Method for operating traction device comprising kite for floating vessel

Abstract

A method of operating a traction device including a kite for a floating vessel. The invention relates to a method for operating a towing device (3) for towing a floating vessel (1), the towing device comprising a kite (4) comprising a wing (5) having a leading edge (6), a fly line, at least one front line equipped with a locker, and a rear line, the method comprising the step of raising the wing (5) only by holding the wing by the fly line while the front line and the rear line still relaxed, once a height is reached, the step of locking the at least one front line by activating a locker to enable the at least one front line to be mechanically connected to the floating vessel (1) and the steps of releasing and keeping the release line loose are then performed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a method for operating a traction device. The invention also relates to a traction device comprising elements for implementing such an operating method. The invention also relates to a floating vessel or a land vehicle comprising such a traction device. Finally, the invention relates to a computer program product for implementing such an operating method. The invention also relates to a data recording medium for implementing such an operating method. The invention also relates to a signal of a data medium for implementing such an operating method. The invention also relates to the use of a locking device during such an operating method. Background Art

[0002] Towing kites used for towing a floating vessel, such as a boat or ship, are difficult to control when released from the deck of the floating vessel, when recovered onto the deck and also in flight.

[0003] There is therefore a great risk of the kite being damaged at sea or when it comes into contact with a floating vessel or the ground during maneuvers. The traditional flying of such a kite requires the complete unwinding of the lines intended to mechanically connect the kite to the floating vessel. This is possible on land, but much more difficult at sea. One solution consists in letting the kite float on the water and once the lines are unwound, the kite will take off. Another solution consists in using a specific boat in order to launch it into the wind, not to mention to retrieve it. This type of solution is not satisfactory. Summary of the invention

[0004] The object of the present invention is to provide a method of operating a kite-type towing device that overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages. In particular, the present invention enables the launching of a kite, the flying of a kite for towing a floating vessel or a rolling and / or sliding land vehicle, and the retrieval of the kite to be automated. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] To achieve this object, the present invention relates to a method of operating a traction device for towing a floating vessel or a rolling and / or sliding land vehicle, the traction device comprising a kite, the kite comprising:

[0007] - a wing provided with a leading edge,

[0008] - Release line,

[0009] - at least one front line, equipped with a locking device, and

[0010] - Back line,

[0011] The method comprises the following steps:

[0012] - Raising step: raising the wing only by letting out the line holding the wing, while the front and rear lines are still slack; once a height is reached, in particular once a target height is reached, the following steps are then followed, namely,

[0013] - a locking step of locking the at least one front line by activating a locker to allow the at least one front line to be mechanically connected to a floating vessel or a rolling and / or sliding land vehicle; and a slackening and slack holding step of slackening the release line and holding the release line slack.

[0014] The method may further include a tensioning step simultaneously with or after the locking step: tensioning the rear line to manipulate the wing using the rear line.

[0015] The method may comprise, before the raising step, a preliminary step of inflating the leading edge of the wing, in particular by placing the wing in the wind.

[0016] The raising step may include the step of lifting the wing along a mast of a floating vessel or a rolling and / or sliding land vehicle.

[0017] The method may comprise the step of automatically orienting the wing relative to the wind, in particular by means of a support articulated relative to such a mast.

[0018] The step of raising may comprise the step of releasing the wing relative to the mast, followed by the step of raising the wing released from the mast.

[0019] The locking step, in particular the locking step, the tensioning step and the release and slack holding step, can be followed by a control step of controlling the rear line in the flight mode of the wing to control the wing, in particular by means of at least one gear motor of the control device.

[0020] After the manipulation step you can do:

[0021] - Steps for tensioning the fly line, and

[0022] - The step of loosening the front and rear lines and keeping them slack, in particular by reeling in the fly line and / or by unrolling the front and rear lines.

[0023] The pay line may be reeled in to bring the wing back onto a floating boat or onto a rolling and / or sliding land vehicle.

