible for everyone.

[0003] Sail-powered vessels equipped with an inflatable sail are also 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.

[0004] Such inflatable sails are - in a known manner - associated with telescopic masts which allow the sail to be lowered or, on the contrary, to be straightened and thus allow sail-powered vessels to be adapted to different wind conditions. The known telescopic masts are erected along a specific elongation axis and comprise a fixed section intended to be positioned above or below an upper deck, and a plurality of movable sections coaxial with the fixed section, each upper movable section - called the upper section - being slidably mounted in the directly lower movable section - called the lower section - relative to the mast's specific elongation axis.

[0005] Thus, each mobile section can slide relative to the directly adjacent mobile section using a lifting system - automatic, synchronized or asynchronous - which is not discussed here in the context of the present invention.

[0006] The disadvantages of known masts lie in the presence of residual mobility between the different moving sections. These residual mobility take, for example, the form of radial play which, under the effect of the wind blowing in the sail supported by the known masts, lead to the appearance of bending moments between the different moving sections or to the appearance of torsional forces between the different moving sections. As a result, these residual mobility lead to reliability problems and robustness of known masts which do not allow the forces resulting from the thrust of the wind in the sail to be transmitted to the structure of the ship and its hull. In addition, such radial clearances between two successive moving sections prevent the transfer of the force generated by the wind blowing in the sail along the different moving sections to the foot of the mast. This situation is not desired because it imposes a twisting of the sail and makes it less efficient, or even ineffective.

[0007] The object of the present invention is to propose a new telescopic mast device in order to address at least a large part of the above problems and to further lead to other advantages.

[0008] Another aim of the invention is to reduce the internal mobility of the telescopic mast device, and in particular its radial play or torsion play between the different mobile sections.

[0009] Another object of the invention is to make such a telescopic mast device more robust.

[0010] Another object of the invention is to make such a telescopic mast device more reliable.

[0011] According to a first aspect of the invention, at least one of the aforementioned objectives is achieved with a telescopic mast device for a sail-powered vessel, the telescopic mast device being erected along a specific elongation axis and comprising:

[0012] - a fixed section intended to be secured to an upper deck of the ship;

[0013] - a plurality of movable sections coaxial with the fixed section, each section upper mobile - called upper section - being mounted to slide in the directly lower mobile section - called lower section - relative to the proper elongation axis of the mast;

[0014] - axial centering elements of the lower section and the upper section.

[0015] In the context of the present invention, the adjective radial means a direction taken perpendicular to the axis of proper elongation. The adjective longitudinal means a direction taken parallel to the axis of proper elongation. Consequently, the adjectives upper and lower mean, relative to the axis of proper elongation, respectively a high position and a low position.

[0016] In the context of the present invention, the fixed section is intended to be fixed by embedding in the upper deck of the ship, above or below it.

[0017] In the context of the present invention, each movable section takes the form of a hollow cylindrical bearing surface which extends in a rectilinear manner parallel to the proper elongation axis. Each movable section is preferably delimited by a circular profile. This advantageous configuration makes it possible both to simplify the manufacturing processes of these movable sections, but also to reduce their manufacturing costs. The hollow cylindrical bearing surface of a movable section is delimited by a inner contour and an outer contour. A thickness of the movable section - taken along a direction perpendicular to the proper elongation axis and between the inner contour and the outer contour - is advantageously constant along the proper elongation axis. In other words, each movable section is preferably of constant thickness. On the other hand, all the movable sections forming the telescopic mast device are of the same thickness or of different thicknesses. In the latter case, the upper sections are possibly of lesser thickness than the lower sections.

[0018] Furthermore, the telescopic mast device according to the invention comprises a plurality of movable sections, all engaged two by two in one another in a concentric manner. Thus, each movable section is, at the same time, a lower section for the directly upper movable section, and an upper section for the directly lower movable section. Thus, the technical characteristics described below with reference to a lower section or to an upper section are found cumulatively on each movable section of the telescopic mast device according to the invention, with the exception of the last movable section located at the free end of said telescopic mast device, opposite the fixed section. Obviously, in order to allow such a sliding and concentric assembly, the dimensions of the hollow cylindrical bearing surfaces forming each movable section are adapted to each other.Generally, the hollow cylindrical bearing surface of an upper section is of greater radial dimension than that of a lower section. Furthermore, along the proper elongation axis, the hollow cylindrical bearing surface of a movable section has an invariant cross-section or has several segments, each segment having a specific radial elongation - for example, bulges or narrower segments.

[0019] In the context of the present invention, the axial centering elements make it possible to reduce or even eliminate the radial clearance existing between a lower section and the upper section directly adjacent and slidably mounted in said lower section. The radial clearance is measured in a direction perpendicular to the proper elongation axis. The axial centering elements thus make it possible to avoid a pivoting effect of an upper section relative to the lower section, relative to a pivot axis intersecting the proper elongation axis of the telescopic mast device, which would have the effect of blocking the telescopic mast device. Furthermore, the centering elements make it possible to secure the upper section to the lower section when - at the very least - the telescopic mast device according to the first aspect of the invention is unfolded.In the context of the present invention, the axial centering elements are embedded on all or part of the movable sections. Subsequently, the axial centering elements make it possible to reduce or even avoid a relative rotational movement between. two adjacent movable sections, relative to the specific elongation axis of the telescopic mast device according to the invention.

[0020] Thus, the telescopic mast device according to the first aspect of the invention solves the technical problem in that the use of axial centering elements on the movable sections makes it possible to better constrain said movable sections between them and to reduce or even cancel their internal mobility, with respect to a radial play perpendicular to the proper elongation axis. This advantageous configuration makes it possible to make the telescopic mast device according to the first aspect of the invention more robust and more reliable, reducing the risks of breakdown or breakage during intensive use and for example in strong wind conditions.

[0021] The telescopic mast device according to 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:

[0022] - the axial centering elements comprise at least two centering plates secured to an upper part of the upper section, and at least two centering profiles secured to a lower part of the lower section, each centering plate collaborating with one of the centering profiles located opposite so as to reduce the radial clearance existing between the centering profile and the centering plate located opposite. The at least two centering plates are preferably angularly regularly distributed around the proper elongation axis in order to make the lower section and the upper section coaxial. This advantageous configuration thus makes it possible both to reduce the radial clearance, but also to achieve angular indexing between the two adjacent mobile sections, relative to the proper elongation axis of the telescopic mast device according to the invention;

[0023] - according to a first embodiment of the invention, each centering plate is made of a single material with the corresponding movable section. In the context of the present invention, by “made of a single material”, it is understood that the centering plates and the corresponding movable section are made from the same manufacturing process and that they cannot be detached from each other without one and / or the other being entirely or partially damaged or destroyed. Alternatively, according to a second embodiment of the invention, each centering plate is attached to the corresponding movable section;

