Sailing propulsion element comprising a watertight bulkhead provided with a sealing device movable between an open position and a closed position

Abstract

This sail propulsion element (6) comprises: a mast (8); an inflatable sail (10); a head (12); a sail receptacle (14); a watertight bulkhead (18) separating a lower inflatable box (28) and an upper inflatable box (24); a conduit (30); an air injection device (34) in fluid communication with the conduit (30); and an air extraction device (36) in fluid communication with the lower inflatable box (28). Said watertight bulkhead (18) is provided with a sealing device (32) movable between open and closed positions. Said watertight bulkhead (18) is movable between close and distant positions. Figure for abstract: Fig 2

Description

Title of the invention: Sailing propulsion element comprising a watertight partition provided with a sealing device movable between an open position and a closed position Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to a vehicle with sail propulsion and is in the field of sail propulsion or hybrid sail propulsion.

[0002] In particular, the invention relates to a sail propulsion element. Previous techniques

[0003] A sail propulsion element intended to equip a sail-powered vehicle and described in document WO 2022 / 248812 is known from the state of the art.

[0004] The sail propulsion element described in this document comprises a mast, an inflatable sail provided with a plurality of cells spaced apart by ribs made of a flexible material allowing air to pass through, at least one air duct arranged between the inside and the outside of the inflatable sail, at least one means for injecting air into the inflatable sail, a headpiece and a sail receptacle.

[0005] The lowering, consisting of lowering the sail, and the hoisting, consisting of raising the sail, of the sail propulsion element described in document WO 2022 / 248812 proved to be improvable. Indeed, checking the correct positioning of the inflatable sail during these two operations proved necessary.

[0006] The invention aims at better control of the lowering and hoisting of an inflatable sail. Statement of the invention

[0007] The invention relates to a sail propulsion element comprising:

[0008] a mast;

[0009] an inflatable sail internally delimiting an inflatable cavity, the sail comprising an upper part, a lower part, a leading edge and a trailing edge, the sail comprising different curves forming bulges,

[0010] a headboard arranged on the upper part of the sail;

[0011] a sail receptacle disposed on the lower part of the sail;

[0012] at least one watertight partition separating an inflatable box in the inflatable cavity lower and an upper inflatable box;

[0013] at least one conduit in fluid communication between the exterior of said sail propulsion element and the inflatable cavity;

[0014] at least one air injection device in fluid communication with the conduit; and

[0015] at least one air extraction device in fluid communication with the lower inflatable box.

[0016] Said watertight partition is provided with a sealing device movable between an open position for inflating the upper inflatable box, and a closed position for maintaining the upper inflatable box in the inflated state.

[0017] Said watertight bulkhead is movable relative to the sail receptacle between at least one close position in which the conduit extends through the sealing device which is in its open position, and at least one distant position in which the sealing device which is in its closed position is at a distance from the conduit, said watertight bulkhead being movable under the effect of a movement of the head relative to the sail receptacle.

[0018] Said watertight bulkhead movable between a close position and a distant position, and the sealing device of said watertight bulkhead movable between an open position and a closed position, allow controlled sequential inflation and controlled sequential deflation of the inflatable sail.

[0019] In particular, it is possible to inflate the upper box while keeping the lower box deflated and pressed against the sail receptacle. Similarly, it is possible to deflate the lower box while keeping the upper box inflated.

[0020] By controlling the hoisting and lowering of the inflatable sail, it is also prevented from flapping.

[0021] Said air injection device may comprise a fan.

[0022] Said air extraction device may comprise a fan.

[0023] The leading edge is the forward portion of an airfoil. The leading edge hosts the stopping point where the flow of an incident fluid separates into two.

[0024] The trailing edge is the rear part of the aerodynamic profile considered in the direction of fluid flow.

[0025] The headpiece at least partially matches the upper contour of the sail.

[0026] The sail receptacle is capable of receiving the lowered sail. It can integrate other functions such as the absorption of tension forces provided by the sail, the housing of actuators, sensors, or a control unit for the inflatable sail.

[0027] The mast can be telescopic or inextensible.

[0028] When the mast is telescopic, it is made up of different elements capable of sliding successively relative to each other to deploy or retract.

[0029] When the mast is telescopic, the head is integral with the upper element of the telescopic mast and is capable of retaining a degree of freedom in rotation around a longitudinal axis of the mast, the upper element of the mast being capable of rotating around the longitudinal axis or the head being capable of rotating around the mast.