[0024] The present invention also relates to a traction device for towing a floating vessel or a rolling and / or sliding land vehicle, the traction device comprising a group of actuators, and / or locks, in particular of the type of reduction motor, the traction device comprising hardware and / or software elements for implementing the method defined above, in particular hardware and / or software elements designed for implementing the method defined above, and / or the traction device comprising components for implementing the method defined above.

[0025] The invention also relates to a floating vessel or a rolling and / or sliding land vehicle comprising a traction device as defined above.

[0026] The present invention also relates to a computer program product comprising program code instructions recorded on a computer-readable medium so as to implement the steps of the method defined above when the program is run on a computer, or a computer program product that can be downloaded from a communication network and / or recorded on a computer-readable and / or computer-executable data medium, which computer program product comprises instructions that cause the computer to implement the method defined above when the program is executed by the computer.

[0027] The present invention also relates to a computer-readable data recording medium having recorded thereon a computer program comprising program code instructions for implementing the method as defined above, or a computer-readable recording medium comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to implement the method as defined above.

[0028] The invention also relates to a signal of a data medium carrying a computer program product as defined above.

[0029] The invention also relates to the use of a locking device of the type forming a braided sheath around a line for holding the wing of a kite towing a vessel or a land vehicle, in particular for holding the wing of a kite towing a vessel or a land vehicle in a method as defined above. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] Other advantages and features will emerge more clearly from the following description of embodiments of a floating vessel or rolling and / or sliding land vehicle and of an embodiment of a method of operating a traction device and from the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0031] Figure 1 is a partial schematic diagram of a floating vessel according to an embodiment.

[0032] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a rolling and / or sliding land vehicle according to one embodiment.

[0033] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a towing device for towing a floating vessel or a rolling and / or sliding land vehicle according to an embodiment.

[0034] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a stand of a pulling device according to an embodiment.

[0035] Figure 5 is a front view of a mast of a towing device according to an embodiment.

[0036] Figure 6 is a detailed view of a mast according to this embodiment.

[0037] Figure 7 is a detailed perspective view of a mast base according to one embodiment.

[0038] Figure 8 is a partial perspective view of the traction device according to the embodiment.

[0039] Fig. 9 is a top view of an open chassis of a traction device according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] The direction in which a floating vessel moves in a straight line in a plane parallel to the water level is defined as the longitudinal direction. By convention, the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction in a plane parallel to the water level is called the transverse direction. The third direction perpendicular to the other two directions is called the vertical direction.

[0041] Figure 1 A floating vessel 1 is schematically shown. Such a floating vessel 1 is, for example, a boat or a ship.

[0042] Figure 2 Schematically shown is a rolling and / or sliding land vehicle 2. Such a vehicle is, for example, a vehicle intended for use on frozen bodies of water and / or on sand and / or on snow and / or on grass and / or on mud.

[0043] The floating vessel 1 or the rolling and / or sliding land vehicle 2 comprises a traction device 3 .

[0044] The towing device 3 comprises a kite 4. The kite 4 comprises or has a wing 5. The wing 5 is provided with a leading edge 6 or comprises a leading edge 6.

[0045] like Figure 3 As shown in , the kite 4 comprises a release line 11. Preferably, the release line 11 is a center line that allows the wing to take off, the wing to be recovered, and, if necessary, to ensure the safety of the wing. The kite 4 also comprises at least one front line 10. The kite 4 preferably comprises two front lines 10. The kite 4 also comprises at least one rear line 12. The kite 4 preferably comprises two rear lines 12.

[0046] Alternatively, the kite 4 comprises at least three front lines 10 and at least three rear lines 12 .

