Sail system, in particular for a container ship

Abstract

The invention relates to a sail that comprises a port wall (7B) and a starboard wall (7T) that are substantially vertical and, between the walls, inflatable ribs (8) designed to establish a driving profile, one of the walls (7B) forming a suction side and the other wall (7T) forming a pressure side.

Description

Sail system, especially 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 one auxiliary propulsion.

[0002] The propulsion of large ships, 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 aim 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 upper surface (extrados) and the other a lower surface (intrados). Preferably, the powered airfoil is a profile selected from the NACA profiles, preferably the NACA0012 profile.

[0005] The retractable means advantageously include inflatable ribs of which: a first pair formed of a port extrados rib intended to give the port wall the shape of the extrados and a starboard intrados rib intended to give the starboard wall 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 inside face of the starboard bulkhead and the port ribs are fixed to an inside 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 according to the sail's height.

[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 of a deformable parallelogram under the action of a worm screw driven by a motor.

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

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

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

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

[0013] is a view similar to that of the, in which the sail is on a port tack;

[0014] is a view similar to that of the, in which the sail is flagged;

[0015] is a view similar to that of figures 3 and 4, in which the sail is in the configuration of the, flagged;

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

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

[0018] is a schematic view, illustrating a mechanism and a process for retracting the sail of the.

[0019] In this description, in particular the terms "up", "down", "upper" and "lower", "horizontal" and "vertical", "left" or "right", "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 essentially shaped like 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 X1 of the sail 1, which is substantially vertical. The pivot allows the sail to be oriented around the principal axis X1.

[0022] The leading edge 4 and the trailing edge 6 together define a vertical wing plane P1; each edge 4, 6 is symmetrical with respect to the wing plane P1. The principal axis X1 lies within the wing plane. The wing plane P1 is parallel to the plane of the wing; 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 example shown, the leading edge is made of a single profiled piece with a horizontal cross-section that is identical 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 sail 1 in the deployed position, that is, the position in which the trailing edge is furthest from the leading edge. Figure 1 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 sail plan P1, 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 sail plan P1, 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 be chosen from among the NACA profiles (acronym for "National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics"). In the illustrated case, FT motor profiles are used, having characteristics similar to the NACA0012 aeronautical profile, in which the upper surface X is cambered and the lower surface N is essentially flat. A neutral profile FN, symmetrical with respect to the wing plane P1, is also used; it is particularly suitable for feathering the wing 1.

[0027] Laillustrates sail 1 in horizontal section. The configuration illustrated is "starboard tack", that is to say that the wind comes from the starboard T, in a direction V. In this configuration, the sail is oriented around the axis X1 so that the port wall 7B constitutes the extrados X of the engine profile 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 engine profile FT and is oriented both to the starboard side T and aft R.

[0028] An FT engine profile 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] Laillustrates sail 1 in horizontal section, showing the neutral profile FN, symmetrical with respect to the wing's largest wing P1. In this configuration, the walls 7T, 7B both have the same curved profile used for the upper surface in the powered profile FT, previously described with reference to the.

[0030] Sail 1 includes retractable means 8 designed to establish a desired power 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 upper surface rib 8XT and a port lower surface rib 8NB.

[0031] In the illustrated example, as shown in Figure 1, the sail comprises six double pairs 80 arranged from bottom to top. 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 stitching; 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 each double pair 80 are superimposed and juxtaposed, with the second pair 82 positioned directly above the first pair 81.

[0032] The first pair 81 allows for the creation of the FT profile adapted to a starboard tack configuration, previously described with reference to Figure 1. Figure 2 represents this configuration in vertical and transverse sections, looking aft, indicated by the markings III-III in Figure 3. In this configuration, the ribs 8XB and 8NT of the first pair 81 are inflated, and the ribs 8XT and 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 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 7T its lower surface profile. The two ribs 8XB and 8NT of the first pair, and of the other first pairs thus configured, give the entire sail the FT power profile.

[0033] At the, the dotted 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 it will be described with reference to the.

[0034] Similarly, as illustrated in Figure 1, inflating 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 side B. In this configuration, ribs 8XT and 8NB of the second pair 82 are inflated, and 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 bulkhead 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 bulkhead 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] At the, 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 airfoil (FN) configuration, with the sail in feathering. A cross-section similar to those in Figures 3 and 4 is indicated by the symbols VI-VI in Figure 1. As particularly illustrated in Figure 2, 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 airfoil (FN) suitable for feathering 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 the [missing figure]. Figures 7 and 8 illustrate edges 4 and 6 in horizontal section. Edges 4 and 6 are symmetrical with respect to the wing plane P1.

[0038] The trailing edge 6 is formed of two sides 60B, 60T, each having a substantially constant cross-section from the bottom to the top of the trailing edge. Each of the sides 60B, 60T includes one of the respective edges 6B, 6T. The two sides are hinged to each other at their rear ends, around a common vertical hinge axis X6, between a close and a retracted position. The close position is shown in Figure 1; it corresponds to the deployed position of the sail 1. The retracted position is shown in Figure 2; it corresponds to the retracted position of the sail.

[0039] Each side 6B, 6T of a flank 60B, 60T forms a return towards the sail plan P1. 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, 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, include polyester, nylon, or Dacron™ fibers, and this sailcloth may be woven or laminated. As particularly illustrated in Figure 1, the sail 1 includes 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 is retracted. 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 P1, two recesses 13, each for a respective furler 12.

[0042] In the retracted position of the:

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

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

[0045] Thus, the retracted sail has a streamlined 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 mechanism 9 provided for the retraction and deployment of the sail 1, with reference to the illustration, 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 of width 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 around 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 includes 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 mounted fixed on the rod 11 and relative to the hinge axis X6; a third angle is mounted movable in translation along the upper screw, driven by this screw; and a fourth angle is mounted movable 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] This 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 claims that follow.

[0051] It will indeed become apparent to the man of the art that various modifications can be made to the methods of implementation 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

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). Sail according to claim 1, characterized in that the profile (FT) is a profile selected from the NACA profiles, preferably the NACA0012 profile. Sail according to 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 upper surface rib (8XT) intended to give the starboard wall (7T) the shape of the upper surface (X) and a port lower surface rib (8NB) intended to give the port wall (7B) the shape of the lower surface (N) when said ribs of said second pair are inflated. 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). 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 according to the height of said sail (1). 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 kept taut between said leading edge and said trailing edge on either side of a vertical sail plane (P1), and at least one mechanism (9) provided for modifying the sail between a retracted position in which said trailing edge is close to the leading edge and a deployed position in which said trailing edge is away from said leading edge. 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). Sail according to 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). 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. 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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