[0030] When the mast is inextensible, the head is movable along the mast.

[0031] The telescopic or inextensible mast may be free to rotate relative to said hull. Alternatively, the mast may be fixed at least in rotation relative to said hull.

[0032] The inflatable sail is attached to the headboard so as to descend or rise at the same time as the headboard.

[0033] The head has sufficient rigidity to transmit various physical forces from the inflatable sail to the mast and to support the weight of the inflatable sail.

[0034] The sail propulsion element may include the sail rotation control unit configured to control the angle of the sail relative to the wind.

[0035] The control unit may also be capable of controlling the hoisting and lowering of the inflatable sail.

[0036] The inflatable sail may comprise two canvases connected together around their perimeter and forming the inflatable cavity.

[0037] Each canvas of the inflatable sail can have a weight between 50 and 300 g.m2.

[0038] The sail propulsion element may further comprise at least one additional watertight partition defining in the inflatable cavity at least one intermediate inflatable box arranged between the upper and lower inflatable boxes.

[0039] Optionally, at least one watertight bulkhead may comprise a rigid racket. Said rigid racket makes it possible to place said watertight bulkhead in the sail receptacle.

[0040] Said watertight bulkhead provided with said rigid racket allows reefing by folding the inflatable sail from below up to said watertight bulkhead.

[0041] A reefing consists of reducing the surface area of ​​a sail by folding it partially downwards, in order to adapt the surface area of ​​the sail to the force of the wind. Advantageously, at least one groove is formed along the external surface of the conduit while remaining at a distance from an upper end of the conduit, the groove opening at least into the lower inflatable box.

[0042] Said groove allows the circulation of air between adjacent boxes delimited by a watertight partition which is located between upper and lower ends of said groove.

[0043] Preferably, said groove extends to the sail receptacle.

[0044] Advantageously, the sail propulsion element further comprises a rope connecting the head to at least said watertight bulkhead so that the rope is taut when the sail is hoisted and inflated.

[0045] Thus, the rope facilitates the hoisting of the inflatable sail by becoming taut when the box located above said watertight bulkhead is inflated.

[0046] The terms “above” and “below” are taken with reference to the vertical direction corresponding to the longitudinal direction of the mast.

[0047] The rope may comprise a plurality of rope segments successively connecting each watertight bulkhead such that each rope segment is taut when the sail is hoisted and inflated.

[0048] According to a first design, the conduit is mounted on the sail receptacle.

[0049] According to a second alternative design, the conduit is arranged around the mast.

[0050] By arranging the conduit around the mast, it is easier to move said partition from the distant position to the close position.

[0051] Advantageously, the sail propulsion element further comprises at least one pressure sensor mounted on said conduit.

[0052] Said pressure sensor facilitates the control of the hoisting of the sail by measuring the pressure in the box into which the conduit opens.

[0053] The control unit may be capable of controlling the operation of said air injection device, said air extraction device and the movement of the headrest as a function of signals from said pressure sensor.

[0054] The control unit may also be capable of controlling the hoisting and lowering of the inflatable sail based on signals from said pressure sensor.

[0055] Preferably, the sealing device of said watertight partition automatically passes from its open position to its closed position when the sealing device is at a distance from said conduit, and passes from its closed position to its open position by contact with the conduit.

[0056] Advantageously, the sealing device of said watertight partition is capable of allowing or preventing the circulation of air between the inflatable boxes adjacent to said partition depending on its open or closed position.

[0057] According to a particular design, the sealing device of said watertight partition is provided with sealing lips and in particular with a non-return valve.

[0058] Advantageously, the sail propulsion element comprises at least one mesh cage arranged in the lower inflatable box so that said air extraction device sucks air through the mesh cage.

[0059] Said mesh cage keeps the sealed partitions of said air extraction device at a distance so as not to prevent the extraction of air.

[0060] According to a particular design, said air extraction device is mounted on the sail receptacle.

[0061] The present invention also relates to a vehicle with vehicular propulsion or hybrid propulsion comprising at least one hull, at least one element of sail propulsion as defined above, the mast of said sail propulsion element being secured to said hull, the inflatable sail of said sail propulsion element being free to rotate.

