TOWING SYSTEM WITH CAUGHT SAIL AND METHOD FOR MOVING THE CARRIAGES

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The invention relates to the field of captive wing traction systems which are adapted to deploy and fold a traction wing relative to a base platform, this traction wing being adapted to generate a traction force under the effect of the wind.

[0002] Such traction systems allow the deployment of a flying traction wing used for the propulsion of a vehicle, in particular a ship (as the main mode of propulsion, or as an assistance), for the production of electricity, or for any application taking advantage of such traction force. PRIOR ART

[0003] French patent application FR3082184 describes a captive wing traction system and a method for deploying and retracting the traction wing. The traction wing has folding lines attached to its leading edge, and the system includes means for pulling at least three folding lines to bring the leading edge against the mast at at least two different heights along the mast.

[0004] This traction system benefits from a more efficient and safer deployment and retraction process. STATEMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The invention aims to improve prior art captive wing traction systems, as well as associated deployment and retraction methods.

[0006] To this end, the invention relates to a captive wing traction system, comprising: a traction wing adapted to generate a traction force under the effect of the wind, this traction wing having a leading edge and a trailing edge; a base platform to which the traction wing is connected via a traction line, the traction wing being adapted to be deployed and folded relative to this base platform; a lashing mast for the traction wing, arranged on the base platform; several folding lines each having one end fixed to the leading edge of the traction wing, being spaced from each other along this leading edge; a furling line connected to the trailing edge of the traction wing.

[0007] This captive wing traction system also includes: a lashing trolley adapted to slide along the lashing mast and controlled by a sliding actuator, this lashing trolley comprising a nesting interface adapted to keep the leading edge of the traction wing lashed; a folding trolley adapted to slide along the lashing mast and controlled by a sliding actuator, this folding trolley comprising gripping means adapted to grip at least one folding line; a furling trolley adapted to slide along the lashing mast and controlled by a sliding actuator, this furling trolley comprising gripping means adapted to grip the furling line; a control module for said sliding actuators, this control module comprising at least the following two operating modes: a folding mode in which the lashing trolley and the folding trolley are spaced apart from each other;a furling method in which the furling trolley and the lashing trolley are far from each other.

[0008] According to another object, the invention relates to a method for folding the traction wing of a traction system as described above, this method comprising the following steps: securing the leading edge of the traction wing to the lashing trolley; gripping at least one folding line by the folding trolley; sliding the folding trolley downwards while the lashing trolley remains fixed on the lashing mast; gripping the furling line by the furling trolley; sliding the lashing trolley downwards while the furling trolley remains fixed on the lashing mast.

[0009] According to another object, the invention relates to a method for deploying the traction wing of a traction system as described above, this method comprising the following steps: sliding the lashing trolley upwards while the furling trolley is held fixed on the lashing mast; sliding the folding trolley upwards while the lashing trolley is held fixed on the lashing mast.

[0010] Throughout the text, the terms "a" or "an" in the formulations "a cart" and "a line" are to be understood as "at least one" or "at least one".

[0011] The interlocking interface is here adapted to keep the leading edge of the traction wing secured, whether directly or indirectly via a part.

[0012] Both for the folding of the traction wing and for its deployment, such a captive wing traction system, and the associated methods, implement folding / unfolding and furling / unfurling operations of the traction wing which are solely controlled by the translation kinematics of the lashing, folding, and furling trolleys.

[0013] No complex device is required for these advanced folding / unfolding and furling / unfurling functions, unlike the prior art which generally provides winches, winders, return pulleys, etc., for these same functions. These functions are thus fully automated without additional elements apart from the sliding actuators and the control module.

[0014] Furthermore, the translation kinematics of the trolleys can also be used for the storage / removal of the traction wing before or after its folding and furling.

[0015] The folding, furling and possibly storage operations of the traction wing are thus interlinked by the play of the trolleys. These functions are carried out with little mobile equipment (few lines, few returns, and few mobile elements). However, these functions present a great complexity of realization, in particular for the realization of the windings of lines in an orderly and repetitive manner especially when the tension is not perfectly controlled. The use of complex devices of trancanage, tensioners, etc. are frequently used.

[0016] These operations are, however, accelerated compared to the prior art thanks to the nesting of functions. In particular, the folding of the traction wing in the event of a rapid increase in wind speed is rapid and smooth and the traction wing is quickly placed in a situation (folded and furled) where it is sheltered from the wind.

[0017] The captive wing traction system according to the invention may include the following additional features, alone or in combination: in the folding mode, the lashing trolley is held fixed on the lashing mast and the folding trolley slides downwards; in the furling mode, the furling trolley is held fixed on the lashing mast and the lashing trolley slides downwards; in the furling mode, the furling trolley slides upwards, and the lashing trolley is held fixed on the lashing mast; in the furling mode, the folding trolley also slides downwards, the gap between the lashing trolley and the folding trolley being kept constant; the control module further comprises the following operating mode: a unfurling mode in which the furling trolley and the lashing trolley are brought closer to each other; in the unfurling mode, the furling trolley is held fixed on the lashing mast and the lashing trolley slides upwards;the control module further comprises the following operating mode: an unfolding mode in which the lashing trolley and the folding trolley are brought together; in the unfolding mode, the lashing trolley is held fixed on the lashing mast and the folding trolley slides upwards; the control module further comprises the following operating mode: a storage mode in which the gap between the furling trolley and the lashing trolley is kept constant, while the lashing trolley and the folding trolley are brought together; in the storage mode, the furling trolley and the lashing trolley slide downwards while keeping their mutual gap constant, and the folding trolley slides downwards at a speed lower than the sliding speed of the lashing trolley; in the storage mode, the folding trolley is kept fixed;the control module further comprises the following operating mode: a retrieval mode in which the distance between the furling trolley and the lashing trolley is kept constant, while the lashing trolley and the folding trolley are moved away from each other; in the retrieval mode, the furling trolley and the lashing trolley slide upwards while keeping their mutual distance constant, and the folding trolley slides upwards at a speed lower than the sliding speed of the lashing trolley; the system comprises a line gripping device which is connected to the leading edge of the traction wing and which is adapted to couple with the nesting interface of the lashing trolley, the furling trolley being adapted to grip the furling line on the line gripping device, and the folding trolley being adapted to grip at least one folding line on the line gripping device;the system comprises a lashing line of the traction wing on the nesting interface of the lashing trolley, the length of this lashing line being controlled by the control module so that the lashing line is kept in tension during the furling mode and the folding mode; the length of the lashing line is controlled by the control module so that the lashing line is kept in tension also during the storage mode; the folding trolley comprises gripping means which are adapted to slidably grip at least one folding line; the folding trolley comprises gripping means which are adapted to slidably grip at least one closing line of the trailing edge of the traction wing; the furling trolley comprising gripping means which are adapted to slidably grip the furling line;the furling trolley is adapted to grip the furling rod at a loop which, when it is pulled, causes a pull on the furling line. PRESENTATION OF FIGURES

