Sail system, especially for container ships.

Abstract

Title: Sail system, particularly for container ships. The invention relates to a sail comprising a port side wall 7B and a starboard side wall 7T, substantially vertical, and, between the walls, inflatable ribs 8 designed to establish a powered airfoil, one of the walls 7B forming an upper surface and the other wall 7T forming an lower surface. Figure for the abstract: Figure 3.

Description

Title of the invention: Sail system, in particular for container ships.

[0001] The present invention relates to sailing navigation. In particular, it relates to a sail adapted to equip container ships in order to provide them with at least auxiliary propulsion.

[0002] The propulsion of large tonnage vessels, particularly container ships, represents a significant portion of global fossil fuel consumption. It has therefore been proposed to equip these ships with rigid sails; however, these rigid sails are poorly suited to container ships, hindering the loading and unloading of containers and significantly reducing the number of containers that can be loaded. Kite-type sails have also been proposed; these sails are very difficult to handle.

[0003] One object of the invention is to provide a sail, or a set of sails, which does not hinder or hardly hinders the loading and / or unloading of a merchant ship, does not unduly limit its load capacity and is capable of providing it with auxiliary propulsion in order to significantly reduce its consumption of fossil energy.

[0004] The object of the invention is a sail comprising a port side panel and a starboard side panel that are substantially vertical, and, between the panels, retractable means provided for establishing a powered airfoil, one of whose panels forms an extrados and the other a intrados. Preferably, the powered airfoil is a profile selected from among the NACA profiles, preferably the NACA0012 profile.

[0005] The retractable means advantageously comprise inflatable ribs of which: - a first pair formed of a port extrados rib designed to give the port side the shape of the extrados and a starboard intrados rib designed to give the starboard side the shape of the intrados, when the ribs of this first pair are inflated; and, - a second pair formed of a starboard extrados rib intended to give the starboard wall the shape of the extrados and a port intrados rib intended to give the port wall the shape of the intrados when the ribs of this second pair are inflated.

[0006] Preferably, the starboard ribs are fixed to an inner face of the starboard bulkhead and the port ribs are fixed to an inner face of the port bulkhead. The two pairs can be superimposed and juxtaposed, thus forming a double pair, the sail comprising at least three double pairs distributed along the height of the sail.

[0007] The sail advantageously comprises a substantially rigid leading edge and trailing edge extending substantially vertically, the walls being held taut between the leading and trailing edges on either side of a vertical sail plane, and at least one mechanism for modifying the sail between a retracted position in which the trailing edge is close to the leading edge and a deployed position in which the trailing edge is far from the leading edge. The sail may include two furlers, one for each respective wall, and the leading edge may include two housings, one for each respective furler. Preferably, the trailing edge comprises two sides hinged to each other at their rear about a substantially vertical hinge axis. The leading and trailing edges are advantageously extruded metal profiles of substantially constant cross-section.

[0008] Each mechanism preferably includes means for a deformable parallelogram under the action of a worm screw driven by a motor.

[0009] Embodiments and variants will be described below by way of non-limiting examples, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0010] [Fig-1] is a schematic, elevational view, from starboard, of a sail according to the invention;

[0011] [Fig.2] is a schematic, horizontal cross-sectional, top view of the sail of the [Fig.l], starboard tack;

[0012] [Fig.3] is a schematic cross-sectional and vertical view, front view, of the sail of figure one in the configuration of [Fig.2], starboard tack;

[0013] [Fig.4] is a view similar to that of [Fig.3], in which the sail is port. armor;

[0014] [Fig.5] is a view similar to that of [Fig.2], in which the sail is in flag ;

[0015] [Fig. 6] is a view similar to that of Figures 3 and 4, in which the sail is in the configuration of [Fig.5], in a flag shape;

[0016] [Fig.7] is a schematic horizontal cross-sectional view of the trailing edge of the sail the [Fig.1], in the deployed position;

[0017] [Fig.8] is a schematic horizontal cross-sectional view of the leading and trailing edges of the sail of [Fig. 1], in the retracted position; and,

[0018] [Fig.9] is a schematic view, illustrating a mechanism and a method of retraction of the sail of the [Fig.l].

[0019] In this description, in particular the terms "up", "down", "upper" and "lower", "horizontal" and "vertical", "left" or "right", and other terms of the same type may be used arbitrarily and generally refer to the position of the sail when a vessel equipped with the invention has a stable position on the water, under no other constraint than that of its own weight.

[0020] The figures illustrate a sail 1 according to the invention. In particular with reference to figures 1 and 2, the sail 1 comprises in particular: a base 2, a pivot 3, a leading edge 4, a trailing edge 6 and two flexible walls 7.