[0024] - each movable section comprises, at an upper end, a racket which extends perpendicular to said movable section, the racket making it possible to shape a sail intended to equip the telescopic mast device, each centering plate being attached and fixed integrally to the racket by means of fixing means. In the context of the present invention, the racket takes the form of a platform which extends from the mobile section considered and on either side of said mobile section. Each racket extends mainly in a plane perpendicular to the proper elongation axis. Each racket is preferably formed from a composite material, such as for example comprising a carbon fiber and / or fiberglass filler;

[0025] - the means for fixing each centering plate on the racket comprise at least one screw for fixing said centering plate and collaborating with said racket. In particular, the racket is integral with a collar mounted around the movable section. The collar is preferably formed of a rigid material making it possible to guarantee precise, reliable and robust fixing of the at least one corresponding indexing wedge. For this purpose, the collar is formed of a metallic material having a high modulus of elasticity, or of a composite material, such as for example comprising a carbon fiber and / or fiberglass filler. The collar is preferably glued to the movable section, and the corresponding fixing racket is fixed integrally to the collar, in particular by bolting. The fixing means comprise for example fixing screws collaborating with the racket and the corresponding centering plate;

[0026] - the telescopic mast device comprises means for indexing each centering plate with the racket. By way of non-limiting example, the indexing means of each centering plate with the racket comprise conical centering devices making it possible to precisely locate said centering plate on the racket. Alternatively, the indexing means comprise, for example, a centering pin collaborating with the centering plate and the racket and indexing openings arranged both on the racket and on said centering plate, said centering pin passing through the openings to achieve such centering. The centering of the at least one indexing racket is imperative for a functional and viable collaboration of said centering plate with the movable section thereafter;

[0027] - each centering plate has a coupling surface which extends parallel to the proper elongation axis and radially between the upper section and the lower section. The coupling span thus extends radially between the lower section and the upper section, so as to allow two adjacent mobile sections to be angularly indexed. As a non-limiting example, a length of the coupling span - taken parallel to the proper elongation axis - is between 5 cm and 20 cm, preferably equal to 11.5 cm. More generally, the coupling span has a length between 5% and 20% of the length of the mobile section with which it is associated. This advantageous configuration makes it possible to provide a sufficient coupling length between two adjacent mobile sections in order to to obtain good coaxiality and to limit the risks of blocking the mobile sections when the telescopic mast device unfolds or folds;

[0028] - the coupling surface has a cylinder portion providing a surface complementary to the shape and dimensions of the lower section located opposite. Thus, the coupling surface has a cylindrical shape opposite the upper movable section which slides in the lower movable section on which the centering plates are mounted. This cylindrical shape makes it possible to exploit a radial space existing between the upper section and the lower section to achieve axial centering between them;

[0029] - in particular, the coupling surface takes the form of a portion of a hollow cylinder, the coupling surface further comprising a groove which extends parallel to the proper elongation axis, the groove being configured to accommodate the centering profile located opposite, with minimal radial play. The radial play is here considered as a play existing between the lower section and the upper section, taken perpendicular to the proper elongation axis of the telescopic mast device. For example, in the case of a circular-shaped mobile section, the radial play is measured in the direction of a diameter of said mobile section, perpendicular to the proper elongation axis and passing through the groove and the centering profile.The radial play here corresponds to a residual movement between the upper section and the lower section, resulting from a lack of coaxiality and / or centering and / or pivoting of the upper section around a pivot axis perpendicular to the proper elongation axis, when said upper section is engaged and locked radially relative to the lower section. In other words, it corresponds to an existing residual play - desired to be minimal or even zero - between two successive mobile sections of the telescopic mast device according to the invention, in particular during the deployment or folding phases of the telescopic mast device; .

[0030] - a shape and dimensions of the groove are complementary to a shape and dimensions of the centering profile, so that the centering profile can be inserted into the groove, by longitudinal sliding along the proper elongation axis, without radial play or with minimal radial play. Thus, the centering profile is placed in radial support against the groove located opposite the centering plate. The radial play is less than 5 mm, preferably between 100 pm and 800 pm, for example equal to 200 pm;

[0031] - according to an exemplary embodiment, in a plane perpendicular to the axis of elongation own the groove of the coupling surface has a rectangular or trapezoidal shape. Subsequently, in a plane perpendicular to the own elongation axis, the associated centering profile has a rectangular or trapezoidal shape;

[0032] - each centering plate has a support sole which extends perpendicular to the proper elongation axis, the support sole being pressed against the racket and fixedly attached to the racket by the fixing means. The support sole facilitates collaboration between the centering plate and the associated racket, and more particularly with the collar on which said centering plate is fixed. The support sole extends radially outwards, relative to the proper elongation axis, the coupling surface extending at one end of said support sole proximal to the proper elongation axis;

[0033] - the centering profile is configured to collaborate with the groove of the plate corresponding centering by engagement of complementary shapes, this collaboration making possible the relative translation of the centering profile with respect to the groove along the proper elongation axis. In the context of the present invention, the telescopic mast device comprises at least two centering profiles, each centering profile being associated with a centering plate. Each centering profile extends projecting from the movable section, along a generatrix of said movable section parallel to the proper elongation axis. The centering profile forms a means of angular indexing of the upper movable section with the lower movable section, thus making it possible to couple in rotation the two adjacent movable sections and to reduce or even cancel the angular play between them. In addition, due to its radial dimension, the centering profile also makes it possible to reduce or even cancel the radial play between two adjacent movable sections;

[0034] - a length of each at least one centering profile, measured along the proper elongation axis is between 10 cm and 50 cm. This advantageous configuration makes it possible to provide a sufficient coupling length between two adjacent mobile sections in order to obtain good coaxiality adjustment while limiting the risks of blocking the mobile sections when the telescopic mast device unfolds or folds;

[0035] - the at least one centering profile comprises a first guide part which, by collaborating with the centering plate located opposite, present with a first radial clearance, and a second guide part which, by collaborating with the centering plate located opposite, presents with a second radial clearance less than the first radial clearance. This advantageous configuration makes it possible to arrange two different coaxiality situations depending on the use of the telescopic mast device. In particular, the second guide part is located below the first guide part, relative to the proper elongation axis. This advantageous configuration makes it possible to provide a first radial clearance when the telescopic mast device is being unfolded, and a second radial clearance when the telescopic mast device is completely unfolded. In this case, the axial centering is carried out by more strictly when the telescopic mast device is fully extended than when it is being extended;

[0036] - possibly, the first radial clearance is identical to the second radial clearance. In this case, axial centering is carried out under the same conditions when the telescopic mast device is being unfolded and when it is fully unfolded;

[0037] - by way of non-limiting example, at the level of the first guide part, the clearance radial clearance between the centering profile and the corresponding centering plate is greater than 1°. At the second guide part, the radial clearance between the centering profile and the corresponding centering plate is less than 1°;

[0038] - according to a first embodiment of the invention, relative to the axis of own elongation, a thickness of the at least one centering profile is constant along the first guide part and the second guide part, the thickness being measured perpendicular to the axis of own elongation. In other words, each at least one centering profile has a constant and invariant thickness along the movable section, and in particular at the level of the first part;

[0039] - possibly, relative to the proper elongation axis, the profile of the at least a centering profile differs depending on the part considered. In particular, the at least one centering profile comprises a third guide part located between the first guide part and the second guide part, said at least one centering profile having, along the third guide part, in collaboration with the centering plate located opposite, a variable radial clearance. In other words, along the third guide part, relative to the proper elongation axis, the thickness of the at least one centering profile is variable. In other words, the at least one centering profile has a variable thickness along the third guide part of the movable section.Thus, in this third part, the axial centering between the lower section and the upper section is progressive, the radial clearance becoming increasingly tight as the telescopic mast device approaches its fully unfolded configuration. Advantageously, along the third guide part, the radial clearance between the at least one centering profile and the centering plate located opposite varies from a value of the radial clearance taken at the level of the first guide part to a value of the radial clearance taken at the level of the second guide part; .