[0018] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge from the non-limiting description which follows, with reference to the appended drawings in which: there figure 1 is a perspective view of a traction system according to the invention; figure 2 illustrates the traction system seen from the side; the figure 3 represents the traction wing of the traction system of the figures 1 et 2 , front view; the figure 4 represents the traction system seen from the side, during a phase of folding of the traction wing; the figure 5 is a partial perspective view of the traction wing being folded; figure 6 represents the traction system seen from the side, the traction wing being folded along the lashing mast; the figure 7 illustrates in perspective the traction wing folded along the lashing mast; figure 8 is an enlarged view of the traction wing showing a gripping device which is connected to the leading edge of the traction wing; figure 9 is a side view of the input device; the figure 10 represents the gripping device and the trolleys of the traction system during a stage of the folding of the traction wing; the figure 11 represents the gripping device and the trolleys of the traction system during another stage of the folding of the traction wing; figure 12 , there figure 13 , there figure 14 , there figure 15 , there figure 16 , and the figure 17 are side views of the traction system and illustrate successive stages of the traction wing folding process.

[0019] Elements similar and common to the various embodiments bear the same reference numbers in the figures. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] There figure 1 illustrates a captive wing traction system 1, mounted on a vessel 2 which is, in this example, a maritime freight vessel (on the figure 1 , only the front of the ship was shown).

[0021] In the present example, the traction system 1 is mounted at the bow of the vessel 2 and is operated as a supplementary means of propulsion of the vessel allowing fuel savings. In this context, the traction system 1 is sized according to the tonnage of the vessel to be towed and is intended to be deployed and folded automatically.

[0022] Alternatively, this traction system 1 may be used for any other application where such an automatically deployable and foldable traction system is desired, for example as the primary means of propulsion of a ship, for the propulsion of any other vehicle, for the production of electricity, etc.

[0023] The traction system 1 comprises a base platform 3 which is here fixed on the deck of the ship 2 and on which is mounted a mooring mast 4 provided for the automatic deployment and retraction operations of the system.

[0024] The traction system 1 further comprises a traction wing 5 which is adapted to generate a traction force under the effect of the wind. In the present example, the traction wing 5 is a paraglider-type sail. Any other flying equipment adapted to generate a traction force under the effect of the wind may alternatively be used, such as kites, gliding equipment, kite-type sails, etc. The traction wing 5 comprises, in a conventional manner, a leading edge 16 intended to be exposed to the incident wind and an opposite edge, called the trailing edge 17.

[0025] The traction wing 5 is connected by a set of suspension lines 6 to a flight control device 7 which is adapted to act on the suspension lines 6 to control the flight of the traction wing 5.

[0026] The traction system 1 further comprises a traction line 8 connecting the flight control device 7 to the base platform 3. The traction force generated by the traction wing 5 is transmitted by the traction line 8 to the ship 2 for its propulsion, and the traction line is dimensioned accordingly. In the context of the traction of a maritime freight ship, the traction line can be, for example, a textile cable whose diameter can reach several centimeters.

[0027] The flying trajectory control device 7 makes it possible to control the flight of the traction wing 5 in order to orient and position the traction wing and possibly to cause the traction wing 5 to describe flight figures making it possible to increase the traction force on the ship. The control of the trajectory of the traction wing 5 is here obtained by controlling the length of certain movable suspension lines, in a conventional manner in the field of flying wings. The set of suspension lines 6 in fact comprises fixed suspension lines (i.e. which have a fixed length between their attachment to the traction wing 5 and their attachment to the flying trajectory control device 7), and movable suspension lines whose length is variable.The flight control device 7 is thus adapted to pull on certain movable suspension lines and / or to release other movable suspension lines, so that the aerodynamic profile of the traction wing 5 is modified in order to control its lift, its trajectory, etc. The modification of the profile of a traction wing for the control of its trajectory is carried out in a conventional manner and will not be described in more detail here.

[0028] The traction wing 5 further comprises a guide line 9 and several folding lines 10A, 10B, 10C which are all integral with the leading edge 16, by at least one of their ends.

[0029] There figure 2 is a profile view of the traction system 1 in the traction phase of the ship, as in the figure 1 . There figure 2 further schematically illustrates the constituent elements of the traction system 1.

[0030] The traction line 8 is connected to the base platform 3 by means of a winch 11 controlled by a motor, for example electric or hydraulic, adapted to unwind the traction line 8 to allow the traction wing 5 to gain altitude, or on the contrary to wind this traction line 8 to bring the traction wing 5 back to the base platform 3.

[0031] THE figures 1 et 2 illustrate the traction system 1 in a traction configuration, with the traction wing 5 deployed and in flight, and the system participating in the propulsion of the vessel.

[0032] The traction wing 5 has a furling line 13 which is divided into several lines (shown in dotted lines on the figure 2 ) whose ends are connected to the trailing edge 17 of the wing 5. This furling line 13 can be grasped at the trailing edge 16 of the traction wing 5, and traction on this furling line 13 causes the wing 5 to be furled by compression in order to stow it.