[0021] The base 3 is substantially in the form of a rigid bar extending horizontally from front A to rear R. It is rigidly fixed to the pivot 3. The pivot 3 extends vertically downwards from the base, around a principal axis XI of the sail 1, which is substantially vertical. The pivot allows the sail to be oriented around the principal axis XL.

[0022] The leading edge 4 and the trailing edge 6 together define a vertical wing plane PI; each edge 4, 6 is symmetrical with respect to the wing plane PL. The principal axis XI lies within the wing plane. The wing plane PI is parallel to the plane of [Fig. 1]; it is perpendicular to the planes of Figures 2 to 8.

[0023] The leading edge 4 is rigidly fixed to the front of the base 2; it extends vertically upwards from the base 2. It forms a mast for the sail 1. In the illustrated example, the leading edge is made of a single profiled piece with an identical horizontal cross-section along its entire height. The trailing edge 6 extends vertically from the base on which it rests, behind the leading edge 5. It has approximately the same height as the leading edge 4. It is mounted to move relative to the base, so that it can be moved closer to or further from the leading edge.

[0024] Figures 1 to 7 illustrate the sail 1 in the deployed position, that is, the position in which the trailing edge is furthest from the leading edge. Figure 8 illustrates the sail in the retracted, furled position, that is, the position in which the trailing edge is closest to the leading edge.

[0025] The walls 7 comprise a starboard wall 7T and a port wall 7B. The starboard wall 7T extends to starboard T of the wing plan PI, between a starboard edge 4T, aft of the leading edge 4 and a starboard edge 6T, forward of the trailing edge 6. The port wall 7B extends to port B of the wing plan PI, between a port edge 4B, aft of the leading edge 4 and a port edge 6B, forward of the trailing edge 6.

[0026] Together, the leading edge 4, the walls 7, and the trailing edge define a wing profile F, of the type used in aeronautics to generate lift on aircraft wings. The profile F can notably be chosen from among the NACA profiles (acronym for "National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics"). In the illustrated case, FT engine profiles are used, having characteristics close to the NACA0012 aeronautical profile, for which the upper surface X is cambered, convex, and the lower surface N, substantially flat, has no camber. A neutral profile is also used. FN, symmetrical with respect to the sail plan PI; it is particularly suitable for feathering sail 1.

[0027] Figure 2 illustrates sail 1 in horizontal section. The configuration shown is "starboard tack", i.e. the wind comes from the starboard side T, in a direction V. In this configuration, the sail is oriented around the axis XI so that the port wall 7B constitutes the extrados X of the powered airfoil FT and is oriented both to the port side B and forward A; in this orientation of the sail, the starboard wall 7T constitutes the intrados N of the powered airfoil FT and is oriented both to the starboard side T and aft R.

[0028] A motor profile FT can be established symmetrically for a "port tack" configuration, not shown in horizontal section, in which the starboard wall 7T forms the extrados and the port wall forms the intrados of the FT profile.

[0029] Fig. 5 illustrates sail 1 in horizontal section, showing the neutral profile FN, symmetrical with respect to the wing PL. In this configuration, the walls 7T, 7B both have the same curved profile used for the extrados in the powered profile FT, previously described with reference to Fig. 2.

[0030] The sail 1 includes retractable means 8 for establishing a desired powered profile FT, port tack, starboard tack, or a neutral profile FN. In the illustrated example, these means include inflatable ribs 8, notably illustrated in Figures 3, 4, and 6. In the illustrated example, the inflatable ribs form double pairs 80, each double pair comprising: - a first pair 81 formed of a port upper surface rib 8XB and a starboard lower surface rib 8NT; and, - a second pair 82 formed of a starboard extrados rib 8XT and a port intrados rib 8NB.

[0031] In the illustrated example, as shown in [Fig. 1], the sail comprises six double pairs 80 distributed from the bottom to the top of the sail. Each rib has a constant height and extends horizontally between the walls 7. It is attached to a respective wall 7, for example by gluing or sewing; thus the port ribs 8XB, 8NB are attached to the inside of the port wall 7B, and the starboard ribs 8XT, 8NT are attached to the inside of the starboard wall 7T. The two pairs 81, 82 of the same double pair 80 are superimposed and juxtaposed, the second pair 82 being positioned directly above the first pair 81.

