Tethered wing traction system with a clamp for holding a folded rope

Abstract

A tethered wing traction system comprising: a traction wing; a base platform; a mooring mast; a plurality of folding lines; a folding bracket adapted to slide along the mooring mast; an input device (22) attached to the leading edge of the traction wing and having a hook arm (25) provided with a hook bar (27A, 27B, 27C) into which one of the folding lines protrudes; the folding bracket comprising a clamping hook portion that moves between a retracted position and a clamping position, wherein the clamping hook portion surrounds the hook bar (27A, 27B, 27C).

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Therefore, this traction system can deploy flight tractors for propelling vehicles, especially ships (as the main propulsion or support mechanism), as well as for power generation or any application that benefits from this traction. Background Technology

[0003] French patent application FR3082184 describes a tethered wing towing system and a method for deploying and folding the towing wing. The towing wing has folding ropes fixed to its leading edge, and the system has means for pulling at least three folding ropes so that the leading edge abuts against the mast at at least two different heights along the mast.

[0004] This traction system benefits from a more efficient and reliable unfolding and folding method. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to improve the existing tethered wing traction system.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention relates to a tethered wing traction system, comprising:

[0007] A traction wing, designed to generate a traction force under the action of wind, said traction wing having a leading edge and a trailing edge;

[0008] A base platform, wherein the towing wing is connected to the base platform via a towing rope, and the towing wing is designed to unfold and fold relative to the base platform;

[0009] A mooring mast, used for the towing wing and mounted on the base platform;

[0010] Multiple folded ropes, one end of each of the folded ropes being fixed to the leading edge of the traction wing, the ends being spaced apart from each other along the leading edge.

[0011] The tethered wing traction system also has:

[0012] A folding support is designed to slide along the mooring mast;

[0013] A capture device is attached to the leading edge of the traction wing and has a fastening arm, the fastening arm being provided with a fastening rod, one of the folding ropes protruding in a continuation of the fastening rod; the folding bracket has a capture hook that moves between a retracted position and a capture position, wherein the capture hook surrounds the fastening rod.

[0014] According to another objective, the present invention relates to a process for unfolding or folding the traction wing of such a traction system, the process comprising the step of fixing the capture device relative to the folding bracket at a position of the fastening rod facing the capture hook.

[0015] Throughout the text, “a” or “a” in “a bracket”, “a fastening arm”, “a rod”, and “a hook” should be understood as “at least one”.

[0016] This tethered wing traction system benefits from the automatic capture of the folded rope, providing a high level of safety independent of external conditions such as weather, vehicle or ship movement.

[0017] This tethered wing towing system benefits from the automatic capture of a folded rope, which provides a high level of safety independent of external conditions such as weather, the movement of vehicles or ships.

[0018] Therefore, such a traction system can be fully automated. This eliminates the need for operator intervention to unfold or fold it. Specifically, the capture of the folded rope is a key aspect of automating this system, as securing these ropes is difficult and, in existing technologies, typically requires manual intervention to ensure capture, or a complex and protruding securing device that stretches the rope to automatically capture it.

[0019] This invention significantly enables the safe capture and guidance of the folding rope by using the leading edge of the towing wing to moor the mooring mast (during the deployment or folding phase), regardless of the position of the folding rope, and without placing the folding rope under stress.

[0020] This invention enables the tug wing to be folded by simply sliding one or more folding supports, with the folding rope arranged vertically along the mooring mast after it has been captured by the capture device.

[0021] The device for capturing folded ropes allows for the simultaneous capture of multiple folded ropes while still ensuring individual management of these folded ropes (or pairs of folded ropes) and their sequential movement along the mast after a single capture operation.

[0022] The traction system according to the invention may have the following additional features, either individually or in combination:

[0023] The system has a mooring line that connects the capture device to the base platform.

[0024] The capturing device is attached to a central region of the leading edge; each of the folded ropes extends between the central region of the leading edge and a side portion; the folded ropes protruding from the fastening rod are connected to one of the side portions through their opposite ends;

[0025] The capture device has a main body, and the fastening arm is mounted on the main body so as to be pivotable between a flight position and a fastening position, wherein the fastening arm is arranged substantially vertically;

[0026] The fastening rod has a tube through which the folded rope passes, and the folded rope is connected to the fastening arm through its end;

[0027] The system includes: a guide rope connecting the capture device to a flight trajectory control device; a reciprocating member sliding along the guide rope, the reciprocating member having a guide device through which the mooring rope passes;

[0028] The capturing device has a receiving portion for the reciprocating member, which moves between a sliding configuration and a mooring configuration, wherein in the sliding configuration the reciprocating member slides along the guide rope, and in the mooring configuration the reciprocating member is disposed in its receiving portion;

[0029] The capture device has a lever that controls the rotation of the fastening arm to its fastened position, and the lever is designed to be driven by the reciprocating member when the reciprocating member returns to its mooring configuration;

[0030] The system has a mooring support that slides along the mooring mast, and the mooring support has an interlocking interface for the capture device;

[0031] The mooring support has means for securing the capture device to the interlocking interface;

[0032] The fixing device has a fixing hook that moves between a retracted position and a fixed position, wherein the fixing hook locks the fastening arm onto the interlocking interface.