[0033] The traction system 1 comprises trolleys 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E, which are five in number in the present example. These trolleys are fixed in a sliding manner on the lashing mast 4 and each comprise a motorization so that the position of each trolley along the lashing mast 4 can be controlled. These trolleys are provided to grip and guide the folding lines 10A, 10B, 10C and the furling line 13 during the deployment or retraction phases described later.

[0034] These carts are arranged as follows: the carriage 12A is a furling carriage and is designed to grip the furling line 13; the carriage 12B is a lashing carriage and is designed to secure the leading edge 16 of the traction wing 5; the carriage 12C is a first folding carriage and is designed to grip the first pair of folding lines 10A; the carriage 12D is a second folding carriage and is designed to grip the second pair of folding lines 10B; the carriage 12E is a third folding carriage and is designed to grip the third pair of folding lines 10C.

[0035] Alternatively, the traction system 1 comprises as many trolleys as necessary to grip the folding or furling lines, the number of which may vary from the example described.

[0036] The traction system 1 further comprises a control module 64 which controls the movement of the carriages 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E as well as the devices of each of the carriages for gripping the folding or furling lines. This control module 64 is produced in a conventional manner by electronic and computer equipment adapted to this application, and programmed to implement in particular the method of deploying and retracting the traction wing 5.

[0037] The fold lines 10A, 10B, 10C are arranged in pairs as shown in figure 3 . The leading edge 16 of the traction wing 5 is, in the present description, divided into a median zone 15 and into two lateral edges 19 extending on either side of this median zone 15, between the median zone 15 and each of the lateral ends 18 of the leading edge 16.

[0038] On this figure 3 , the front view of the traction wing 5 illustrates the path of the folding lines 10A, 10B, 10C and their arrangement relative to the leading edge 16: a first pair of fold lines 10A comprises two lines each having a first end connected at the median zone 15 of the leading edge 16, and a second end which is directly connected to the leading edge 16, at a certain distance from the median zone 15, on one of the lateral portions 19 of the leading edge 16; a second pair of fold lines 10B comprises two lines each having a first end connected at the median zone 15, and a second end directly connected to the leading edge 16, on one of the lateral portions 19, and in this example approximately in the middle of each lateral portion 19, that is to say approximately halfway between the lateral zone 15 and the lateral end 18; a third pair of fold lines 10C comprises two lines each connecting the median zone 15 to a portion of the leading edge 16 which is in proximity to the lateral end 18.

[0039] There figure 3 also illustrates the path of the guide line 9 between the central portion 15 and the flight control device 7.

[0040] Referring again to the figure 2 , the traction system 1 comprises a lashing line 20 which is wound onto a lashing winch 21 mounted on the base platform 3. The lashing line 20 starts from the winch 21 and is then guided into the lashing trolley 12B by one or more pulleys (or by low-friction elements, or any other element allowing the lashing line 20 to be slidably routed into the lashing trolley 12B). The lashing line 20 then passes into a shuttle 14 which is slidable along the guide line 9.

[0041] From the traction configuration of the figures 1 et 2 , the traction wing 5 can be folded according to the method described below.

[0042] From the positions of the figures 1 et 2 , the winches 11 and 21 are first commanded to bring back the traction line 8 and the lashing line 20 so that the flying trajectory control device 7 comes to rest on the base platform 3, while the shuttle 14 rises along the guide line 9 as the traction wing 5 descends.

[0043] This operation continues until the position of the figure 4 in which: the flying trajectory control device 7 is placed relative to the base platform 3, for example on a suitable support (not shown); the shuttle 14 has slid upwards, over the entire length of the guide line 9, to its end which is close to the middle zone 15.

[0044] The lashing line 20 passes into the lashing trolley 12B and holds the leading edge 16 by pulling against the lashing trolley 12B. The pulling wing 5 is then locked in this lashed position (as described later), the tension on the lashing line 20 is no longer necessary, and the gripping of the lines can take place.

[0045] To enter the lines (these operations do not necessarily take place in this order): the furling carriage 12A grips the furling line 13; the first folding carriage 12C grips the first pair of folding lines 10A; the second folding carriage 12D grips the second pair of folding lines 10B; the third folding carriage 12E grips the third pair of folding lines 10C.

[0046] Line captures are made using hooks on the carriages, as well as a capture device, as explained later.

[0047] The folding trolleys 12C, 12D, 12E then begin a downward movement along the lashing mast 4 by sliding their hooks along the lines that have been hooked.

[0048] There figure 5 is a perspective view illustrating this operation of lowering the folding trolleys. Each of the folding trolleys 12C, 12D, 12E thus drives each of the folding lines progressively towards a configuration where the lines are stretched vertically from the middle zone 15 (which is secured to the lashing trolley 12B which remains fixed), along the lashing mast 4. This operation makes it possible to bring the lateral portions 19 vertically along the lashing mast 4.

[0049] THE figures 6 (side view) and 7 (perspective view) illustrate the traction wing 5 after this folding operation, that is to say when the folding carriages 12C, 12D, 12E are each in their respective lower position.

[0050] The traction wing 5 is then folded along the lashing mast 4, that is to say that the two lateral portions 19 of the leading edge 16 extend vertically along the lashing mast 4, while the middle zone 15 is kept lashed against the lashing trolley 12B.

[0051] From this position of the figures 6 et 7 , the wing 5 can then be furled. The furling carriage 12A (which has gripped the furling line 13) is then commanded to slide upwards along the lashing mast 4, and thus exerts traction on the furling line 13, which causes the furling of the traction wing 5. In the present example, the furling is done by compression, by bringing the trailing edge 17 closer to the leading edge 16.

[0052] In reference to the figure 6 , the securing of the traction wing 5 relative to the securing trolley 12B is achieved by the cooperation of the securing line 20, the securing trolley 12B, the shuttle 14, and a line gripping device 22.

[0053] There figure 8 is a detail view of the figure 3 , illustrating the traction wing 5 seen from the front and showing the middle zone 15, and the attachment of the folding lines 10A, 10B, 10C and the furling line 13 to the middle zone 15 of the leading edge 16, by means of the gripping device 22.