[0032] The first pair 81 makes it possible to create the FT profile adapted to a starboard tack configuration, previously described with reference to [Fig. 2]. [Fig. 3] represents this configuration in vertical and transverse section, looking aft, indicated by the references III-III in [Fig. 2]. In this configuration, the ribs 8XB, 8NT of the first pair 81 are bulged and the ribs 8XT, 8NB of the second pair are deflated. The upper surface profile of the port rib 8XB of the first pair, thus inflated, contributes to giving the port side wall 7B its upper surface profile. The lower surface profile of the starboard rib 8NT of the first pair, thus inflated, contributes to giving the starboard side wall 7T its lower surface profile. The two ribs 8XB, 8NT of the first pair, and of the other first pairs thus configured, give the entire sail the FT engine profile.

[0033] In [Fig.3], the dashed line PX represents a virtual profile symmetrical to that of the upper surface wall 7B; the lower surface wall 7T is set back from this profile PX. The inflated ribs leave between them a space of width EM intended for the operation of the mechanism 9 for retracting and deploying the sail, as described with reference to [Fig.9].

[0034] Similarly, as illustrated in [Fig. 4], inflating the ribs 8XT and 8NB allows for the creation of the FT engine profile adapted to a port tack configuration, i.e., with a wind V coming from port B. In this configuration, the ribs 8XT and 8NB of the second pair 82 are inflated, and the ribs 8XB and 8NT of the first pair are deflated. The upper surface profile of the starboard rib 8XT of the second pair, thus inflated, contributes to giving the starboard wall 7T its upper surface profile. The lower surface profile of the port rib 8NB of the second pair, thus inflated, contributes to giving the port wall 7B its lower surface profile. The two ribs 8XT, 8NB of the second pair, and of the other second pairs thus configured, give the sail the FT engine profile adapted to a V wind on a port tack.

[0035] In [Fig.4], the dotted line PX represents a virtual profile symmetric to that of the extrados wall 7T; the intrados wall 7N is set back from this profile PX.

[0036] Figures 5 and 6 illustrate the neutral profile FN configuration, with the sail in feathering. Figure 6 is a cross-section similar to those in Figures 3 and 4; it is indicated by the VLVI markings in Figure 5. As particularly illustrated in Figure 6, in this configuration, the lower surface ribs 8NT, 8NB of each of the pairs 81, 82 are deflated, and the upper surface ribs 8XB, 8XT of each pair are inflated. The two upper surface ribs 8XT, 8XB of the double pair 80, and of the other double pairs thus configured, give the sail the neutral profile FN suitable for feathering the sail 1.

[0037] We will now describe the trailing edge 7, with reference to Figures 7 and 8, and the leading edge 4, with reference to [Fig. 8]. Figures 7 and 8 illustrate the edges 4, 6 in horizontal section. The edges 4, 6 are symmetrical with respect to the wing plane PL.

[0038] The trailing edge 6 is formed of two flanks 60B, 60T, each having a substantially constant cross-section from the bottom to the top of the trailing edge. Each of the flanks 60B, 60T comprises one of the respective edges 6B, 6T. The two flanks are hinged to each other at their rear, around a common vertical hinge axis X6, between a The two positions are close and extended. The close position is illustrated in [Fig.7], it corresponds to the deployed position of sail 1. The extended position is illustrated in [Fig.8], it corresponds to the retracted position of the sail.

[0039] Each side 6B, 6T of a flank 60B, 60T forms a return towards the wing plane PL. Two pipes 10 are arranged along and behind this return, on the inner side; each pipe is designed to supply one of the four ribs of each double pair. Thus, one of the pipes 10 is designed to simultaneously supply all the starboard upper surface ribs 8XT of all the double pairs 80. Similarly, all the other ribs of the same type 8XB, 8NT, 8NB are simultaneously supplied by the same respective pipe 10.

[0040] In the close position of [Fig.7], the edges 6T, 6B are in contact on either side of a vertical rod 11 of the mechanism 9. In the retracted position, the edges are spread apart, at a distance from the rod 11, each opposite a respective edge 4T, 4B of the leading edge 4.

[0041] In the illustrated example, the walls 7 and ribs 8 are made of a flexible material; for example, each wall 7 may comprise a sailcloth, polyester, nylon, or Dacron™ fibers, and this sailcloth may be woven or laminated. As particularly illustrated in [Fig. 8], the sail 1 comprises two furlers 12, each designed to furl a respective wall 7 around a respective vertical furling axis X12, as the trailing edge 6 approaches the leading edge when the sail 1 retracts. The furlers are coordinated with the mechanism 9. The leading edge 4 has a substantially H-shaped horizontal profile which forms, between its arms, on either side of the sail plane PI, two recesses 13, each for a respective furler 12.