[0033] The reciprocating component has a convex shape, which is designed to be received in a concave shape of the interlocking interface when the reciprocating component is in the mooring configuration;

[0034] The reciprocating component is rectangular;

[0035] The folded ropes are arranged in pairs, and the pair of folded ropes connects the capture device to a point on the leading edge, the point being symmetrically located on either side of the capture device; the capture device has two fastening arms, each of the fastening arms having as many fastening rods as the pair of folded ropes.

[0036] The fastening rod is arranged in a stepped manner;

[0037] The system has as many folding supports as the pairs of folding ropes, each of the folding supports having a pair of capture hooks that move between a retracted position and a capture position, wherein the pairs of capture hooks surround the fastening rods of the two fastening arms.

[0038] The towing wing has a winding rope designed to wind up the towing wing; the capture device has a winding bar with the winding rope protruding in a continuation of the winding bar; the towing system has a winding support designed to slide along the mooring mast, the winding support having a winding hook that moves between a retracted position and a capture position, wherein the winding hook surrounds the winding bar.

[0039] The capture device has a clamping device designed to occupy a clamping position and a release position. In the clamping position, the mooring line remains fixed to the capture device, and in the release position, the mooring line slides freely relative to the capture device.

[0040] The mooring line extends beyond the capture device by being attached to an additional portion of the towing wing, and the mooring line is designed to perform an additional function in the form of the towing wing when the clamping device is in the release position.

[0041] The capture hook is controlled by a mechanism actuated by another support designed to slide along the mooring mast. Attached Figure Description

[0042] Other features and advantages of the invention will be shown from the following non-limiting description with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0043] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the traction system according to the present invention;

[0044] Figure 2 A side view of the traction system is shown.

[0045] Figure 3 show Figure 1 and Figure 2 A front view of the traction wing of the traction system described in the figure;

[0046] Figure 4 Showing a side view of the traction system during the folding phase of the traction wing;

[0047] Figure 5 This is a partial perspective view of the tractor wing when it is folded.

[0048] Figure 6 A side view of the traction system showing another stage of folding the traction wing;

[0049] Figure 7 The drawing shows the towing wing folded along the mooring mast;

[0050] Figure 8 This is an enlarged view of the traction wing, showing the capture device connected to the leading edge of the traction wing;

[0051] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 Detailed view;

[0052] Figure 10 and Figure 11 This is a perspective view of the capturing device;

[0053] Figure 12 This is a side view of the capturing device;

[0054] Figure 13 This is a partial perspective view of the capturing device;

[0055] Figure 14 A variation of the interlocking interface of the folding bracket is illustrated;

[0056] Figure 15 yes Figure 13 Cross-sectional view;

[0057] Figure 16 The capturing device and support of the traction system are shown during the step of folding the traction wing;

[0058] Figure 17 The capturing device and support of the traction system are shown in another step of folding the traction wing;

[0059] Figure 18 yes Figure 17 A schematic side view of the component;

[0060] Figure 19 The capturing device and support of the traction system are shown in another step of folding the traction wing;

[0061] Figure 20 This is a second embodiment for the capture device, which is similar to... Figure 15 similar;

[0062] Figure 21 This is a second embodiment for a capture device, which is similar to... Figure 18 similar.

[0063] Similar and common elements in different embodiments have the same reference numerals in the drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0064] Figure 1 The diagram illustrates a mooring wing towing system 1 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).

[0065] 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, which saves 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.

[0066] In one variant, the traction system 1 can be used in any other application where such an automatically foldable and deployable traction system is required, such as as a main propulsion device for a ship, for propelling any other means of transport, for generating electricity, etc.

[0067] The towing system 1 has a base platform 3, which in this example is fixed at a suitable position on the deck of the vessel 2, and a mooring mast 4 is mounted on the base platform, which is configured for the automatic folding and unfolding operation of the system.

[0068] The traction system 1 also includes a traction wing 5, which is designed to generate traction in the presence of wind. In this example, the traction wing 5 is a paraglider-type sail. Alternatively, any other flying device designed to generate traction in the presence of wind can be used, such as a kite, glider, kite-type sail, etc. The traction wing 5 typically has a leading edge 16 exposed to ambient wind and opposing edges referred to as a trailing edge 17.

[0069] The traction wing 5 is connected to the flight trajectory control device 7 via a set of suspension ropes, which is designed to act on the suspension ropes 6 to control the flight of the traction wing 5.

[0070] The traction system 1 also includes a towing rope 8 that connects the flight trajectory control device 7 to the base platform 3. The traction force generated by the towing 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 may, for example, be a textile cable with a diameter of several centimeters.

[0071] The flight trajectory control device 7 enables control of the flight of the tow wing 5 for orientation and positioning, and may allow the tow wing 5 to trace a flight path, thereby increasing traction on the vessel. Here, the trajectory of the tow wing 5 is controlled by controlling the length of specific movable suspension cables, a classic approach in the field of flight wings. This set of suspension cables 6 specifically includes fixed suspension cables (that is, cables of fixed length between their attachment to the tow wing 5 and their attachment to the flight trajectory control device 7) and movable suspension cables whose lengths can vary. Therefore, the flight trajectory control device 7 is designed to pull specific movable suspension cables and / or release other movable suspension cables, 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.

[0072] The traction wing 5 also has a guide rope 9 and multiple folded ropes 10A, 10B, and 10C, which are all fixed to the leading edge 16 through at least one end.

[0073] Figure 2 Is it like this? Figure 1 The traction system 1 shown is a side view during the ship traction phase. Figure 2 The components of the traction system 1 are also schematically shown.