[0047] At least one of the front lines 10 comprises or is provided with a locking device 50. The locking device 50 is, for example, of the type sold under the registered trademark CONSTRICTOR of the company COUSIN TRESTEC. The locking device 50 comprises a sleeve 52 or a tube made of a braided material surrounding the front line 10. The locking device 50 further comprises a controller 51, for example of the rope type. Pulling the rope 51 causes the locking device to be released, i.e. unlocking the front line comprising the locking device. The locking device 50 further comprises a fixing member 53, which is intended to be fixed to a fixing point or at least a temporary fixing point of a floating vessel or a land vehicle. Alternatively, the locking device 50 is of the cam and / or clamping and / or supporting type. As Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 8 As shown in FIG. 4 , the lock is secured to a ring 46 which is mounted on a stand 45 secured to the vessel or vehicle.

[0048] Advantageously, the floating vessel 1 comprises a deck 8 and a mast 18 arranged on the deck 8 .

[0049] Advantageously, the rolling and / or sliding land vehicle 2 comprises a chassis and a mast 18. For example, the mast 18 is arranged at the chassis, preferably at the front of the land vehicle.

[0050] like Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 1 , preferably at least one guy wire 19 ensures the retention of the mast 18 and / or allows the mast 18 to be oriented relative to the base 17 supporting the mast. Preferably, in particular as Figure 5 and Figure 7 As shown in , the base 17 comprises a connection of the ball joint type or substantially of the ball joint type relative to the mast 18. For example, the base 17 comprises a fork joint 15 with a pivot axis A, and the mast comprises an end 18L of the ball-and-socket type on the side of the base 17. The base 17 is advantageously fixed to the deck 8 of the floating vessel 1 or to the chassis of the rolling and / or sliding land vehicle 2. Advantageously, as Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown in FIG. 1 , the mast 18 includes a bracket 180. The bracket 180 can pivot around the mast 18, i.e., can change direction. Preferably, as Figure 5 As shown in , the bracket 180 can also slide along the mast 18, in particular by means of a retaining member surrounding the mast portion. Such retaining members include, for example, an upper tie 181 and a lower tie 182. Preferably, the bracket 180 includes a support 183 and a reinforcement 184. For example, the reinforcement 184 extends obliquely between the support 183 and the bracket 180.

[0051] Especially Figure 3 and Figure 6As shown in the top 16 of the mast 18, the top 16 of the mast 18 comprises a sliding part 25 for a belt, in particular a sling-type belt 27. The sling 27 allows the variable-direction support 180 to be lifted along the mast 18. It should be noted that the support 180 holds the wing 5 by means of a separate part 26. The pivoting of the support 180 relative to the mast 18 allows it to follow the wind in such a way that the weather vane faces the wind. The sliding part 25 is, for example, a pulley. Preferably, the fixing part 24 ensures that the pulley 25 is held relative to the top 16 of the mast 18. The fixing part 24 is, for example, a ring of sufficiently large diameter to be arranged around the mast part. Advantageously, the ring 24 is connected by a fixing part, such as a hook 23 ( Figure 3 ) is held to the mast so as to allow multiple degrees of freedom between the ring 24 and the mast 18. Advantageously, the end of the bracket 180 arranged on the side of the wing 5 and / or the separate part 26 comprises a damping member in order to protect the leading edge 6 in the event of a movement of the kite 5 towards this end. Advantageously, the damping or protection or cushioning member 220 is made of a flexible material. For example, the damping member surrounds the separate part 26. Alternatively, the damping member is interposed between the wing and the separate part. For example, the damping member is inflatable.

[0052] In summary, a (optionally also adjustable in length) reversible support 180 is lifted to the upper part of the mast 18 by means of the suspension rope 27. The support 180 holds the wing 5 at its angle of attack by means of the release line 11. The rotation or pivoting of the support 180 about the mast 18 allows the wing 5 to be kept facing the wind and at a good angle of attack regardless of changes in the relative wind direction.