[0040] - for this purpose, along the third guide part, the variation in thickness at the at least one centering profile is monotonous and / or linear. Generally, along the third guide portion, the thickness of the at least one centering profile increases towards a lower edge of the movable section. More particularly, along the third guide portion, a circumferential section of the profile of the at least one centering profile, taken along a circumferential chord of the section movable and perpendicular to the proper elongation axis, has a thickness which increases towards a lower edge of the movable section. Thus, along the third guide part, the profile of the at least one centering profile has a trapezoidal profile;

[0041] - in a direction taken perpendicular to the axis of elongation of the first guide part, a transverse profile of said first guide part, taken along a circumferential contour of the movable section, has an increasing dimension towards the second guide part. In other words, the first guide part has a pointed, or trapezoidal, or conical, or triangular end, so that its transverse profile, taken near a free end of the first guide part, is always smaller than the transverse profile taken near the second guide part. This advantageous configuration makes it possible to achieve progressive coupling and progressive angular indexing between the lower section and the upper section. Additionally, this advantageous configuration also makes it possible to avoid blockage between the two movable sections when unfolding the telescopic mast device;

[0042] - according to a first embodiment, each at least one centering profile is made of one piece with the corresponding movable section. In the context of the present invention, by “made of one piece”, it is understood that the centering profile and the corresponding movable section are made from the same manufacturing process and that they cannot be detached from each other without one and / or the other being entirely or partially damaged or destroyed. Alternatively, according to a second embodiment, each at least one centering profile is attached and fixed integrally to the corresponding movable section, for example by gluing or welding;

[0043] - the telescopic mast device comprises three or four centering plates associated with respectively three or four centering profiles, each centering plate collaborating with one of the centering profiles. In the latter case, the centering plates are angularly regularly distributed around the proper elongation axis, and the centering profiles are angularly regularly distributed around said proper elongation axis. This advantageous configuration makes it possible to optimize the axial centering of each mobile section by balancing any residual radial clearances symmetrically around the proper elongation axis;

[0044] - in order to allow angular indexing and rotational coupling between two movable sections when said movable sections are folded, the axial centering elements comprise at least two centering plates secured to an upper part of the lower section, and at least two centering profiles secured to a lower part of the upper section, each centering plate collaborating with one of the centering profiles located opposite so as to reduce the radial clearance existing between the centering profile and the centering plate located opposite when the corresponding movable sections are folded. In the context of the present invention, the centering plates and the centering profiles in question have the technical characteristics described above, in any of the variants described above, the objective here is to allow angular coupling and angular indexing between two adjacent movable sections when these are folded, allowing the transmission of a torque along the mast device according to the invention even when some of its movable sections are folded. In the context of the invention, the centering profiles extend at the level of the upper section and in the direction of the lower section, in order to be able to couple with the corresponding centering plate located opposite on the lower section, when the upper section is folded into the lower section.As described above, the at least two centering plates are preferably angularly regularly distributed around the proper elongation axis in order to make the lower section and the upper section coaxial. This advantageous configuration thus makes it possible both to reduce the radial play, but also to achieve angular indexing between the two adjacent mobile sections, relative to the proper elongation axis of the telescopic mast device according to the invention; .

[0045] - the axial centering elements comprise at least one associated lower shim to a lower part of the upper section, the lower wedge being located at an outer face of the upper section and being placed in radial support against an inner face of the lower section. Preferably, the axial centering elements comprise at least two lower wedges associated with a lower part of the upper section, the lower wedges being angularly regularly distributed around the proper elongation axis. All the lower wedges are located at the outer face of the upper section and are placed in radial support against the inner face of the lower section located opposite. Thus, each lower wedge extends into the free radial space available between two adjacent movable sections.Each lower shim makes it possible to adjust an outside diameter of a given upper section - taken at its lower part and at its at least one lower shim - to the inside diameter of the associated lower section, in order to reduce or even eliminate the radial clearance between said lower section and said upper section. The association of the lower shim(s) with the centering plates and the centering profiles makes it possible to maintain good alignment of the upper section when it slides in the lower section during the unfolding or folding of the telescopic mast device according to the invention. In other words, the lower shims make it possible to optimize the centering and alignment of movable sections with each other, during any configuration of use of the telescopic mast device; .

[0046] - each at least one lower wedge is attached to the lower part of the section upper. This advantageous configuration allows precise adjustments to be made to the dimensions and thicknesses of each lower shim, so as to minimize or even eliminate radial clearance with the lower section located opposite. In particular, each at least one lower shim is housed in a recess made on the lower part of the upper section. This advantageous configuration allows a predetermined location of each lower shim to be defined;

[0047] - in particular, each imprint is configured to axially block the shim associated lower wedge, relative to the proper elongation axis. In particular, each imprint is configured to circumferentially block the associated lower wedge, relative to a circumferential contour of the upper section. Thus, in a particularly clever manner, each lower wedge is not fixed integrally to the corresponding upper section. Conversely, each lower wedge is simply housed in the corresponding imprint and retained radially by the simple presence of the lower section located opposite. This clever configuration also makes it easier to replace one of the lower wedges and to maintain the telescopic mast device according to the invention;

[0048] - the at least one lower wedge takes the form of a plate whose conformation general is a part of a cylinder similar to the shape of the upper section - for the part of the lower wedge resting against the upper section - and whose general conformation is a part of a cylinder similar to the shape of the lower section - for the part of the lower wedge resting against the lower section located opposite. In addition, the imprint associated with each lower wedge has a conformation complementary to that of said lower wedge;

[0049] - in a direction perpendicular to the proper elongation axis, the at least one lower shim, once housed in its imprint, has a radial bearing face opposite an inner contour of the lower section. More particularly, the at least one lower shim bears radially against the inner contour located opposite the lower section associated with the upper section on which the at least one lower shim is mounted;

[0050] - the at least one lower wedge is formed from a material comprising a material composite, such as for example Teflon® and / or Kevlar® and / or carbon fiber and / or fiberglass. Alternatively, the at least one lower wedge is formed from a plastic material having a high crush resistance - in order to resist radial forces between the two adjacent moving sections - while offering a low coefficient of friction in order to allow good sliding with the lower section located opposite. For example, each lower wedge is formed from a High Density Polyethylene (HDPE), for example a HDPE1000. This advantageous configuration makes it easier to slide each lower wedge with the lower section located opposite, when unfolding or folding the telescopic mast device according to the invention;

[0051] - preferably, the telescopic mast device comprises three or four centering plates angularly regularly distributed around the proper elongation axis.