[0062] The present invention also relates to a method for hoisting an inflatable sail of a sail propulsion element as defined above, comprising at least:

[0063] simultaneously injecting air into the upper inflatable box and sucking air from the lower inflatable box;

[0064] hoisting a portion of the inflatable sail once the upper inflatable box has reached a nominal air pressure so that said watertight bulkhead is located above the conduit;

[0065] injecting air into the lower inflatable box; and

[0066] the complete hoisting of the inflatable sail once the lower inflatable box has reaches the nominal air pressure.

[0067] The present invention also relates to a method of lowering an inflatable sail of a sail propulsion element as defined above, comprising at least:

[0068] the air suction of the lower inflatable box;

[0069] lowering a portion of the inflatable sail so that the conduit extends through the sealing device of said watertight bulkhead;

[0070] the air suction of the upper inflatable box; and

[0071] the complete lowering of the inflatable sail. Brief description of the drawings

[0072] The present invention will be better understood upon studying the detailed description of embodiments, taken as non-limiting examples and illustrated by the appended drawings in which:

[0073] [Fig-1] is a front view of a sail-powered vehicle according to a first exemplary embodiment of the invention;

[0074] [Fig.2] and [Fig.3] are side views of a sail propulsion element during the hoisting its inflatable sail according to the first example of embodiment of the invention;

[0075] [Fig.4] is a detail view of [Fig.2];

[0076] [Fig.5A], [Fig.5B] and [Fig.5C] are perspective views during a process of hoisting an inflatable sail of a sail propulsion element according to the invention;

[0077] [Fig.6] is a schematic representation of a lowering method according to the invention;

[0078] [Fig.7] is a view similar to that of [Fig.3] of a sail propulsion element according to a second exemplary embodiment of the invention; and

[0079] [Fig.8] is a view similar to that of [Fig.3] of a sail propulsion element according to a third exemplary embodiment of the invention. Detailed description

[0080] [Fig.l] illustrates a sail-powered vehicle 2, for example a sailboat or a ship, comprising a hull 4 and a sail-powered element 6. Alternatively, the sail-powered vehicle 2 could comprise several hulls 4, for example when the sail-powered vehicle 2 is a catamaran or a trimaran.

[0081] The sail propulsion element 6 comprises a self-supporting mast 8 secured to the hull 4 by a support 9 ([Fig.2]), an inflatable sail 10, a head 12 and a sail receptacle 14.

[0082] The inflatable sail 10 internally delimits an inflatable cavity. The inflatable sail 10 here comprises two canvases 16 connected to each other around their periphery so that the mast 8 extends longitudinally between the two canvases 16. The inflatable sail 10 comprises an upper part, a lower part, a leading edge and a trailing edge.

[0083] The head 12 is arranged on the upper part of the inflatable sail 10, the sail receptacle 14 being arranged on the lower part of the inflatable sail 10. The head 12 is supported by the mast 8. The head 12 is here fixed to the upper end of the mast 8.

[0084] The sail receptacle 14 is fixed on the support 9. As will be described in more detail later, the head 12 is movable relative to the sail receptacle 14 which is fixed.

[0085] The sail receptacle 14 extends from the leading edge to the trailing edge. The sail receptacle 14 is intended to receive all or part of the inflatable sail 10 when it is lowered.

[0086] The inflatable sail 10 is made free to rotate relative to the hull 4 of the sail-powered vehicle 2 by any suitable means. In particular, the sail-powered element 6 comprises a control unit 17 of the inflatable sail 10 capable of modifying the orientation of the inflatable sail 10 relative to the hull 4 of the sail-powered vehicle 2 in order to optimize or regulate the aerodynamic thrust generated by the inflatable sail 10.

[0087] Each of the two canvases 16 is, for example, made of a material, in particular textile, coated to meet conditions of mechanical resistance, sealing, and protection against fire and UV radiation.

[0088] The two canvases 16 connected together form a closed inflatable cavity. The inflatable sail 10 comprises a plurality of partitions 18 made of a flexible material and each extending in the inflatable cavity from the leading edge to the trailing edge. The partitions 18 delimit in the inflatable cavity a plurality of cells 20 in the spanwise direction of the inflatable sail 10. The partitions 18 are fixed to the sail, for example by sewing, welding or gluing, and give the inflatable sail 10 different curves forming bulges.