[0053] For example, the separation means 26 is of the releasable shackle type between the bracket 180 and the wing 5. For example, the mooring line 22 is arranged between the wing 5 and the separation means 26. It is also advantageous to provide a control means 28 for controlling the disconnection of the separation means 26. The control means 28 is for example of the messenger type, i.e. a flexible tie or rope allowing the releasable shackle 26 to be pulled remotely so as to disconnect the bracket 180 from the wing 5 by disconnecting the mooring line 22.

[0054] Thus, during the lifting of the wing 5 along the mast 18 by means of the bracket 180 which can rotate freely about the mast axis, the wing 5 is naturally oriented in the wind bed. This results in the maintenance of the flight stability of the wing 5 in the tethered flight between the shackle 26 and the release line 11. In the event of residual relative movements or impacts or contacts between the leading edge 6 and the reversible bracket 180, they are advantageously damped by the buffer 220.

[0055] The traction device 3 also comprises a housing 35 comprising an actuator, for example a reduction motor or a winch or electric winch 30, 31, 32A, 32B type. The housing 35 is advantageously fixed to the deck 8 of the floating vessel 1 or to the chassis of the rolling and / or sliding land vehicle 2. Optionally, the housing 35 is movable, mobile between at least two different positions. For example, the housing 35 through which the traction force of the wing 5 passes is arranged in an optimal position according to the configuration of the towed floating vessel or the towed land vehicle. Thus, for example, the housing 35 is placed differently according to the configuration of the floating vessel, for example, if necessary, in terms of the volume and / or weight of the cargo and / or for example in terms of the location of the cargo.

[0056] Preferably, if Fig. 9 As shown in , the chassis 35 includes four reduction motors. Each reduction motor includes a winding / unwinding component for winding / unwinding at least one line or drives the component to rotate. Preferably, the winding / unwinding component is a roller type. Therefore, preferably, the reduction motor 30 includes a roller 60 and / or the reduction motor 31 includes a roller 61 and / or the reduction motor 32A includes a roller 62A and / or the reduction motor 32B includes a roller 62B. More precisely, the reduction motor 32A is used to control a rear line, in particular to control the rear line by winding or unwinding a rear line. Preferably, another reduction motor 32B is used to control another rear line, in particular to control the other rear line by winding or unwinding another rear line. As a reminder, the action on the rear line (winding or unwinding) allows the wing 5 to be controlled. Therefore, the actuation reduction motor 32A rotates in the direction for winding the corresponding rear line or in the opposite direction for unwinding the corresponding rear line, allowing the wing 5 to be acted on without artificial action on the relevant rear line. Actuating the reduction motor 32B to rotate in the direction for winding the other rear line or in the opposite direction for unwinding the other rear line allows acting on the wing 5 without manually acting on the other rear line. Each reduction motor can be actuated independently of the other reduction motor in one rotation direction or in the opposite rotation direction.

[0057] Advantageously, to limit the energy consumption required for the operation of each gear motor, a connection, in particular a mechanical or hydraulic connection, is provided between the gear motors 32A, 32B. For example, the connection engages when these gear motors operate in opposite directions of rotation.

[0058] In addition, a reduction motor 30 is used to control a plurality of front lines 10 simultaneously or substantially simultaneously, in particular by reeling in or unfolding these front lines. In the case of two front lines 10, these two front lines are actuated together, i.e. simultaneously. Thus, actuating the reduction motor 30 to rotate in the direction for reeling in the front lines or in the opposite direction for unfolding the front lines allows acting on the wing 5 without artificial action on the front lines. Finally, a reduction motor 31 is used to control the release line 11, in particular by reeling in or unfolding the release line. Thus, actuating the reduction motor 31 to rotate in the direction for reeling in the release line or in the opposite direction for unfolding the release line allows managing the take-off, recovery and safety of the wing 5 without artificial action on the release line 11.

