Towing system involving a kite and a flying mooring line

Abstract

A tethered sail traction system (1) comprising a flight path control device (7) attached to a traction wing (5) by means of a fixed stay (6) and a mobile stay (5), said flight path control device (7) being adapted to control said mobile stay (6); a traction rope (8) connecting said flight path control device (7) to a base platform (3); a guide rope (9) connecting a leading edge (16) of said traction wing (5) to said flight path control device (7); a mooring rope (10), one end of said mooring rope (10) being connected to said base platform (3) and the other end being connected slidingly to said guide rope (9); an angle variation transmission element (13) attached to said mooring mast (4).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of tethered wing towing systems, which can deploy and fold a towing wing relative to a base platform, the towing wing being adapted to generate traction in the presence of wind.

[0002] Therefore, this tethered wing traction system can deploy a floating wing for propelling vehicles, especially ships (as the main or auxiliary propulsion force), as well as for power generation or any application that benefits from this traction force. Background Technology

[0003] Patent application US7866271 describes a deployment and recovery system for a flying wing device. The system includes a telescopic mast with an adapter at its head adapted to rotate about the mast's longitudinal axis. A rescue rope extends along the mast, protrudes from the adapter, and is slidably attached to a traction cable holding the flying wing on an off-horizontal plane, the end of the traction cable being connected to the leading edge of the wing.

[0004] The wing includes an inflatable leading edge and a lifeline that specifically allows the inflatable leading edge to abut against an inflation device disposed in the masthead adapter, the masthead adapter having a shape complementary to the leading edge profile of the wing.

[0005] To fold the wing, a traction cable is wound around a winch to bring the wing to mast height. A rescue rope remains attached near the winch throughout the flight phase and is then pulled by a recovery point trolley. A guide device slides along the traction cable from the recovery point trolley to the leading edge of the wing and pulls it onto the mast. The wing is then retracted. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to improve the existing tethered wing traction system.

[0007] Therefore, the present invention relates to a tethered wing towing system, comprising: a towing wing adapted to generate a traction force under wind conditions and adapted to deploy and fold relative to a base platform, the base platform being provided with a loading mast, the towing wing having a leading edge and a trailing edge, the tethered wing towing system further comprising:

[0008] A trajectory control flight device is attached to the traction wing via a fixed suspension rope and a movable suspension rope, and the trajectory control flight device is adapted to control the movable suspension rope;

[0009] A traction rope connects the trajectory control flight device to the base platform.

[0010] The tethered wing traction system also includes:

[0011] A guide rope connects the leading edge of the traction wing to the trajectory control flight device;

[0012] A loading rope, one end of which is connected to the base platform and is slidably connected to the guide rope;

[0013] A deflection element is attached to the loading mast, and the loading rope passes through the deflection element between its first end and its connection with the guide rope.

[0014] The ropes mentioned in this article, whether suspension ropes, traction ropes, guide ropes, or loading ropes, can be composed of any device capable of achieving flexible connection, such as ropes, fabrics, and / or metal cables.

[0015] This tethered wing towing system can deploy and fold any type of towing wing, including those without an inflatable leading edge, which are simpler and offer better performance. Therefore, the deployment and folding process has been improved to simplify the entire system.

[0016] This tethered wing towing system benefits from a loading device (particularly formed by a guide rope and a loading rope) that allows the leading edge of the towing wing to be held against the loading mast by a deflection element. These loading methods can be used quickly and easily without manipulating the ropes. In fact, the system can perform all deployment and folding operations of the towing wing without the need for loading the wing itself, during which the ropes must be caught and placed on the attachment and towing device. These time-consuming and difficult-to-automate operations are necessary in the prior art. If they were automated, they would suffer from sudden malfunctions (especially in harsh environments, such as propelling a vessel under severe weather conditions). Because the loading device consists only of a tethering rope, the present invention guarantees a fully automated deployment and folding process, preventing unexpected twists even under the most difficult conditions.

[0017] The leading edge of the wing is held directly on the loading mast by traction from the deflection element, and no complex interface is required to support the shape of the traction wing. This makes the loading mast design simpler, lighter, and less expensive.

[0018] The leading edge of the wing does not need to form a complex interface with the loading mast, and the loading device can maintain a constant connection between the towing wing and the base platform without interfering with the flight of the towing wing.

[0019] A guide rope is routed between the trajectory control flight unit and the leading edge of the traction wing in a manner similar to a suspension rope. This guide rope is connected to the trajectory control flight unit on one side and may also be connected to the leading edge of the traction wing via an intermediate component on the other. The guide rope preferably has a length sufficient to prevent any traction between the leading edge of the wing and the trajectory control flight unit, so as not to interfere with the function of the suspension rope during flight. However, the guide rope does not excessively interfere with the flight of the wing because its mass and the drag it generates are comparable to those of the suspension rope, and it does not cause interference, such as twisting.

[0020] Regarding the loading rope, the loading rope is adapted to slide along the guide rope to occupy at least two stable positions:

[0021] A lockable loading position in which the end of the loading rope is located at a higher position near the leading edge of the wing, such that traction on the loading rope drives traction on the leading edge of the wing;

[0022] A flight position in which the end of the loading rope is placed against and attached to the trajectory control flight device.

[0023] The loading position allows the leading edge of the wing to be dynamically locked to the loading mast, while the flight position allows the loading rope to remain readily available during flight, without exerting any force on the leading edge of the traction wing, despite its maximum length of several hundred meters and associated drag and mass.

[0024] A trajectory control flight device is a mechanism designed to support the forces on the traction rope and the traction force on the suspension rope. During flight, almost all the flight mass of the load rope is supported by the trajectory control device without affecting the shape of the traction wing, the ability of the trajectory control flight device to control the wing, or the movement of the traction rope.

[0025] The combined operation of the loading rope and guide rope allows for the control of both the length of the tow rope and the length of the loading rope to be performed to a certain extent independently. Therefore, the loading rope can be controlled to lock the leading edge of the wing, or conversely, regardless of whether the tow rope is at a predetermined height, the loading rope can be released at different heights on the loading mast relative to it, without being affected by the length of the tow rope. Thus, raising or lowering the tow wing can be performed where it is possible to moor the tow rope at any height on the tow mast, and this mooring can be dynamically maintained as the tow wing moves along the tow mast.