[0054] The gripping device 22 is connected to the leading edge 16 of the traction wing 5, at the level of the median zone 15, by a pylon 23 (visible in particular on the side view of the figure 9 ). The pylon 23 is thus named by analogy with the pylon of an aircraft, that is to say the reactor mast, in aeronautical terms. The pylon 23 is preferably made of a rib of light and resistant material such as a carbon fiber composite material. The pylon 23 is fixed on the gripping device 22 and on a reinforcement sewn on the leading edge 16 of the traction wing 5.

[0055] The gripping device 22 may, alternatively, be connected by any other means, flexible or rigid, to the leading edge 16, such as textile ties or any other element making it possible to ensure that traction on the gripping device 22 causes traction on the leading edge 16.

[0056] The gripping device 22 comprises a body 24 and two hooking arms 25, pivotally mounted on this body 24, each around an axis 26. Each of the hooking arms 25 comprises a first hooking rod 27A, a second hooking rod 27B of greater length, and a third hooking rod 27C of even greater length (the hooking rods 27A, 27B, 27C are seen in section on the figure 8 ). This arrangement in which the juxtaposed hanging rods have an increasing or decreasing length is here called "staircase".

[0057] In the present example, the hooking rods 27A, 27B, 27C are constituted by tubes force-fitted into bores provided for this purpose in the hooking arm 25.

[0058] The attachment arms are movable relative to the body 24, between a flight position (that of the figure 8 ) and a hooking position in which the hooking rods 27A, 27B, 27C are arranged substantially vertically (when the traction wing 5 is in its normal lashing position).

[0059] Each hooking arm 25 further comprises a lever 28, that is to say a portion extending beyond the axis 26 and making it possible to act on the hooking arm 25 to fold it.

[0060] Each fold line 10A, 10B, 10D, 10C which joins the middle zone 15 is connected to a hooking rod 27A, 27B, 27C so as to be projecting in the extension of this hooking rod. In other words, the end of the hooking rod is extended by the fold line.

[0061] In the present example, where the hanging rods are made of tubes, the folding line is advantageously inserted into the tube, crosses the entire tube, up to a fixing zone 29 of the hanging arm 25.

[0062] The pivot connection between the hooking arms 25 and the body 24 allows the hooking arm 25 to naturally assume the spread position illustrated in figure 8 during the flight of the traction wing 5, the attachment arms 25 thus follow the opening dictated by the folding lines 10A, 10B, 10C which extend towards their other end connected further on the leading edge 16. The gripping device 22 may, in addition, comprise an elastic element (spring or other) urging the attachment arms 25 towards their position of separation from the figure 8 .

[0063] This spacing position of the hooking arms 25 has the function of further securing the automatic hooking of the lines, by limiting the risks of tangling of the hooking arms 25 and the hooking rods 27A, 27B, 27C with the other lines such as the guide line 9 and the lashing line 20.

[0064] Shuttle 14 is also shown in section on the figure 8 The shuttle 14 has two sliding orifices 32, and is here oblong in shape with two lateral flats 33. The oblong shape of the shuttle 14 allows guidance and angular orientation around a horizontal axis of the gripping device 22.

[0065] The guide line 9 here consists of a pair of lines stretched between the body 24 and the flight control device 7. In the present example, the pair of guide lines 9 forms a loop around a stop 34 of the body 24.

[0066] The guide line 9 is thus attached to the middle zone 15 by means of the gripping device 22.

[0067] The lashing line 20 passes through the shuttle 14 and is connected to the body 24. The shuttle 14 comprises a guide means crossed by the lashing line 20 and allowing the free sliding of the lashing line 20. This guide means is provided by any type of guide means, such as pulleys or low-friction elements. The lashing line 20 thus extends from the lashing trolley 12B, crosses the shuttle 14 in a sliding manner, being guided towards the body 24.

[0068] There figure 9 illustrates the gripping device 22 seen from the side and arranged opposite a nesting interface 35 which is fixed on the lashing trolley 12B (the rest of the lashing trolley 12B has not been shown).

[0069] The nesting interface 35 comprises elements allowing the gripping device 22 to be secured in a predefined position. In the present example, these elements comprise a recess 39 which is complementary to a recess 40 of the body 24. The shuttle 14 is also part of these positioning elements, since it is designed to engage in an imprint 41 of the nesting interface 35. The recess 40 also has a significant advantage in terms of force absorption, since the cooperation of the recesses 39 and 40 makes it possible to absorb all of the vertical forces which will be exerted on the gripping device 22 during the folding operations, these forces possibly being greater than 15 kN.

[0070] The imprint 41 comprises internal walls for receiving and positioning the shuttle 14. The ovoid shape of the shuttle 14, and its complement in the shape of the imprint 41, guarantee the predefined positioning, when docking the gripping device 22 on the nesting interface 35.

[0071] There figure 9 also illustrates the arrangement of the furling line 13. The gripping device 22 comprises a furling rod 42 projecting vertically from above the body 24. The furling line 13 projects in the extension of the furling rod 24. In the present example, the furling rod 42 is produced by a tube fitted into the body 24, the furling line passing through this tube and its end being fixed to the body 24.

[0072] Between its attachment to the furling rod 42 and its path towards the trailing edge 17, the furling line 13 forms a loop 55 and passes through a ring 43 which is integral with the tube 42. The ring 43 is for example a low-friction ring, or can be made by a tube or a pulley. A pull on the loop 55 thus causes a pull on the furling line 13 and therefore the furling of the traction wing 5.

[0073] Furthermore, the traction on the lashing line 20, during the lashing phase of the traction wing, causes the shuttle 14 to rise and ends with the shuttle 14 entering the housing 36. The shuttle 14 is then immobilized in the housing 36, thanks to the dimensional adjustment allowing the flats 33, 38 to bear plane on plane against internal surfaces of the housing 36.

[0074] The shuttle 14 is thus movable between a sliding configuration in which it slides along the guide line 9, and a docking configuration in which the shuttle 14 is arranged in its housing 36.

