WO2019002511A1

WO2019002511A1 - Kite structure

Info

Publication number: WO2019002511A1
Application number: PCT/EP2018/067491
Authority: WO
Inventors: Yves PARLIER; Richard LELOUP
Original assignee: Ocea
Priority date: 2017-06-30
Filing date: 2018-06-28
Publication date: 2019-01-03
Also published as: FR3068332B1; FR3068332A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a structure (100) of a kite (10) comprising a leading edge (110), a trailing edge (120), at least one first batten (30) extending substantially perpendicularly relative to the leading edge (110), a canopy (140) extending substantially from the leading edge (110) as far as the trailing edge (120), the at least one first batten (30) having a front end (131) on the leading edge (110) side and a rear end (132) on the trailing edge (120) side, characterised in that the front end (131) of the at least one first batten (130) is rotatably mounted relative to the leading edge (110).

Description

Kite structure

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION The invention relates to a structure of a kite intended to tow a floating craft or a land vehicle rolling and / or sliding or intended to produce energy for other applications. It also relates to a kite comprising such a kite structure. It also relates to a floating boat or a land vehicle rolling and / or sliding or a platform comprising such a kite or such a kite structure. Finally, it relates to a method for swapping, once in the air, the position of such a kite structure and a method of using such a kite.

State of the art

A kite towing a floating craft, such as for example a boat or a ship, is difficult to control when launched from a bridge of the floating boat, when recovering on deck, but also in flight when it comes to configure it according to several positions or configurations, such as a free configuration and a traction position of the boat. A kite is also used, on a particular platform, to ensure a winding rope, cable or other, followed by a flow generating electricity through an alternator.

Electricity is also produced by a kite with a wind turbine at the leading edge. However, given the current architecture of kites, there are significant risks to see the kite sink at sea or by contact with the floating boat or the platform during maneuvers. The traditional launch of this type of kite requires the complete development of the lines intended to link it mechanically to the floating boat or the platform. This is possible on land but much more delicate at sea. One solution is to let the kite drift. Another solution is to use a specific boat to take off in the wind and, a fortiori, to recover it. Such solutions are not satisfactory.

Object of the invention

The object of the invention is to provide a traction kite structure of a floating craft or of a rolling and / or slippery ground craft, or a kite structure to produce energy for other applications. In addition, it aims to provide a method of using such a kite overcomes the above drawbacks and improving the kite structures and methods of using a kite known from the prior art . In particular, the invention makes it possible to provide a kite structure and a method which are simple and reliable and which make it possible to easily control the kite, in particular from the deck of a floating boat or from a platform . For this, the invention is based on a kite structure comprising a leading edge at least partially inflatable, a trailing edge, at least a first lath at least partially inflatable extending substantially perpendicular to the edge of a canopy extending substantially from the leading edge to the trailing edge, the at least one first slat having a forward end of the leading edge side and a trailing edge rear end, the front end of the at least one first slat being mounted movable relative to the leading edge, the at least one first slat being connected to the leading edge by a pivot connection of axis locally parallel or substantially locally parallel at the leading edge and perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the at least a first lath.

The pivot connection may be such as to allow free pivoting or pivoting without effort or with negligible effort. The pivoting amplitude of the pivot connection, in particular the amplitude of the pivot connection on which the pivoting is free, may be less than 90 ° and / or greater than 10 °.

The mobile assembly of the at least one first slat relative to the leading edge, including the pivot connection, can be achieved by means of at least one link, including four straps.

The leading edge may be of circular or substantially circular section.

The front end of the at least one first lath may have a concave face comprising a cylindrical portion of axis parallel or substantially parallel to the axis of the leading edge, intended to substantially match the leading edge.

The leading edge and / or the at least one first lath can be fully inflatable.

The mobile assembly of the at least one first lath with respect to the leading edge, in particular the pivot connection, can be achieved by a seam locally parallel or substantially parallel to the leading edge and perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the front end of the at least a first lath.

The structure may include a second slat.

A first keel may extend from the first batten and a second keel may extend from the second batten, the first and second keels being of flexible material, especially canvas. The canopy can cover at least a portion of the leading edge.

The invention also relates to a kite comprising a structure as defined above, the kite comprising at least one front line and at least two rear lines, at least one launching line, in particular at least one launching line attached. at both the first and second pins, in particular at a point before and at a rear point of the first and second pins.

A front line may comprise at least two branches, each branch having a length capable of varying during use.

The kite may be of the kite type for traction for a floating boat or for a land vehicle, including a rolling and / or slippery ground machine.