[0026] The tethered wing towing system according to the present invention may have the following additional features, either individually or in combination:

[0027] The loading rope is slidably connected to the guide rope via a slider;

[0028] The slider is fixed to the loading rope and is pivotally and slidably connected to the guide rope;

[0029] The sliding member includes a reciprocating member that slides along a guide rope, the reciprocating member including a guide device through which the loading rope passes;

[0030] The guide rope consists of two ropes, and the reciprocating component is slidably mounted on the two ropes;

[0031] The trajectory control flight device includes a receiving portion adapted to receive a slider;

[0032] The receiving portion includes a loading rope fastener;

[0033] The traction rope is attached to the base platform via a first winch adapted to adjust the length of the traction rope, and the loading rope is attached to the base platform via a second winch adapted to adjust the length of the loading rope;

[0034] The deflection element is mounted on a loading trolley that slides along the loading mast;

[0035] The system includes means for driving the loading trolley to move along the loading mast;

[0036] The system includes means for holding the end of the loading rope on the guide rope, the means being adapted to occupy: a free position in which the end of the loading rope slides freely along the guide rope, and a holding position in which the end of the loading rope is positioned in a loop formed by the guide rope;

[0037] The retaining device includes a locking member adapted to form a loop on the guide rope for retaining the loading rope in a retaining position;

[0038] The locking member includes a through channel in which the loading rope extends when the retaining device is in the free position, and in which the double guide rope extends when the retaining device is in the locked position.

[0039] The guide rope is connected to the leading edge of the traction wing via a separable clamping element, the separable clamping element being fixed to the leading edge of the traction wing, the separable clamping element being adapted to retain the guide rope by clamping the guide rope;

[0040] The detachable clamping element includes a sleeve through which the guide rope extends, the guide rope extending through an additional rope portion that extends beyond the leading edge of the traction wing;

[0041] The additional rope portion is connected to the trailing edge of the towing wing;

[0042] The locking member includes a housing adapted to receive the separable clamping element;

[0043] The housing includes a pin for retaining the separable clamping element;

[0044] The system includes: a plurality of folded ropes, one end of each folded rope being fixed to the leading edge of the towing wing and spaced apart from each other along the leading edge; an additional trolley adapted to slide along the loading mast; a capture device attached to the leading edge of the towing wing and including an attachment arm having an attachment rod, one of the folded ropes projecting in a straight line with the attachment rod; and the loading rope having one end connected to the capture device.

[0045] The capturing device includes a housing for the reciprocating member, which moves between a sliding configuration and a loading configuration, wherein in the sliding configuration the reciprocating member slides along the guide rope, and in the loading configuration the reciprocating member is disposed within its housing;

[0046] The capturing device includes a lever that controls the attachment arm to rotate to its attachment position, and the lever is adapted to be driven by the reciprocating member when the reciprocating member returns to its loading configuration;

[0047] The system includes a loading trolley adapted to slide along the loading mast, the loading trolley including a nesting interface for the capture device;

[0048] The loading trolley includes means for securing the capture device to the nested interface;

[0049] The reciprocating component has a convex shape, which is adapted to be received in a concave shape of the nested interface when the reciprocating component is in the loading configuration;

[0050] The reciprocating component is rectangular.

[0051] According to another objective, the present invention relates to a method for controlling a tethered wing traction system as described above. The method may have the following additional features, either individually or in combination:

[0052] The method includes: a deployment phase of the traction wing and a folding phase of the traction wing, wherein the second winch is controlled together with the first winch such that the end of the loading rope slides along the guide rope, while the trajectory control flight device moves away from or toward the base platform;

[0053] The folding phase of the towing wing includes: a step of locking the loading rope to the guide rope; and a loading step in which the traction force on the loading rope drives the traction force on the guide rope and the leading edge of the towing wing.

[0054] The folding stage includes: the step of separating the separable clamping element, thereby releasing the guide rope; and the step of the traction on the loading rope actuating the traction on the guide rope and the additional rope portion.

[0055] The unfolding and folding phases include the steps of raising or lowering the towing wing along the loading mast, during which the loading trolley slides along the loading mast and the loading rope is kept taut to keep the leading edge of the towing wing moored to the loading mast.

[0056] The method includes a flight phase during which the slider is disposed on the receiving portion of the trajectory control flight device, and the length of the loading rope is controlled to maintain the loading rope in a slack state. Attached Figure Description

[0057] Other features and advantages of the invention will be shown from the following non-limiting description with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0058] [ Figure 1 [This is a perspective view of the tethered wing traction system according to the present invention during the flight phase;]

[0059] [ Figure 2 ]yes Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of the tethered wing traction system in the diagram;

[0060] [ Figure 3 ] is with Figure 1 In a similar view, the tethering wing of the tethered wing traction system is in the process of folding;

[0061] [ Figure 4 [This refers to the tethered wing towing system.] Figure 3 A schematic cross-sectional view of the location;

[0062] [ Figure 5 Describe the subsequent steps of folding the tethered wing traction system;

[0063] [ Figure 6Describe the subsequent steps of folding the tethered wing traction system;

[0064] [ Figure 7 Describe the subsequent steps of folding the tethered wing traction system;

[0065] [ Figure 8 [The tractor is in] Figure 7 A 3D view of the location;

[0066] [ Figure 9 ]yes Figures 1 to 8 Detailed schematic diagram of the flight rope and guide rope of the tethered wing traction device;

[0067] [ Figure 10 [Description] Figure 9 The function of the components shown;

[0068] [ Figure 11 ] is similar to Figure 9 A view of a second embodiment of the tethered wing traction system;

[0069] [ Figure 12 [ ] is a schematic cross-sectional view of the tethered wing traction system according to the second embodiment;

[0070] [ Figure 13 [Description] Figure 11 The function of the components shown;

[0071] [ Figure 14 [Description] Figure 11 The function of the components shown;

[0072] [ Figure 15 [Description] Figure 11 The function of the components shown;

[0073] [ Figure 16 [Depicts the towing wing of the towing device according to the invention during folding along the loading mast;]

[0074] [ Figure 17 Describe the steps for lowering the tethering wing of the tethered wing traction system;

[0075] [ Figure 18 [Description] Figure 17 The descent step following the previous step;

[0076] [ Figure 19 [This is an enlarged view of the tractor, showing the capture device attached to the leading edge of the tractor;]

[0077] [ Figure 20 ]and[ Figure 21 [ ] is a three-dimensional view of the capture device;

[0078] [ Figure 22[This is a side view of the capturing device;]

[0079] [ Figure 23 [ ] is a partial three-dimensional view of the capture device;

[0080] [ Figure 24 ]yes Figure 23 Cross-sectional view;

[0081] [ Figure 25 Similar to Figure 24 A variant of the capture device;

[0082] [ Figure 26 An example of a receiving portion suitable for receiving a slider during the flight phase is depicted. Detailed Implementation

[0083] Figure 1 The mooring wing towing system 1 is depicted installed on vessel 2, which in this example is an ocean-going cargo ship. Figure 1 (Only the front of the ship is shown in the image).

[0084] In this example, the moored wing towing system 1 is mounted on the bow of vessel 2 and actuated as an auxiliary propulsion device for the vessel, thereby saving fuel. In this case, the size of the moored wing towing system 1 is determined according to the tonnage of the vessel to be towed, and it is designed to automatically deploy and fold.

[0085] Alternatively, the moored wing towing system 1 can be used in any other application of this type of moored wing towing system that requires automatic deployment and folding, such as as the main propulsion device of a ship, for propelling any other means of transportation, for generating electricity, etc.

[0086] The moored wing towing system 1 includes a base platform 3, which is fixed to the deck of the vessel 2 and on which a loading mast 4 designed for the automatic deployment and folding operation of the system is mounted.

