Patent Application
20230067148
The present disclosure relates to a cambering device for a profiled sail, as well as an assembly (in particular rigging) comprising a profiled sail and a plurality of cambering devices according to the present disclosure.
The present disclosure relates to the field of riggings, and more particular profiled sails, also referred to as “wing sails” or “thick sails” by a person skilled in the art, and more particularly mechanisms internal to the sail making it possible to change the profile of the sail.
A frame device for a profiled sail is known from the document EP2718179B1, disposed internally to the thick sail and making it possible to modify its profile for sailing.
In a notable manner, this device includes a plurality of frame elements adjustable with respect to one another, and at least one frame element of which has a first contour attributed to a first surface of the profiled sail and a second contour attributed to the second profiled-sail surface. The frame device is adjustable, according to at least two operating positions, making it possible to change the profile of the sail for sailing. The various positions of the frame elements are obtained by means of ropes, visible in
According to the findings of the inventor, such a rigging does however have the following drawbacks:
A cambering device including an elastically deformable semi-rigid structure, including two length sections, extending one in front of the other, forming respectively a first length section secured to a first surface of the profiled sail and a second length section secured to a second surface of the profiled sail, is however known from the document WO2017/202858 A1 (or US2020/0189707),
The document WO 2017/202858 A1 also discloses actuation means that comprise a control link connecting together, firstly the two free ends of the semi-rigid structure, and secondly the U-shaped connecting section, configured to camber the first length section and the second length section of the semi-rigid structure by putting the two free ends under tension with the U-shaped connecting section of the semi-rigid structure, and generating an offset between the two free ends.
In particular, the visible part of the control link, referenced 210 in
According to the findings of the inventor, the control link referenced 210 is an entirely passive component that requires being tensioned to camber the semi-rigid structure and which is therefore extended, in its non-visible part, downwards as far as the foot of the mast as far as an actuator enabling it to be tensioned.
According to the findings of the inventor, such a rigging according to WO 2017/202858, if it is of less fragility than the one disclosed by the document EP2718179B1, does however still have the following drawbacks:
The present disclosure improves the situation, in whole or in part.
A cambering device for a profiled sail is proposed, comprising:
The cambering device also comprises actuation means connecting together firstly the two free ends of the semi-rigid structure and secondly the U-shaped connecting section, configured to camber the first length section and the second length section of the semi-rigid structure by tensioning the two free ends with the U-shaped connecting section of the semi-rigid structure, and generating an offset between the two free ends, or alternatively, actuation means connecting together firstly at least one of the two free ends and secondly the U-shaped connecting section, configured for cambering the first length section and the second length section of the semi-rigid structure by tensioning one of the two free ends with the U-shaped connecting section of the semi-rigid structure, and generating an offset between the two free ends.
In a notable manner, the actuation means comprise at least one actuator (active component) having two longitudinal ends, said actuator being retractable when activated, said at least one actuator extending along one of the two length sections of the semi-rigid structure, the first length section or the second length section, said actuator being internal to the semi-rigid structure, contained in a plane of the semi-rigid structure.
In a notable manner and preferably, said actuator, which is flexible, is an artificial muscle, contracting when supplied under pressure with a fluid, and relaxing when the pressure of the fluid decreases, said artificial muscle having an envelope receiving internally a balloon supplied with or discharged of fluid, the flexible envelope, in particular in the form of a braid retracting in length when its cross-section increases under the increase of the balloon supplied with fluid, and deploying in length when its cross-section decreases when the balloon is discharged of fluid.
In a notable manner also, one of the longitudinal ends of said at least one actuator is connected to one of the two free ends by an interior tendon while the other one of the two longitudinal ends of said at least one actuator is connected:
The actuator (or actuators) that is the active component of the actuation means is (or are) advantageously internal to the profiled sail, integrated in the semi-rigid structure, and internal to the semi-rigid structure. The length of the control links (i.e. interior tendon and/or exterior tendon) is advantageously reduced compared with the prior art consisting of the document WO 2017/202858 A1, resulting in a control of the cambering with increased precision.
According to one embodiment, the semi-rigid structure has a profile having a symmetry plane, in a rest position of the semi-rigid structure, that is elastic, wherein the first length section and the second length section each have a convex profile, and wherein, in at least one cambered position of the semi-rigid structure under the action of the actuation means, said first length section has a concave profile when said second length section has a convex profile, or again said second length section has a concave profile when said first length section has a convex profile.