[0052] According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a maritime vehicle comprising:

[0053] - at least one shell;

[0054] - at least one telescopic mast device according to the first aspect of the invention or according to any of its improvements and the fixed section of which is integral with the at least one shell and rotatably mounted on said at least one shell.

[0055] In the context of the present invention, the maritime vehicle according to the third aspect of the invention may be of any type, whether or not equipped with a complementary non-sail propulsion system, such as for example an electric motor or a thermal engine. Advantageously, 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.

[0056] The maritime vehicle according to the second aspect of the invention preferably comprises a sail, and in particular an inflatable sail, secured to the telescopic mast device, so that external forces applied to the sail - and preferably to the inflatable sail - such as for example the pressure of the wind on the intrados edge of said sail, are transmitted to the telescopic mast device and then to the hull on which the fixed section of the telescopic mast device is attached.

[0057] Preferably, the inflatable sail extends around the telescopic mast device, so that the movable sections of the telescopic mast device are located in a central zone of the waterproof envelope of the inflatable sail, said inflatable sail being fixed integrally to the rackets of each movable section.

[0058] Various embodiments of the invention are provided, integrating according to all of their possible combinations the different optional characteristics set out here.

[0059] 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 appended schematic drawings on the other hand, in which:

[0060] [Fig.l] illustrates a three-dimensional view of an exemplary embodiment of a telescopic mast device 1 according to the first aspect of the invention, said telescopic mast device 1 being configured in an unfolded configuration;

[0061] [Fig.2] illustrates a side sectional view of the illustrated telescopic mast device 1 on [Fig.l];

[0062] [Fig.3] illustrates a side sectional view of the telescopic mast device 1 illustrated in [Fig.l] in a folded configuration;

[0063] [Fig.4] illustrates a three-dimensional detail view of a lower part 101 of a movable section 10, 10A, 10B of the telescopic mast device 1 illustrated in [Fig.l];

[0064] [Fig.5] illustrates a sectional view of the lower part 101 of the movable section 10, 10A, 10B shown in [Fig.4];

[0065] [Fig.6] illustrates a three-dimensional sectional view of an upper portion 102 of a movable section 10, 10A, 10B of the telescopic mast device 1 illustrated in [Fig.l];

[0066] [Fig.7] illustrates a sectional view of the upper part 102 of the movable section 10, 10A, 10B shown in [Fig.6];

[0067] [Fig.8] illustrates a three-dimensional and transparent view of the interface between a lower section 10A and an upper section 10B of the telescopic mast device 1 illustrated in [Fig.l] and in the unfolded configuration;

[0068] [Fig.9] illustrates a three-dimensional view of the interface between a lower section 10A and an upper section 10B;

[0069] [Fig. 10] illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a maritime vehicle 4 in accordance with the second aspect of the invention.

[0070] Of course, the features, variants and different embodiments of the invention may be combined with each other, in 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.

[0071] In particular, all the variants and all the embodiments described can be combined with each other if nothing prevents this combination from a technical point of view.

[0072] In the figures, the elements common to several figures retain the same reference.

[0073] With reference to FIGURES 1 to 9, the invention relates to a telescopic mast device 1 for a sail-powered vessel, the telescopic mast device 1 being erected along a specific elongation axis 01 and comprising:

[0074] - a fixed section 11 intended to be positioned above an upper bridge 42 of the ship ;

[0075] - a plurality of mobile sections 10, 10A, 10B coaxial with the fixed section 11, each upper movable section 10, 10A, 10B - called upper section 10B - being slidably mounted in the directly lower movable section 10, 10A, 10B - called lower section 10A - relative to the proper elongation axis 01 of the mast.

[0076] As can be seen in particular in FIGURES 1, 2, 3 and 5, each movable section 10, 10A, 10B takes the form of a hollow cylindrical bearing surface which extends rectilinearly parallel to the proper elongation axis 01. The hollow cylindrical bearing surface of a movable section 10, 10A, 10B is delimited by an inner contour and an outer contour. A thickness of the movable section 10, 10A, 10B - taken along a direction perpendicular to the proper elongation axis 01 - is constant along the proper elongation axis 01 of a given movable section 10, 10A, 10B.

[0077] The movable sections 10, 10A, 10B all extend in a rectilinear manner and are mounted one inside the other. The movable sections 10, 10A, 10B are thus dimensioned to be able to slide one inside the other in order to allow the telescopic mast device 1 to be unfolded - to hoist the sail of a maritime vehicle 4 equipped with such a telescopic mast device 1 - or to fold the telescopic mast device 1 - to lower the sail of said maritime vehicle 4. The lower sections have transverse sections - taken perpendicular to the proper elongation axis 01 - larger than those of the upper sections in order to be able to receive said upper sections inside.

[0078] Each movable section 10, 10A, 10B is advantageously formed from a composite material making it possible both to obtain very high rigidity and to minimize the mass of such a telescopic mast device 1 according to the invention. By way of example, each movable section 10, 10A, 10B comprises, for example, a load of carbon fibers and / or glass fibers. Each movable section 10, 10A, 10B is preferably obtained by filament winding.

[0079] The dimensions of the movable sections 10, 10A, 10B along the proper elongation axis 01 can be chosen according to the desired effects. In the example illustrated in [Fig.l], all the movable sections 10, 10A, 10B have different lengths from each other.

[0080] Starting from the bottom, the first section is the fixed section 11. The fixed section 11 makes it possible to establish the mechanical connection between the telescopic mast device 1 according to the invention and a hull 41 of the maritime vehicle 4 intended to be equipped with it. Preferably, the fixed section 11 is rotatably mounted relative to the hull 41 in order to be able to easily orient the sail and the telescopic mast device 1 according to the direction of the wind blowing in the sail. Indeed, according to one embodiment particularly advantageous of the invention, the sail associated with the telescopic mast device 1 according to the invention is of the type of a rigid sail or an inflatable sail, said rigid or inflatable sail being held integral with said telescopic mast device 1. Also, to orient the rigid or inflatable sail in a given direction, it is sufficient to pivot the telescopic mast device 1 according to the invention, the latter then rotating the sail associated with it.It is then understood that it is necessary for all the movable sections 10, 10A, 10B of the telescopic mast device 1 to be all coupled in rotation when the telescopic mast device 1 is deployed, via a rotational coupling with minimal play or, preferably, zero play and that, when the telescopic mast device 1 is being deployed or folded, that the angular play is reduced so as not to constrain the telescopic mast device 1 and / or that the movable sections 10, 10A, 10B are not all pivoted too much relative to each other during these transient states.Furthermore, when the telescopic mast device 1 is deployed, it is also understood that the movable sections 10, 10A, 10B are all perfectly fitted into each other in order to be able to transmit a force along the telescopic mast device 1 without the movable sections 10, 10A, 10B pivoting relative to each other and all remaining well aligned relative to the specific elongation axis 01.