The invention also relates to a floating boat, in particular boat or ship, or land vehicle, including a rolling and / or sliding land vehicle, the floating boat or the land vehicle comprising a kite as defined above. The invention also relates to a platform, in particular fixed platform, floating or mooring comprising a kite as defined above, and an electric power generation device, the kite being mechanically connected to the device of electric power generation.

The invention finally relates to a method of passing from a free position of a structure to a traction position of the structure of a kite as defined above, the method comprising:

a pulling step on the at least one front line and / or on the rear lines generating a rotation between the front end of the at least one first batten and the leading edge in a first direction, the canopy is drop of the leading edge, followed by or substantially immediately followed by

a step of relaxing the at least one launching line.

The invention also relates to a method of moving a traction position of a structure to a free position of the structure of a kite as defined above, the method comprising:

a pulling step on the at least one launching line generating a rotation between the front end of the at least one first lath and the leading edge in a second direction, the canopy winding on the edge of the lath; attack, followed by or substantially immediately followed by - a step of detenting the front and rear lines.

Finally, the invention relates to a method of using a kite as defined above, including a kite for towing a floating boat from a deck or a rolling and / or sliding land vehicle or a kite for producing energy, the method comprising the steps of: - sending the structure in the air, the structure then taking a free position by tensioning the at least one launch line, the front and rear lines being relaxed,

- unfolding of the at least one launching line, the front and rear lines being unwinding simultaneously and kept relaxed,

implementing the method for moving from a free position to a traction position of the structure of a kite as defined above,

- Implementation of the method of passing from a traction position to a free position of the structure of a kite as defined above,

- Tensioning then winding of the at least one launching line so as to bring the kite, especially on the deck of the floating boat or on the land vehicle as defined above, or on a platform as defined above, to recover the kite.

Brief description of the drawings

Other advantages and features will emerge more clearly from the following description of the embodiments of the invention given by way of non-limiting example and shown in the accompanying drawings, in which:

- Figure 1 A is a schematic view of a floating boat according to one embodiment of the invention.

- Figure 1 B is a schematic view of a platform according to one embodiment of the invention.

- Figure 2 is a perspective view of a kite structure in the traction position according to one embodiment of the invention.

- Figure 3 is a side view of a kite according to one embodiment of the invention, the structure being in the traction position. Figure 4 is a perspective view of the kite structure in free position according to the embodiment of the invention. Figure 5 is a front view of the kite structure in free position according to the embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 6 is a front view showing the kite structure according to the embodiment of the invention, both in the free position and in the traction position.

FIGS. 7A, 7B and 7C are cross-sectional views along a plane perpendicular to the canopy of the kite structure and parallel to the rope of the profile of the kite structure, that is to say parallel to the wind direction, the section substantially passing through a first lath, the connection between a leading edge and the first lath of the kite structure according to a first embodiment of the invention.

Figure 7D is a top view of the connection between the leading edge and the first lath of the kite structure, according to a second embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7E is a sectional view along a plane perpendicular to the canopy of the kite structure and parallel to the cord of the profile of the kite structure, the section passing substantially through a first lath of the link between the leading edge and the first lath of the kite structure, according to the second embodiment of the invention.

Figure 7F is a top view of the connection between the leading edge and the first lath of the kite structure, according to a third embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 8A, 8B and 8C are sectional views, in a plane perpendicular to the canopy of the kite structure and parallel to the rope of the profile of the kite structure, the section passing substantially through a first slat , of the connection between a leading edge and the first lath of the kite structure, according to a fourth embodiment of the invention.

- Figure 9 is a sectional view along a plane perpendicular to the canopy of the kite structure and parallel to the rope of the kite structure profile, the section substantially passing through a first slat, the connection between a leading edge and the first lath of the kite structure, according to a fifth embodiment of the invention.

- Figure 10 is a sectional view, along a plane perpendicular to the canopy of the kite structure and parallel to the rope of the profile of the kite structure, the kite structure according to the mode of embodiment of the invention, in traction position.

- Figure 1 1 is a sectional view, along a plane perpendicular to the canopy of the kite structure and parallel to the rope of the profile of the kite structure, kite structure according to the mode embodiment of the invention, in free position.

- Figure 12 is a perspective view of the kite according to the embodiment of the invention, in the free position.

Description of the invention

The direction in which the floating boat 1 moves in a straight line, in a plane parallel to the water level of a body of water, is defined as being the longitudinal direction. By convention, the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, located in a plane parallel to the water level of a body of water, is called transverse direction. The third direction, perpendicular to the other two, is named vertical direction. FIG. 1A illustrates an embodiment of a floating boat 1, for example a boat or a ship, towed by an embodiment of a kite 10. This kite 10 comprises, for example, a line 13, two lines before 1 1 and two rear lines 12 and a structure 100 with a canopy 140. Thus, it is considered that the structure 100 includes the canopy 140.