[0087] The tethered wing traction system 1 also includes a traction wing 5 adapted to generate traction due to wind. In this example, the traction wing 5 is a paraglider type sail. Any other flight device adapted to generate traction due to wind can be used, such as a kite, hang glider, kite sail, etc. The traction wing 5 conventionally includes a leading edge 16 exposed to the incident wind and an opposing edge 17 called the trailing edge.

[0088] The traction wing 5 is connected to the trajectory control flight device 7 via a set of suspension ropes 6, the trajectory control flight device 7 being adapted to act on the suspension ropes 6 to control the flight of the traction wing 5.

[0089] The moored wing towing system 1 also includes a towing rope 8 connecting the trajectory control flight device 7 to the base platform 3. The traction force generated by the wing 5 is transmitted to the vessel 2 via the towing rope 8 for propulsion, and the size of the towing rope is adjusted accordingly. In the case of towing ocean-going cargo ships, the towing rope can, for example, be a textile cable with a diameter of several centimeters.

[0090] The trajectory control flight device 7 enables the flight of the tow wing 5 to be controlled, allowing for orientation and positioning of the tow wing, and potentially enabling the tow wing 5 to track a flight path, thereby increasing traction on the ship. Here, the trajectory of the tow wing 5 is controlled by adjusting the length of certain movable suspension cables, a classic approach in the field of flight wings. This set of suspension cables 6 actually includes fixed suspension cables (that is, cables of fixed length between their attachment to the tow wing 5 and their attachment to the trajectory control flight device 7) and movable suspension cables whose lengths can vary. Therefore, the trajectory control flight device 7 is adapted to pull certain movable suspension cables and / or release others, thereby altering the aerodynamic profile of the tow wing 5 to control its lift, trajectory, etc. Modifying the profile of the tow wing to control its trajectory is a conventional method and will not be described in more detail here.

[0091] The tethered wing traction system 1 also includes a guide rope 9 and a loading rope 10. The guide rope connects the leading edge 16 of the tethered wing 5 to the trajectory control flight device 7. One end of the loading rope 10 is connected to the base platform 3, and the other end is slidably connected to the guide rope 9. These two ropes 9 and 10 are used during the deployment and folding phases of the tethered wing 5.

[0092] The guide rope 9 has a lower end fixed to the trajectory control flight device 7 and an upper end fixed to the leading edge 16 of the traction wing 5. The fixing between the guide rope 9 and the leading edge 16 of the traction wing 5 can be achieved by any suitable means, for example, by sewing the guide rope 9 to the leading edge 16 of the traction wing 5. Alternatively, other fixing devices for fixing the guide rope 9 to the leading edge 16 of the wing 5 (such as the second embodiment described later), particularly adjustable fixing devices, can be provided.

[0093] Figure 2 Is it like this? Figure 1 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the mooring wing towing system 1 during the ship's towing phase. Figure 2 The various components of the tethered wing traction system 1 are depicted in a more schematic manner.

[0094] The traction rope 8 is connected to the base platform 3 via a winch 11, which is controlled by a motor (e.g., an electric motor or a hydraulic motor) and is adapted to release the traction rope 8 to allow the towing wing 5 to gain altitude, or to move the towing wing 5 toward the base platform 3 in the opposite direction to the wind in the traction rope 8.

[0095] The loading rope 10 is also connected to the base platform 3 via a winch 12 (which is independent of the winch 11 of the traction rope 8). However, the winches 12 and 11 are controlled in a coordinated manner. Furthermore, the loading rope 10 is guided by a deflection element 13 mounted on the loading mast 4. In this example, the deflection element 13 is, for example, a pulley or low-friction ring mounted on the loading trolley 14. The loading trolley 14 slides vertically along the mooring mast 4 and includes means for driving this movement.

[0096] The end of the loading rope 10 is connected to the guide rope 9 via a slider 15. In this example, the slider 15 consists of an anti-friction ring fixed to the end of the loading rope 10 and connected to the guide rope 9 in a pivoting and sliding manner.

[0097] Figure 1 and Figure 2 The moored wing towing system 1 is depicted in a towing configuration, with the towing wing 5 deployed and in flight, the system participating in the propulsion of the vessel. In this configuration, the slider 15 rests on the trajectory control flight device 7 due to the weight of the slider itself and the load rope 10. Therefore, the winch of the load rope 10 is controlled to leave sufficient slack in the load rope 10, thereby allowing the slider 15 to be placed on the trajectory control flight device 7.

[0098] In all flight configurations of the tow wing 5, the guide rope 9 may have an equally slack length to prevent it from exerting traction on the leading edge 16 of the tow wing 5 during flight, thereby avoiding interference with the flight of the tow wing 5. Alternatively, the guide rope 9 may also have a suspension function and thus participate in absorbing the bending force generated by the tow rope, while ensuring that the force caused by the weight and resistance of the load rope 10 is not transmitted to the leading edge 16 of the tow wing 5.

[0099] The trajectory control flight device 7 has a receiving portion on its upper surface (i.e., the surface facing the tow wing 5) adapted to receive and hold the slider 15 during the flight phase. The receiving portion may consist of a base of the device 7 shaped to hold the slider 15 in place, for example, a horizontal resting surface, an imprint in which the slider 15 can be accommodated, or fingers protruding from the device 7, forming a ring around the slider 15. The receiving portion for the slider 15 may optionally include means for locking the slider 15 in the receiving portion during the flight phase.

[0100] When the winch 11 is controlled to release the traction rope 8, thereby moving the tow wing 5 away from the base platform 3, the winch 12 is also controlled to release the loading rope 10, thus maintaining the slack characteristics of the loading rope 10 and not interfering with the flight of the tow wing 5. Therefore, in the flight configuration, neither the guide rope 9 nor the loading rope 10 affects the shape or trajectory of the tow wing 5.

[0101] However, both the guide rope 9 and the loading rope 10 are involved in the unfolding and folding phases of the traction wing 5. Figures 3 to 8 The sequential steps that enable the traction wing 5 to fold are described.

[0102] Figure 3 It is similar to Figure 1 The view shows the system in the first approach phase, initiating the folding of the traction wing 5. During this approach phase, the winch 11 is wound in the traction rope 8, causing the traction wing 5 to move closer to the base platform 3. Simultaneously, the winch 12 is actuated to wind in the loading rope 10. The traction wing 5 then reaches the height of the track-controlled flight device 7, which is close to the height of the loading trolley 14. Figure 3 and Figure 4 (The location shown).

[0103] From this position, the winches 11 and 12 continue to operate, driving the trajectory control flight device 7 to descend to a position where... Figure 5 The height shown is below the height of the deflection element 13. Then, the slider 15 rises along the guide rope 9 due to the free sliding achieved by the pivot sliding connection. Then, as the traction wing 5 approaches the base platform 3, the end of the loading rope 10 rises along the guide rope 9 until... Figure 6 The position where the trajectory control flight device 7 has reached the support, such as the support element fixed to the base platform 3. Figure 5The schematic diagram only depicts the trajectory control flight device 7 mounted against the base platform 3 (which itself is depicted as a simple base), but it should be understood that in practice, the base platform can be configured in any way suitable for the trajectory control flight device 7 to move to its location. Figure 5 The housing of the flight equipment 7 that supports and maintains the position during trajectory control.