[0075] The entry of the shuttle 14 into the housing 36 further activates the levers 28, which causes the hooking arms 25 to close, i.e. to move them into a vertical position, and to be held in this position by the presence of the shuttle 14.

[0076] The traction on the lashing line 20 causes the gripping device 22 to move closer to the nesting interface 35, until these two elements are coupled.

[0077] There figure 10 illustrates the gripping device 22 thus secured to the lashing trolley 12B. This figure also illustrates the other trolleys 12A, 12C, 12D, 12E. Each of the trolleys can slide along the lashing mast 4, in a controlled manner, using actuators 66A, 66B, 66C, 66D, 66E.

[0078] The tie-down trolley 12B includes an upper immobilizing hook 48 and a pair of lower immobilizing hooks 49, which are movable between a retracted position, in which they are clear of the gripping device 22, and an immobilizing position (that shown in FIG. figure 10 ), in which they respectively block the body 24 and the hooking arms 25 against the nesting interface 35.

[0079] Each of the folding carriages 12C, 12D, 12E comprises a pair of gripping hooks 46A, 46B, 46C, each of these pairs of gripping hooks being intended to hook the pair of folding lines 10A, 10B, 10C which corresponds to it. These hooks 12C, 12D, 12E are in the retracted position on the figure 10 .

[0080] The furling trolley 12A has a gripping hook 47 intended to actuate the furling line 13 by the loop 55. The gripping hook 47 is also retracted on the figure 10 .

[0081] Hooks 46A, 46B, 46C, 47, 48 are pivoting hooks in yokes secured to the corresponding carriage.

[0082] There figure 10 illustrates the sliding actuators 66A, 66B, 66C, 66D, 66E which equip the trolleys 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E respectively. Each trolley thus comprises a sliding actuator 66A, 66B, 66C, 66D, 66E which is controlled by the control module 64 and which makes it possible to control the sliding, or the holding in fixed position, of each trolley along the lashing mast 4. In the present example, these sliding actuators are each constituted by an electric motor coupled to a pinion meshing on a rack fixed along the lashing mast. Alternatively, these sliding actuators can be constituted by any means allowing this function, for example linear motors, remote rotary motors with chain or belt transmission, etc.

[0083] During the folding process of the traction wing 5, as soon as the gripping device 22 is coupled to the nesting interface 35, the immobilizing hooks 48, 49 of the lashing trolley 12B are activated towards their immobilizing position to fix the gripping device 22 on the nesting interface 35, as illustrated in FIG. figure 10 . From this stage, the traction of the lashing line 20 is no longer necessary to maintain the lashing.

[0084] The upper immobilizing hook 48 grips the upper part of the body 24 while the lower immobilizing hooks 49 grip the hooking arms 25, at the level of the fixing zone 29, that is to say above the hooking rods 27A, 27B, 27C.

[0085] The activation of the hooks 48, 49 can be done by any means, such as for example a pivoting controlled by an electric motor, or remotely controlled magnetic actuation means. In the present example, the actuation of the hooks 48, 49 is done by the movement of the furling carriage 12A. figure 11 represents the trolleys in transparency to make the mechanism visible. The hooks 48, 49 are each rotatably mounted on the trolley and can be actuated either by a shaft or by pinions. A control shaft 50 makes it possible to actuate in rotation all three hooks 48, 49, thanks to the arrangement of the pinions. Thus, moving the furling trolley 12A towards the lashing trolley 12B drives the hooks 48, 49 towards their retracted position, and moving the furling trolley 12A away from the lashing trolley 12B drives the hooks 48, 49 towards their immobilized position.

[0086] The same type of mechanism allows, when the furling carriage 12A continues to move away from the lashing carriage 12B, to also drive the furling hook 47 towards its gripping position, thanks to a control shaft cooperating with a helical cam path.

[0087] As before, the gripping hooks 46A, 46B, 46C of the folding carriages 12C, 12D, 12E can also be controlled by any means allowing them to be closed on the hooking rods 27A, 27B, 27C. In the present example, the passage of the gripping hooks 46A, 46B, 46C to their gripping position is preferably controlled by the distance of the corresponding folding carriage from the previous carriage, thanks to the same type of control as before, with control shaft, lug, and helical cam path.

[0088] So, with reference to the figure 10 , the furling trolley 12A is first slightly moved away from the lashing trolley 12B, which causes the immobilizing hooks 48, 49 to close and the gripping device 22 to be immobilized. The furling trolley 12A then remains in this position, the hook 47 being in the retracted position.

[0089] The folding trolleys 12C, 12D, 12E then each begin a downward movement along the lashing mast 4, moving away from each other so that the pairs of hooks 46A, 46B, 46C close on the hooking rods 27A, 27B, 27C, as illustrated in figure 10 .

[0090] Each hook 46A of the first folding carriage 12C closes on the three hooking rods 27A, 27B, 27C, that is to say just above the end of the first hooking rods 27A.

[0091] Each hook 46B of the second folding carriage 12D closes on two hooking rods 27B, 27C, that is to say just above the end of the second hooking rods 27B.

[0092] Each hook 46C of the third folding carriage 12E closes only on a third hooking rod 27C, just above the end of the third hooking rods 27C.

[0093] Each of the pairs of folding hooks 46A, 46B, 46C is therefore in this position of the figure 10 , just above the exit of the fold lines 10A, 10B, 10C which correspond to it.

[0094] From the position of the figure 10 , the downward movement of the folding carriages 12C, 12D, 12E continues so that: the third folding lines 10C are stretched vertically by the gripping hooks 46C which descend along the lashing mast 4 by sliding along these folding lines 10C; the second folding lines 10B are stretched vertically by the gripping hooks 46B which descend along the lashing mast 4 by sliding along these folding lines 10B as well as the folding lines 10C previously set vertically by the gripping hooks 46C; the first folding lines 10A are stretched vertically by the gripping hooks 46A which descend along the lashing mast 4 by sliding along these folding lines 10A as well as the folding lines 10B, 10C previously set vertically by the gripping hooks 46B, 46C.