The lines before 1 1 make it possible to transmit the majority of the traction forces to the floating boat 1. The rear lines 12 are more intended to control the structure 100. Finally, the launch line 13 is used to take off and recover the kite 10 as will be detailed later.

Each line may have branches, i.e., a single line may attach to several anchor points on the structure 100. Thus, a line preferably includes a clamp, one or more wires, or parts elementary of a rope, the section of a line being determined according to the efforts to be transmitted. There may also be different numbers of lines before 1 1, back lines 12 and launch lines 13, as long as there is at least one line before 1 1, two back lines 12 and one line of 13. In case of two rear lines 12, preferably, each rear line 12 can be fixed at an ear 170, 170 '. As illustrated in Figure 2, a kite structure 100 comprises a leading edge 10, generally substantially rigid, and a trailing edge 120, generally substantially flexible. The canopy 140, preferably of flexible material, for example fabric, extends substantially from the leading edge 1 10 to the trailing edge 120. The canopy 140 is preferably a minimum tension under the effect the wind. At least a first slat 130 ensures the maintenance of the canopy 140 at the trailing edge 120. The canopy 140 is positioned above the first slat 130. The canopy 140 is at least partially attached to the first slat 130. Preferably, the first slat 130 extends substantially perpendicularly. relative to the leading edge 1 10, in particular from a front end 131 of the first lath 130, the side of the leading edge 1 10. A rear end 132 of the first lath 130 is then found on the side of the trailing edge 120. The first slat 130 is part of the structure 100. In the case of a single first slat 130, the first slat 130 is centered, or substantially centered, on the median or symmetrical plane A illustrated in FIG. 4.

Note that it is considered that the leading edge 1 10 is at the front of the structure 100, the trailing edge 120 then being at the rear of the structure 100. The underside of the structure 100 corresponds to the side towards which extend the lines, knowing that they are generally directed downwards when the structure 100 pulls up, the opposite side then being the top.

According to one embodiment, the front end 131 of the first slat 130 is rotatably mounted relative to the leading edge 1 10.

Thanks to this mobility of the front end 131 of the first lath 130 relative to the leading edge 1 10 which will be detailed later, such a kite structure 100 can be used in two different positions or configurations.

Indeed, a position or configuration of the structure 100, called traction, aims to tow, that is to say capture the best wind energy. This energy is then transmitted in traction forces to the floating boat 1, mainly by the front lines 1 1, but also by the rear lines 12 of the kite 10. The launch line 13 is then relaxed. The traction position provides either a displacement aid or the entire energy required to move the floating boat 1. In the traction position, the structure 100 is substantially in the form of an arch as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3.

The other position or configuration of the structure 1 00, said free, aims to let the structure 100 fly freely with the wind without transmitting tensile force, or much lower efforts and not proportional to the square of the speed the wind, on the launching line 13. In fact, in the free position, the structure 100 is then held in the floating boat 1 by the single launch line 13, the front lines 1 1 and rear 12 being relaxed. This free position is illustrated in Figures 4 and 5. In the free position, only the leading edge 1 10 is substantially arch-shaped, this time reversed, as shown in Figure 6.

As illustrated in FIGS. 7A, 7B and 7C, the first slat 130 is linked to the leading edge 1 10 by a pivot link 150 according to a first embodiment of this connection. Preferably, this pivot connection 150 has an axis locally parallel or substantially parallel to the leading edge 1 10 while being perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the front end 131 of the first slat 130.

Preferably this pivot connection 150 allows the first slat 130 to pivot freely relative to the leading edge 1 10, that is to say without effort or without significant effort.

Thus the pivot link 150 provides free pivoting with negligible effort to facilitate mobility between the front end 131 of the first lath 130 and the leading edge 1 10. The tension forces of the canopy 140 create a resultant force F on the first lath 130, directed substantially parallel to the first slat 130, towards the leading edge 1 10. This force F then generates friction within the pivot connection 150 making it more difficult to rotate, which is why the stiffness of the link pivot 150 is preferably weak. In addition, the effortless swivel amplitude a, particularly illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11, of the pivot connection 150 is preferably less than 90 ° and / or greater than 10 °.