[0104] The height of the loading mast 4 and the setting of the deflection element 13 are selected so that, Figure 6 In this position, the slider 15 has reached the upper end of the guide rope 9 and abuts against the support at the horizontal level of the leading edge 16 of the traction wing 5.

[0105] from Figure 6 The loading operation, starting at position, involves individually actuating the winch 12 to pull in the loading rope 10, which drives the leading edge 1 of the traction wing 5 to move closer to the traction wing 5 until... Figure 7 The loading position shown is abutting the loading trolley 14.

[0106] The towing wing 5 is thus held by its leading edge 16, which is moored to the loading mast 4. During all the above operations, the loading mast 4 and / or the loading trolley 14 pivot about the longitudinal axis of the loading mast 4, such that the towing wing 5 is moored to the windward side of the mast.

[0107] from Figure 7 The towing wing 5 is moored facing the wind and can then be folded and loaded.

[0108] Figure 8 It is a detailed view that depicts the loading position maintained throughout all operations of retracting or folding the traction wing 5. Figure 8 A further example of a production detail variation is described. Here, the loading mast 4 includes a guide rail 18 on which the loading trolley 14 is slidably mounted, and the loading trolley 14 carries the deflection element 13. Other trolleys 19 are also mounted on the guide rail 18, specifically trolleys that enable the effective folding of the traction wing 5 by gripping it with a folding rope (not shown) connected along the traction wing 5. As described in patent application WO2019239044, these additional trolleys 19 are, for example, trolleys capable of folding the wing in half along the loading mast 4. All folding operations involving the additional trolleys 19 can be performed while the leading edge 16 of the traction wing 5 rests against the loading mast 4 via the loading rope 10 and the guide rope 9.

[0109] The tethered wing traction system 1 preferably includes means for retaining the end of the loading rope 10 on the guide rope 9. These retaining means are adapted to occupy a free position and a retained position, in which the end of the loading rope 10 slides freely along the guide rope 9, and in the retained position, the end of the loading rope 10 is positioned in a loop formed by the guide rope 9. Here, these retaining means are adapted to be in contact with the upper end of the guide rope 9 when the sliding member 15 abuts against it (i.e., at...). Figure 6 (as shown in the image), hold the loading rope 10 on the guide rope 9. Then, this allows for the transfer from... Figure 6 Position moved to Figure 7 The loading operation can be performed at the designated location without the risk of the loading rope 10 slipping on the guide rope 9.

[0110] Figure 9 and Figure 10 An embodiment of these devices for holding the end of the loading rope 10 on the guide rope 9 is depicted. Figure 9 This is a schematic perspective view depicting the end of the loading rope 10, which is provided with a slider 15 that cooperates with the end of the guide rope 9 located on the same side of the traction wing 5. In this example, the guide rope 9 is secured to a rod 21 by a loop 20. The rod 21 itself is secured to the leading edge 16 of the traction wing 5 (e.g., inserted into a housing sewn onto the leading edge 16). The loading rope 14 includes a locking member 22 through which a channel 23 passes, the diameter of which is adapted to allow the slider 15 to pass.

[0111] During the loading phase, the traction applied to the loading rope 10 ends as the drive slider 15 moves through the through channel 23. The slider 15 drives the guide rope 9, which also passes twice through the through channel 23. Therefore, the locking member can form a loop 36 to hold the slider 15 and thus the loading rope 10.

[0112] Figure 10 yes Figure 9 The cross-sectional view of the component after the holding device is activated during the loading operation. Therefore, the slider 15 has passed through the channel 23, and the loading rope 10 has passed through the locking member 22 and doubled into the channel 23, thus forming the holding loop 36. Here, the slack in the guide rope 9 is shaped such that the guide rope 9 can double through. Figure 10 The configuration in which the continuous traction on the loading rope 10 directly drives the traction on the rod 21, and the loading rope 10 is thus locked to the guide rope 9.

[0113] Once the towing wing 5 has been folded and rolled up, it can be stored until the next use.

[0114] The tractor wing 5 is then deployed by operations performed in the reverse order of the above operations, wherein the tractor wing 5 remains facing the wind.

[0115] During the deployment of the tow wing 5, the tow wing 5 remains abutted against the loading mast 4 via its leading edge 16, in order to deploy the tow wing 5 and prepare for flight. The tow wing 5 then positions itself in accordance with... Figure 7 and Figure 8 The position is determined, and the means for holding the loading rope 10 on the guide rope 9 is activated.

[0116] Once these operations are complete, the traction wing 5 moves from... Figure 7 Location to Figure 6 The position is released by the operation of its winch 12, which is caused by the release of the loading rope 10.

[0117] After setting the corresponding Figure 9 and Figure 10 In the case of the retaining device, the loading rope 10 is released by the movement of the slider 15 to drive unlocking, and the slider 15 passes through the locking member 22 again in the direction of the guide rope 9. The leading edge 16 is then moved away from the loading trolley 14.

[0118] Then, from Figure 6 At the designated position, the winches 11 and 12 are actuated to release the traction rope 8 and the loading rope 10, causing the traction wing 5 to fly. The traction wing then passes through a corresponding... Figure 5 As the traction wing 5 rises, the sliding member 15 descends along the loading rope 10.

[0119] The tractor 5 then reached its Figure 1 and Figure 2 The sliding member 15 is positioned so that it reaches the receiving part on its trajectory control flight device 7 and is in place.

[0120] Figures 11 to 15 The second embodiment is depicted, wherein the tethered wing traction system 1 includes alternative means for securing the guide rope 9 to the leading edge 16 of the traction wing 5, and complementary means for retaining the loading rope 10 on the guide rope 9. Similar elements in the first and second embodiments have the same reference numerals as associated with the drawings.

[0121] According to this second embodiment, the guide rope 9 has an additional function of controlling the auxiliary rope portion 24, which can act on the geometry of the traction wing 5. In this example, the auxiliary rope portion 24 causes the guide rope 9 to extend beyond the leading edge 16 of the traction wing 5, entering the interior space of the traction wing 5 or passing below or above the traction wing 5.

[0122] The additional rope portion 24 may be, for example, a retractable sail rope capable of reducing the lift of the towing wing 5, a winding rope capable of winding the towing wing 5, or a rope for moving the trailing edges 17 closer together, closing the trailing edges 17 by moving their edges closer together during the unfolding or folding phase.