[0089] The inflatable sail 10 here has a profile which remains permanently symmetrical when it is inflated, and this independently of the movement of the sail-powered vehicle 2, the orientation of the inflatable sail 10, the direction and intensity of the wind. Alternatively, an asymmetrical profile of the inflatable sail 10 could be provided when it is inflated.

[0090] At least a portion of the partitions 18, and here each partition 18, is made of a waterproof material 18. The waterproof material of the waterproof partitions 18 is, for example, a material, in particular textile, coated to meet conditions of mechanical resistance, waterproofing, and fire protection.

[0091] The watertight partitions 18 separate the inflatable cavity into different boxes 24, 26, 28, and here into an upper box 24, a plurality of intermediate boxes 26 and a lower box 28.

[0092] Each box 24, 26, 28 here consists of a cell 20. Alternatively, a portion of the partitions 18 could be made of a permeable material so that certain boxes consist of a plurality of cells 20. As a variant, a single partition 18 could form a watertight partition 18.

[0093] Optionally, at least one or each watertight bulkhead 18 may comprise a rigid racket, in order to press the watertight bulkhead 18 concerned into the sail receptacle 14 and to allow reefing.

[0094] With reference to Figures 2 to 4, the sail propulsion element 6 comprises a conduit 30 extending through the sail receptacle 14 from the outside of the sail propulsion element 6 to the inside of the inflatable cavity. The conduit 30 opens on the one hand to the outside of the sail propulsion element 6 and on the other hand into a box 24, 26, 28 of the inflatable cavity, so that the box 24, 26, 28 into which the conduit 30 opens is in fluid communication with the outside of the sail propulsion element 6.

[0095] The conduit 30 is a rigid element, for example an element made in one piece with the sail receptacle 14, or an element attached to the sail receptacle 14.

[0096] Each watertight partition 18 is provided with a sealing device 32 which is movable between an open position for inflating the box 24, 26 located above the watertight partition 18 in question and a closed position for maintaining the box 24, 26 located above the watertight partition 18 in question in the inflated state. Thus, the boxes 24, 26, 28 are successively inflatable.

[0097] Each watertight bulkhead 18 is movable relative to the sail receptacle 14 between a close position in which the conduit 30 extends through the sealing device 32 which is in its open position, and a distant position in which the sealing device 32 which is in its closed position is at a distance from the conduit 30. As will be described in more detail later, each watertight bulkhead 18 is movable relative to the sail receptacle 14 under the effect of the movement of the head 12.

[0098] The sealing device 32 of each watertight partition 18 allows air to circulate between the inflatable boxes 24, 26, 28 adjacent to the watertight partition 18 considered in its open position and prevents air from circulating between these adjacent inflatable boxes 24, 26, 28 in its closed position.

[0099] Each sealing device 32 is, for example, provided with sealing lips.

[0100] When sealing lips are used, these are extensible at least up to a maximum diameter of the conduit 30. The sealing lips allow the sealing device 32 concerned to automatically pass from the closed position to the open position by contact with the conduit 30, and to automatically pass from the open position to the closed position when the conduit 30 is at a distance from the sealing device 32, and therefore when the watertight partition 18 concerned is in its remote position.

[0101] Each sealing device 32 may further comprise a non-return valve (not shown).

[0102] The movement of the non-return valve to its open position can be done under the action of contact with the conduit 30, and the movement of the non-return valve to its closed position can be done automatically as soon as the conduit 30 is no longer in contact with the valve. In its closed position, the non-return valve allows air to circulate from the inflatable box 26, 28 located below to the inflatable box 24, 26 located above the watertight partition 18 which carries the non-return valve in question if the pressure difference between these adjacent inflatable boxes 24, 26, 28 is sufficient. In its closed position, the non-return valve prevents the circulation of air from the inflatable box 24, 26 located above to the inflatable box 26, 28 located below the watertight partition 18 which carries the non-return valve in question.Thus, the non-return valve makes it possible to compensate for any air leaks from the inflatable box 24, 26 located above the watertight partition 18 which carries the non-return valve in question, in particular by maintaining the pressure in the inflatable box 24, 26 concerned, for example air leaks through seams of the inflatable sail 10. In particular, and in the absence of an anomaly, each watertight partition 18 is in the close position relative to the sail receptacle 14 when the inflatable box 24, 26 located above this watertight partition 18 in question is deflated or in . deflated part. Similarly, each watertight bulkhead 18 is in a position remote from the sail receptacle 14 when the inflatable box 24, 26 located above the watertight bulkhead 18 in question is inflated to a nominal pressure, the nominal pressure corresponding to the pressure expected in the inflatable cavity when the inflatable sail 10 is fully hoisted and inflated.