As illustrated in FIGS. 7A, 7B and 7C, the front end 131 of the first slat 130 has a concave face 133. This face 133 preferably comprises a cylindrical portion of axis parallel to the axis of the leading edge 1 10 to substantially match the leading edge 1 10. Thus, by their respective shapes, the face 133 of the front end 131 of the first slat 130 can slide around the circular section of the leading edge 1 10. To do this, the front end 131 of the first slat 130 is maintained at the leading edge 1 10 by means of at least one link, for example four straps 152, two of which are illustrated in Figures 7A, 7B and 7C. Of course, more straps 152 are possible. Advantageously, at least two straps are used so as to ensure the maintenance between the front end 131 of the first slat 130 and the leading edge 1 10. It goes without saying that these straps 152, preferably maintained by a share on the leading edge 1 10 and secondly on the first slat 130 through fasteners 153, provide sufficient slack. This is so that a rotation of the first slat 130 is possible around the leading edge 1 10. As a reminder, the face 133 is substantially in contact with the leading edge 1 10, particularly thanks to the force F due to the tension in the canopy 140, voltage generated by the wind. Thus, the large space between the leading edge 1 10 and the face 133 illustrated in Figures 7A, 7B and 7C is not representative, it is intended for understanding only. The fasteners 153 are, for example, seams. Such an embodiment with the concave face 133 assumes that this face 133 is for example rigid, for example plastic, so as not to be deformed in case of first batten 130 inflatable type as will be discussed later. Thus, in the case of the first inflatable batten 130 and the flexible face 133, the face 133 may have a different shape, for example a convex shape.

According to a second embodiment of the connection, illustrated in FIGS. 7D and 7E, the front end 131 may have two bevels and / or two flattened zones 135 extending on either side of at least a portion of the leading edge 1 10 in the vertical direction, or substantially in this direction. Note that links 152, for example a link on each side of the first slat 130 in a substantially transverse direction, are conceivable. These links 152 are fixed on the one hand on the first slat 130 and on the other hand on the leading edge 1 10 to ensure the maintenance of the first slat 130 relative to the leading edge 1 10. The length links 152, however, allows the rotational mobility of the link 150.

According to a third embodiment of the link illustrated in FIG. 7F, at least two bosses 1 1 1 are formed on the leading edge 1 10. Thus, a boss 1 1 1 is found on each side of the front end. 131 of the first slat 130 and creates a stop. The front end 131 is then limited or prevented from translating along the leading edge 1 10, in case of weak clearance between the bosses 1 1 1 and the front end 131. The rotational mobility of the leading edge 1 10 relative to the first batten 130 is not affected. In this case, it can be envisaged that no link 152 maintains the first slat 130 with respect to the leading edge 1 10. According to a fourth embodiment of the link illustrated in FIGS. 8A, 8B and 8C, the link pivot 150 is performed by a seam 151 locally parallel or substantially parallel to the leading edge 1 10 and perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the front end 131 of the first lath 130. The seam 151 may be a seam line, substantially rectilinear, over a portion or the entire width of the first batten 130. In the case of the first batten 130 of the circular section, the seam 151 can be made over a length close to the value of its diameter. Preferably, the seam 1 51 is substantially centered with respect to the section of the first lath 130. Obviously, there may be several seams 151 and not a single seam line, or sewing points distant from each other. The front end 131 of the first lath 130 may comprise a concave or convex face 133 (not shown in FIGS. 8A, 8B and 8C).

According to a fifth embodiment of the connection illustrated in FIG. 9, a single link or strap 152, or a fabric, or a rope, offers a maintenance of the first slat 130 relative to the leading edge 1 10 while providing a pivot link type rotation 150. Thus, this strap 152 extends from an upper zone of the front end 131 to a lower zone of the front end 131, or vice versa, and surrounds, at least in part, the section of the leading edge 1 10. To do this, the canopy 140 has a hole allowing the passage of this strap 152. In this case, the strap is encircled, at least in part, without excessive tightening, the leading edge 1 10 to keep a low stiffness of the pivot connection 150. The strap 152 may have a length substantially equal to the circumference of the leading edge 1 10 given that it does not surround the entirety of the section of the leading edge 1 10. Indeed, the strap 152 can have a long ur ur to ensure its fasteners on the first batten 130. Obviously, several straps a width of a few centimeters can be used, a corresponding number of holes in the canopy 140 then being provided for their passage. On the contrary, a single strap 152 very wide, of a width not exceeding however, the diameter of the front end 131 can not be envisaged. Again, the front end 131 of the first slat 130 may comprise a concave or convex face 133 (not shown in Figure 9). Preferably, the canopy 140 covers at least a portion 1 10 'of the leading edge 1 10, for example an upper part 1' 10 '. Indeed, it is important that the leading edge 1 10 retains an aerodynamic shape, that the structure 100 is in the free position or in the traction position. The canopy 140 then covers a cavity 134, generated by the pivot connection 150, substantially between the front end 131 of the first slat 130 and the leading edge 1 10. The cavity 134 is illustrated in FIGS. 7A, 7B and 7C in an exaggerated way to facilitate understanding. Obviously, this cavity 134 is almost negligible in view of the force F having the effect of pushing the front end 131 against the leading edge 1 10. Note that the canopy 140 is preferably sufficiently long and fixed so as to create a winding stop for the free position.