[0123] Figure 11 The structure, consistent with the second embodiment, is schematically depicted, relating to the interface between the leading edge 16, the guide rope 9, the loading rope 10, and the additional rope portion 24. The guide rope 9 is secured to the leading edge 16 of the traction wing 5 by a separable clamping element 25, which here includes a jaw 26. The separable clamping element 25 is secured to the leading edge 16, for example, by stitching it to the traction wing 5 through a wall passing through the leading edge 16. The separable clamping element 25 includes a sleeve 37, which is here formed by a hole completely passing through the sleeve, and the guide rope 9 passes through the sleeve.

[0124] The gripper 26 is clamped onto the guide rope 9 by an elastic device, such that the guide rope 9 engages with the leading edge 16 in the same manner as in the first embodiment. The remainder of the guide rope 9 functions in the same manner as in the first embodiment, as described above, the slider 15 slides along the guide rope 9.

[0125] Figure 12 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the tethered wing traction system 1 in this second embodiment. The figure depicts the separable clamping element 25 being secured to the leading edge 16 and the guide rope 9 being fixed. An additional rope portion 24 extends the guide rope 9 beyond the leading edge 16 toward the interior of the traction wing 5. In this example, the additional rope portion 24 is a rope capable of closing the trailing edge 17 of the traction wing 5. This additional rope portion 24 is therefore divided into multiple ropes, the ends of which are secured to the trailing edge 17 at various points 27, such that the traction force on the additional rope portion 24 brings the various portions of the trailing edge 17 together, thereby closing the trailing edge 17.

[0126] exist Figure 12In the example, the loading trolley 14 carries the deflection element 13 and is adapted to couple to the separable clamping element 25. The loading trolley 14 includes a locking member 22 that functions the same as in the first embodiment (locking the loading rope 10 to the guide rope 9), and this locking member is also capable of locking the separable clamping element 25.

[0127] Figure 13 A cross-sectional view of the locking member mounted on the loading trolley 14 in the second embodiment is shown schematically.

[0128] In close to corresponding Figure 6 When the loading phase is complete, the traction drive guide rope 9 on the loading rope 10 passes twice through the locking member 22 and couples the separable clamping element 25 into the locking member 22. The separable clamping element 25 occupies its position in a suitable housing 38 of the locking member 22. In this example, the tapered end 28 facilitates the entry of the separable clamping element 25 into the housing 38. A pin 29 in the housing 38 engages in a groove 30 to lock the separable clamping element 25 in place. The pin 29 can be controlled by any suitable device, such as a mechanical or electromagnetic device.

[0129] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram illustrating general operation. In practice, the locking member 22 and the clamping element 25 can be any shape suitable for connection and provide channels, such as grooves, for double the guide rope 9.

[0130] maintain Figure 13 The wing is positioned to perform the same loading operation as in the first embodiment. The traction on the loading rope 10 drives the traction on the leading edge 16, so that the wing can be held against the loading mast 4 by its leading edge 16.

[0131] from Figure 13 The second embodiment further realizes the position. Figure 14 and Figure 15 The additional features described.

[0132] In these Figure 14 and 15 In this example, the loading trolley 14 includes a portion forming the locking member 22 and another portion carrying the deflection element 13. The gripper 26 includes an actuation device, shown here as a lever 31, capable of opening the gripper 26. The lever 31 is actuated by the approach of another trolley 32, which also slides on the loading mast 4. Alternatively, the gripper 26 can be opened by any suitable device, such as a remotely controlled electromechanical device.

[0133] Therefore, from Figure 13 Starting from the loading position, the step of separating the separable clamping element 25 includes opening the jaw 26 by actuating the lever 31. Therefore, the separable clamping element 25 releases the guide rope 9 ( Figure 15 (Position). The traction on the loading rope 10 can be continued by actuation of the winch 12, which drives the traction on the guide rope 9. The traction on the guide rope 9 drives the traction on the auxiliary rope portion 24, so that when the gripper 26 is open, the auxiliary rope portion 24 is pulled in the direction of the deflection element 13.

[0134] Figure 14 and Figure 15 The traction on the additional rope portion 24 due to the movement of the slider 15 in the direction of the deflection element 13 is taken into account. Given that in practical applications the device can be adjusted according to the required traction length of the additional rope portion 24, particularly by selecting the position of the deflection element 13, the ability of the slider 15 to pass through the deflection element 13, or any other arrangement, these diagrams depict small-amplitude movements of the slider 15.

[0135] As long as the additional rope section 24 can perform its function, the traction of its winch 12 on the loading rope 10 and therefore on the additional rope section 24 will continue.

[0136] in this regard, Figure 15 The tow wing 5 is depicted in its loading position, held against the loading mast 4 by its leading edge 16, and folded to either side of the loading mast 4 by various additional trolleys 19 holding different suspension ropes 6 or different dedicated folding ropes. In this configuration, applied during the folding or unfolding of the tow wing 5, the traction on the additional rope portion 24 enables it to move the trailing edge 17 of the tow wing 5 (as shown by arrow 34) closer together. The additional rope portion 24 may alternatively have any other function, such as the function of retracting the tow wing 5 (as shown by arrow 33).

[0137] from Figure 16 Initially, during the deployment of the towing wing 5, the loading rope 10 is first released by the winch 12, and simultaneously the grippers 26 open to release the additional rope portion 24. The towing wing 5 then assumes its flight configuration and is subsequently deployed by means of the additional trolley 19, while the towing wing 5 remains against the loading mast 4 due to the tension maintained on the loading rope 10. The grippers 26 are closed, and the additional rope portion 24 has completed its task.

[0138] The loading rope 10 can then be released, allowing the tractor 5 to fly, as described in the first embodiment.

[0139] Furthermore, in all embodiments, the tethered wing traction system 1 benefits from simplified descent (completing the folding of the traction wing 5) or levitation (initiating the deployment of the traction wing 5) operations. These operations are as follows: Figure 17 and Figure 18 As shown (the suspension rope is not shown for the sake of simplicity).

[0140] Figure 17 Describing the traction wing from Figure 16 The descent is complete. The integral towing wing 5 has been lowered onto the loading mast 4 to be loaded into the appropriate housing 35. This is achieved by sliding the loading trolley 14 down the loading mast 4 while holding the towing wing 5 in its loaded position. Here, this is achieved by winding the winch 12 to maintain tension in the loading rope and thus keep the leading edge 16 against the loading trolley 14. The loading trolley 14 itself can be electrically powered to control its descent along the loading mast 4, with the winch 12 subsequently accompanying it. Alternatively, the descent can be controlled entirely by winding within the winch 12.

[0141] The descent of the traction wing 5 Figure 18 The position ends (at which the housing 35 is considered transparent). Although the winch 12 maintains tension on the loading rope 10 at this position, the traction wing 5 is fully housed within the housing 35.

[0142] For reverse operation, during the deployment of the traction wing 5, from Figure 18 At the position where the winch 12 releases the loading rope 10 to accompany the upward movement of the loading trolley 14, the loading trolley 14 first rises along the loading mast 4 while maintaining traction on the loading rope 10, so that the loading of the leading edge 16 is constantly maintained by the loading trolley 14 during all operations of raising the towing wing 5.