[0059] like Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 8 As shown in , the traction device 3 also includes a stand 45. The stand 45 is preferably fixed relative to the deck 8 of the ship 1 or the chassis of the vehicle 2. The stand 45 is equipped with components 40, 42 for the passage of the line, such as pulleys, diabolo type, or with fixed reversing components with a low friction coefficient. The stand 45 allows the line to be arranged substantially parallel to the deck 8 of the floating ship between the reduction motors. In other words, the stand 45 allows the line portions extending away from the chassis 35 in the direction of the wing 5 to be staggered, in particular so that these lines do not interfere with the chassis 35. A component 13, such as a pulley or diabolo type, or an element intended to allow low friction sliding is provided for keeping the release line 11 near the mast.

[0060] Preferably, the gantry 45 comprises electronic traction sensors and / or at least one inertial unit required for maneuvering, and / or the electronic traction sensors and / or at least one inertial unit are arranged in certain strategic areas close to the gantry 45 .

[0061] Alternatively, the platform 45 may be movable relative to the deck 8 or chassis, particularly in order to maximize performance.

[0062] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1 , a floating vessel or a land vehicle comprises a computer program product 100, and / or a computer-readable data recording medium 101, and / or a signal 102 of a data medium, wherein the computer program product comprises program code instructions recorded on a computer-readable medium.

[0063] The traction device also includes all hardware and / or software elements capable of implementing the method as the subject of the invention, in particular hardware and / or software elements designed to implement the method as the subject of the invention, and / or the device includes components for implementing the method as the subject of the invention as described below.

[0064] An embodiment of the operating method will now be described. The method is advantageously an automatic operating method of the traction device as described above.

[0065] Preferably, in a first step, an inflating of the leading edge 6 of the wing 5 is performed. To this end, for example, the wing 5 is placed in the wind. Alternatively, the wing is inflated with compressed air.

[0066] A raising step is performed to raise the wing 5. During this raising step, the wing 5 is held only by the release line 11. More precisely, the reduction motor 31 produces the deployment of the release line 11 by driving the drum 61 in the deployment direction. Figure 3 , the release line 11 is kept taut during the raising step. During this raising step, the front line 10 and the rear line 12 are still slack. It should be noted that this raising is possible and facilitated by the wing 5 which is in position and oriented with low drag so as to fly without traction or substantially without traction. In fact, when the wing is held only by the release line, the wing is in a stable flight configuration with little stress on the release line.

[0067] For example, the raising step includes the step of lifting the wing 5 along the mast 18 (particularly Figure 3 ). As a reminder, the mooring rope 22, for example fixed at the leading edge 6 of the wing 5, is connected to the suspension rope 27 by means of a releasable fixing 26. Thus, as the release line 11 is extended and kept taut, the suspension rope 27 is shortened. In fact, as a reminder, the suspension rope 27 cooperates with the pulley 25, which is held relative to the top of the mast by the fixing part 24. Thus, at the beginning of the ascent of the wing 5, the suspension rope 27 is approximately twice the height of the mast (in the case where the pulley 25 is arranged in the upper part of the mast). Advantageously, the pulley 25 is arranged at a distance from the top 16 of the mast 18 to prevent the fixing part 24 and / or the leading edge 6 from passing over the top 16 during the release step, or even getting stuck, either due to turbulence or due to the movement of the boat 1 or the vehicle 2.

[0068] For raising, only the flying line 11 is gradually unfolded by the reduction motor 31 while being kept tensioned. As a reminder, the front and rear lines remain slack.

[0069] In the case of the raising along the mast 18, a step of releasing the wing 5 relative to the mast 18 is then carried out. Preferably, the wing 5 is located at the top 16, or substantially at the top 16. To carry out this release, the releasable fixing 26 is actuated, for example by pulling the messenger 28 (which is connected to the shackle 26), thereby opening the shackle 26 if necessary. This causes the wing 5 to be disconnected from the mast. Advantageously, the raising of the wing 5 released from the mast can be continued by deploying the release line 11 while keeping the release line taut, the wing 5 remaining in flight.