[0074] The traction rope 8 is connected to the base platform 3 via a winch 11 controlled by a motor (e.g., an electric motor or a hydraulic motor). The winch 11 is designed to release the traction rope 8 to allow the towing wing 5 to gain height, or conversely, to reel in the traction rope 8 to move the towing wing 5 toward the base platform 3.

[0075] Figure 1 and Figure 2 The traction system 1 is shown in traction configuration, with the traction wing 5 deployed and in flight, and the system helps propel the vessel.

[0076] The traction wing 5 has a winding rope 13, which is divided into multiple ropes (such as...). Figure 2 (As shown by the dashed line), its end is connected to the trailing edge 17 of the wing 5. The winding rope 13 can be captured at the trailing edge 17 of the traction wing 5, and in order to retract the traction wing 5, the traction on the winding rope 13 causes the wing 5 to be wound up by compression.

[0077] The traction system 1 has supports 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, and 12E, five supports in this example. These supports are slidably fixed to the mooring mast 4, and each support has an actuator to manage the position of each support along the mooring mast 4. These supports are used to capture and guide the folding ropes 10A, 10B, 10C and the winding rope 13 during the unfolding or folding phases described later.

[0078] The brackets are configured as follows:

[0079] The bracket 12A is a winding bracket and is designed to capture the winding rope 13;

[0080] The support 12B is a mooring support and is designed to ensure the mooring of the leading edge 16 of the towing wing 5;

[0081] The bracket 12C is the first folding bracket and is designed to capture the first pair of folding ropes 10A;

[0082] The bracket 12D is the second folding bracket and is designed to capture the second pair of folding ropes 10B;

[0083] The bracket 12E is the third folding bracket and is designed to capture the third pair of folding ropes 10C.

[0084] In one variation, the traction system 1 has as many supports as are needed to capture the folded or wound rope, the number of which may vary relative to the described example.

[0085] The folded ropes 10A, 10B, and 10C are arranged in pairs, such as... Figure 3 As shown. In this specification, the leading edge 16 of the traction wing 5 is divided into an intermediate region 15 and two side edges 19 extending on either side of the intermediate region 15, the two side edges 19 being between the intermediate region 15 and each side end 18 of the leading edge 16.

[0086] In Figure 3 In the diagram, the front view of the traction wing 5 illustrates the routes of the folded ropes 10A, 10B, and 10C and their arrangement relative to the leading edge 16:

[0087] The first pair of folded ropes 10A has two ropes, each rope having a first end and a second end. The first end is connected to the middle region 15 of the front edge 16, and the second end is directly connected to the front edge 16 at a position on a side 19 of the front edge 16 and at a certain distance from the middle region 15.

[0088] The second pair of folded ropes 10B has two ropes, each rope having a first end and a second end. The first end is connected to the middle region 15, and the second end is connected directly to the leading edge 16 at a side 19, and in this example, is located approximately in the middle of each side 19, that is, approximately in the middle of the middle region 15 and the side end 18.

[0089] The third pair of folded ropes 10C has two ropes, each rope connecting the middle region 15 to a portion of the leading edge 16 located near the side end 18.

[0090] Figure 3 The route of the guide rope 9 between the intermediate region 15 and the flight trajectory control device 7 is also shown.

[0091] Refer again Figure 2 The traction system 1 has a mooring rope 20 wound around a mooring winch 21 mounted on the base platform 3. The mooring rope 20 leaves the winch 21 and is then guided into the mooring support 12B via one or more pulleys (or via a low-friction element, or any other element that allows the mooring rope 20 to slide into the mooring support 12B). The mooring rope 20 then enters a reciprocating member 14, which can slide along the guide rope 9.

[0092] by Figure 1 and Figure 2 Starting with the traction configuration, the traction wing 5 can be folded according to the process described below.

[0093] from Figure 1 and Figure 2 The position is such that the winches 11 and 21 first retract the traction rope 8 and the mooring rope 20, so that the flight trajectory control device 7 stops on the base platform 3. At the same time, as the traction wing 5 descends, the reciprocating component 14 rises along the guide rope 9.

[0094] This operation continues until... Figure 4 The positions, of which:

[0095] The flight trajectory control device 7 is docked on the base platform 3, for example, on a suitable support (not shown);

[0096] The reciprocating member 14 has slid upwards along the entire length of the guide rope 9 to its end located near the intermediate region 15.

[0097] The mooring line 20 enters the mooring support 12B and holds the leading edge 16 against the mooring support 12B by traction. The towing wing 5 is then locked in the mooring position (as described later), the tension on the mooring line 20 is no longer necessary, and the mooring line can be captured.

[0098] To capture the rope (these operations are not necessarily performed in this order):

[0099] The winding bracket 12A captures the winding rope 13;

[0100] The first folding bracket 12C captures the first pair of folding ropes 10A;

[0101] The second folding bracket 12D captures the second pair of folding ropes 10B;

[0102] The third folding bracket 12E captures the third pair of folding ropes 10C.

[0103] The rope is captured by a hook and a capturing device on the support, as shown below.

[0104] The folding supports 12C, 12D, and 12E then begin to descend along the mooring mast 4 by sliding their hooks along the already captured rope.

[0105] Figure 5 This is a perspective view illustrating the lowering operation of the folding support. Then, each of the folding supports 12C, 12D, and 12E gradually brings the folding rope to a configuration in which the rope extends vertically along the mooring mast 4 from the intermediate region 15 (which is moored to the mooring support 12B, which remains fixed in place). This operation allows the side 19 to return vertically along the mooring mast 4.