[0081] For this purpose, as visible in FIGURES 1, 2, 3, 6 and 7, at an upper part 102, each movable section 10, 10A, 10B comprises a racket 12 which extends in a direction perpendicular to the specific elongation axis 01. The racket 12 thus forms a platform for connecting and shaping the sail associated with the telescopic mast device 1 according to the invention. Each racket 12 is advantageously formed from a composite material making it possible both to obtain very high rigidity and to minimize its mass. By way of example, each racket 12 comprises, for example, a load of carbon fibers and / or glass fibers. Each racket 12 is mounted and fixed securely at the upper part 102 of one of the movable sections 10, 10A, 10B by any fixing means, and in particular by riveting or by fixing screws.

[0082] As visible in FIGURES 8 and 9, the means for fixing a racket 12 on the upper part 102 of its movable section 10, 10A, 10B comprise in particular a collar 120 which extends peripherally around said upper part 102. The collar 120 thus forms a peripheral rim which extends from the movable section 10, 10A, 10B. The collar 120 thus forms a fixing platform both for the racket 12 associated with the movable section 10, 10A, 10B, but also for various elements for mounting and adjusting the movable sections 10, 10A, 10B between them. The collar 120 is either made of the same material as the movable section 10, 10A, 10B corresponding, or attached to said movable section 10, 10A, 10B and fixed to it by any means. Each collar 120 is advantageously formed from a composite material making it possible both to obtain very high rigidity and to minimize its mass. For example, each collar 120 comprises for example a load of carbon fibers and / or glass fibers. Then, the racket 12 is fixed integrally to the collar 120, for example by bolting.

[0083] As mentioned previously, in order to facilitate the translational movement of the upper movable sections 10, 10A, 10B in the lower movable sections 10, 10A, 10B and in order to maintain a certain angular alignment between the different movable sections 10, 10A, 10B, the telescopic mast device 1 comprises angular indexing elements 2 configured to limit the amplitude of a rotation between an upper section 10B and a lower movable section 10, 10A, 10B located opposite, relative to the proper elongation axis 01.

[0084] The angular indexing elements 2 thus make it possible to define a single angular configuration between the lower section 10A and the directly adjacent upper section 10B when the telescopic mast device 1 is deployed, and to define a limited number of angular configurations between the lower section 10A and the directly adjacent upper section 10B when the telescopic mast device 1 is being deployed or folded. The angular indexing elements 2 thus make it possible, when the telescopic mast device is unfolded, to avoid a relative rotational movement between two adjacent movable sections 10, 10A, 10B, because it is important that the telescopic mast device 1 can transmit a torque around the own elongation axis 01 over its entire elongation in order to be able to correctly orient the sail associated with it.Additionally, the angular indexing elements 2 thus make it possible, when the telescopic mast device is being deployed or folded, to avoid a rotational movement of excessive amplitude between two adjacent mobile sections 10, 10A, 10B, because it is important to maintain optimal angular alignment between two adjacent mobile sections 10, 10A, 10B, although it is then possible to tolerate greater angular play during these transient phases of the telescopic mast device 1. The angular indexing elements 2 are embedded on each mobile section 10, 10A, 10B.

[0085] In a particularly advantageous manner, the angular indexing elements 2 make it possible to block a relative rotation between two adjacent movable sections 10, 10A, 10B when the telescopic mast device 1 is configured in its unfolded configuration. By "blocking a rotation", it is understood that two movable sections 10, 10A, 10B are coupled in rotation, so that it is not possible to pivot them relative to each other around the own elongation axis 01. more generally, the angular indexing elements 2 make it possible to reduce internal mobility between two adjacent mobile sections 10, 10A, 10B to a minimum angular amplitude when the telescopic mast device 1 is configured in its unfolded configuration, such as for example less than 1°.

[0086] Complementarily or alternatively, the angular indexing elements 2 make it possible to block a relative rotation between two adjacent movable sections 10, 10A, 10B when the telescopic mast device 1 is being deployed or being folded, that is to say when the movable sections 10, 10A, 10B are in translational movement relative to each other, and for any intermediate configuration between the unfolded configuration and the folded configuration of the telescopic mast device 1 according to the invention. More generally, the angular indexing elements 2 make it possible to reduce an internal mobility between two adjacent movable sections 10, 10A, 10B to a minimum angular amplitude when the telescopic mast device 1 is configured in any intermediate configuration chosen between the unfolded configuration and the folded configuration, such as for example less than 1°.

[0087] According to the invention, the minimum angular amplitude for the residual rotation remaining between two adjacent movable sections 10, 10A, 10B when the angular indexing elements 2 are implemented may be identical when the telescopic mast device 1 is unfolded or when it is being unfolded or folded. Alternatively, the minimum angular amplitude for the residual rotation remaining between two adjacent movable sections 10, 10A, 10B when the angular indexing elements 2 are implemented may be different between the unfolded configuration of the telescopic mast device 1 and the intermediate configurations of said telescopic mast device 1 when it is being unfolded or folded.In this case, the angular indexing elements 2 are preferably configured to allow a residual rotation amplitude of two adjacent mobile sections 10, 10A, 10B when the telescopic mast device 1 is configured in its unfolded configuration less than that of said two adjacent mobile sections 10, 10A, 10B when the telescopic mast device 1 is being unfolded or folded.

[0088] As visible in FIGURES 1, 2, 4, 6 and 8, the angular indexing elements 2 comprise at least one indexing wedge 22 secured to an upper part 102 of the upper section 10B, the at least one indexing wedge 22 collaborating with at least one indexing rail 21 secured to the lower section 10A located opposite said at least one indexing wedge 22. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in the FIGURES, the telescopic mast device 1 comprises a single angular indexing wedge 22 collaborating by engagement of complementary shapes with a single indexing rail 21.

[0089] The indexing rail 21 extends along the upper section 10B and parallel to the proper elongation axis 01. The indexing rail 21 projects from said upper section 10B. Thus, the indexing rail 21 extends in a radial interval located between the two adjacent movable sections 10, 10A, 10B. The indexing rail 21 extends from the lower part 101 of the movable section 10, 10A, 10B on which it is mounted and towards the upper part 102 of said movable section 10, 10A, 10B. The indexing rail 21 can take any shape. It can be a dovetail or a rail of rectangular section for example.

[0090] The indexing rail 21 is preferably attached and fixed integrally to the corresponding movable section 10, 10A, 10B. For this purpose, the indexing rail 21 advantageously extends over a base taking the form of a portion of hollow cylinder complementary to the shape and dimensions of the corresponding movable section 10, 10A, 10B. In other words, the base on which the indexing rail 21 is formed takes the form of a curved plate reproducing the geometry of the cylindrical bearing surface forming the movable section 10, 10A, 10B on which said centering profile 32 is assembled.