A first determined aerodynamic profile is defined by the traction position. In this configuration, the aerodynamic pressure inflates the canopy 140 and gives it a shape participating in the first aerodynamic profile. A second determined aerodynamic profile is defined by the free position. In the free position, the canopy 140 is wound on the leading edge 1 10 as illustrated in FIG. 7C due to a rotation of the leading edge 1 10.

Preferably, the leading edge 1 10 is of circular or substantially circular section, for example due to an internal pressure. Indeed, the leading edge 1 10 and / or the first slat 130 are preferably inflatable. The pressure in such a leading edge 1 10 is, for example, between 0.1 and 1 bar and the pressure in such a first slat 130 is, for example, between 0.1 and 1 bar. Again, the goal is to maintain an aerodynamic shape.

According to variants, the leading edge 1 10 and / or the first batten 130 are of soft material, for example foam, or an assembly comprising a soft material and inflatable parts or compartments. Obviously, the leading edge 1 10 and / or the first batten 130 may be of rigid material of low density, for example plastic. They can also be foam and / or inflatable and stiffened by one or more stiffening elements. These stiffening elements, such as a rod or a tube, are for example made of composite material, based on carbon fibers, for example, and have a low weight. According to another variant not illustrated, it is possible to provide inflating and / or deflating means at a distance from the first slat 130. The first slat 130, or for example a front compartment of the first slat 130, can be inflated and / or deflated once in the air, the inflation then creating a rotation of the front end 131 of the first slat 130 around the leading edge 1 10 in one direction, the deflation creating a rotation in the other direction. Note that a low pressure in the first slat 130 promotes its rotation relative to the leading edge 1 10, by folding near and / or at the front end 131 of the first slat 130.

Note that other slats 180, non-movable relative to the leading edge 1 10, are preferably provided to maintain the canopy 140, particularly near ears 170, 170 '. The slats 180 are thus fixed, at least partially, to the canopy 140. The slats 180 are preferably of the same number on each side of the substantially vertical median plane A. In summary, not only the structure 100 of the kite 10 can be in the free position or in the traction position, but thanks to the mobility between the first slat 130 relative to the leading edge 1 10, the structure 100 is adapted to switch from the free position to the pulling position and vice versa. Also, it becomes possible to take off the kite 10 in the free position and then change the configuration, once in the air, in the traction position, by changing the lengths of the lines before 1 1, rear 12 and launch 13.

Indeed, it is the free position that is preferred to facilitate the takeoff phase. To do this, simply relax the line or lines before 1 1 and the rear lines 12, stretch the launch line 13 and then give slack to the lines before 1 1 and rear 12 and the launch line 13 and The kite 10 flies in the wind, without transmitting significant effort to the launch line 13 which can then be unwound of the desired length. It goes without saying that the lines before 1 1 and back 12 are also unwound, without any tension.

To obtain traction forces to tow the floating boat 1, it is then necessary to switch from the free position, used for launch, to the traction position. This supposes to relax the launching line 13 while stretching the front line 1 1 and / or the rear lines 12. This permutation, even generated slowly, creates, due to the changes in the shape of the structure 100 and the difference in tension in the canopy 140, jerks. Such jerks are not pleasant, especially when the floating boat 1 is only pulled by the kite 10. Moreover, they can cause damage to the kite 10 and / or the front line 1 1 and / or rear lines 12 and / or launch line 13 or again their anchoring points on the structure 100 and obviously at a fastener 3 on the floating boat 1, the fastener 3 being preferably on a bridge 2. Conversely, in case of permutation of the position traction to the free position, the changes may cause a fall of the structure 100, and a fortiori, a fall of the various lines on the water on which the floating boat 1 sails. Another object of the invention is to facilitate such permutations regardless of the strength of the wind. In addition, it is advisable to avoid any fall of the kite 10, for reasons of safety and economy. Indeed, a fall can damage the structure 100 which would cause a loss of time, possible damage and therefore repair costs. In addition, it would require to go to recover the structure 100, possibly in water, and to redo it. To do this, in case of kite pulling a floating boat 1, a specific boat should navigate again causing a waste of time and additional costs. Obviously, this kind of adventures would delay, or at least prevent the floating boat 1 to be helped or towed by the kite.

