Return device for retracting a movable attachment device, and an aircraft fitted with such a return device

A return device for retracting an attachment device of an aircraft, the attachment device being movable between a retracted storage position and a deployed working position, the return device tending to place the attachment device in the retracted storage position in the absence of an external load, while allowing the attachment device to move towards the deployed working position in the presence of an external load, the return device comprising:

• resilient return means for exerting a traction return force on the attachment device and automatically bringing the attachment device into the retracted storage position;
• a force-reduction member for reducing the traction return force exerted by the resilient return means on the attachment device;
• and
• a line element having a first free end secured to the attachment device and a second free end secured to the force-reduction member;
• wherein the force-reduction member comprises a pulley block that is stationary relative to a support structure of the return device and a pulley block that is movable relative to the support structure of the return device, each of the stationary pulley block and the movable pulley block having at least two independent pulleys, each having a degree of freedom to move in rotation, the at least two pulleys of the stationary pulley block being free to move in rotation about a first axis of rotation, and the at least two pulleys of the movable pulley block being free to move in rotation about a second axis of rotation, the first and second axes of rotation being parallel to each other, the at least two pulleys of the stationary pulley block and the at least two pulleys of the movable pulley block enabling the line element to be wound over the at least four pulleys so as to form at least two go paths and two return paths between the stationary and movable pulley blocks.