[0106] Figure 6 (Side view) and Figure 7 (Perspective view) illustrates the traction wing 5 after the folding operation, that is, when the folding brackets 12C, 12D, and 12E are in their respective lowest positions.

[0107] The towing wing 5 then folds along the mooring mast 4, that is, the two sides 19 of the leading edge 16 extend vertically along the mooring mast, while the middle region 15 remains moored to the mooring support 12B.

[0108] from Figure 6 and Figure 7At this position, the wing 5 can then be wound up. The winding support 12A (which has already captured the winding rope 13) then slides upward along the mooring mast 4, thereby applying traction to the winding rope 13 and causing the towing wing 5 to be wound up. In this example, winding is accomplished by moving the trailing edge 17 closer to the leading edge 16 through compression.

[0109] refer to Figure 6 Through the interaction of the mooring rope 20, the mooring support 12B, the reciprocating component 14, and the capture device 22, the traction wing 5 is moored on the mooring support 12B.

[0110] Figure 8 yes Figure 3 A detailed view showing the front view of the traction wing 5 and the intermediate region 15, and the folding ropes 10A, 10B, 10C and the winding rope 13 connected to the intermediate region 15 of the leading edge 16 via the capturing device 22.

[0111] The capture device 22 is connected in the intermediate region 15 to the leading edge 16 of the towing wing 15 via a tower 23 (especially in the middle region 15). Figure 12 (See side view). Therefore, the tower 23 is similarly referred to in aviation terminology as an aircraft tower, i.e., an engine tower. The tower 23 is preferably made of ribs of a lightweight and strong material (e.g., carbon fiber composite). The tower 23 is fixed to the capture device 22 and to a reinforcement stitched to the leading edge 16 of the towing wing 5.

[0112] In one variation, the capture device 22 may be connected to the leading edge 16 by any other flexible or rigid means, such as a fabric ribbon or any other element capable of generating traction on the capture device 22 to drive traction on the leading edge 16.

[0113] The capturing device 22 has a body 24 and two fastening arms 25 mounted on the body 24, such that each fastening arm can pivot about a pin 26. Each fastening arm 25 has a first fastening rod 27A, a longer second fastening rod 27B, and a longer third fastening rod 27C (in... Figure 8 The fastening rods 27A, 27B, and 27C are visible in the cross-sectional view. This arrangement of juxtaposed fastening rods with increasing or decreasing lengths is referred to as "stepped" in this context.

[0114] In this example, the fastening rods 27A, 27B, and 27C are made of tubes that are press-fitted into holes at the ends of the fastening arms 25.

[0115] The fastening arm can be in a flight position relative to the main body 24. Figure 8 (position) and fastening position ( Figure 13 The fastening rods 27A, 27B, and 27C can be moved between positions where they are substantially vertical (when the towing wing 5 is in its normal mooring position).

[0116] In addition, each fastening arm 25 has a lever 28 that extends beyond the pin 26 and can act on the fastening arm 25 to fold a portion of the fastening arm.

[0117] Each folded rope 10A, 10B, 10D, 10C connecting the intermediate region 15 is connected to the fastening rods 27A, 27B, 27C so as to protrude in the continuous portion of the fastening rod. In other words, the end of the fastening rod is continued by the folded rope.

[0118] In this example, the fastening rod is formed of a tube, and the folded rope is preferably inserted into the tube and passes completely through the tube to the fixing area 29 of the fastening arm 25.

[0119] Figure 9 This is a detailed view of the fixed area 29. Each folded rope 10A, 10B, 10C passes through the tubes of the fastening rods 27A, 27B, 27C to be guided into the fixed area 29. The end of each folded rope 10A, 10B, 10C is held in place by a pin 30 passing through, for example, the loop knot 31 of the folded ropes 10A, 10B, 10C.

[0120] The pivotal connection between the fastening arm 25 and the main body 24 allows the fastening arm 25 to naturally position itself during the flight of the traction wing 5. Figure 8 The spaced-out positions are shown, so the fastening arm 25 follows the openings indicated by the folded ropes 10A, 10B, 10C, and further extends in a direction connecting to the other end of the leading edge 16. The capturing device 22 may also have an elastic element (spring, etc.) that pushes the fastening arm 25 towards... Figure 8 The flight position in the middle.

[0121] The function of this flight position of the fastening arm 25 is to make the automatic fastening of the ropes safer by limiting the risk of entanglement between the fastening arm 25 and the fastening rods 27A, 27B, 27C and other ropes such as the guide rope 9 and the mooring rope 10.

[0122] The reciprocating component 14 is also shown in Figure 8In the cross-sectional view, the reciprocating member 14 has two sliding orifices 32, which are rectangular and have two lateral planes 33. The rectangular shape of the reciprocating member 14 allows the capturing device 22 to be guided and angularly oriented (around the horizontal axis).

[0123] In this configuration, the guide rope 9 consists of a pair of ropes extending between the main body 24 and the flight trajectory control device 7. In this example, the pair of guide ropes 9 form a loop around the stop 34 of the main body 24.

[0124] Therefore, the guide rope 9 is attached to the intermediate region 15 via the capture device 22.

[0125] The mooring line 20 passes through the reciprocating member 14 and is connected to the body 24. The reciprocating member 14 has a guiding device through which the mooring line passes, allowing the mooring line 20 to slide freely. In this example, the guiding device is formed by a pulley 63 (see...). Figure 15 In a variation, it can be formed by any type of guiding device, such as pulleys or low-friction elements. The mooring rope 20 thus extends from the mooring support 12B and is guided in the direction of the body 24 to slide through the reciprocating member 14.