According to one embodiment, the actuation means are configured for cambering the semi-rigid structure, selectively:
According to one embodiment, the actuation means comprise at least said actuator, extending along one of the two length sections of the structure, the first length section (or second length section), connected to the free end of the length section by a flexible tendon external to the semi-rigid structure, via the angular member secured to the U-shaped connecting section, and by the interior tendon that runs along the length section as far as a guide before connecting the free end of the other length section, the second length section (or first length section).
Said actuator is configured for retracting in an active state and pulling on the two free ends connected by the exterior tendon and the interior tendon, on the one hand, and on the angular member of the connecting section on the other hand, until the offset is created, the free end connected by the interior tendon advancing towards the leading edge with respect to the free end connected by the exterior tendon while causing the cambering of the semi-rigid structure, the acted-on exterior tendon separating from the length section, the first length section (or second length section), immediately adjacent to the exterior tendon, which then adopts a concave profile, and while the other length section, the second length section or first length section, adopts a convex profile.
According to an embodiment, said at least one actuator of the actuation means comprises:
According to this embodiment, the exterior tendon extends from said angular member (the first angular member or the second angular member) outside the semi-rigid structure as far as said free end.
Alternatively, the exterior tendon extends between the angular member, the first angular member or the second angular member, and in the direction of said free end connected by the exterior tendon, outside the semi-rigid structure as far as a second guide carrying rollers, the second guide secured to the length section of the structure, the exterior tendon being located inside the semi-rigid structure between the second guide and said free end.
Alternatively, according to another embodiment, said at least one actuator of the actuation means comprises:
According to one embodiment, the cambering device comprises a control means configured for selectively:
According to one embodiment, the cambering device comprises a flexible connecting system, joining together the first length section and the second length section, in an intermediate position between the two free ends and said spacing system; said flexible connecting system working under tension to maintain between them a separation between the two length sections. This flexible link system may include two flexible links, including a first flexible link secured by its two ends to the first length section, and a second flexible link secured by its two ends to the second length section, the two flexible links, the first flexible link and the second flexible link, being interlaced at a contact zone between the two flexible links, the contact zone between the two flexible links being configured for sliding along the flexible links during the cambering and the offsetting of the free ends, under the effect of the actuation means.
According to one embodiment, the spacing system may comprise a first spacer, connecting together the first length section and the second length section, as well as a second spacer, connecting together the first length section and the second length section, parallel to said first spacer.
According to one embodiment, the or each spacer of the spacing system is articulated in a pivot at its ends, respectively on the first length section along an axis perpendicular to the plane of the semi-rigid structure and on the second length section along an axis perpendicular to the plane of the semi-rigid structure, the or each spacer being configured for pivoting with respect to the two length sections, the first length section and the second length section, during cambering and the offsetting of the free ends; under the effect of the actuation means.
For this purpose, the cambering device may comprise articulated couplings, comprising a first part secured to the first length section (or to the second length section), and a second part receiving an end of the spacer, the second part being articulated on the first part on a pivot axis substantially perpendicular to the plane of the semi-rigid structure for pivoting with respect to the two length sections during cambering and offsetting of the free ends; under the effect of the actuation means.
According to one embodiment, the spacing system comprises a telescopic spacer connecting the first length section and the second length section, configured for deploying and retracting on a limited travel, working under compression in a retracted position of least separation, and working under tension a separated deployed position.
The semi-rigid structure comprising the connecting section and the two length sections, including the first length section and the second length section, can consist of a semi-rigid element in a single piece, kept curved for example by the spacing system; and where applicable said flexible connecting system, or even alternatively by one or more flexibles. The element in a single piece may be a rod or a blade, curved to form the first connecting section, the second connecting section and the U-shaped connecting section.
According to one embodiment, said cambering device can comprise means for attaching two edges of the profiled sail, at the trailing edge, including for each free end, a first support secured to the free end, having a bearing surface, and a second support mounted removably, and has a counter-bearing surface, as well as clamping means between the first support and the second support configured for gripping a sail edge between the bearing surface and the counter-bearing surface of the first support and second support.
