CA2255419C - Arrangement for coupling a transporting means, e.g. a cabin or a chair, to the conveying or haulage cable of a cableway system - Google Patents
Arrangement for coupling a transporting means, e.g. a cabin or a chair, to the conveying or haulage cable of a cableway system Download PDFInfo
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- CA2255419C CA2255419C CA002255419A CA2255419A CA2255419C CA 2255419 C CA2255419 C CA 2255419C CA 002255419 A CA002255419 A CA 002255419A CA 2255419 A CA2255419 A CA 2255419A CA 2255419 C CA2255419 C CA 2255419C
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- clamping
- cable
- clamping jaw
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B61—RAILWAYS
- B61B—RAILWAY SYSTEMS; EQUIPMENT THEREFOR NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B61B12/00—Component parts, details or accessories not provided for in groups B61B7/00 - B61B11/00
- B61B12/12—Cable grippers; Haulage clips
- B61B12/122—Cable grippers; Haulage clips for aerial ropeways
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Transportation (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Chain Conveyers (AREA)
- Installation Of Indoor Wiring (AREA)
- Bridges Or Land Bridges (AREA)
- Flexible Shafts (AREA)
- Types And Forms Of Lifts (AREA)
Abstract
Arrangement for coupling a transporting means, e.g. a cabin or a chair, to the conveying or haulage cable (5) of a cableway system, comprising a clamping body which is provided with running rollers and is designed with a first clamping jaw (15), which is fastened rigidly on the clamping body, and with a second clamping jaw (25), which can be adjusted with respect to the first clamping jaw (15), it being the case that the second clamping jaw (25) is located on a clamping lever, on which there is also provided a control element, in particular a control roller, which interacts with control rails and by means of which the clamping lever can be adjusted with respect to the clamping body counter to the action of at least one spring-energy store, e.g. a torsion spring, whereupon the clamping lever is retained in one of two over-dead-center positions by means of the spring-energy store (3). In this case, at least one of the two clamping jaws (15, 25) is designed with at least one stop surface (28) which is located opposite the clamping surfaces (16, 26), in relation to the cable (5), and against which the cable (5) comes to bear when the clamping body is rotated about an axis aligned transversely with respect to the cable (5) (Figure 4).
Description
ARRANGEMENT FOR COUPLING A TRANSPORTING MEANS, E.G. A CABIN OR
A CHAIR, TO THE CONVEYING OR HAULAGE CABLE OF A CABLEWAY SYSTEM
The invention relates to an arrangement for coupling a transporting means, e.g. a cabin or a chair, to the conveying or haulage cable of a cableway system, comprising a clamping body which is provided with running rollers and is designed with a first clamping jaw, which is fastened rigidly on the clamping body, and with a second clamping jaw, which can be adjusted with respect to the first clamping jaw, it being the case that the second clamping jaw is located on a clamping lever, on which there is also provided a control element, in particular a control roller, which interacts with control rails and by means of which the clamping lever can be pivoted with respect to the clamping body counter to the action of at least one spring-energy store, e.g. a torsion spring, whereupon the clamping lever is retained in one of two over-dead-center positions by means of the spring-energy store.
A coupling arrangement of this type is known from EP 621 163 B1. In the case of this known arrangement, a two-armed clamping lever is provided, at one end of which a control roller is mounted and at the other end of which the second clamping jaw is located. Also provided is a spring-energy store which interacts with the clamping lever via a toggle-lever joint.
The clamping lever is pivoted by the control roller, the line joining the pivot axis of the clamping lever and the pin articulating the toggle-lever joint on the clamping lever defining a dead-center position of the clamping lever in relation to one of the two levers of the toggle-lever joint. In a first position, which differs from said dead-center position, the clamping lever is pivoted by the spring-energy store into the open position of the second clamping jaw and retained in this position and in a second position of the clamping lever, which differs from the dead-center position, said clamping lever is pivoted by the spring-energy store into the closed position of the second clamping jaw and retained in this position. The control-roller-induced pivoting of the clamping lever out of one of these two positions takes place in the first part of the adjustment movement counter to the action of the spring-energy store.