[0126] Figure 10 and Figure 11 The capturing device 22 is drawn using perspective from two different viewpoints. Figure 10 In the diagram, the visible surface of the capture device 22 is the surface facing the towing wing 5 (tower 23 is not shown).

[0127] exist Figure 11 In this context, the visible surface of the capture device 22 is the surface facing the mooring support 12B.

[0128] The capture device 22 is shown facing the interlocking interface 35, which is fixed to the mooring support 12B (the rest of the mooring support 12B is not shown).

[0129] Figure 10 and Figure 11 The position is depicted as an intermediate position during the mooring of the tow wing 5 while it is being folded. In this position, the tow rope 8 moves along the tow wing 5 so that its leading edge 16 faces the mooring support 12B, and the mooring rope 20 is being wound around its winch 21, and then traction is applied to the mooring rope 10 (e.g., Figure 11 (As indicated by the arrow in the image).

[0130] This operation causes the reciprocating element 14 to rise along the guide rope 9. The folding of the guide rope 9 allows the reciprocating element 14 to slide without pivoting about the vertical axis. Thus, a sliding connection is provided, rather than a pivoting sliding connection.

[0131] The capturing device 22 has a receiving portion 36 in the main body 124 for receiving the reciprocating member 14. The receiving portion 36 is defined by its sidewalls and bottom wall 37, the sidewalls engaging with two planes 33 of the reciprocating member 14, and the bottom wall 37 engaging with another plane 38 of the reciprocating member 14.

[0132] Figure 12 Draw Figure 10 and Figure 11 A cross-sectional view of the components. The interlocking interface 35 has elements for mooring the capture device 22 in a predetermined position. In this example, these elements have a notch 39, which is complementary to the notch 40 in the body 24. The reciprocating member 14 is also part of these positioning elements because it is adapted to engage in the indentation 41 in the interlocking interface 35. Furthermore, the notch 40 has a significant advantage in terms of reaction force, because the interaction of the notches 39 and 40 allows for the reaction of all vertical forces applied to the capture device 22 during the folding operation, which may be greater than 15 kN.

[0133] The indentation 41 has an inner wall for receiving and positioning the reciprocating member 14. The oval shape of the reciprocating member 14 and the complementary shape of the indentation 41 ensure predetermined positioning when the capturing device 22 is moored to the interlocking interface 35.

[0134] Figure 12 The arrangement of the winding rope 13 is also illustrated. The capturing device 22 has a winding bar 42 that projects vertically above the body 24. The winding rope 13 protrudes in a continuation of the winding rope 24. In this example, the winding bar 42 is formed by a tube fitted into the body 24, into which the winding rope enters and its end is secured to the body 24.

[0135] Between its attachment to the take-up bar 42 and its path toward the trailing edge 17, the take-up rope 13 forms a loop 55 and enters a ring 43 integral with the take-up bar 42. The ring 43 is, for example, a low-friction ring, or may be formed by a tube or pulley. Therefore, traction on the loop 55 results in traction on the take-up rope 13, and thus winds up the traction wing 5.

[0136] Furthermore, during the mooring phase of the tow rope, the traction on the mooring rope 20 causes the reciprocating member 14 to rise, and this process ends as the reciprocating member 14 enters the receiving section 36, as... Figure 13As shown. The reciprocating member 14 is then fixed in the receiving portion 36 by means of a dimensional fit, which allows the surfaces of planes 33 and 38 to abut against the inner surface of the receiving portion 36.

[0137] Therefore, the reciprocating member 14 can move between a sliding configuration and a mooring configuration. In the sliding configuration, the reciprocating member 14 slides along the guide rope 9, and in the mooring configuration, the reciprocating member 14 is disposed in its receiving portion 36.

[0138] The reciprocating member 14 entering the receiving portion 36 also activates the lever 28, which causes the fastening arm 25 to close, that is, the fastening arm 25 is moved to a vertical position and is held in that position by the presence of the reciprocating member 14.

[0139] When the capturing device 22 and the reciprocating component 14 are in Figure 13 At the position shown, continuous traction on the mooring rope 20 causes the capture device 22 to move toward the interlocking interface 35 until the two elements are coupled.

[0140] The capture device 22 and the interlocking interface 35 are coupled to a desired predetermined position via the interlocking of notches 39 and 40 and via the interlocking of the reciprocating member 14 in the indentation 41. The oval shape of the reciprocating member 14 allows the capture device 22 to be brought to the predetermined position even during mooring operations, even if the mooring line 20 is twisted (i.e., even if the capture device 22 rotates around the mooring line 20). Therefore, when the reciprocating member 14 is in the loading configuration, its convex shape is designed to be accommodated in the concave shape of the interlocking interface 35, and due to the oval shape of the reciprocating member 14 and the traction of the mooring line 10, the reciprocating member 14 can, if necessary, drive the rotation of the assembly formed by the capture device 22 and the reciprocating member 14.

[0141] Figure 14 A variant embodiment of the interlocking interface 35 is illustrated, wherein the interlocking interface 35 has a receiving portion 44 complementary to the body 24 and an inclined wall 45, the inclined wall 45 being used to guide the trajectory of the capture device 22 toward the receiving portion 44 during the coupling phase of the capture device 22 and the interlocking interface 35.