According to another aspect, an assembly is proposed, for example rigging, comprising a profiled sail and a plurality of cambering devices according to the present disclosure and wherein the semi-rigid structure of each cambering device comprises the first length section secured to a first surface of the profiled sail, and the second length section secured to a second surface of the profiled sail, as well as the U-shaped connecting section, connecting together while extending them the first length section and the second length section at the leading edge of the profiled sail, the two length sections terminating at the trailing edge of the sail in two free ends.
According to this assembly, the actuation means comprise said at least one actuator, having the two longitudinal ends, said actuator being retractable when activated, said at least one actuator extending along one of the two length sections of the semi-rigid structure, the first length section and the second length section, said actuator being internal to the semi-rigid structure, contained in a plane of the semi-rigid structure.
Said flexible actuator may advantageously be said artificial muscle, contracting when supplied with pressure by a fluid, and relaxing when the pressure of the fluid decreases, said artificial muscle having an envelope receiving internally a balloon supplied with or discharged of the fluid, the flexible envelope, retracting in length when its cross-section increases under the increase of the balloon supplied with the fluid, and deploying in length when its cross-section decreases when the balloon is discharged of the fluid.
According to one embodiment, said profiled sail is carried by a mast extending internally to the semi-rigid structures of the cambering devices, through the inter-space between said first length section and said second length section. When the spacing system comprising the first spacer, connecting together the first length section and the second length section, as well as the second spacer, connecting together the first length section and the second length section, parallel to said first spacer, said mast can extend internally to each semi-rigid structure at the interspace defined between the first spacer and the second spacer of the spacing system.
According to an advantageous embodiment of the assembly, the cambering devices comprise:
Advantageously, the first actuator and the second actuator, flexible components, are configured for damping and protecting the length sections—the first length section and the second length section, from the impacts resulting from the changes in bearing during changes in rack, tacking or gybing, the internal mast configured for changing bearing from the first length section against the second length section or vice-versa from the second length section against the first length section during changes in orientation and profile of the sail.
Alternatively, the spacing system may comprise a single spacer connecting together the first length section and the second length section, and in particular positioned in front or behind the mast.
Said assembly may in particular comprise a halyard (rope) for hoisting the profiled sail and the cambering devices up the mast, and hauling down the sail with its cambering devices when the halyard is released.
In particular, the profiled sail may be configured to be:
Advantageously, the artificial muscles of the actuators of the plurality of cambering devices are supplied with fluid by one or more flexible elastic pipes, conformed in the form of a coil, extending in the direction of the height of the mast, the flexible elastic pipe or pipes being configured to deploy by separation of the turns of the coil in the high position of the profiled sail, and to retract by bringing together the turns of the coil, in the low position of the profiled sail.
Such an embodiment advantageously makes it possible to hoist the profiled sail or on the other hand to haul it down, without risk of tangling of the flexible pipes by virtue of the coil or coils. The supply pipes may for example extend in the hollow of the U-shaped connecting section, at the leading edge of the profiled sail.
According to one embodiment of said assembly, the artificial muscles of the actuators are supplied with fluid under pressure by the elastic pipe or pipes by a reserve of pressurised fluid, for example compressed air, located at the foot of the mast, preferably housed inside the mast, a tubular component.
The present disclosure also relates to a sail vehicle comprising an assembly, in particular rigging according to the present disclosure.
The present disclosure also relates to a wind turbine comprising an assembly, in particular rigging according to the present disclosure.
Other features, details and advantages will emerge from the reading of the following detailed description and from the analysis of the accompanying drawings, among which:
a
and secondly the presence of a second actuator configured for cambering the semi-rigid structure in the second cambered position, said actuator in the form of an artificial muscle running along the second length section of the semi-rigid structure, one of the longitudinal ends of which is connected to a second anchoring point secured to the U-shaped connecting section, and the other one of the longitudinal ends is connected to the free end of the first length section by an interior tendon that runs along the second length section as far as a guide secured to the second length section, before connecting the free end of the first length section.
The drawings and the following description contain, essentially, elements of a certain character. They can therefore not only serve to best give an understanding of the present disclosure, but also contribute to the definition thereof, where applicable.
Thus the present disclosure relates to a cambering device 1 for a profiled sail V comprising:
The cambering device 1 also comprises, according to a first possibility, illustrated in particular in
According to a second possibility (illustrated in particular in
As illustrated by way of indication in
The profiled sail, which is flexible, extends from one of the free ends 23, 24, as far as the other, passing in front of the connecting section 22; a U forming the leading edge BA. The profiled sail can be secured by two sail edges to the free ends 23, 24 via securing means, in particular by gripping the sail edges. Over the length of the two length sections, the first length section 20 and the second length section 21, removable fastenings, such as bands loops/hooks can be provided to secure the sail along the length sections 20 and 21.