[0103] The sail propulsion element 6 comprises an air injection device 34, in particular a reversible one, for example a reversible fan, in fluid communication with the conduit 30. The air injection device 34 is arranged in the conduit 30 and is capable of injecting air into the inflatable cavity, in particular into the inflatable box 24, 26, 28 into which the conduit 30 opens.

[0104] The conduit 30 is of variable diameter, in particular of increasing diameter from an upper end of the conduit 30 towards the sail receptacle 14, so as to guide each watertight partition 18 during the movement of the sail receptacle 14 during the hoisting and lowering operations.

[0105] The sail propulsion element 6 comprises at least one reversible air extraction device 36, for example a reversible fan, in fluid communication with the lower inflatable box 28. The sail propulsion element 6 here comprises two air extraction devices each mounted on the sail receptacle 14. Each air extraction device 36 is capable of sucking air from the lower inflatable box 28 so as to extract the air from the lower inflatable box 28 towards the outside of the sail propulsion element 6.

[0106] At least one groove 38, and here two grooves 38, are formed along the external surface of the conduit 30. Each groove 38 extends on the surface of the conduit 30 from the sail receptacle 14 towards the upper end of the conduit 30 while remaining at a distance from this upper end. Thus, each groove 38 opens into the lower inflatable box 28 and into each fully deflated inflatable box 24, 26. Alternatively, the conduit 30 could be devoid of a groove 38.

[0107] The sail propulsion element 6 comprises a pressure sensor 40 mounted on the conduit 30 and capable of measuring the pressure of the inflatable box 24, 26, 28 into which the conduit 30 opens. Alternatively, the sail propulsion element 6 could comprise a pressure sensor mounted in each inflatable box 24, 26, 28.

[0108] The control unit 17 is capable of controlling the operation of the air injection device 34 and of each air extraction device 36 as a function of signals from the or each pressure sensor 40. The control unit 17 is also capable of controlling the hoisting and lowering of the inflatable sail 10 as a function of signals from the or each pressure sensor 40.

[0109] Figures 5A, 5B and 5C illustrate a method of hoisting the inflatable sail 10 of the sail propulsion element 6, in particular hoisting so as to successively inflate the inflatable boxes 24, 26, 28.

[0110] Initially, the inflatable sail 10 is fully lowered and fully deflated so that all of the watertight bulkheads 18 are arranged in the sail receptacle 14.

[0111] We begin by simultaneously injecting air into the upper inflatable box 24 and by sucking air from the lower inflatable box 28. This step corresponds to [Fig.2] in which the air injection device 34 injects air into the upper inflatable box 24 through the conduit 30 which then opens into the upper inflatable box 24. Simultaneously, the air extraction device 36 extracts air from the lower inflatable box 28, the air extraction device 36 also extracting air from the intermediate inflatable boxes 26 through the grooves 38 of the conduit 30. During this step, each watertight partition 18 is in the close position while the upper inflatable box 24 inflates.

[0112] Then, when the upper inflatable box 24 has reached the predetermined nominal air pressure which is detected by the pressure sensor 40, a portion of the inflatable sail 10 is hoisted so that the watertight bulkhead 18 adjacent to the upper inflatable box 24 is located above the conduit 30. The hoisting of the inflatable sail 10 is controlled by the control unit 17 and is obtained by the deployment of the mast 8 which, in the illustrated embodiment, is telescopic. When hoisting the inflatable sail 10, the head 12 is movable relative to the fixed sail receptacle 14.

[0113] We then move on to inflating the following intermediate inflatable box 26, corresponding to [Fig.3], then to hoisting the sail in the same manner.

[0114] The intermediate inflatable boxes 26 are thus successively inflated and the inflatable sail 10 is gradually hoisted until the lower box 28 is inflated.

[0115] The extraction of air from the lower inflatable box 28 is then stopped in order to inject air into the lower inflatable box 28 by the air injection device 34, which in particular injects air into the lower inflatable box 28. For example, each air extraction device 36 is reversible in order to be able to inject air into the lower inflatable box 28. Alternatively, each extraction device 36 may be equipped with a valve in order to prevent the circulation of air through the air extraction device 36 in question during the injection of air into the lower inflatable box 28.