[0142] Figure 15 This is a cross-sectional view of the capture device 22 (and the reciprocating member 14) after coupling to the interlocking interface 35. In this position, the leading edge 16 of the towing wing 5 is moored to the mooring support 12B via the capture device 22. Traction is maintained on the mooring line 20 and no longer causes displacement of the capture device 22 (which abuts against the interlocking interface), thus maintaining mooring.

[0143] Figure 16 The capture device 22, thus moored on the mooring support 12B, is illustrated. Other supports 12A, 12C, 12D, and 12E are also shown. Each support can slide along the mooring mast 4 under the control of actuators 64A, 64B, 64C, 64D, and 64E. In this example, the actuators 64A, 64B, 64C, 64D, and 64E are electric motors, each controlling a pinion that meshes with a rack fixed to the mooring mast 4 (the pinion and rack are not visible in the drawing).

[0144] The mooring support 12B has an upper fixing hook 48 and a pair of lower fixing hooks 49, which are movable between a retracted position and a fixed position. In the retracted position, they are spaced apart from the capturing device 22, and in the fixed position (e.g., ... Figure 16 As shown in the figure, they respectively lock the main body 24 and the fastening arm 25 onto the interlocking interface 35.

[0145] Each of the folding supports 12C, 12D, and 12E has a pair of capturing hooks 46A, 46B, and 46C, which are used to hook onto a corresponding pair of folding ropes 10A, 10B, and 10C. These hooks 12C, 12D, and 12E are located in... Figure 16 The retraction position in the middle.

[0146] The winding bracket 12A has a capture hook 47 for actuating the winding rope 13 via the circuit 55. The capture hook 47 also... Figure 16 retract.

[0147] The hooks 46A, 46B, 46C, 47, and 48 are hooks that can pivot in the overall yoke of the corresponding support.

[0148] During the folding of the towing wing 5, once the capture device 22 is coupled to the interlocking interface 35, the fixing hooks 48 and 49 of the mooring support 12B are activated and oriented toward their fixed positions to secure the capture device 22 to the interlocking interface 35, such as... Figure 16 As shown. After this step, the mooring rope 20 is no longer required to maintain mooring.

[0149] The upper fixing hook 48 clamps the upper part of the main body 24, while the lower fixing hook 49 clamps the fastening arm 25 at the fixing area 29, that is, above the fastening rods 27A, 27B, and 27C.

[0150] The hooks 48 and 49 can be actuated in any way, such as by a pivoting device controlled by an electric motor or a remotely controlled magnetic actuation device. In this example, reference... Figure 17 and 18 The hooks 48 and 49 are actuated by means of the movement of the winding bracket 12A. Figure 17 The bracket is shown in a transparent view to make the mechanism visible. The hooks 48 and 49 are each rotatably mounted on the bracket and actuated by a shaft or pinion. The control shaft 50 allows rotation of the three hooks 48 and 49 to be actuated via the arrangement of the pinions.

[0151] Figure 18 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the operating principle of these components. The control shaft 50 has a lug 51 at its end, which is designed to interact with a helical cam 52 integral with the winding bracket 12A. Movement of the winding bracket 12A toward the mooring bracket 12B causes the control shaft 50 to rotate, thus driving the hooks 48, 49 toward their retracted positions, and movement of the winding bracket 12A away from the mooring bracket 12B drives the hooks 48, 49 toward their fixed positions. An elastic element, such as a torsion spring, pushes the hooks 48, 49 toward their fixed positions.

[0152] like Figure 18 As illustrated, as the take-up bracket 12A continues to move away from the mooring bracket 12B, a similar mechanism can also drive the take-up hook 47 to its capture position via a control shaft 53 that interacts with the helical cam 54.

[0153] Using the same method as before, the capturing hooks 46A, 46B, and 46C of the folding supports 12C, 12D, and 12E can also be managed by any means that close them onto the fastening rods 27A, 27B, and 27C. In this example, with the same type of control as described above: having a control shaft, lugs, and a helical cam, the capturing hooks 46A, 46B, and 46C are preferably moved to their capturing positions by moving the respective folding support away from the preceding support.

[0154] Therefore, refer to Figure 19 First, the take-up bracket 12A is moved slightly away from the mooring bracket 12B, causing the retaining hooks 48 and 49 to close and the capturing device 22 to be secured. Then, the take-up bracket 12A remains in this position, and the hooks 47 are in the retracted position.

[0155] Then, the folding supports 12C, 12D, and 12E each begin to descend along the mooring mast 4, moving away from each other, so that the pairs of hooks 46A, 46B, and 46C close above the fastening rods 27A, 27B, and 27C, as... Figure 19 As shown.

[0156] Each hook 46A of the first folding bracket 12C closes on three fastening rods 27A, 27B, and 27C, that is, it closes just above the end of the first fastening rod 27A.

[0157] Each hook 46B of the second folding bracket 12D closes on two fastening rods 27B, 27C, that is, it closes just above the end of the second fastening rod 27B.

[0158] Each hook 46C of the third folding bracket 12E closes only on the third fastening rod 27C, just above the end of the third fastening rod 27C.

[0159] exist Figure 19 In this position, each of the paired folding hooks 46A, 46B, and 46C is located just above the protruding portion of the corresponding folding rope 10A, 10B, and 10C.