[0143] Figures 19 to 25 In one embodiment, the traction wing includes a capture device 122. In this embodiment, the guide rope 9 is a double rope, and the traction wing 5 includes multiple folded ropes 110A, 110B, and 110C, each of which is secured at least at one end to the leading edge 16.

[0144] The traction wing 5 also includes a winding rope 113, the end of which is connected to the trailing edge 17 of the wing 5. The winding rope 113 can be captured at the level of the capturing device 122, and the traction on the winding rope drives the compression of the wing 5, thereby achieving the purpose of retracting the wing.

[0145] The traction system 1 includes a folding trolley (such as...) Figure 8 (Additional trolleys 19). These trolleys are slidably fixed to the loading mast 4, and each trolley includes a drive system so that the position of each trolley along the loading mast 4 can be controlled. These trolleys are adapted to capture and guide the bending ropes 110A, 110B, 110C and the winding rope 113 during the unfolding and folding phases.

[0146] The folded ropes 110A, 110B, and 110C are arranged in pairs, such as... Figure 19 As shown.

[0147] Figure 19 It is a detailed view depicting the towing wing 5 from the front, showing the middle region 115 of its leading edge 16.

[0148] Here, the system includes a capture device 122, which is connected via a tower 123 to the leading edge 16 of the towing wing 5 located at the horizontal plane of the intermediate region 115 (see in particular). Figure 22 (Side view). The so-called pylon 123 is similar to the pylon of an aircraft, that is, the jet engine pylon in aviation terminology. The pylon 123 is preferably a rib of a lightweight and strong material (such as carbon fiber composite). The pylon 123 is fixed to the capture device 122 and to a reinforcement stitched to the leading edge 16 of the towing wing 5.

[0149] Alternatively, the capture device 122 may be connected to the leading edge 16 by any other flexible or rigid means, such as a fabric connector or any other element capable of generating traction on the capture device 122 to drive traction on the leading edge 16.

[0150] The capturing device 122 includes a main body 124 and two attachment arms 125, each attachment arm 125 being mounted to pivot about an axis 126 on the main body 124. Each attachment arm 125 includes a first attachment rod 127A, a longer second attachment rod 127B, and an even longer third attachment rod 127C. Figure 19 The cross-sectional view in the diagram shows attachment rods 127A, 127B, and 127C. This arrangement of juxtaposed attachment rods with increasing or decreasing lengths is referred to herein as a "staircase".

[0151] In this example, the attachment rods 127A, 127B, and 127C consist of multiple tubes press-fitted into holes provided for this purpose in the attachment arm 125.

[0152] At flight position (e.g.) Figure 19 (as shown) and attachment location (such as Figure 23 Between (as shown), the attachment arms are movable relative to the main body 124, wherein the attachment rods 127A, 127B, and 127C are substantially vertically arranged (when the towing wing 5 is in the normal loading position).

[0153] Each attachment arm 125 also includes a lever 128 that extends beyond the axis 126 and is capable of acting on the attachment arm 125 to fold the portion of the attachment arm.

[0154] Folded ropes 110A, 110B, 110D, and 110C connecting the intermediate region 115 are connected to attachment rods 127A, 127B, and 127C so as to protrude in a straight line with the attachment rod. In other words, the ends of the attachment rods extend via folded ropes.

[0155] In this example, the attachment rod is a tube, and the folded rope is preferably inserted into the tube and passes completely through the tube to the fixing area 129 of the attachment arm 125.

[0156] The pivotal connection between the attachment arm 125 and the main body 124 allows the attachment arm 125 to naturally position itself during the flight of the towing wing 5. Figure 19 As shown in the disengaged position, the attachment arm 125 thus follows the opening indicated by the folded ropes 110A, 110B, 110C, which extend in a direction further connected to their other ends on the leading edge 16. The capturing device 122 may also include an elastic element (spring, etc.) for pushing the attachment arm 125 towards... Figure 19 The flight position.

[0157] The function of this flight position of the attachment arm 125 is to make the automatic connection of the ropes safer by limiting the risk of entanglement between the attachment arm 125 and the attachment rods 127A, 127B, 127C and other ropes such as the guide rope 9 and the loading rope 10.

[0158] In this embodiment, the slider 15 includes a reciprocating member 114 (also as...). Figure 19 (As shown in the cross-sectional view). The reciprocating component 114 includes two sliding orifices 132, which are rectangular and have two lateral planes 133. The rectangular shape of the reciprocating component 114 enables the angular orientation (around the horizontal axis) and guidance of the capturing device 122.

[0159] Here, the guide rope 9 consists of a pair of tension ropes between the main body 124 and the trajectory control flight device 7. In this example, the pair of guide ropes 9 form a loop around the support 134 of the main body 124.

[0160] Therefore, the guide rope 9 is attached to the intermediate region 115 via the capture device 122.

[0161] The loading rope 10 passes through the reciprocating member 114 and is connected to the body 124. The reciprocating member 114 includes a guide device through which the loading rope 10 passes, allowing the loading rope 10 to slide freely. In this example, the guide device is a pulley 63 (see...). Figure 24 And it can be any type of guiding device, such as a pulley or a low-friction element. Thus, the loading rope 10 extends from the loading trolley 14 and slides through the reciprocating member 114 while being guided in the direction of the body 124. In this example, the guiding device is a pulley 63 (see...). Figure 24 And it can be any type of guiding device, such as pulleys or low-friction elements. Thus, the loading rope 10 extends from the loading trolley 14 and is guided in the direction of the body 124 to slide through the reciprocating member 114.

[0162] Figure 20 and Figure 21 The capturing device 122 is depicted from two different perspectives using perspective drawing. Figure 20 In the image, the surface of the capture device 122 can be seen facing the traction wing 5 (the tower 123 is not shown).

[0163] exist Figure 21 In this context, the visible surface of the capturing device 122 is the surface facing the loading trolley 14.

[0164] The capturing device 122 is shown facing a nested interface 135, which is fixed to the loading trolley 14 (the rest of the loading trolley 14 is not shown).

[0165] Figure 20 and Figure 21 The position depicts the towing wing 5 in the middle position of the loading operation during its folding. In this position, the towing rope 8 has positioned the leading edge 16 of the towing wing 5 facing the loading trolley 14, and the loading rope 10 is being wound by its winch 12, with traction then applied to the loading rope 10.

[0166] This operation causes the reciprocating member 114 to rise onto the guide rail 9. Here, the folding of the guide rope 9 allows the reciprocating member 114 to slide without pivoting about the vertical axis. Thus, a sliding connection is provided, rather than a pivoting sliding connection.

[0167] The capturing device 122 includes a housing 136 at the horizontal plane of the main body 124 for receiving the reciprocating member 114. The housing 136 is defined by its side walls and bottom wall 137, the side walls engaging with two planes 133 of the reciprocating member 114, and the bottom wall 137 engaging with another plane 138 on the reciprocating member 114.