[0070] Once the height is reached, for example once a predetermined target height is reached, a step of locking the front line 10 is performed. Locking the front line 10 is preferably implemented by activating the lock 50. As a reminder, the activation of the lock 50 allows the front line 10 equipped with the lock 50 to be mechanically connected to the floating vessel 1 or the rolling and / or sliding land vehicle 2, for example to the deck 8 of the floating vessel or the chassis of the land vehicle 2 through the platform 45. For this purpose, the front line 10 is locked in the fixing 53. Preferably, simultaneously or substantially simultaneously, the steps of loosening and slack-keeping of loosening the release line 11 and keeping the release line 11 slack are performed so that the release line no longer has any influence on the wing of the kite. In other words, to eliminate the tension on the release line 11, the reduction motor 31 is driven in the deployment direction, for example on a given angular section. Most of the force applied to the wing is absorbed on the platform 45 through the front line and the lock. This allows the towing of the vessel or the land vehicle. The lock allows the gear motor capable of reeling in the front line to be free of stress.

[0071] At the same time as the locking step or after the locking step, a tensioning step of tensioning the rear line 12 is performed. This tensioning step is ensured by the reduction motors 32A, 32B, which are driven to reel the rear line 12 onto the rollers 62A, 62B, for example over a given angular section. Once the rear line 12 is tensioned, the rear line is used to manipulate the wing 5. In other words, the reduction motors 32A, 32B are used to manipulate the wing 5 by reeling and / or unfolding the rollers 62A, 62B, while keeping the rear line with a certain tension so that these rear lines do not slacken. Advantageously, the reduction motor 30 is used to reel / unroll the front lines, while keeping these front lines with a certain tension so that they do not slacken. Unlike flying during the rise phase when only the release line 11 is tensioned and the resistance is substantially zero, the use of the front and rear lines allows the wing 5 to be manipulated and the required traction to be gathered.

[0072] Then, the rear line 12 is controlled to steer the wing 5 in its flight mode. To this end, Figure 3 and Figure 8 As shown in FIG. 3 , the front line 10 and the rear line 12 extend up to the housing 35. As previously mentioned, the reduction motors 30, 31, 32A, 32B of the control device allow the lines to be reeled in or unreeled, possibly simultaneously. Thus, the flight type is controlled according to the most suitable situation in terms of navigation of the floating vessel or land vehicle.

[0073] After the wing of the kite has flown, in particular for towing a floating vessel 1 or a land vehicle 2, the wing of the kite is recovered. First, a tensioning step of tensioning the release line 11 is performed. The reduction motor 31 of the housing 35 causes the drum 61 to rotate so as to automatically reel in the release line, in particular until it is tensioned. At the same time, a step of relaxing the front line 10 and the rear line 12 and keeping the front and rear lines slack is performed. This relaxation and slack keeping step is ensured by unfolding the front line 10 and the rear line 12 by means of the reduction motors 30, 32A, 32B of the housing 35. It should be noted that, to relax the front line 10, it is sufficient to pull the rope 51 to release the lock 50, which has the effect of allowing the front line to slide relative to the fixing 53. Secondly, the release line 11 is reeled in by means of the reduction motor 31, which allows the release line 11 to be reeled in on the drum 61. As a reminder, the release line 11 rubs against the pulley 13 or slides relative to the pulley or cooperates with the pulley. Therefore, as the release line 11 is reeled in, the wing approaches the pulley 13 ( Figure 3 and Figure 8 The pulley 13 is preferably arranged near the base of the mast 18 and the reeling of the fly line brings the wing 5 back to the floating vessel 1 or the rolling and / or sliding land vehicle 2.

[0074] The invention also relates to the use of a lock 50 of the type forming a braided sheath around a line, in particular a front line, for holding a wing 5 of a kite 4 for towing a boat or a land vehicle. This use is realized, for example, within the framework of the operating method described above.

[0075] As a reminder, the traction device 3 is preferably intended to tow a floating vessel 1 or to set in motion a rolling and / or sliding land vehicle 2 .