[0116] Finally, the hoisting of the inflatable sail 10 is completed so that the inflatable sail 10 is fully hoisted.

[0117] [Fig. 6] schematically illustrates a method of lowering the inflatable sail 10 of the sail propulsion element 6. The lowering of the inflatable sail 10 of the sail propulsion element 6 is carried out in the opposite manner to its hoisting, in particular so as to successively deflate the inflatable boxes 24, 26, 28.

[0118] Initially, the inflatable sail 10 is fully hoisted and inflated to the nominal pressure, as illustrated in [Fig.l].

[0119] In a step 41A, the air is first sucked from the lower inflatable box 28, each air extraction device 36 performing in particular the suction of the air from the lower inflatable box 28. For example, the air injection device 34 is reversible in order to be able to suck air from the inflatable box 24, 26, 28 into which the conduit 30 opens. Alternatively, the air injection device 34 may be equipped with a valve in order to prevent the circulation of air through the air injection device 34 when the inflatable box 24, 26, 28 into which the conduit 30 opens is deflated.

[0120] During step 41A, a portion of the inflatable sail 10 is lowered so that the conduit 30 then extends through the sealing device 32 of the watertight bulkhead 18 adjacent to the lower inflatable box 28. The lowering of the inflatable sail 10 is controlled by the control unit 17 and is obtained by the retraction of the mast 8. When the inflatable sail 10 is lowered, the head 12 is movable relative to the fixed sail receptacle 14.

[0121] The lowering is continued, during a step 41B, by successively deflating each intermediate inflatable box 26 in a similar manner.

[0122] Finally, during a step 41C, the air is sucked out of the upper inflatable box 24 and the lowering is continued until the inflatable sail 10 is completely lowered, all the watertight partitions 18 then being arranged in the sail receptacle 14.

[0123] The embodiment illustrated in [Fig. 7] differs from the first embodiment illustrated in Figures 2 to 4 in that the sail propulsion element 6 comprises a rope 42 connecting the head 12 to the watertight partition 18 adjacent to the upper inflatable box 24. The rope 42 then successively connects each watertight partition 18 until it connects the watertight partition 18 adjacent to the lower inflatable box 28.

[0124] The length of the rope 42 is such that the rope 42 is taut when the inflatable sail 10 is fully hoisted and inflated to the nominal pressure.

[0125] More specifically, the rope 42 comprises a rope segment 44 connecting the head 12 to the watertight bulkhead 18 adjacent to the upper inflatable box 24, and a plurality of rope segments 44 each connecting two successive watertight bulkheads 18. The length of each rope segment 44 is such that this segment is taut when the inflatable box 24, 26, 28 in which this segment of rope 44 extends is at nominal pressure.

[0126] The embodiment illustrated in [Fig. 7] also differs from the first embodiment in that the sail propulsion element 6 comprises a mesh cage 46 arranged in the lower inflatable box 28 so that each air extraction device 36 draws air through the mesh cage 46. The mesh cage 46 is supported by the sail receptacle 14. The mesh cage 46 extends from each air extraction device 36 to the duct 30, so that air is able to circulate from each air extraction device 36 to the duct 30, and in particular from each groove 38 of the duct 30 to each air extraction device 36.

[0127] The embodiment illustrated in [Fig. 8] differs from the first embodiment illustrated in Figures 2 to 4 in that the conduit 30 is arranged around the mast 8. The conduit 30 is of variable diameter, in particular of increasing diameter from the upper end of the conduit 30 towards the sail receptacle 14, so as to guide each watertight bulkhead 18 during the movement of the sail receptacle 14 during the hoisting and lowering operations.

[0128] In particular, each sealing device 32 provided with sealing lips is guided along the mast 8 and along the conduit 30.

[0129] Each sealing device 32 provided with sealing lips is in the closed position when it forms a seal by contact with the mast 8.

[0130] In the embodiments which have just been described, the mast 8 is telescopic and made up of different elements which slide successively against each other to deploy or retract. The head 12 is integral with the last element of the mast 8. Alternatively, the mast 8 could be inextensible, the head 12 then being movable along the mast 8. In another alternative, it could also be possible to combine a telescopic mast 8 and a head 12 which slides along this telescopic mast 8.