Control means are configured for conjointly controlling in the same direction the various actuation means 4 of the cambering devices to camber the first surface S1 of the profiled sail and the second surface S2 of the profiled sail. For example, the cambering devices can adopt a (in particular first) cambered position for which the first length section 20 adopts a concave profile when the second length section adopts a convex profile and/or a (in particular second) cambered position wherein said second length section 21 has a concave profile when said first length section 20 has a convex profile.
The present disclosure also relates to an assembly such as rigging comprising a profiled sail V and a plurality of cambering devices 1 according to the present disclosure. The semi-rigid structure 2 of each cambering device 1 comprises the first length section 20 secured to a first surface S1 of the profiled sail V, and the second length section 21 secured to a second surface S2 of the profiled sail V, as well as the U-shaped connecting section 22, connecting together while extending them the first length section 20 and the second length section 21 at the leading edge BA of the profiled sail, the two length sections terminating at the trailing edge BF of the sail in two free ends 23, 24.
The assembly, in particular the rigging, may comprise a mast M, said profiled sail V being carried by the mast M extending internally to the semi-rigid structures 2 of the cambering devices 1, in the interspace between said first length section 20 and said second length section 21.
It should also be noted that an assembly, in particular rigging according to the present disclosure, advantageously makes it possible to haul down the sail, down the mast M, the cambering devices (with the possible exception of the one forming the boom); secured to the profiled sail, descending with the profiled sail down the mast, in particular when the halyard is released, (in the opposite direction to that of the hoisting of the profiled sail).
The present disclosure also relates to a vehicle comprising such rigging: and in particular a sailing ship or boat, or a sand yacht.
The cambered position can be adjusted during manoeuvres, for example by changing from the first cambered position Pc1 to the second cambered position Pc2 of the cambering devices (with reversed concavity) during manoeuvres involving change of tack, whether it is a case of tacking or gybing manoeuvres.
The actuators used for the actuator means may be progressive (rather than two-state) and can adopt a plurality of positions making it possible to camber the first and the second sail surface to a greater or lesser extent, in one direction or in the other. It is possible to adjust the concavity of the surface of the sail in engagement with the wind in order to maximise the force necessary for advancement of the vehicle according to the wind conditions.
The lowest cambering device may simultaneously constitute a boom, articulated on the mast, making it possible to orient the profiled sail. The boom is oriented according to the wind condition and the direction of travel of the ship.
The semi-rigid structure 2 comprising the connecting section 22 and the two length sections can consist of a semi-rigid element in a single piece, kept curved by the spacing system 3; and where applicable said flexible connecting system 5, which is described hereinafter.
For example, said element in a single piece is a rod, in particular rectilinear at rest and curved to form the semi-rigid structure 2, or a blade, in particular planar at rest and curved to form the semi-rigid structure. The rod or the blade is curved to form the first length section 20, the second length section 21 and the U-shaped connecting section 22. For example, the semi-rigid structure may consist of a curved blade for the boom of the rigging and curved rods for the semi-rigid structures of the other cambering devices (located above the boom).
Alternatively, the various sections of the semi-rigid structure 2, including the first length section 20 and the second length section 21 and the connecting section 22, can consist of a plurality of structure elements connected to one another.
According to one embodiment, the spacing system 3 comprises a first spacer 30, connecting together the first length section 20 and the second length section 21, as well as a second spacer 31, connecting together the first length section 20 and the second length section 21, for example parallel to said first spacer 30. It should be noted that the mast M of the rigging may extend in an interspace between the first spacer 30 and the second spacer 31.
The or each spacer 30, 31 of the spacing system 3 may be articulated in a pivot at its ends, respectively on the first length section 20 on a (first) axis perpendicular to the plane of the semi-rigid structure and on the second length section 21 on a (second) axis perpendicular to the plane of the semi-rigid structure. The or each spacer 30, 31 is then advantageously configured for pivoting with respect to the two length sections, the first length section 20 and the second length section 21, during the cambering and the offsetting of the free ends 23, 24; under the effect of the actuation means 4.