[0160] from Figure 19 Starting from the position in the middle, the folding brackets 12C, 12D, and 12E continue to descend, such that:

[0161] The third folded rope 10C is vertically stretched by the capture hook 46C, which descends along the mooring mast 4 by sliding along these folded ropes 10C.

[0162] The second folded rope 10B is stretched vertically by the capture hook 46B, which descends along the mooring mast 4 by sliding along these folded ropes 10B;

[0163] The first folded rope 10A is stretched vertically by the capture hook 46A, which descends along the mooring mast 4 by sliding along these folded ropes 10A, and the folded ropes 10B, 10C were previously moved vertically by the capture hooks 46B, 46C.

[0164] As the support is lowered, the hooks 46A, 46B, and 46C slide on their respective folded ropes, causing the folded ropes to move vertically along the mooring mast 4.

[0165] This descent continued until it reached... Figure 6 and Figure 7 The folding position in the text.

[0166] Once the folded position is reached, the tow wing 5 can be retracted. This operation is performed by a retraction bracket 12A that rises along the mooring mast 4, which first causes the retraction hook 47 to close on the retraction rod 42 (see [link]). Figure 19 Then, the continued rise of the winding bracket 12A causes traction on the circuit 55 (in Figure 12 The circuit 55 can be seen in the diagram, but is not shown in other diagrams.

[0167] Therefore, the capture device 22 can ensure that the leading edge 16 of the towing wing 5 is quickly and safely moored to the mooring support 12B, and also ensures that each of the folding ropes 10A, 10B, 10C and the winding rope 13 is automatically and trouble-free hooked.

[0168] Now refer to Figure 20 and 21 This describes a second embodiment regarding the arrangement of the mooring rope 20. According to this embodiment, the mooring rope 20 is not permanently attached to the body 24 and is thus able to perform additional functions.

[0169] Figure 20 Corresponding to the description above Figure 15 This is a variation of the second embodiment. The mooring rope 20 passes through an opening 56 formed in the bottom wall 37 of the body 24 and continues in the direction of the towing wing 5 with an additional portion 62. The mooring rope 20 is secured by a clamping device as it extends from the opening 56, which in this case has jaws 57 that are held closed by elastic elements.

[0170] The capture device 22 therefore includes a clamping device designed to occupy a clamping position and a release position, in which the mooring line 20 is held fixed to the capture device 22, and in the release position, the mooring line 20 slides freely relative to the capture device 10.

[0171] The mooring rope 20 extends beyond the gripper 57, allowing the additional portion 62 of the loading rope 10 to 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 an effect on closing the trailing edge of the towing wing 5.

[0172] This additional function is achieved by opening the gripper 57 and applying traction to the mooring line 20, which generates traction on the additional portion 62 of the towing line 20, thereby achieving the additional function, for example by traction that changes the shape of the trailing edge 17.

[0173] After the capture device 22 has been secured by the fixing hooks 48 and 49, the gripper 57 is opened, so that the traction on the mooring rope 20 is no longer used to maintain the mooring.

[0174] Figure 21 An embodiment of the gripper 57 and its control is illustrated (similar to...). Figure 18 (See schematic diagram). The gripper 57 is associated with an open lever 58 in this case, which allows the gripper 57 to be opened. The open lever and gripper 57 are oriented towards a position corresponding to clamping the mooring line 20 under the action of the elastic element.

[0175] The open lever 58 is actuated by a rod 59, which interacts with a bar 60 having a cam 61 at its end. When the bar 60 is pushed downwards by the movement of the winding bracket 12A toward it, the intention is to retract the rod 59 (and thus release the open lever 58), causing the gripper 57 to close. Conversely, after the capture device has been secured, continued movement of the winding bracket 12A away from the mooring bracket 12B causes the gripper 57 to open, thereby releasing the additional portion 62 of the mooring rope 20.

[0176] In one variant, the gripper 57 can be controlled by any other means that allows the mooring line 20 to be separated from the capture device 22, so as to perform additional functions within the towing wing 5.

[0177] This caused the traction wing to fold ( Figure 6 and Figure 7 After these operations, including winding, are completed, the folding process of the tow wing 5 continues until the tow wing 5 is stored, for example by sliding the support assembly along the mast to store the tow wing in a suitable container.

[0178] Therefore, the process of folding the traction wing 5 is completed.

[0179] During the next use, the same procedure for deploying the towing wing 5 is performed, but in reverse order.

[0180] Different implementations are possible. For example, the rope can be directly attached to the end of the fastening rod or the end of the winding rod. The number of supports, hooks, and ropes can, of course, vary depending on the specific application.

[0181] Furthermore, in this case, the clamping device consisting of the jaws 57 can also be formed by any other device for preventing the rope from being pulled, such as a fabric sleeve locking device.

Claims

1. A tethered wing towing system, comprising: A traction wing (5) is designed to generate a traction force under the action of wind, the traction wing (5) having a leading edge (16) and a trailing edge (17); A base platform (3), the towing wing (5) is connected to the base platform (3) via a towing rope (8), the towing wing (5) is designed to unfold and fold relative to the base platform (3); A mooring mast (4) is provided for the towing wing (5) and is mounted on the base platform (3); Multiple folded ropes (10A, 10B, 10C), each of which is fixed at both ends to two spaced-apart points on the leading edge (16) of the traction wing (5); The tethered wing traction system is characterized by having: A folding bracket (12C, 12D, 12E) is designed to slide along the mooring mast (4); A capture device (22) is attached to the leading edge (16) of the traction wing (5) and has a fastening arm (25) having a fastening rod (27A, 27B, 27C), one of the folding ropes (10A, 10B, 10C) protruding in a continuation of the fastening rod (27A, 27B, 27C); the folding bracket (12C, 12D, 12E) has a capture hook (46A, 46B, 46C) that moves between a retracted position and a capture position, wherein the capture hook (46A, 46B, 46C) surrounds the fastening rod (27A, 27B, 27C).