[0095] During the descent of the trolleys, the hooks 46A, 46B, 46C thus slide on their corresponding folding line, bringing this folding line vertically along the lashing mast 4.

[0096] This downward movement is continued until the folding position of the figures 6 et 7 .

[0097] Once the folding position has been reached, the traction wing 5 can then be furled. The furling of the traction wing 5 is carried out by a mutual separation of the lashing trolleys 12B and the furling trolley 12A, which first causes the furling hook 47 to close on the furling rod 42 (see figure 10 ). The continued rise of the 12A furling trolley then causes traction on loop 55 (loop 55 is visible at figure 9 , and has not been shown in the other figures).

[0098] The method of folding the traction wing 5 will now be summarized with reference to the profile views of the figures 2 , 4 And 6 , and completed with reference to the profile views of the figures 12 à 17 .

[0099] From the flight position of the figure 2 , the traction wing 5 is first secured to the lashing trolley 12B using the gripping device 22, as described previously. figure 4 illustrates the stowed position of the traction wing 5 following this operation, the leading edge 16 of the traction wing 5 being stowed to the stowage trolley 12B (this stowage is done, in the present example, by means of the gripping device 22).

[0100] The folding carriages 12C, 12D, 12E then grasp the folding lines 10A, 10B, 10C using their respective hooks 46A, 46B, 46C.

[0101] Then, the control module 64 controls the sliding of the folding carriages 12C, 12D, 12E along the lashing mast 4, to reach the folding position of the figure 6 .

[0102] The control module 64 includes for this purpose, in its programming, a first operating mode called “folding mode”, in which the folding trolleys 12C, 12D, 12E are moved away from the lashing trolley 12B. In the present example, the lashing trolley 12B remains fixed on the lashing mast 4 while the folding trolleys 12C, 12D, 12E each descend along the lashing mast 4, to the folding position illustrated in figure 6 .

[0103] The independent control of the trolleys also makes it possible to carry out additional functions, such as folding the traction wing 5 into a windsock (by closing its trailing edges) by exerting traction on closing lines (not shown) which are connected to the trailing edge 17, this traction being able to be optimized and managed by the movements of the trolleys.

[0104] From the folding position of the figure 6 , the traction wing will then be simultaneously furled and stored in a storage container 65, with reference to the figures 12 à 17 .

[0105] THE figures 12 à 17 illustrate an additional detail of the traction system 1: the lashing mast 4 extends below the base platform 3, and a storage container 65 for the traction wing 5 is arranged opposite the lashing mast 4 at this extension.

[0106] In reference to the figure 12 , the furling trolley 12A grasps the furling line 13 at the level of the furling loop 55, thanks to its hook 47. Note that as a variant, the furling line 13 can be grasped at any other time after the lashing has been carried out, in particular at the position of the figure 4 or of the figure 6 .

[0107] When the traction wing 5 is folded along the lashing mast 4, and once the furling loop 55 is gripped by the furling carriage 12A, the lashing carriage 12B, as well as the folding carriages 12C, 12D, 12E will all four be simultaneously controlled in downward translation. In other words, these four carriages 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E will each slide downward along the lashing mast 4, while maintaining their respective mutual spacings.

[0108] For this purpose, the control module 64 includes in its programming a second operating mode called “furling mode”, in which the lashing trolley 12B and the furling trolley 12A are spaced apart from each other. In the present example, the furling trolley 12A remains fixed on the lashing mast 4 while the lashing trolley 12B slides downwards. In addition, the folding trolleys 12C, 12D, 12E also descend along the lashing mast 4, together with the lashing trolley 12B.

[0109] From the position of the figure 12 , the control module then switches to furling mode. In the furling mode, the control module 64 is therefore adapted to control the descent of the lashing trolley 12B as well as the descent of at least one folding trolley so that the spacing between these trolleys remains constant.

[0110] This joint descent of carts 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E is illustrated in figure 13 . The traction wing 5 thus descends along the lashing mast 4 while remaining folded, that is to say keeping the same shape as at figures 6 et 7 . The traction wing 5 maintains this shape while being fully translated along the lashing mast 4.

[0111] During the descent of the traction wing 5 thus folded, the lashing winch 21 is further controlled by the control module 64 so as to gradually wind the lashing line 20. The lashing line 20 thus always has a slight tension guaranteeing that no unwanted loops will form on the path of the lashing line 20. Slack in the lashing arrival line 20 would in fact risk causing untimely blockages of this lashing line 20, for example around one of the mobile elements of the system.

[0112] During the descent of the traction wing 5, the control module 64 keeps the furling carriage 12A fixed on the lashing mast 4. The separation of the furling carriage 12A and the lashing carriage 12B causes a pull on the furling loop 55. The furling carriage 12A having grasped the furling loop 55 in a sliding manner, by the hook 47, this movement causes a direct pull on the furling line 13, and therefore the furling of the traction wing 5. Thus, the figure 13 illustrates the furling of the traction wing 5 by bringing the trailing edge 17 closer to the leading edge 16 (shown schematically by the dotted lines on the figure 13 ).

[0113] There figure 14 illustrates a next step in the descent of the traction wing 5 while the control module 64 is in furling mode. The traction wing 5 continues its translation while maintaining its folding position (the relative position of the lashing trolleys 12B and folding trolleys 12C, 12D, 12E not having been modified) while the furling trolley 12A is kept fixed, and the furling of the traction wing 5 continues.

[0114] The furling of the sail is thus carried out simultaneously with its descent into the storage container 65 to the maximum furling position illustrated in figure 15 . In this position, although the traction wing has not yet been completely stowed, it is now folded and completely furled. It is also already partially inserted into the storage container 65 so that it is subjected to less wind-related forces.

[0115] The control module 64 then switches to another operating mode called “storage mode”, whereby the traction wing will be stored in the container 65.