For this purpose, articulated couplings 32, comprising a first part 33 secured to the first length section 20 (or to the second length section 21) and a second part 34 receiving one end of the spacer 30; 31, can be used. As visible in
According to one embodiment, the spacing system comprises a telescopic spacer 35, connecting in particular the first length section 20 and the second length section 21, configured for deploying and retracting on a limited travel. This telescopic spacer 35 works in compression in a retracted position P1 of least separation, and works in tension in a separated deployed position P2.
Such a telescopic spacer is illustrated in the views in
The end of travel in the retracted position P1 (work in compression) can be obtained by putting the sections 350 and 351 in abutment, for example with the coupling 32. The end of travel in the deployed position P2 (work in extension) can be obtained by a flexible link 36, connecting the two telescopic sections 350, 351 of the spacer, configured in the tension state in the deployed position P2, and in the relaxed state in a retracted position P1 of the telescopic spacer 35. For example, the flexible link 36 connects the two parts 34 of two couplings 32, receiving respectively an end of the telescopic first section 350 and an end of a second telescopic section.
Such a telescopic spacer can be used at the head of the sail (namely in proximity to the leading edge) and in particular when the reduction in the profile chord involves a thickness less than the maximum diameter of the mast.
The cambering device 1 can have a flexible connecting system 5, joining together the first length section 20 and the second length section 21. This flexible connecting system is disposed in an intermediate position of the structure between the two free ends 23, 24 and said spacing system 3; said flexible connecting system 5 working in tension to maintain between them a separation between the two length sections.
It should also be noted that the spacing system 3 and the flexible connecting system 5 both extend internally to the semi-rigid structure 2, in the interspace between the first length section 20 and the second length section 21, and preferably entirely in the plane of the semi-rigid structure 2.
The flexible connecting system 5; includes two flexible links, including a first flexible link 50 secured by its two ends to the first length section 20, and a second flexible link 51 secured by its two ends to the second length section 21. The two flexible links, the first flexible link 50 and the second flexible link 51, are interlaced at a contact zone Zc between the two flexible links 50, 51. The contact zone Zc between the two flexible links is configured for sliding along the flexible links 50, 51 during the cambering and offsetting of the free ends 23, 24; under the effect of the actuation means 4.
Thus, and whether it be the spacing system, when the or each spacer is articulated at its ends on the two length sections (the first length section 20 or the second length section 21), or the flexible connecting system with the possibility of sliding of the contact zone between the two flexible links, these two systems favour offsetting between free ends 23, 24, when the actuation means 4 are activated.
The semi-rigid structure 2 may have a profile having a symmetry plane, in a rest position Pr of the semi-rigid structure 2 wherein the first length section 20 and the second length section 21 have a convex profile. As can be seen in
In the rest position Pr of the semi-rigid structure, it will be noted that the first spacer 30 and the second space 31 respectively extend substantially perpendicular to the symmetry plane AS.
In at least one cambered position Pc1 and/or Pc2 of the semi-rigid structure 2 under the action of the actuation means 4, said first length section 20 has a concave profile when said second length section 21 has a convex profile, or said second length section 21 has a concave profile when said first length section 20 has a convex profile.
According to one embodiment, the actuation means 4 are configured to camber the semi-rigid structure selectively:
According to one embodiment (in particular illustrated in
Said at least one angular member 43 is located alongside the symmetry plane (rather than on the latter) of the semi-rigid structure 2, the profile of the length section (the first length section or second length section) of which it is wished to change from the convex profile to the concave profile.
When the actuation means make it possible to obtain the two cambered positions Pc1 and Pc2, two angular members disposed on either side of the central plane make it possible respectively to camber the semi-rigid structure in these two cambered positions:
The actuator 40; 41 is configured to retract in an active state and to pull on the two free ends 23, 24 connected respectively by the exterior tendon 42 and the interior tendon 44, on the one hand, and on the angular member 43 of the connecting section 22 on the other hand, until the offset d is created, the free end connected by the interior tendon 44 advancing towards the leading edge BA with respect to the free end connected by the exterior tendon 42, causing the cambering of the semi-rigid structure, the acted-on exterior tendon 42 moving away from the length section, the first length section (or second length section immediately adjacent to the exterior tendon 42), which then adopts a concave profile, and whereas the other length section, the second length section or first length section, adopts a convex profile.