Claims

Claims

1. Sailing propulsion element (6) comprising: - a mast (8); - an inflatable sail (10) internally delimiting an inflatable cavity, the sail (10) comprising an upper part, a lower part, a leading edge and a trailing edge, the sail (10) comprising different curves forming bulges, - a head (12) arranged on the upper part of the sail (10); - a sail receptacle (14) arranged on the lower part of the sail (10); characterized in that it comprises: - at least one watertight partition (18) separating in the inflatable cavity a lower inflatable box (28) and an upper inflatable box (24); - at least one conduit (30) in fluid communication between the exterior of said sailing propulsion element (6) and the inflatable cavity; - at least one air injection device (34) in fluid communication with the conduit (30);and - at least one air extraction device (36) in fluid communication with the lower inflatable box (28), - said watertight partition (18) being provided with a sealing device (32) movable between an open position for inflating the upper inflatable box (24), and a closed position for maintaining the upper inflatable box (24) in the inflated state, - said watertight partition (18) being movable relative to the sail receptacle (14) between at least one close position in which the conduit (30) extends through the sealing device (32) which is in its open position, and at least one distant position in which the sealing device (32) which is in its closed position is at a distance from the conduit (30), said watertight partition (18) being movable under the effect of a movement of the head (12) relative to the sail receptacle (14).;

2. Sailing propulsion element (6) according to claim 1, further comprising at least one additional watertight partition (18) defining in the inflatable cavity at least one intermediate inflatable box (26) arranged between the upper and lower inflatable boxes (24, 28).

3. A sail propulsion element (6) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one groove (38) is formed along the outer surface of the conduit (30) remaining at a distance from an upper end of the conduit (30), the groove (38) opening at least into the lower inflatable box (28).

4. A sail propulsion element (6) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a rope (42) connecting the headboard (12) to at least said watertight bulkhead (18) so that the rope (42) is taut when the sail (10) is hoisted and inflated.

5. Sailing propulsion element (6) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, in which the conduit (30) is arranged around the mast (8).

6. A sail propulsion element (6) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising at least one pressure sensor (40) mounted on said conduit (30).

7. Sailing propulsion element (6) according to claim 6, further comprising a control unit (17) capable of controlling the operation of said air injection device (34), said air extraction device (36) and the movement of the headrest (12) as a function of signals from said pressure sensor (40).

8. A sail propulsion element (6) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the sealing device (32) of said watertight partition (18) automatically passes from its open position to its closed position when the sealing device (32) is at a distance from said conduit (30), and passes from its closed position to its open position by contact with the conduit (30).

9. Sailing propulsion element (6) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the sealing device (32) of said watertight partition (18) is capable of allowing or preventing the circulation of air between the inflatable boxes (24, 26, 28) adjacent to said watertight partition (18) depending on its open or closed position.

10. Sailing propulsion element (6) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, in which the sealing device (32) of said watertight partition (18) is provided with sealing lips and in particular with a non-return valve.

11. Sailing propulsion element (6) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, comprising at least one mesh cage (46) arranged in the lower inflatable box (28) so that said air extraction device (36) sucks air through the mesh cage (46).

12. A sail propulsion element (6) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein said air extraction device (36) is mounted on the sail receptacle (14).

13. Vehicle (2) with sail propulsion or hybrid propulsion comprising at least one hull (4), at least one sail propulsion element (6) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, the mast (8) of said sail propulsion element being integral with said hull (4), the inflatable sail (10) of said sail propulsion element (6) being free to rotate.

14. Method for hoisting an inflatable sail (10) of a sail propulsion element (6) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, comprising at least: - simultaneously injecting air into the upper inflatable box (24) and sucking air from the lower inflatable box (28); - hoisting a portion of the inflatable sail (10) once the upper inflatable box (24) has reached a nominal air pressure so that said watertight partition (18) is located above the conduit (30); - injecting air into the lower inflatable box (28); and - hoisting the entire inflatable sail (10) once the lower inflatable box (28) has reached the nominal air pressure.

15. Method for lowering an inflatable sail (10) of a sail propulsion element (6) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, comprising at least: - the suction of air from the lower inflatable box (28); - the lowering of a part of the inflatable sail (10) so that the conduit (30) extends through the sealing device (32) of said watertight partition (18); - the suction of air from the upper inflatable box (24); and - the complete lowering of the inflatable sail (10).

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