To facilitate the permutations, as illustrated mainly in Figures 2, 5, 6 and 12, the kite structure 100 includes a second slat 130 '. This second slat 130 'is for example identical to the first slat 130, the second slat 130' being symmetrical to the first slat 130 relative to the substantially vertical median plane A longitudinal. Thus, such a second slat 130 'preferably comprises the characteristics mentioned above for the first slat 130, in particular the characteristics relating to the connection to the leading edge 1 10. According to one variant, three, four or more slats comprising the characteristics of the first slat 130 may equip the structure 100 with a kite 10, in particular in the case of a structure 100 with a canopy 140 of large size. surface, for example a canopy 140 greater than 50 m ² . Obviously, a condition resides in the symmetry of such slats relative to the median plane A, knowing that in the case of an odd number of slats, a slat is then centered, or substantially centered, on the median plane A.

Preferably, at least one front line 1 1 has branches 15, 1 6 attached on either side of the leading edge 1 10 in a longitudinal direction as illustrated in FIG. 3. Such branches 15, 1 6 are preferably connected to the front line 1 1 through a pulley, a splice or an eye. Indeed, the length of each branch 15, 1 6 must be varied so as not to hinder the rotation of the link 150.

Preferably, as illustrated in particular in Figure 12, the structure 100 comprises a first keel or wing 1 60 extending from the first slat 130 and a second keel or wing 1 60 'extending from the second slat 130'. Preferably, first and second pins

1 60, 1 60 'are of flexible material, for example canvas. Preferably, the launch line 13 is attached to both the first and second pins 1 60, 1 60 ', for example at a point before

1 61, 1 61 'and at a rearward point 1 62, 1 62' of the first and second pins 1 60, 1 60 '. Indeed, the addition of such first and second pins 1 60, 1 60 'connected by such points to the launch line 13 create a corridor 200 between the first and second pins 1 60, 1 60', in which the wind rushes. Thus, this corridor 200 ensures stability at kite 10 in free position, in low wind as in sustained wind, without transmitting the traction force on the launching line 13. The first and second pins 1 60, 1 60 'do not draw much and maintain a a force that increases little when the wind rises. The lift coefficient of the corridor 200 being forward with respect to the center of gravity of the structure 100, it creates a yaw moment bringing the kite vertically or substantially vertically. The structure 100 can then be maintained at its zenith, with an elevation angle of about 90 °, that is to say substantially vertically, with a single line since only the launch line 13 is in slight tension. . Indeed, in free position, the structure 100 remains of itself at the zenith, without any external intervention, and it is able to return of itself if it moves away from this position. For this reason, the free position is retained during the launching phase during which the steering of the structure 100 is difficult, especially when the kite 10 operates with actuators which mainly control its trajectory automatically.

Thanks to these characteristics, the passage from the free position of the structure 100 to the traction position comprises:

a traction step on at least one front line 1 1 and / or on at least two rear lines 12 generating a rotation between the front end 131 of the first batten 130 and the leading edge 1 10 in a first direction, the canopy 140 running from the leading edge 1 10, followed by

a step of relaxing the launching line or lines 13.

The transition from the tensile position of the structure 100 to the free position then comprising:

a pulling step on the launch line (s) 13 generating a rotation between the front end 131 of the first latte 130 and the leading edge 1 10 in a second direction, the canopy 140 winding on the leading edge 1 10, followed by

a step of detenting the lines before 1 1 and rear 12.

Finally, to use the kite 10, particularly for towing a floating boat 1 from a deck 2, or for towing a rolling and / or slippery ground machine:

the structure 100 is sent into the air, the lines before 1 1 and rear 12 being connected and relaxed, only the launching line or lines 13 being stretched, the structure 100 then taking a free position, then

the launching line (s) 13 are unwound, the front (11) and rear (12) lines are also unwound and maintained relaxed, then

a first permutation of the structure 100 of the free position is carried out at a tensile position by tensioning the front and / or rear lines 12 while relaxing the launch line or lines 13, this first permutation being facilitated by the mobility between the leading edge 1 10 and the front end 131 of the at least one first batten 130, then, once the traction phase of the floating boat 1 or the land vehicle is completed,

a second permutation of the structure 100 from the traction position to the free position is made by tensioning the launch line or lines 13 while relaxing the lines before 1 1 and rear 12, this second permutation being facilitated by the mobility between the leading edge 1 10 and the front end 131 of the at least one first slat 130, then

the launching line or lines 13 are kept taut, as are the front lines 1 1 and rear 12, which are kept relaxed so as to bring back the kite 10, for example on the deck 2 of the floating boat 1, in order to recover the kite 10. As a remark, the solution thus achieves the desired object of proposing a kite 10, traction of a floating boat 1 that can be sent and recovered from a deck 2, or traction of a rolling and / or sliding ground machine , and has the following advantages:

the mobility between the end 131 of the first lath 130 and the leading edge 1 10, in particular a rotation, makes it possible to carry out configuration changes in a smooth, smooth manner, steering the kite 10 during the transition phases between the free position and the traction position and vice versa being possible, the transition phases not generating jerks and being progressive, in particular in the case of a structure with two slats with bowling;

in the take-off and recovery phases, this mobility in rotation causes the kite to pull less, generating less energy, less dynamic speed and inertia and thus limiting the risk of breakage, in particular the breaks the structure 100,

- Always in the take-off and recovery phases, this mobility in rotation generates that the kite 10 remains at its zenith, without intervention or control,

the kite 10 can be used with actuators, in particular actuators installed on the bridge 2, and thus operate automatically;

the addition of laths 180, for example to reinforce the maintenance of a canopy 140 of large area, is possible without destabilizing the structure 100;

the structure 100, in the traction position, can be used in a static mode, that is to say substantially immobile relative to the floating boat 1 or the rolling and / or sliding ground vehicle, or in dynamic mode, that is, the structure 100 moves in the air, including forming substantially eight-shaped curves, creating its own speed in addition to the wind speed. By rolling and / or sliding ground vehicle, for example means a vehicle able to move rolling and / or sliding for example on snow and / or ice and / or sand.

As mentioned above, such a kite 10 may be intended to produce energy other than for towing.

This energy can be converted into electricity, notably through a yoyo type winch system. The controllable mode, that is to say in the traction position, is used in the power generation phase and the free mode, or free position, is used in the rewinding phase. This energy can also be used for pumping water and / or desalting seawater, for example by reverse osmosis. Preferably, this energy is produced by the path of the structure 100 in the sky, especially in dynamic mode, and can be recovered in the form of reciprocating movements for example.

To do this, the kite 10 may be connected to a floating boat 1, or to a land vehicle, on which it is desired to recover this energy. In this case, the energy generated by the kite 1 0 is not devolved 100% to the traction of the floating boat 1 or the land vehicle. FIG. 1B illustrates a kite 10 connected to a platform 5. The platform 5 is fixed relative to the ground, for example directly installed on the ground, or of the floating platform type, or else a platform 5 at anchor, that is to say partially submerged and immobile relative to the ground. In a non-illustrated variant, the platform 5 consists of a portion of terrestrial ground. In these cases, the kite 10 is entirely devoted to producing energy, possibly transformed before being exploited. Thus, the kite 10 can be mechanically connected to a device 4 for generating electrical energy. Such a device 4 for generating electrical energy may comprise a stator 41 and a movable element 42 relative to the stator 41. The kite 10 is then mechanically connected to the movable member 42.

Between the two configurations, namely free and traction, the structure 100 loses its stability. The kite 10 may therefore fall into the water, on the ground, against or on the floating boat 1. The transition between the two configurations must therefore be executed quickly to prevent the kite 10 from falling. The use of two slats 130, 130 'and two pins 1 60, 1 60' then makes it possible to limit the necessary angle of rotation of the leading edge 1 10 and to achieve a transition fluidity between the two configurations. In addition, in the transition phase, the kite 10 can be controlled automatically which prevents it from falling.

A keel-less configuration requires a greater angle of rotation of the leading edge 110 during the transition between the two configurations.

The embodiments and / or variants described above are particularly well suited to a kite structure 100 requiring the ability to maintain control of the kite 10 towing a floating boat 1 from the deck 2 or a land vehicle, or intended The invention also relates to such a kite 10. It still relates to such a floating boat 1 or such a land vehicle or such a platform 5 Finally, it relates to a method for moving from the free position to the traction position, and vice versa, of a kite structure 100 as well as a method of using such a kite 10. In summary, the embodiments and / or variants described make it easy to send and recover a kite 10, in particular from the deck 2 of a floating boat 1 and / or to minimize energy consumption in the phase. rewinding when using a kite 10 for power generation using yoyo type cycles.

Claims

1. A kite structure (100) comprising an at least partially inflatable leading edge (1 10), a trailing edge (120), at least a first at least partially inflatable lath (130) extending substantially perpendicularly to the leading edge (1 10), a canopy (140) extending substantially from the leading edge (1 10) to the trailing edge (120), the at least one first lath ( 130) having a front end (131) on the leading edge side (1 10) and a trailing end (132) on the trailing edge side (1 20), characterized in that the front end (131) of the at least one first slat (130) is movably mounted relative to the leading edge (1 10) and in that the at least one first slat (130) is connected to the leading edge (1 10) by a pivot connection (150) having an axis that is locally parallel or substantially parallel to the leading edge (1 10) and perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the at least one first lath (130).