The offsetting of the free ends 23, 24 makes it possible to initiate the change of profile of the length section—the first length section 20 or the second length section—from the convex profile in the rest position Pr of the semi-rigid structure 2, and to the concave profile in said cambered position, in particular first cambered position Pc1 or second cambered position Pc2.
The change of profile of the first length section 20 is initiated, in particular from the convex profile in the rest position Pr to a concave profile in the first cambered position Pc1, by the offsetting of the free end 24 of the second connecting section 21 towards the leading edge BA with respect to the free end 23 of the first connecting section 20.
Consequently, the concavity of the first length section 20 can be accentuated by the actuation means 4, by traction of the exterior tendon 42 connecting the first angular member 431 and the free end 23 (such as the chord of an arc).
The change of profile of the second length section 21 is initiated, in particular from the convex profile in the rest position Pr to a concave profile in the first cambered position Pc2, by offsetting the free end 23 of the first length section 20 towards the leading edge BA with respect to the free end 24 of the second length section 21].
Consequently, the concavity of the second length section 21 can be accentuated by the actuation means 4, by the traction of the exterior tendon 42 connecting the second angular member 432 and free end 24 (such as the chord of an arc).
Exterior tendon 42 means the fact that the flexible tendon passes outside of the semi-rigid structure 2, and of the sail between the angular member 43—the first angular member 431 or second angular member 432—and respectively the free end, respectively the free end of the first length section 20 and the end 24 of the second length section 21, and even if the flexible tendon is partially internal to the structure between the angular member and the actuator (first actuator 40 or second actuator 41).
According to one embodiment (illustrated in
According to another embodiment (illustrated in
According to this embodiment (of
As can be seen, the second guide 231 (or 241) can include two rollers, with parallel rotation axes, juxtaposed. The exterior tendon 44 is guided by the two rollers while passing between the two rollers.
When the first sail surface S1 adopts a concave surface under the action of the first length section 20, the exterior tendon 42 also moves away from this first profiled sail surface S1.
When the second sail surface S2 adopts a concave surface under the action of the second length section 21, the exterior tendon 42 also moves away from this first profiled sail surface S2.
According to one embodiment (illustrated in
According to another embodiment (illustrated in
The first anchoring point 221 of the first actuator 40 is located, with respect to the symmetry plane AS of the semi-rigid structure then in a rest position Pr alongside the first actuator 40. The second anchoring point 222 of the first actuator 40 is located, with respect to the symmetry plane AS of the semi-rigid structure then in a rest position Pr alongside the second actuator 41.
According to one embodiment, the cambering device comprising a control means configured for selectively:
These control means may be external to the semi-rigid structure of the cambering device.
The control means can also make it possible to adjust the setting of the depth of the concavity when the actuator, first actuator 40 and/or second actuator 41, is a progressive actuator.
Said at least one actuator, where applicable first actuator 40 and second actuator 41, may be an actuator that retracts when supplied with fluid, such as an artificial muscle, in particular a pneumatic muscle.
Such an actuator has an envelope internally receiving a balloon supplied with or discharged of fluid. The flexible envelope retracts in length when its cross-section increases under the increase of the balloon supplied with fluid (contraction of the muscle), and deploys in length when its cross-section decreases when the balloon is discharged of fluid (reduction in the pressure of the fluid). The retraction of the actuator can be progressive by controlling the quantity of the fluid fed into the balloon.
Such pneumatic actuation systems are usually referred to as “artificial muscles” consisting of inflatable bolsters inserted in protective braids forming an envelope, such that the artificial muscle contracts or expands when its internal fluid pressure increases or decreases. Such artificial muscles are for example described by B. Tondu and P. Lopez in “Report of the Academy of Science”, vol. 320, pp 105-114, 1995.
Such an artificial muscle is illustrated schematically in its deployed position in
When the balloon B is supplied with pressurised fluid (for example air) the cross-section of the balloon increases, which causes an increase in the cross-section of the envelope Ev in the form of a braid in
Under the effect of the increase in the cross-section of the envelope, the braiding of the envelope generates a force providing the retraction of the artificial muscle, by bringing together the longitudinal ends 40a, 40b or 41a, 41b.