[0091] The indexing rail 21 - via its base if applicable - is assembled on the corresponding movable section 10, 10A, 10B by any fixing means. Preferably, the invention favors screwless assemblies in order to guarantee better stability and no unforeseen deformation resulting from vibrations or fatigue of the different parts. By way of non-limiting example, the indexing rail 21 is glued or welded on the corresponding movable section 10, 10A, 10B.

[0092] Advantageously, in order to allow rotational coupling - relative to the proper elongation axis 01 - of all the mobile sections 10, 10A, 10B between them, each mobile section 10, 10A, 10B comprises both an angular indexing rail 21 and an angular indexing wedge 22.

[0093] As can be seen more particularly in FIGURES 6 to 9, the indexing shim 22 comprises:

[0094] - a coupling range 312 which extends parallel to the proper elongation axis 01 and in the radial interval located between the upper section 10B and the lower section 10A; and

[0095] - a support sole 311 which extends perpendicular to the elongation axis own 01, the support sole 311 being placed in abutment against the racket 12 and fixed integrally to the racket 12 - and in particular to the corresponding collar 120 - by fixing means.

[0096] The support sole 311 extends radially outwards, relative to the proper elongation axis 01, the coupling surface 312 extending at one end of said support sole 311 proximal to the proper elongation axis 01. The support sole 311 makes it possible to facilitate the collaboration between the indexing wedge 22 and the associated racket 12, and more particularly with the collar 120 on which said indexing wedge 22 is fixed. In the embodiment illustrated in [Fig.9], each support sole 311 is fixed integrally to the racket 12 and / or to the corresponding collar 120 by three fixing screws.

[0097] Finally, the indexing wedge 22 has a general conformation in the shape of an “L”. The coupling surface 312 extends at the level of the free end of the support sole 311, at the level of the free radial interval between the two mobile sections 10, 10A, 10B. The coupling surface 312 and the support sole 311 are made from one material.

[0098] The coupling surface 312 extends relative to the proper elongation axis 01. The coupling surface 312 is located radially between the lower section 10A and the upper section 10B, so as to allow two adjacent movable sections 10, 10A, 10B to be angularly indexed by collaborating with the indexing rail 21 located opposite. For this purpose, the coupling surface 312 has a cylinder portion offering a surface complementary to the shape and dimensions of the lower section 10A located opposite, so as to occupy the free radial interval between the two movable sections 10, 10A, 10B without creating mechanical interference with the upper section 10B sliding in the lower section 10A on which the indexing wedge 22 is mounted.

[0099] The coupling surface 312 comprises a groove 310 which extends parallel to the proper elongation axis 01, the groove 310 being configured to accommodate the indexing rail 21 located opposite, with minimal torsional play. The torsional play is here considered as a play taken along a circumferential contour at the movable section 10, 10A, 10B and around the proper elongation axis 01 of the telescopic mast device 1. For example, in the case of a movable section 10, 10A, 10B of circular shape, the torsional play is measured around a circular profile centered on the proper elongation axis 01 and passing through the groove 310 and the indexing rail 21.The torsion play here corresponds to a residual torsion movement of the upper section 10B relative to the lower section 10A when said upper section 10B is engaged and locked in rotation relative to the lower section 10A thanks to the angular indexing elements 2 and, more particularly, to the coupling surface 312 of the indexing wedge 22 and the indexing rail 21 located opposite.

[0100] For this purpose, a shape and dimensions of the groove 310 are complementary to a shape and dimensions of the indexing rail 21, so that the indexing rail 21 can be inserted into the groove 310, by longitudinal sliding along the proper elongation axis 01, without torsional play or with minimal torsional play. In the example visible in particular in [Fig. 9] the coupling surface 312 has a rectangular or trapezoidal shape, and the indexing rail 21 also has a rectangular or trapezoidal shape respectively.

[0101] As visible in FIGURES 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 8 and 9, the telescopic mast device 1 comprises axial centering elements 3 for the lower section 10A and the upper section 10B. The axial centering elements 3 make it possible to reduce or even cancel the radial clearance existing between a lower section 10A and the directly adjacent upper section 10B when the telescopic mast device 1 is configured in its deployed configuration. The radial clearance is here considered in directions perpendicular to the elongation axis 01 of the telescopic mast device 1, originating from a difference in section between the lower section 10A and the upper section 10B. Additionally, the axial centering elements 3 also make it possible to prevent two adjacent mobile sections 10, 10A, 10B from being able to pivot relative to each other around the specific elongation axis 01.The axial centering elements 3 thus make it possible to avoid a bending effect of an upper section 10B relative to the lower section 10A, which would have the effect of blocking the telescopic mast device 1. The axial centering elements 3 make it possible to make the upper section 10B and the directly adjacent lower section 10A coaxial.

[0102] Advantageously, the centering elements 3 make it possible to control the radial clearance and the coaxiality between the upper section 10B and the lower section 10A when the telescopic mast device 1 according to the invention is configured in its unfolded configuration. Alternatively or additionally, the centering elements 3 make it possible to control the radial clearance and the coaxiality between the upper section 10B and the lower section 10A when the telescopic mast device 1 according to the invention is moving from its unfolded configuration to its folded configuration, or vice versa. In other words, the centering elements 3 make it possible in this case to control the radial clearance and the coaxiality for any configuration of the movable sections 10, 10A, 10B.In particular, the centering elements 3 make it possible in this case to control the radial play, the coaxiality and the angular indexing of the mobile sections 10, 10A, 10B when the telescopic mast device 1 according to the invention is in its deployed configuration or when it is close to the latter, in a transient deployment or folding phase.

[0103] As visible in FIGURES 1, 2, 4, 6 and 8, the centering elements 3 comprise several centering plates 31 - and preferably three - secured to an upper part 102 of the upper section 10B, and at least two centering profiles 32 - preferably three - secured to a lower part 101 of the lower section 10A, each centering plate 31 collaborating by engagement of complementary shapes with one of the centering rails 32 located opposite so as to reduce the radial clearance existing between the centering profile 32 and the centering plate 31 located opposite. The centering plates 31 are angularly regularly distributed around the proper elongation axis 01 in order to make the lower section 10A and the upper section 10B coaxial. Of course, by their shape and their collaboration with the centering plate 31 located opposite, each centering profile 32 allows, concomitantly with the radial centering of the two mobile sections 10, 10A, 10B, to carry out an angular indexing of these, so as to cause said mobile sections 10, 10A, 10B to orient themselves relative to each other according to a single predetermined angular configuration determined by the position of said centering profiles 32 and said centering plates 31.

[0104] It will be noted that the centering plate 31 can be confused with the angular indexing wedge 22 described previously. In particular, in the embodiment illustrated in the FIGURES, one of the centering plates 31 is in fact the angular indexing wedge 22 described previously, said indexing wedge 22 first collaborating with the indexing rail 21 when the movable sections 10, 10A, 10B are being unfolded or folded - it then forms an indexing wedge 22 within the meaning of the invention, and said indexing wedge 22 then collaborates with the centering profile 32 - located in the extension of the indexing rail 21, on the side of the lower part 101 of the movable section 10, 10A, 10B - it then forms a centering plate 31 within the meaning of the invention.