[0168] Figure 22 Depicting Figure 20 and Figure 21 A cross-sectional view of the components. The nesting interface 135 includes elements capable of loading the capturing device 122 into a predetermined position. In this example, these elements include a step 139 complementary to the step 140 on the body 124. The reciprocating member 114 is also part of these positioning elements, as it is adapted to engage in the imprint 141 of the nesting interface 135. Furthermore, the step 140 has a significant advantage in absorbing forces, because the cooperation of the steps 139 and 140 allows all vertical forces applied to the capturing device 122 during folding operations to be absorbed, and these forces can exceed 15 kN.

[0169] The embossing 141 includes an inner wall that allows the reciprocating member 114 to be received and positioned. The elliptical shape of the reciprocating member 114 and its complementarity with the shape of the embossing 141 ensures the predetermined positioning of the capturing device 122 on the nesting interface 135 during loading.

[0170] Figure 22 The arrangement of the winding rope 113 is also shown. The capturing device 122 includes a winding rod 142 that projects vertically through the top of the body 124. The winding rope 113 projects in a straight line with the winding rod 124. In this example, the winding rod 142 is in the form of a tube fitted into the body 124, through which the winding rope passes, and its end is secured to the body 124.

[0171] Between its attachment to the take-up bar 142 and its path in the direction of its trailing edge 17, the take-up rope 113 forms a loop 155 and enters a ring 143 fastened to the tube 142. The ring 143 is, for example, a low-friction ring, or may take the form of a tube or pulley. Thus, traction on the loop 55 drives traction on the take-up rope 113, and thus drives the winding of the traction wing 5.

[0172] Furthermore, during the loading phase of the traction wing 5, the traction on the loading rope 10 causes the reciprocating member 114 to rise, and ends as the reciprocating member enters the housing 136, as... Figure 23 As shown. Then, due to the dimensional fit, the planes 133 and 138 and the inner surface of the housing 136 can be supported in a plane-to-plane manner, and the reciprocating member 114 is fixed in the housing 136.

[0173] The reciprocating component 114 can thus move between a sliding configuration and a loading configuration. In the sliding configuration, the reciprocating component 114 slides along the guide rope 9, and in the loading configuration, the reciprocating component 114 is disposed in its housing 136.

[0174] The reciprocating member 114 entering the housing 136 also activates the lever 128, which drives the attachment arm 125 to close, that is, the attachment arm 125 moves to a vertical position and is held in that position by means of the presence of the reciprocating member 114.

[0175] When the capturing device 122 and the reciprocating component 114 are in Figure 23 When the position is reached, the continuous traction on the loading rope 10 drives the capture device 122 to move closer to the nesting interface 135 until the two elements are coupled.

[0176] The coupling of the capturing device 122 and the nesting interface 135 is achieved in the predetermined positions required for nesting in the steps 139, 140 and nesting of the reciprocating member 114 in the imprint 141. The elliptical shape of the reciprocating member 114 allows the capturing device 122 to return to the predetermined position during loading, even when the loading rope 10 is twisted (i.e., even when the capturing device 122 rotates around the loading rope 10). Therefore, when the reciprocating member 114 is in the loading configuration, its convex shape is adapted to be received in the concave shape of the nesting interface 135, and due to the elliptical shape of the reciprocating member 114 and the traction of the loading rope 10, the reciprocating member 114 can, if necessary, drive the rotation of the assembly formed by the capturing device 122 and the reciprocating member 114.

[0177] Figure 24 This is a cross-sectional view after the capture device 122 (and the reciprocating member 114) is coupled to the nested interface 135. In this position, the leading edge 16 of the traction wing 5 is moored to the loading trolley 14 via the capture device 122. Traction is maintained on the loading rope 10, and the capture device 122 (which abuts against the nested interface) is no longer driven to move; instead, the loading is maintained.

[0178] The system also includes a fixing device (not shown) that can move between a retracted position and a fixed position. In the retracted position, the fixing device moves away from the capturing device 122. In the fixed position, the fixing element abuts against the nested interface 135 to fix the capturing device 122.

[0179] During the folding of the towing wing 5, once the capture device 122 is coupled to the nesting interface 135, the securing devices are activated to reach their fixed positions, thereby securing the capture device 122 to the nesting interface 135. From this step onwards, traction on the loading rope 10 is no longer required to maintain the load.

[0180] Now refer to Figure 25 A variation of the arrangement of the loading rope 10 is described below. According to this variation, the loading rope 10 is not permanently attached to the body 124 and is able to provide additional functionality.

[0181] For this variant Figure 25 Corresponding to the above Figure 24 The loading rope 10 passes through an opening 156 in the bottom wall 137 of the main body 124 and extends in the direction of the traction wing 5 via an additional portion 162. The loading rope 10 is secured at its exit from the opening 156 by a clamping device, which here includes a jaw 157 held closed by an elastic element.

[0182] The capture device 122 therefore includes a clamping device adapted to occupy a clamping position and a release position, in which the loading rope 10 is held fixed to the capture device 122, and in the release position, the loading rope 10 slides freely relative to the capture device 122.

[0183] The loading rope 10 is extended beyond the gripper 157, such that the additional portion 162 of the loading rope 10 can provide additional functionality in the towing wing 5. This functionality may, for example, involve an effect on the aerodynamic profile of the towing wing 5 or involve an effect on closing the trailing edge of the towing wing 5.

[0184] This additional function is performed by commanding the gripper 157 to open and applying traction to the loading rope 10, which drives the traction on the additional portion 162 of the traction rope 10 and thus performs the additional function, for example, by changing the shape of the trailing edge 17 through traction.

[0185] After the capture device 122 has been secured, the gripper 157 is instructed to open, so that the traction on the loading rope 10 no longer has any effect on keeping the load.

[0186] Figure 26 An example of a receiving portion suitable for receiving the slider 15 during the flight phase is depicted. This receiving portion 101 is fixed to the upper surface 100 of the trajectory control flight device 7. Here, the receiving portion 101 is formed of a cylindrical shell matching the shape of the slider 15. In this example, the slider 15 includes a reciprocating member 114 similar to that in the aforementioned embodiment, which has double the guide rope 9. During the deployment of the traction wing 5, when the slider 15 slides along the guide rope 9 toward the device 7 and reaches its end position, it arrives at and occupies its position in the container 101.

[0187] Furthermore, locking devices are provided for securing the loading rope 10 and the slider 15 within the receiving portion 101. In this example, these devices are passive and consist of a rope retainer 102, which includes an elastic mechanism for moving the two grippers closer together. When the loading rope 10 is subjected to downward traction, even a slight downward traction (e.g., due to its own weight), it begins to be secured in the retainer 102. Conversely, when the towing wing is in its folded phase, the loading rope 10 will be subjected to upward traction (during the movement of the towing wing 5 toward the loading mast 4), which will cause the loading rope 10 to be pulled out of the retainer 102.

[0188] Alternatively, these locking devices may be movable and may consist, for example, of a controlled actuator capable of directly securing the slider 5 in its receiving portion or securing the loading rope.