[0116] In reference to the figure 16 , the folding process then continues with this storage mode in which: all the carriages are translated downwards until the third folding carriage 12E reaches its lower stop position (the one visible on the figure 16 ). The traction wing 5 is thus slid along the lashing mast, towards the container 65, while remaining furled; then the relative spacing of the furling trolley 12A and the lashing trolley 12B continues to be kept fixed, while the lashing trolley 12B and at least one of the folding trolleys 12C, 12D, 12E are brought closer to each other.

[0117] In the present example, the furling trolley 12A and the lashing trolley 12B descend jointly along the lashing mast 4, the control module 64 maintaining their mutual spacing, while the folding trolleys 12C, 12D, 12E are brought closer to each other. The lashing trolley 12B therefore approaches at least one folding trolley 12A, 12B, 12C. In practice in this example, the lashing trolley 12B and the first two folding trolleys 12C, 12D approach together the third folding trolley 12E (which is held fixed in its lower stop position), then the second folding trolley joins 12D joins the third folding trolley 12E (this is the position illustrated in figure 16 ).

[0118] Then, the movement continues with the carriage 12C approaching the carriage 12D (together with the carriages 12A and 12B which follow while maintaining their spacing constant), which remains fixed against (or close to) the carriage 12E. The first folding carriage 12C then joins the second folding carriage 12D, until a position where the four carriages 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E come into abutment close to each other (the configuration illustrated in figure 17 ).

[0119] Alternatively, all the folding trolleys 12C, 12D, 12E can be simultaneously brought closer to the lashing trolley 12B when the latter slides downwards.

[0120] Alternatively also for the storage mode, the furling trolley 12A and the lashing trolley 12B slide downwards while maintaining their mutual distance constant, and at least one of the folding trolleys 12C, 12D, 12E slides downwards at a speed lower than the sliding speed of the lashing trolley 12B.

[0121] There figure 17 illustrates this final position in which the traction wing 5 is now stored in the storage container 65. The lashing trolley 12B and the folding trolleys 12C, 12D, 12E are close to each other (or even abutting against each other), and the spacing between the furling trolley 12A and the lashing trolley 12B has been kept identical (the furling trolley 12A has slid along the lashing mast together with the lashing trolley 12B).

[0122] During all the preceding operations, the lashing line 20 is kept under slight tension as explained previously thanks to the control of the lashing winch 21. In addition, maintaining the mutual spacing between the furling trolley 12A and the lashing trolley 12B makes it possible to keep the sail furled during its storage.

[0123] The sail can thus be stored in the storage container 65 in this position of the figure 17 if it is desired to keep the sail furled even during storage. Alternatively, it is also possible, in an additional operation, to bring the furling trolley 12A closer to the lashing trolley 12B so that the tensions of the traction wing 5 are released inside the storage container 65. In this case, the wing will be furled again by raising the furling trolley 12A, before deploying the traction wing 5 again.

[0124] The folding, furling and storage operations of the traction wing 5 are thus interlinked by the set of carriages 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E. Other functions can also be performed by this set of carriages, such as closing the trailing edge of the traction wing, by pulling on closing lines.

[0125] The process of folding the traction wing 5 is thus completed and the wing remains stored in its storage container 65 until its next deployment.

[0126] The deployment of the traction wing 5 is obtained by the same operations as those described previously, carried out in reverse order. The control module 64 thus comprises, in reverse order with respect to the furling mode, the folding mode, and the storage mode: a destocking mode in which the furling trolley 12A and the lashing trolley 12B are translated upwards along the lashing mast 4 while maintaining constant their mutual spacing which corresponds to the maximum furling of the traction wing 5. In this mode, the lashing trolley 12B is first moved as far away as possible from the first folding trolley 12C, the latter then slides itself upwards, together with the other two trolleys 12A, 12B, and moves away from the second folding trolley 12D as far as possible. Then this trolley 12D then slides itself upwards, together with the other three trolleys 12A, 12B, 12C, and moves away from the third folding trolley 12E as far as possible, up to the position of the figure 15 . As a variant of the unloading mode, the furling carriage 12A and the lashing carriage 12B slide upwards while maintaining their mutual distance constant, and at least one folding carriage 12C, 12D, 12E slides upwards at a speed lower than the sliding speed of the lashing carriage 12B; a unloading mode in which, from the position of the figure 15 , the furling trolley 12A and the lashing trolley 12B are brought closer to each other. In the present example, the furling trolley 12A is held fixed on the lashing mast while all of the trolleys 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E continue to slide upwards, jointly, until the unfurled position of the figure 12 ; an unfolding mode in which the lashing trolley 12B and at least one folding trolley are brought closer to each other. In the present example, all the folding trolleys 12C, 12D, 12E slide upwards along the lashing mast 4, while the furling trolley 12A and the lashing trolley 12B are held fixed against each other, until the unfolding position of the figure 4 in which the traction wing 5 is ready to fly. The leading edge 16 can then be released (by releasing the hooks 48, 19 and the lashing line 20) and the traction wing returns to its flight position.

[0127] Alternative embodiments of the traction system and associated methods may be implemented. In particular, any other means of gripping the furling lines 13 and the folding lines 10A, 10B, 10C may be envisaged.

[0128] Likewise, the sliding actuators 66A, 66B, 66C, 66D, 66E can be individual actuators for each corresponding carriage, or be shared by a single common actuator associated with suitable transmission means for each of the carriages.

[0129] The operating modes of the control module can optionally be implemented sequentially in a different order, or simultaneously.

[0130] In particular, from the folding position of the figure 6 , the traction wing 5 is simultaneously furled and stored in the storage container 65. However, it is also possible to furl the traction wing first, by raising the furling carriage 12A and keeping the other carriages fixed. These different kinematic solutions can also be combined.