[0105] Each centering profile 32 extends parallel to the proper elongation axis 01 along the lower part 101 of the movable sections 10, 10A, 10B, so as to enter into coupling with the centering plate 31 when the movable sections 10, 10A, 10B arrive close to their coupling zone corresponding to the unfolded configuration of the telescopic mast device 1 according to the invention. This advantageous configuration thus makes it possible to carry out both radial centering and angular indexing only close to the unfolded configuration of the telescopic mast device 1 according to the invention. Each centering profile 32 extends projecting from each lower part 101 of the movable sections 10, 10A, 10B. Thus, each centering profile 32 extends in the radial interval located between the two adjacent mobile sections 10, 10A, 10B.Each centering profile 32 extends from the lower part 101 of the movable section 10, 10A, 10B on which it is mounted and towards the upper part 102 of said movable section 10, 10A, 10B. However, each centering profile 32 extends over a length significantly less than that of the angular indexing rail 21 described previously. Each centering profile 32 can take any shape. It can be a dovetail or a rail of rectangular section for example. For the sake of simplification, in particular when mounting the telescopic mast device 1, all the centering profiles 32 are identical.

[0106] Each centering profile 32 is preferably attached and fixed integrally to the corresponding movable section 10, 10A, 10B. For this purpose, each centering profile 32 advantageously extends over a base taking the form of a portion of hollow cylinder complementary to the shape and dimensions of the corresponding movable section 10, 10A, 10B. In other words, the base on which the centering profile 32 is formed takes the form of a curved plate reproducing the geometry of the cylindrical bearing surface forming the movable section 10, 10A, 10B on which said centering profile 32 is assembled.

[0107] The centering profiles 32 - via their base if necessary - are assembled on the corresponding mobile section 10, 10A, 10B by any fixing means. Preferably, the invention favors screwless assemblies in order to guarantee better stability and no unforeseen deformation resulting from vibrations or fatigue of the different parts. By way of non-limiting example, the centering profiles 32 are glued or welded on the corresponding mobile section 10, 10A, 10B.

[0108] Advantageously, in order to allow axial centering and minimization of the radial clearance existing between each mobile section 10, 10A, 10B, each mobile section 10, 10A, 10B comprises both a centering profile 32 located at its lower part 101 and a centering plate 31 located at its upper part 102.

[0109] As can be seen more particularly in FIGURES 6 to 9, the centering plate 31 comprises:

[0110] - a coupling range 312 which extends parallel to the proper elongation axis 01 and in the radial interval located between the upper section 10B and the lower section 10A; and

[0111] - a support sole 311 which extends perpendicular to the elongation axis own 01, the support sole 311 being placed in abutment against the racket 12 and fixed integrally to the racket 12 - and in particular to the corresponding collar 120 - by fixing means.

[0112] The support sole 311 extends radially outwards, relative to the proper elongation axis 01, the coupling surface 312 extending at one end of said support sole 311 proximal to the proper elongation axis 01. The support sole 311 makes it possible to facilitate collaboration between the centering plate 31 and the associated racket 12, and more particularly with the collar 120 on which said centering plate 31 is fixed. In the embodiment illustrated in [Fig.9], each support sole 311 is fixed integrally to the racket 12 and / or to the corresponding collar 120 by fixing screws.

[0113] Finally, the centering plate 31 has a general conformation in the shape of an “L”. The coupling surface 312 extends at the level of the free end of the support sole 311, at the level of the free radial interval between the two movable sections 10, 10A, 10B. The coupling surface 312 and the support sole 311 are made of one material.

[0114] The coupling surface 312 extends relative to the proper elongation axis 01. The coupling surface 312 is located radially between the lower section 10A and the upper section 10B, so as to reduce the radial clearance between two adjacent movable sections 10, 10A, 10B by collaborating with the centering profile 32 located opposite. For this purpose, the coupling surface 312 has a cylinder portion offering a surface complementary to the shape and dimensions of the lower section 10A located opposite, so as to occupy the free radial interval between the two movable sections 10, 10A, 10B without creating mechanical interference with the upper section 10B sliding in the lower section 10A on which the centering plate 31 is mounted.

[0115] The coupling surface 312 comprises a groove 310 which extends parallel to the proper elongation axis 01, the groove 310 being configured to accommodate the centering profile 32 located opposite, with minimal or even zero radial play. For this purpose, a shape and dimensions of the groove 310 of the centering plate 31 are complementary to a shape and dimensions of the centering profile 32 located opposite, so that said centering profile 32 can be inserted into the groove 310, by longitudinal sliding along the proper elongation axis 01, without radial play or with minimal radial play. For this purpose, a thickness of each centering profile 32, taken perpendicular to the specific elongation axis 01, makes it possible to compensate for the radial play at the level of the groove 310 located opposite, taken between said groove 310 and said centering profile 32.Thus, each centering profile 32 bears radially against the groove 310 located opposite, thus centering the upper section 10B - supporting the centering profiles 32 - with respect to the lower section 10A - supporting the centering plates 31.

[0116] In the example visible in particular in [Fig.8] the coupling surface 312 of each centering plate 31 has a rectangular or trapezoidal shape, and each centering profile 32 also has a rectangular or trapezoidal shape respectively.

[0117] As can be seen more particularly in [Fig.4], in order to provide progressive centering of two adjacent mobile sections 10, 10A, 10B, each centering profile 32 comprises:

[0118] - a first guide part 321 which, by collaborating with the centering plate 31 located opposite, present with a first radial clearance;

[0119] - a second guide part 322 which, by collaborating with the centering plate 31 located opposite, present with a second radial clearance less than the first radial clearance;

[0120] - a third guide part 323 located between the first guide part 321 and the second guide part 322, each centering profile 32 having, along the third guide part 323, in collaboration with the centering plate 31 located opposite, a variable radial clearance.

[0121] Thus, the first radial clearance and the third radial clearance are those which exist between two adjacent movable sections 10, 10A, 10B when the telescopic mast device 1 is being unfolded; while the second radial clearance is that present between two adjacent movable sections 10, 10A, 10B when the telescopic mast device 1 is completely unfolded. In this case, the axial centering is carried out more strictly when the telescopic mast device 1 is completely unfolded than when it is being unfolded. In other words, the second radial clearance is minimal or even zero - each centering profile 32 being in radial support against the corresponding groove 310 of the centering plate 31 located opposite, while the radial clearance is greater during the configurations of relative movement between two adjacent movable sections 10, 10A, 10B.This advantageous configuration makes it easier to maneuver the telescopic mast device 1 by reducing friction forces during the unfolding or folding phases of said telescopic mast device 1.

[0122] The third part provides progressive radial tightening, the radial clearance gradually decreasing as a function of the variation in thickness of the centering profiles 32.

[0123] Finally, as visible in FIGURES 3, 4 and 5, the axial centering elements 3 comprise at least one lower wedge 33 - and preferably four in the example illustrated in the FIGURES - associated with the lower part 101 of each movable section 10, 10A, 10B. Each lower wedge 33 is located at an outer face of the lower part 101 of the movable section 10, 10A, 10B. Each lower wedge 33 thus mounted on a movable section 10, 10A, 10B forming an upper section 10B is then, when said upper section 10B is engaged in the lower section 10A, placed in radial support against an inner face of the lower section 10A.