Such an actuator has the advantage of:
This flexible actuator can extend:
In particular, when the two spacers receive between them the mast M, such a position of the flexible actuators is advantageous in that these actuators, which are flexible, procure, apart from their first actuator function, a function of bolster protecting the semi-rigid structure. For example, and during changes of tack, tacking or gybing, the internal mast may change bearing from the first length section 20 against the second length section 21 (or vice-versa), during changes in orientation and profile of the sail. The flexible actuators then advantageously damp and protect the length sections from shocks resulting from the changes in bearing.
An example of a guide 45 is illustrated in
In
Finally,
These attachment means 6 may comprise, for each free end 23, 34, a first support 60 secured to the free end 23 or 24, having a bearing surface, and a second support 61 removably mounted, having a counter-bearing surface, as well as means for clamping between the first support 60 and second support 61 configured for gripping a sail edge between the bearing surface and the counter-bearing surface of the first support and second support. The clamping means may be screw systems.
According to one embodiment, the profiled sail is configured for being:
The artificial muscles of the actuators 40, 41 of the plurality of cambering devices 1 can be supplied with fluid by one or more flexible elastic pipes AL1, AL2, AL3, conformed in the form of a coil, extending in the direction of the height of the mast M.
Advantageously, the flexible elastic pipe or pipes are configured for deploying by separation of the turns of the coil in the high position of the profiled sail, and for retracting by bringing together the turns of the coil, under the elasticity of the coil in the low position of the profiled sail.
The artificial muscles of the actuators 40, 41 are supplied with pressurised fluid by the elastic pipe or pipes AL1, AL2, AL3 by a reserve of pressurised fluid, preferably housed inside the mast M at the foot of the mast.
The present technical solutions can be applied in particular in the maritime field of sail boats, as an improved rigging solution.
The cambering devices being composed of an elastically deformable semi-rigid structure, or even where applicable flexible actuator or actuators in the form of artificial muscles, it is particularly suitable for a marine environment, where the rigging elements may suffer impacts, under the action of the wind or unexpected manoeuvres.
The actuators—in particular first actuator or second actuator—being integrated actually within the semi-rigid structure, and in particular in the plane of the semi-rigid structure, the length of the flexible connections—internal and external tendon—is limited, ensuring the cambering of the structure. The precision of the control is improved in that the use is avoided of actuators offset at a distance from the cambering systems, which requires control links of substantial length, which impairs the precision of the control, and because of their elongation under stress, and which moreover represent a risk of a significant risk of tangling with the other parts of the rigging.
Another advantage of providing the actuator or actuators actually within the structure according to the present disclosure, contained in the plane of the semi-rigid structure, is that the forces generated by the actuation means remain themselves contained in this plane, and contrary to the teaching of the document WO 2017/202858 A1, for which the control link extends in its visible part in the plane of the structure of the cambering device, then substantially in its non-visible part perpendicularly along the mast as far as an actuator, positioned at the foot of the mast; according to such a prior art, the actuation means generate forces not exclusively contained in the plane of the semi-rigid structure, and in particular with a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane.
The fact that the forces of the actuation means are contained in the plane of the semi-rigid structure, according to the present disclosure, makes it possible, if necessary, to simplify the structure of the cambering device, by limiting the use of semi-rigid component or components to what is strictly necessary, and as illustrated at the third embodiment 18a to 18d.
Advantageously, and in general terms, the spacing system 3 with its spacer or spacers 30; 31 can be replaced by a simple flexible connection 7, joining by its two ends the first length section 20 and the second length section 21, working solely in tension to limit the separation between the first length section 20 and the second length section 21.
As can be seen in
The flexible connecting system 5 with its first and second flexible links 50, 51 may be kept, or even replaced by a simple flexible connection 8, joining by its two ends the first length section 20 and the second length section 21.
Simplifying the structure of the cambering device by removing the spacing system, which may be damaged in the case of repeated impacts against the mast M, makes it possible not only to reduce the cost thereof but also makes it possible to improve the reliability of the rigging when subjected to unforeseen wind that may cause such repeated impacts between the spacers 30, 31 and the mast M.
Notably, the present disclosure also finds an application in wind turbines. The present disclosure also relates to a wind turbine comprising a profiled sail provided with one or more cambering devices (1) according to the present disclosure.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 00594 | Jan 2020 | FR | national |
This application is the U.S. national phase of International Application No. PCT/FR2021/050013 filed Jan. 6, 2021 which designated the U.S. and claims priority to FR 20 00594 filed Jan. 22, 2020, the entire contents of each of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/FR2021/050013 | 1/6/2021 | WO |