Claims

1. A tethered-wing traction system having: - a traction wing (5) designed to generate a traction force under the effect of the wind, this traction wing (5) having a leading edge (16) and a trailing edge (17); - a base platform (3) to which the traction wing is connected via a traction line (8), the traction wing (5) being designed to be deployed and folded in relation to this base platform (3); - a mooring mast (4) for the traction wing (5), disposed on the base platform (3); - multiple folding lines (10A, 10B, 10C) each having an end fixed to the leading edge (16) of the traction wing (5), the ends being spaced apart from one another along this leading edge (16); - a furling line (13) connected to the trailing edge (17) of the traction wing (5); this tethered-wing traction system being characterized in that it has: - a mooring carriage (12B) designed to slide along the mooring mast (4) and controlled by a slide actuator (66B), this mooring carriage (12B) having an engagement interface (35) designed to keep the leading edge (16) of the traction wing (5) moored; - a folding carriage (12C, 12D, 12E) designed to slide along the mooring mast (4) and controlled by a slide actuator (66C, 66D, 66E), this folding carriage (12C, 12D, 12E) having capturing means (46A, 46B, 46C) designed to capture at least one folding line (10A, 10B, 10C); - a furling carriage (12A) designed to slide along the mooring mast (4) and controlled by a slide actuator (66A), this furling carriage (12A) having capturing means (47) designed to capture the furling line (13); - a control module (64) for controlling said slide actuators (66A, 66B, 66C, 66D, 66E), this control module (64) having at least the following two modes of operation: a folding mode in which the mooring carriage (12B) and the folding carriage (12C, 12D, 12E) are moved away from one another; a furling mode in which the furling carriage (12A) and the mooring carriage (12B) are moved away from one another.

2. The tethered-wing traction system as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, in the folding mode, the mooring carriage (12B) is kept fixed in place on the mooring mast (4) and the folding carriage (12C, 12D, 12E) slides downward.

3. The tethered-wing traction system as claimed in either of the preceding claims, characterized in that, in the furling mode, the furling carriage (12A) is kept fixed in place on the mooring mast (4) and the mooring carriage (12B) slides downward.

4. The tethered-wing traction system as claimed in either of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that, in the furling mode, the furling carriage (12A) slides upward, and the mooring carriage (12B) is kept fixed in place on the mooring mast (4).

5. The tethered-wing traction system as claimed in claim 4, characterized in that, in the furling mode, the folding carriage (12C, 12D, 12E) also slides downward, the spacing between the mooring carriage (12B) and the folding carriage (12C, 12D, 12E) being kept constant.

6. The tethered-wing traction system as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control module (64) also has the following mode of operation: an unfurling mode in which the furling carriage (12A) and the mooring carriage (12B) are moved close to one another.

7. The tethered-wing traction system as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that, in the unfurling mode, the furling carriage (12A) is kept fixed in place on the mooring mast (4) and the mooring carriage (12B) slides upward.

8. The tethered-wing traction system as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control module (64) also has the following mode of operation: an unfolding mode in which the mooring carriage (12B) and the folding carriage (12C, 12D, 12E) are moved close to one another.

9. The tethered-wing traction system as claimed in claim 8, characterized in that, in the unfolding mode, the mooring carriage (12B) is kept fixed in place on the mooring mast (4) and the folding carriage (12C, 12D, 12E) slides upward.

10. The tethered-wing traction system as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control module (64) also has the following mode of operation: a storage mode in which the spacing between the furling carriage (12A) and the mooring carriage (12B) is kept constant, while the mooring carriage (12B) and the folding carriage (12C, 12D, 12E) are moved close to one another.

11. The tethered-wing traction system as claimed in claim 10, characterized in that, in the storage mode, the furling carriage (12A) and the mooring carriage (12B) slide downward while keeping their mutual spacing constant, and the folding carriage (12C, 12D, 12E) slides downward at a slower speed than the sliding speed of the mooring carriage (12B).

12. The tethered-wing traction system as claimed in claim 10, characterized in that, in the storage mode, the folding carriage (12C, 12D, 12E) is kept fixed in place.

13. The tethered-wing traction system as claimed in one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that the control module (64) also has the following mode of operation: a release mode in which the spacing between the furling carriage (12A) and the mooring carriage (12B) is kept constant, whereas the mooring carriage (12B) and the folding carriage (12C, 12D, 12E) are moved away from one another.

14. The tethered-wing traction system as claimed in claim 13, characterized in that, in the release mode, the furling carriage (12A) and the mooring carriage (12B) slide upward while keeping their mutual spacing constant, and the folding carriage (12C, 12D, 12E) slides upward at a slower speed than the sliding speed of the mooring carriage (12B).

15. The tethered-wing traction system as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it has a line capturing device (22) which is connected to the leading edge (16) of the traction wing (5) and is designed to be coupled to the engagement interface (35) of the mooring carriage (12B), the furling carriage (12A) being designed to capture the furling line (13) in the line capturing device (22), and the folding carriage (12C, 12D, 12E) being designed to capture at least one folding line (10A, 10B, 10C) in the line capturing device (22).

16. The tethered-wing traction system as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it has a mooring line (20) for mooring the traction wing (5) to the engagement interface (35) of the mooring carriage (12B), the length of this mooring line (20) being controlled by the control module (64) such that the mooring line (20) is kept under tension during the furling mode and the folding mode.

17. The tethered-wing traction system as claimed in claim 16, when it is dependent on claims 10 to 14, characterized in that the length of the mooring line (20) is controlled by the control module (64) such that the mooring line (20) is also kept under tension during the storage mode.

18. A process for folding the traction wing of a traction system as claimed in one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that it has the following steps: - mooring the leading edge (16) of the traction wing (5) to the mooring carriage (12B); - capturing at least one folding line (10A, 10B, 10C) by way of the folding carriage (12C, 12D, 12E); - sliding the folding carriage (12C, 12D, 12E) downward while the mooring carriage (12B) remains fixed in place on the mooring mast (4); - capturing the furling line (13) by way of the furling carriage (12A); - sliding the mooring carriage (12B) downward while the furling carriage (12A) remains fixed in place on the mooring mast (4).

19. A process for deploying the traction wing of a traction system as claimed in one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that it has the following steps: - sliding the mooring carriage (12B) upward while the furling carriage (12A) is kept fixed in place on the mooring mast (4); - sliding the folding carriage (12C, 12D, 12E) upward while the mooring carriage (12B) is kept fixed in place on the mooring mast (4).