This known coupling arrangement is very advantageous because the clamping lever and thus the adjustable clamping jaw, located thereon, are always located in a defined position. As soon as a transporting means is to be coupled to the conveying or haulage cable, the control roller runs onto a control rail, as a result of which the clamping lever is adjusted out of the open position of the second clamping jaw into the closed position of the second clamping jaw and, as a result, is retained in this position by the spring-energy store. As soon as the transporting means is to be uncoupled from the conveying or haulage cable, the control roller pivots the clamping lever back beyond the dead-center position counter to the action of the spring-energy store, as a result of which the second clamping jaw passes into the open position, in which it is likewise retained by the spring-energy store.
This achieves a very straightforward design of a cableway system since it is only necessary to provide such control rails as cause the clamping lever to pivot from a first position into the second position and from this second position into the first position again. Furthermore, this reduces by half the number of adjustment movements of the clamping lever in relation to the prior art.
However, this known coupling arrangement does not satisfy requirements if a cableway system may be subjected to operational conditions which may cause the transporting means to execute rotary movements with respect to the conveying or haulage cable about an axis aligned approximately perpendicularly with respect to the cable. You are referred here to the fact that the length of the adjustable clamping jaw extending along the conveying or haulage cable may be approximately five times the diameter of the cable. As a result, in the event of such rotary movements of the transporting means with respect to the conveying or haulage cable, torques of such a magnitude may occur between the mutually remote ends, as seen in the longitudinal direction of the cable, of the adjustable clamping jaw and the fixed clamping jaw that the two clamping jaws are moved apart from one another, counter to the action of the spring-energy store, to such an extent that the clamping lever is pivoted out of the closed position of the adjustable clamping jaw, via the dead-center position, into the open position of the adjustable clamping jaw. Since the clamping lever is then retained in this position by means of the spring-energy store, the transporting means is consequently uncoupled from the conveying or haulage cable without control by way of the control roller.
On the one hand, such conditions may occur in the event of very strong winds when the cableway system is in operation, this being hazardous for the passengers since the transporting means can be uncoupled from the cable. On the other hand, such operational conditions may also occur in the event of very strong winds when the cableway system is not in operation, in which case the transporting means may likewise be uncoupled from the cable. Although this case does not involve passengers being put at risk, disruption to functioning is caused as a result, as soon as the cableway system is switched on again, since the relevant transporting means have to be coupled to the cable again at the correct distance from the other ~
~ CA 02255419 1998-12-11 transporting means. Such rotary movements of the transporting means, which may cause the clamping devices to be adjusted into their open position, may also occur, in the event of pronounced transverse swinging of the transporting means, when the latter collide with supports or with other transporting means.
The object of the invention is thus to improve such a coupling arrangement to the effect that, even in the event of very unfavorable operational conditions, unintended adjustments of the adjustable clamping jaw into its open position are reliably avoided. This is achieved according to the invention in that at least one of the two clamping jaws is designed with at least one stop surface which is located opposite the clamping surface, in relation to the cable, and against which the cable comes to bear when the clamping body is rotated about an axis aligned transversely with respect to the cable.
The adjustable clamping jaw is preferably designed with a stop surface which is located opposite the clamping surface, in relation to the cable. In this case, on both sides of the fixed clamping jaw, as seen in the longitudinal direction of the clamping jaws, the adjustable clamping jaw may be designed with at least one continuation, which forms in each case one stop surface for the cable.
According to an alternative embodiment, the rigidly fastened clamping jaw is designed with a stop surface which is located opposite the clamping surface, in relation to the cable. In this case, on both sides of the adjustable clamping jaw, as seen in the longitudinal direction of the clamping jaws, the rigidly fastened clamping jaw may be designed with at least one continuation, which forms in each case one stop surface for the cable.