[0042] In the retracted position of [Fig.8]:

[0043] - each side of the trailing edge 6 is opposite a respective side of the edge attack;

[0044] - a wall 7 extends from the trailing edge, to which it is fixed, against the respective edge of the leading edge up to around a respective furler.

[0045] Thus, the retracted sail has a profiled horizontal section so that it offers low wind resistance and produces little or no turbulence at the rear, beyond its trailing edge.

[0046] We will now describe an example of a mechanism 9 provided for the retraction and deployment of the sail 1, with reference to [Fig.9]. [Fig.9] illustrates, from left to right, the sail vertically, in the deployed position, the sail in an intermediate position and in the retracted position, and, below, a horizontal section of the sail in the deployed position.

[0047] In the illustrated example, the sail comprises two deployment and retraction mechanisms 9, arranged one above the other. Each mechanism 9 is located in the space EM provided for it between the ribs when they are inflated; it comprises two worm gears 15 and two motors 16, each worm gear 15 being driven in rotation about its respective longitudinal axis by a respective motor 16. One of the worm gears extends from its motor rearward and upward; the other worm gear extends, symmetrically to the first, from its respective motor rearward and downward. The mechanism 9 further comprises a deformable parallelogram device 20, of which: - a first angle 21 is mounted fixed relative to the leading edge 4; - a second angle 22 is fixedly mounted on the rod 11 and relative to the hinge axis X6; - a third angle is mounted to move in translation along the upper screw, driven by this screw; and, - a fourth angle is mounted to move in translation along the lower screw, driven by this screw.

[0048] Thus, the simultaneous translation of the third and fourth points on their respective screws causes, in one direction the deployment of the sail, in another its retraction.

[0049] Fig. 9 is extremely schematic. In particular, the first and second points can be represented by joints of the device 20 and the third and fourth by joints mounted on the carriages moving on their respective screws.

[0050] Of course, the invention is not limited to the examples just described. On the contrary, the invention is defined by the following claims.

[0051] It will indeed appear to the person skilled in the art that various modifications can be made to the embodiments described above, in the light of the teaching which has just been disclosed to him.

[0052] Thus, the trailing and leading edges can be made of composite materials or welded structures. The ribs can be made of Hypalon™ or PVC.

Claims

Demands

1. Sail (1), characterized in that it comprises a port wall (7B) and a starboard wall (7T) substantially vertical and, between the walls, retractable means (8) provided to establish a motor profile (FT) of which one of the walls (7B, 7T) forms an extrados (X) and the other wall (7T, 7B) forms an intrados (N).

2. Sail according to claim 1, characterized in that the profile (FT) is a profile selected from the NACA profiles, preferably the NACA0012 profile.

3. Sail according to any one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the retractable means comprise inflatable ribs (8) of which: - a first pair (81) formed of a port extrados rib (8XB) intended to give the port wall (7B) the shape of the extrados (X) and a starboard intrados rib (8NT) intended to give the starboard wall (7T) the shape of the intrados (N), when said ribs of said first pair are inflated; and, - a second pair (82) formed of a starboard extrados rib (8XT) intended to give the starboard wall (7T) the shape of the extrados (X) and a port intrados rib (8NB) intended to give the port wall (7B) the shape of the intrados (N) when said ribs of said second pair are inflated.

4. Sail according to claim 3, characterized in that the starboard ribs (8XT, 8NT) are fixed on an inner face of the starboard wall (7T) and the port ribs (8XB, 8NB) are fixed on an inner face of the port wall (7B).

5. Sail according to any one of claims 3, characterized in that the two pairs (81, 82) are superimposed and juxtaposed, thus forming a double pair (80), said sail comprising at least three double pairs (80) distributed along the height of said sail (1).

6. A sail according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it comprises a substantially rigid and vertical leading edge (4) and trailing edge (6), the walls (7) being held taut between said leading edge and said trailing edge on either side of a vertical sail plane (PI), and at least one mechanism (9) provided for modifying the sail between a retracted position in which said edge trailing edge is close to the leading edge and a deployed position in which said trailing edge is away from said leading edge.

7. Sail according to claim 6, characterized in that it comprises two furlers (12), each for a respective wall (7) and in that the leading edge (4) comprises two housings (13) each for a respective furler (12).

8. Sail according to any one of claims 6 and 7, characterized in that the trailing edge comprises two sides (60T, 60B) articulated to each other at their rear around a substantially vertical hinge axis (X6).

9. Sail according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the leading and trailing edges are extruded metallic (4, 60B, 60T) profiles of substantially constant cross-section.

10. Sail according to any one of claims 6 to 9, characterized in that each mechanism comprises means for a deformable parallelogram (20) under the action of a worm screw (15) driven by a motor (16).

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