[0076] It is noteworthy that the solution thus achieves the sought-after objectives, namely to provide a method for operating a kite-type towing device, in particular intended to tow a floating vessel, improving the launch, flight and recovery of the kite; and it has the following advantages:

[0077] - It is economical;

[0078] - It is easily implemented on a ship or land vehicle.

Claims

1. A method of operating a traction device (3) for towing a floating vessel (1) or a rolling and / or sliding land vehicle (2), the traction device comprising a kite (4), the kite comprising: - a wing (5) provided with a leading edge (6), - Release line (11), - at least one front line (10) provided with a locking device (50), and - Back line (12), The method comprises the following steps: - Raising step: raising the wing (5) by only releasing the line (11) to hold it, while the front line (10) and the rear line (12) are still slack; once a certain height is reached, in particular once a target height is reached, the following steps are then carried out, namely, - a locking step: locking the at least one front line (10) by activating a locker (50) to allow the at least one front line (10) to be mechanically connected to the floating vessel (1) or the rolling and / or sliding land vehicle (2); and a slackening and slack holding step: slackening the release line and holding the release line slack (11).

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The method further comprises the following tensioning step simultaneously with or after the locking step: tensioning the rear line (12) to use the rear line to control the wing (5).

3. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The method comprises, before the raising step, a preliminary step of inflating the leading edge (6) of the wing (5), in particular by placing the wing (5) in the wind.

4. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The raising step comprises the step of lifting the wing (5) along the mast (18) of the floating vessel (1) or the rolling and / or sliding land vehicle (2).

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that The method comprises the step of automatically orienting the wing (5) relative to the wind, in particular by means of a support (180) articulated relative to the mast (18).

6. The method according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that: The raising step includes a step of releasing the wing (5) relative to the mast (18), followed by a step of raising the wing (5) released from the mast (18).

7. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The locking step, in particular the locking step, the tensioning step and the relaxation and slack holding step, is followed by the following control step: in the flight mode of the wing (5), the rear line (12) is controlled to control the wing (5), in particular by means of at least one reduction motor (31) of the control device (30).

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein: After the manipulation step: - a step of tensioning the pay-off line (11), and - a step of loosening the front line (10) and the rear line (12) and keeping the front line and the rear line loose, in particular by reeling in the fly line (11) and / or by unwinding the front line (10) and the rear line (12) to loosen the front line and the rear line and keep the front line and the rear line loose.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that The pay-out line (11) is reeled in to bring the wing (5) back onto the floating vessel (1) or onto the rolling and / or sliding land vehicle (2).

10. A traction device (3) for towing a floating vessel (1) or a rolling and / or sliding land vehicle (2), the traction device comprising a set of actuators, in particular of the type of reduction motor, and / or locking devices, characterized in that: The traction device comprises hardware and / or software elements for implementing the method according to any of the preceding claims, in particular hardware and / or software elements designed to implement the method according to any of the preceding claims, and / or the traction device comprises components for implementing the method according to any of the preceding claims.

11. A floating vessel (1) or a rolling and / or sliding land vehicle (2), characterized in that: It comprises a traction device (3) according to claim 10.

12. A computer program product (100) comprising program code instructions recorded on a computer-readable medium so as to implement the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 9 when the program is run on a computer, or a computer program product that can be downloaded from a communication network and / or recorded on a computer-readable and / or computer-executable data medium, characterized in that The computer program product comprises instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the method according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

13. A computer-readable data recording medium (101) having a computer program recorded thereon, the computer program comprising program code instructions for implementing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, or a computer-readable recording medium comprising instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to implement the method according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

14. A signal (102) carrying a data medium of the computer program product (100) according to claim 12.

15. Use of a locking device (50) of the type forming a braided jacket around a line for holding the wing (5) of a kite (4) towing a vessel or a land vehicle, in particular for holding the wing (5) of a kite (4) towing a vessel or a land vehicle in a method according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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