[0189] Thanks to the receiving portion 101, the loading rope 10 is completely and safely placed on the trajectory control flight device 7. Therefore, the weight and drag on the loading rope 10 will not interfere with the leading edge 16 of the tractor wing 5 during flight.

[0190] Variations of the tethered wing towing system 1 can be used. In particular, multiple embodiments and variations can be combined.

Claims

1. A tethered wing traction system (1) comprising: A traction wing (5) suitable for generating a traction force under the action of the wind and for being deployed and folded with respect to a base platform (3) provided with a loading mast (4), said traction wing (5) having a leading edge (16) and a trailing edge (17), said tethered wing traction system further comprising: a trajectory control flying device (7) attached to said traction wing (5) by means of a fixed suspension rope (6) and a mobile suspension rope (6), said trajectory control flying device (7) being suitable for controlling said mobile suspension rope (6); a traction rope (8) connecting said trajectory control flying device (7) to said base platform (3); said tethered wing traction system being characterized in that it comprises: a guide rope (9) connecting said leading edge (16) of said traction wing (5) to said trajectory control flying device (7); a loading rope (10), one end of which is connected to said base platform (3) and is connected to said guide rope (9) in a sliding manner by means of a slider (15) fixed on said loading rope (10) and pivotally slidingly connected to said guide rope (9); a deflection element (13) attached to said loading mast (4), said loading rope (10) passing through said deflection element (13) between its first end and the connection to said guide rope (9).

2. The tethered wing traction system of claim 1, wherein: said slider (15) comprises a shuttle (114) that slides along said guide rope (9), said shuttle (114) comprising a guide (63) through which said loading rope (10) passes.

3. The tethered wing traction system of claim 2, wherein: said guide rope (9) consists of a double rope and said shuttle (114) is slidingly mounted on said double rope.

4. The tethered wing traction system of claim 2, wherein: said trajectory control flying device (7) comprises a housing (101) suitable for receiving said slider (15), said housing (101) comprising a retainer (102) for said loading rope (10).

5. The tethered wing traction system of claim 4, wherein: said traction rope (8) is attached to said base platform (3) by means of a first winch (11) suitable for adjusting the length of said traction rope (8), and said loading rope (10) is attached to said base platform (3) by means of a second winch (12) suitable for adjusting the length of said loading rope (10).

6. The tethered wing traction system of claim 5, wherein: said deflection element (13) is mounted on a loading trolley (14) that slides along said loading mast (4).

7. The tethered wing traction system of claim 6, wherein: said tethered wing traction system comprises means for retaining the end of said loading rope (10) on said guide rope (9), these retaining means being suitable for occupying: a free position in which the end of said loading rope (10) slides freely along said guide rope (9), and a retaining position in which the end of said loading rope (10) is arranged in a loop formed by said guide rope (9).

8. The tethered wing traction system of claim 7, wherein: said retaining means comprise a locking member (22) suitable for forming a loop (36) for retaining said loading rope (10) on said guide rope (9) in a retaining position.

9. The tethered wing traction system of claim 8, wherein: The locking member (22) comprises a through passage (23) through which the loading rope (10) passes when the holding device is in the free position and through which the guide rope (9) passes twice when the holding device is in the locked position.

10. The tethered wing traction system of claim 8, wherein: The guide rope (9) is connected to the leading edge (16) of the traction wing (5) by a separable clamping element (25) which is fixed to the leading edge (16) of the traction wing (5) and which is adapted to hold the guide rope (9) by clamping it.

11. The tethered wing traction system of claim 10, wherein: The separable clamping element (25) comprises a sleeve (37) through which the guide rope (9) passes, the guide rope (9) extending by means of an additional rope portion (24) which extends beyond the leading edge (16) of the traction wing (5).

12. The tethered wing traction system of claim 11, wherein: The additional rope portion (24) is connected to the trailing edge (17) of the traction wing (5).

13. The tethered wing traction system of claim 10, wherein: The locking member (22) comprises a housing (38) which is adapted to receive the separable clamping element (25).

14. The tethered wing traction system of claim 13, wherein: The housing (38) comprises a latch (29) for holding the separable clamping element (25).

15. The tethered wing traction system of claim 6, wherein: The tethered wing traction system comprises a plurality of folding ropes (110A, 110B, 110C), one end of each folding rope being fixed to the leading edge (16) of the traction wing (5) and being spaced apart from each other along the leading edge (16); An additional trolley (19) is adapted to slide along the loading mast (4); A capture device (122) is attached to the leading edge (16) of the traction wing (5) and comprises an attachment arm (125) having an attachment bar (127A, 127B, 127C), one of the folding ropes (110A, 110B, 110C) protruding in line with the attachment bar; The loading rope (10) has one end connected to the capture device (122).

16. The tethered wing traction system of claim 15, wherein: The capture device (122) comprises a housing (136) for the shuttle (114), the shuttle (114) moving between a sliding configuration in which it slides along the guide rope (9) and a loading configuration in which it is disposed in the housing (136).

17. The tethered wing traction system of claim 16, wherein: The capture device (122) comprises a lever (128) which controls the rotation of the attachment arm (125) to its attachment position, the lever (128) being adapted to be driven by the shuttle (114) when it returns to its loading configuration.

18. The tethered wing traction system of claim 17, wherein: The loading trolley (14) comprises a nest interface (135) for the capture device (122).

19. The tethered wing traction system of claim 18, wherein: The loading trolley (14) comprises means for fixing the capture device (122) in the nest interface (135).

20. The tethered wing traction system of claim 18, wherein: The shuttle (114) has a convex shape suitable to be housed in a concave shape of the nesting interface (135) when the shuttle (114) is in the loading configuration.

21. A method of controlling a tethered wing traction system according to claim 11, characterized by, The method comprises that the traction wing (5) comprises an unfolding phase and a folding phase, wherein the second winch (12) is controlled together with the first winch (11) so that the end of the loading rope (10) slides along the guide rope (9) while the trajectory control flight device (7) moves away from or towards the base platform (3).

22. The method of claim 21, wherein: The folding phase of the traction wing (5) comprises: a step of locking the loading rope (10) to the guide rope (9); a loading step, in which the traction on the loading rope (10) drags the traction on the guide rope (9) and on the leading edge (16) of the traction wing (5).

23. The method of claim 21, wherein: The folding phase comprises: a step of separating the separable clamping elements (25), the guide rope (9) being thus released; a step of traction on the loading rope (10) dragging the traction on the guide rope (9) and on the additional rope portion (24).

24. The method of claim 21, wherein: The unfolding phase and the folding phase comprise a step of raising or lowering the traction wing (5) along the loading mast (4), during which the loading trolley (14) slides along the loading mast (4) and the loading rope (10) is maintained in tension to keep the leading edge (16) of the traction wing (5) moored to the loading mast (4).

25. The method of claim 21, wherein: The method comprises a flight phase, during which the slider (15) is arranged on the housing (101) of the trajectory control flight device (7) and the length of the loading rope (10) is controlled for maintaining the loading rope (10) in slack condition.

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