2. The traction system as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The traction system has a mooring rope (20) that connects the capture device (22) to the base platform (3).

3. The traction system as described in any of the preceding claims, characterized in that: The capturing device (22) is attached to an intermediate region (15) of the leading edge (16); Each of the folded ropes (10A, 10B, 10C) extends between the middle region (15) and one side portion (19) of the leading edge (16); The folded ropes (10A, 10B, 10C) protruding from the fastening rods (27A, 27B, 27C) are connected to one of the sides (19) through their opposite ends.

4. The traction system as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The capture device (22) has a body (24) on which the fastening arm (25) is mounted so as to be pivotable between a flight position and a fastening position, wherein the fastening rods (27A, 27B, 27C) are arranged substantially vertically.

5. The traction system as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The fastening rods (27A, 27B, 27C) have a tube through which the folded ropes (10A, 10B, 10C) pass, and the folded ropes (10A, 10B, 10C) are connected to the fastening arm (25) through their ends.

6. The traction system as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The traction system has: A guide rope (9) connects the capture device (22) to a flight trajectory control device (7); A reciprocating element (14) slides along the guide rope (9), the reciprocating element (14) having a guide device (63), through which the mooring rope (20) passes.

7. The traction system as described in claim 6, characterized in that: The capturing device (22) has a receiving portion (36) for the reciprocating member (14), which moves between a sliding configuration and a mooring configuration, in which the reciprocating member (14) slides along the guide rope (9), and in the mooring configuration, the reciprocating member (14) is disposed in its receiving portion (36).

8. The traction system as described in claim 7, characterized in that: The capture device (22) has a lever (28) that controls the fastening arm (25) to rotate to its fastened position. The lever (28) is designed to be driven by the reciprocating member (14) when the reciprocating member (14) returns to its mooring configuration.

9. The traction system as described in claim 7, characterized in that: The traction system has a mooring support (12B) that slides along the mooring mast (4), and the mooring support (12B) has an interlocking interface (35) for the capture device (22).

10. The traction system as described in claim 9, characterized in that: The mooring support (12B) has means for securing the capture device (22) to the interlocking interface (35).

11. The traction system as described in claim 10, characterized in that: The mooring support (12B) has a fixing hook (48, 49) that moves between a retracted position and a fixed position, wherein the fixing hook (48, 49) locks the fastening arm (25) onto the interlocking interface (35).

12. The traction system as described in claim 10, characterized in that: The reciprocating member (14) has a convex shape, which is designed to be accommodated in a concave shape of the interlocking interface (35) when the reciprocating member (14) is in the mooring configuration.

13. The traction system as described in claim 12, characterized in that: The reciprocating component (14) is rectangular.

14. The traction system as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: The folded ropes (10A, 10B, 10C) are arranged in pairs, and a pair of folded ropes connects the capture device (22) to a point on the leading edge (16) that is symmetrical with respect to the midline plane passing through the capture device (22); The capturing device has two fastening arms (25), each of which has as many fastening rods (27A, 27B, 27C) as the pair of folded ropes (10A, 10B, 10C).

15. The traction system as described in claim 14, characterized in that: The fastening rods (27A, 27B, 27C) are arranged in a stepped manner.

16. The traction system as described in claim 14 or 15, characterized in that: The traction system has as many folding brackets (12C, 12D, 12E) as the pairs of folding ropes (10A, 10B, 10C), each of the folding brackets (12C, 12D, 12E) having a pair of capture hooks (46A, 46B, 46C) that move between a retracted position and a capture position, wherein the pairs of capture hooks (46A, 46B, 46C) surround the fastening rods (27A, 27B, 27C) of the two fastening arms (25).

17. The traction system as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: The traction wing (5) has a winding rope (13) designed to wind up the traction wing (5); The capturing device (22) has a winding rod (42) and the winding rope (13) protrudes in the extension of the winding rod (42); The traction system has a winding support (12A) designed to slide along the mooring mast (4), the winding support (12A) having a winding hook (47) movable between a retracted position and a capture position, wherein the winding hook (47) surrounds the winding rod (42).

18. The traction system as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The capture device (22) has a clamping device (57) designed to occupy a clamping position and a release position. In the clamping position, the mooring rope (20) remains fixed to the capture device (22), and in the release position, the mooring rope (20) slides freely relative to the capture device (22).

19. The traction system as described in claim 18, characterized in that: The mooring line (20) extends beyond the capture device (22) by an additional portion (62) attached to the traction wing (5), and the mooring line (20) is designed to perform an additional function in the form of the traction wing (5) when the clamping device (57) is in the release position.

20. The traction system as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: The capture hooks (46A, 46B, 46C) are controlled by a mechanism actuated by another bracket designed to slide along the mooring mast (4).

21. A method for unfolding or folding the traction wing of the traction system according to any one of claims 1 to 20, characterized in that: The method includes the step of fixing the capturing device (22) relative to the folding bracket (12C, 12D, 12E) at the position of the fastening rod (27A, 27B, 27C) facing the capturing hook (46A, 46B, 46C).

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