2. Structure (100) of kite (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the pivot connection (150) is such that it allows free pivoting or a pivoting effortless or with negligible effort.

Kite structure (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pivoting amplitude of the pivot connection (150), in particular the amplitude (a) of the pivot connection. (150) on which the pivoting is free, is less than 90 ° and / or greater than 10 °.

4. Structure (100) kite (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the movable mounting of the at least a first slat (130) relative to the leading edge (1 10) , especially the pivot connection (150) is made by means of at least one link, in particular four straps (152).

5. Structure (100) of kite (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the leading edge (1 10) is of circular or substantially circular section.

6. Structure (100) of kite (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the front end (131) of the at least one first slat (130) has a face (133) concave comprising a portion cylindrical axis parallel or substantially parallel to the axis of the leading edge (1 10), intended to substantially match the leading edge (1 10).

7. Structure (100) of kite (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the leading edge (1 10) and / or the at least a first batten (130) are fully inflatable .

8. Structure (100) of kite (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the movable mounting of the at least a first slat (130) relative to the leading edge (1 10) , in particular the pivot connection (150), is produced by a seam (151) locally parallel or substantially parallel to the leading edge (1 10) and perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the front end (131) of the at least one first slat (130).

9. Structure (100) of kite (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the structure (100) comprises a second slat (130 ').

10. Structure (100) kite (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that a first keel (1 60) extends from the first slat (130) and a second keel (1 60 ') extends from the second slat (130'), the first and second keels (1 60, 1 60 ') being of flexible material, especially canvas .

1 1. Kite (10) comprising a kite structure (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the kite (10) comprises at least one front line (1 1) and at least two lines at least one launching line (13), in particular at least one launching line (13) attached to both a first and a second keel (1 60, 160 '), in particular at a point before (1 61, 1 61 ') and at a rearward point (1 62, 1 62') of the first and second pins (1 60, 1 60 ').

12. Kite (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that a front line (1 1) comprises at least two branches (15,

1 6), each branch having a length capable of varying during use.

13. Kite (10) according to one of claims 1 1 or 12, characterized in that it is kite type (10) of traction for a floating boat (1) or for a land vehicle, including a land vehicle rolling and / or sliding.

14. Floating boat (1), in particular a boat or a ship, or land vehicle, in particular a rolling and / or slippery ground machine, characterized in that the floating boat (1) or the land vehicle comprises a kite ( 10) according to one of claims 1 1 to 13.

15. Platform (5), in particular platform (5) fixed, floating or at anchor, characterized in that it comprises a kite (10) according to one of claims 1 1 or 12, and a generating device (4) electrical energy, the kite (10) being mechanically connected to the generating device (4) of electrical energy.

1 6. A method of passing from a free position of a structure (100) to a traction position of the structure (100) of a kite (10) according to one of claims 1 1 to 13, characterized in that the method comprises:

a pulling step on the at least one front line (1 1) and / or on the rear lines (12) generating a rotation between the front end (131) of the at least one first slat (130) and the leading edge

(1 10) in a first direction, the canopy (140) running from the leading edge (1 10), followed by or substantially immediately followed by

a step of relaxing the at least one launching line (13).

17. A method of moving a traction position of a structure (100) to a free position of the structure (100) of a kite (10) according to one of claims 1 1 to 13, characterized in that what the process comprises:

a pulling step on the at least one launching line (13) generating a rotation between the front end (131) of the at least one first slat (130) and the leading edge (1 10) in a second direction, the canopy (140) winding on the leading edge (1 10), followed by or substantially immediately followed by - an expansion step of the front lines (1 1) and rear (12).

18. A method of using a kite (10), in particular a kite (10) for towing a floating boat (1) from a deck (2) or a rolling and / or sliding land vehicle or a kite (10) for producing energy, according to one of claims 1 1 to 13, characterized in that it comprises the following steps: - sending the structure (100) in the air, the structure (100) then taking a free position by tensioning the at least one launching line (13), the front lines (1 1) and rear ( 12) being relaxed,

unwinding of the at least one launching line (13), the front (1 1) and rear (12) lines being unwound simultaneously and kept relaxed,

implementing the method according to claim 1,

implementing the method according to claim 17,

- Tensioning then winding of the at least one launching line (13) so as to bring the kite (1 0), in particular on the deck (2) of the floating boat (1) or on the land vehicle, or on a platform according to claim 15, for recovering the kite (10).