[0124] The lower shims 33 are angularly regularly distributed around the proper elongation axis 01 in order to respect the coaxiality established at the level of the centering shims and the centering profiles 32.

[0125] Each lower wedge 33 is attached to the lower part 101 of the corresponding movable section 10, 10A, 10B. In particular, each at least one lower wedge 33 is housed in an imprint provided on an annular portion 34 of the part lower 101 of the upper section 10B. Each imprint is configured to axially block the associated lower wedge 33, relative to the own elongation axis 01. Complementarily, each imprint is also configured to circumferentially block the associated lower wedge 33, relative to a circumferential contour of the movable section 10, 10A, 10B.

[0126] in order to reduce the risks of uncontrolled disassembly of a lower wedge 33, the lower wedges are simply mounted in engagement - that is to say in a sandwich - between the two mobile sections 10, 10A, 10B and in the impression: each lower wedge is housed in the corresponding impression and retained radially by the simple presence of the lower section 10A located opposite.

[0127] as visible in [Fig.4], each lower wedge 33 takes the form of a plate whose general conformation is a part of a cylinder similar to the shape of the upper section 10B - for the part of the lower wedge 33 bearing against the upper section 10B - and whose general conformation is a part of a cylinder similar to the shape of the lower section 10A - for the part of the lower wedge 33 bearing against the lower section 10A located opposite. In addition, the imprint associated with each lower wedge 33 has a conformation complementary to that of said lower wedge 33, that is to say approximately rectangular.

[0128] With reference to [Fig. 10], the invention also relates to a maritime vehicle 4 comprising at least one hull 41 and at least one telescopic mast device 1 as described previously and the fixed section 11 of which is integral with at least one of the at least one hull 41 and rotatably mounted on said hull 41.

[0129] Each telescopic mast device 1 of the maritime vehicle 4 is associated with a sail, and in particular an inflatable sail, secured to the corresponding telescopic mast device 1.

[0130] In the embodiment illustrated in [Fig. 10], the maritime vehicle 4 is of the type of a pleasure boat, and in particular a catamaran. Such a catamaran has, for example, two telescopic mast devices fixed integrally to a deck 42 of the maritime vehicle 4, on each side of one of the two hulls 41.

[0131] 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 insofar as 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. Telescopic mast device (1) for a sail-powered vessel, the telescopic mast device (1) being erected along a specific elongation axis (01) and comprising: - a fixed section (11) intended to be secured to an upper deck (42) of the vessel; - a plurality of movable sections (10, 10A, 10B) coaxial with the fixed section (11), each upper movable section (10, 10A, 10B) - called the upper section (10B) - being slidably mounted in the directly lower movable section (10, 10A, 10B) - called the lower section (10A) - relative to the specific elongation axis (01) of the mast; characterized in that the telescopic mast device (1) comprises axial centering elements (3) for the lower section (10A) and the upper section (10B).

2. Telescopic mast device (1) according to claim 1, in which the axial centering elements (3) comprise: - at least two centering plates (31) secured to an upper part (102) of the upper section (10B), - at least two centering profiles (32) secured to a lower part (101) of the lower section (10A), each centering plate (31) collaborating with one of the centering profiles (32) located opposite so as to reduce the radial clearance existing between the centering profile (32) and the centering plate (31) located opposite.

3. Telescopic mast device (1) according to claim 1, in which the axial centering elements (3) comprise: - at least two centering plates (31) secured to an upper part (102) of the lower section (10A), - at least two centering profiles (32) secured to a lower part (101) of the upper section (10B), each centering plate (31) collaborating with one of the centering profiles (32) located opposite so as to reduce the radial clearance existing between the centering profile (32) and the centering plate (31) located opposite.

4. Telescopic mast device (1) according to any one of claims 2 or 3, in which the centering plate (31) comprises a coupling surface (312) which extends parallel to the proper elongation axis (01) and radially between the upper section (10B) and the lower section (10A), the coupling surface (312) taking the form of a portion of a hollow cylinder and further comprising a groove (310) which extends parallel to the proper elongation axis (01), the groove (310) being configured to accommodate the centering profile (32) located opposite, with minimal radial play.

5. Telescopic mast device (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein a shape and dimensions of the groove (310) are complementary to a shape and dimensions of the centering profile (32), so that the centering profile (32) can be inserted into the groove (310), by longitudinal sliding along the own elongation axis (01), without radial play or with minimal radial play.

6. Telescopic mast device (1) according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein each centering profile (32) projects from the movable section (10, 10A, 10B), along a generatrix of said movable section (10, 10A, 10B) parallel to the proper elongation axis (01), said centering profile (32) comprises: - a first guide part (321) which, by collaborating with the centering plate (31) located opposite, has a first radial clearance; and - a second guide part (322) which, by collaborating with the centering plate (31) located opposite, has a second radial clearance less than the first radial clearance.

7. Telescopic mast device (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein, relative to the proper elongation axis (01), a thickness of the centering profile (32) is constant along the first guide portion (321) and the second guide portion (322), the thickness being measured perpendicular to the proper elongation axis (01).

8. Telescopic mast device (1) according to the preceding claim, in which the centering profile (32) comprises a third guide part (323) located between the first guide part (321) and the second guide part (322), said centering profile (32) having along the third guide part (323), in collaboration with the centering plate (31) located opposite, a variable radial clearance.

9. Telescopic mast device (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein along the third guide portion (323), the radial clearance between the centering profile (32) with respect to the centering plate (31) located opposite varies from the radial clearance existing on the first guide portion (321) to that existing at the second guide portion (322), the thickness of the centering profile (32) increasing towards a lower edge of the movable section (10, 10A, 10B).

10. Telescopic mast device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the axial centering elements (3) comprise at least one lower shim (33) associated with a lower part (101) of the upper section (10B), the lower shim (33) being located at an outer face of the upper section (10B) and being placed in radial abutment against an inner face of the lower section (10A), each lower shim (33) making it possible to adjust an outer diameter of a given upper section (10B) - taken at its lower part (101) and at its at least one lower shim - to the inner diameter of the associated lower section (10A), in order to reduce or even eliminate the radial clearance between said lower section (10A) and said upper section (10B).

11. Telescopic mast device (1) according to the preceding claim, in which the at least one lower wedge (33) is attached to the lower part (101) of the upper section (10B), each at least one lower wedge (33) being housed in an imprint provided on the lower part (101) of the upper section (10B), the at least one lower wedge (33) being in radial support against the inner contour located opposite the lower section (10A) associated with the upper section (10B) on which the at least one lower wedge (33) is mounted.

12. Maritime vehicle (4) comprising: - at least one hull (41); - at least one telescopic mast device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims and the fixed section (11) of which is integral with the at least one hull (41) and rotatably mounted on said at least one hull (41).

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