A CHAIR, TO THE CONVEYING OR HAULAGE CABLE OF A CABLEWAY SYSTEM
The invention relates to an arrangement for coupling a transporting means, e.g. a cabin or a chair, to the conveying or haulage cable of a cableway system, comprising a clamping body which is provided with running rollers and is designed with a first clamping jaw, which is fastened rigidly on the clamping body, and with a second clamping jaw, which can be adjusted with respect to the first clamping jaw, it being the case that the second clamping jaw is located on a clamping lever, on which there is also provided a control element, in particular a control roller, which interacts with control rails and by means of which the clamping lever can be pivoted with respect to the clamping body counter to the action of at least one spring-energy store, e.g. a torsion spring, whereupon the clamping lever is retained in one of two over-dead-center positions by means of the spring-energy store.
A coupling arrangement of this type is known from EP 621 163 B1. In the case of this known arrangement, a two-armed clamping lever is provided, at one end of which a control roller is mounted and at the other end of which the second clamping jaw is located. Also provided is a spring-energy store which interacts with the clamping lever via a toggle-lever joint.
The clamping lever is pivoted by the control roller, the line joining the pivot axis of the clamping lever and the pin articulating the toggle-lever joint on the clamping lever defining a dead-center position of the clamping lever in relation to one of the two levers of the toggle-lever joint. In a first position, which differs from said dead-center position, the clamping lever is pivoted by the spring-energy store into the open position of the second clamping jaw and retained in this position and in a second position of the clamping lever, which differs from the dead-center position, said clamping lever is pivoted by the spring-energy store into the closed position of the second clamping jaw and retained in this position. The control-roller-induced pivoting of the clamping lever out of one of these two positions takes place in the first part of the adjustment movement counter to the action of the spring-energy store.
This known coupling arrangement is very advantageous because the clamping lever and thus the adjustable clamping jaw, located thereon, are always located in a defined position. As soon as a transporting means is to be coupled to the conveying or haulage cable, the control roller runs onto a control rail, as a result of which the clamping lever is adjusted out of the open position of the second clamping jaw into the closed position of the second clamping jaw and, as a result, is retained in this position by the spring-energy store. As soon as the transporting means is to be uncoupled from the conveying or haulage cable, the control roller pivots the clamping lever back beyond the dead-center position counter to the action of the spring-energy store, as a result of which the second clamping jaw passes into the open position, in which it is likewise retained by the spring-energy store.
This achieves a very straightforward design of a cableway system since it is only necessary to provide such control rails as cause the clamping lever to pivot from a first position into the second position and from this second position into the first position again. Furthermore, this reduces by half the number of adjustment movements of the clamping lever in relation to the prior art.
However, this known coupling arrangement does not satisfy requirements if a cableway system may be subjected to operational conditions which may cause the transporting means to execute rotary movements with respect to the conveying or haulage cable about an axis aligned approximately perpendicularly with respect to the cable. You are referred here to the fact that the length of the adjustable clamping jaw extending along the conveying or haulage cable may be approximately five times the diameter of the cable. As a result, in the event of such rotary movements of the transporting means with respect to the conveying or haulage cable, torques of such a magnitude may occur between the mutually remote ends, as seen in the longitudinal direction of the cable, of the adjustable clamping jaw and the fixed clamping jaw that the two clamping jaws are moved apart from one another, counter to the action of the spring-energy store, to such an extent that the clamping lever is pivoted out of the closed position of the adjustable clamping jaw, via the dead-center position, into the open position of the adjustable clamping jaw. Since the clamping lever is then retained in this position by means of the spring-energy store, the transporting means is consequently uncoupled from the conveying or haulage cable without control by way of the control roller.
On the one hand, such conditions may occur in the event of very strong winds when the cableway system is in operation, this being hazardous for the passengers since the transporting means can be uncoupled from the cable. On the other hand, such operational conditions may also occur in the event of very strong winds when the cableway system is not in operation, in which case the transporting means may likewise be uncoupled from the cable. Although this case does not involve passengers being put at risk, disruption to functioning is caused as a result, as soon as the cableway system is switched on again, since the relevant transporting means have to be coupled to the cable again at the correct distance from the other ~
~ CA 02255419 1998-12-11 transporting means. Such rotary movements of the transporting means, which may cause the clamping devices to be adjusted into their open position, may also occur, in the event of pronounced transverse swinging of the transporting means, when the latter collide with supports or with other transporting means.
The object of the invention is thus to improve such a coupling arrangement to the effect that, even in the event of very unfavorable operational conditions, unintended adjustments of the adjustable clamping jaw into its open position are reliably avoided. This is achieved according to the invention in that at least one of the two clamping jaws is designed with at least one stop surface which is located opposite the clamping surface, in relation to the cable, and against which the cable comes to bear when the clamping body is rotated about an axis aligned transversely with respect to the cable.
The adjustable clamping jaw is preferably designed with a stop surface which is located opposite the clamping surface, in relation to the cable. In this case, on both sides of the fixed clamping jaw, as seen in the longitudinal direction of the clamping jaws, the adjustable clamping jaw may be designed with at least one continuation, which forms in each case one stop surface for the cable.
According to an alternative embodiment, the rigidly fastened clamping jaw is designed with a stop surface which is located opposite the clamping surface, in relation to the cable. In this case, on both sides of the adjustable clamping jaw, as seen in the longitudinal direction of the clamping jaws, the rigidly fastened clamping jaw may be designed with at least one continuation, which forms in each case one stop surface for the cable.
One of the two clamping jaws is preferably designed with at least one approximately semicircular recess which is intended for receiving the cable, of which the diameter is somewhat greater than the diameter of the cable, and which extends over more than 180°, the clamping surface and the at least one stop surface being formed by the inner surface of said recess. In this case, the recess may extend over an angle of approximately 200°, and the inside width of the recess may be approximately 20o greater than the diameter of the cable.
According to a further preferred embodiment, the sum of the lengths of the stop surfaces of one of the two clamping jaws and the clamping surface of the other clamping jaw is equal to the length of the clamping surface of one clamping jaw.
Coupling arrangements according to the invention are explained in more detail hereinbelow with reference to two exemplary embodiments illustrated in the drawing, in which:
Figure 1 shows a side view of a first embodiment of a coupling arrangement according to the invention, the adjustable clamping jaw being located in its closed position;
Figure la shows a side view of the coupling arrangement according to Figure l, the adjustable clamping jaw being located in its open position;
Figure 2 shows a plan view of the coupling arrangement according to Figure l;
Figure 3 shows a side view of the clamping lever of said coupling arrangement;
Figure 4 shows, in horizontal section, a broken-away illustration of the two clamping jaws of this coupling arrangement according to the invention in interaction with the conveying or haulage cable, with the adjustable clamping jaw being located in the closed position and with the clamping body in a rotated position with respect to the conveying or haulage cable;
Figure 5 shows a plan view of said coupling arrangement with the adjustable clamping jaw being located in the closed position and with the clamping body in a rotated position;
Figures 6 to 9 show, in horizontal section in each case, illustrations according to Figure 4 with the clamping body in different rotated positions with respect to the conveying or haulage cable;
Figures 6a, 6b to 9a, 9b, 9c show the sections along lines A-A, B-B and C-C of Figures 6 to 9;
Figure 10 shows, in horizontal section, a broken-away illustration of a second embodiment of a coupling arrangement according to the invention;
Figures 10a, 10b and lOc show the coupling arrangement according to Figure 10 in section along lines A-A, B-B and C-C
of Figure 10; and Figure 11 shows an illustration according to Figure 10 with the clamping body in a pronounced rotated position with respect to the conveying or haulage cable.
The coupling arrangement illustrated in Figures 1 to 3 contains a clamping body l, on which there is fastened a rod 11 which bears a transporting means, e.g. a cabin or a chair.
Also mounted on the clamping body 1 are running rollers 12 and 13, by means of which the clamping body 1 is guided along rails 12a and 13a in the stations of the cableway system. The clamping body 1 is designed with a clamping device 2, which has a rigidly fastened clamping jaw 15 and an adjustable clamping jaw 25.
The clamping device 2 also contains a spring-energy store, which is likewise fastened on the clamping body 1, is in the form of a torsion spring 3 and on which a first lever 21 is fastened, a second lever 22 being articulated at the free end of said first lever. The other end of the second lever 22 is mounted in a bearing 22a of a clamping lever 23, which, for its part, is mounted in a bearing 23a on the clamping device 2. The two levers 21 and 22 form a toggle-lever joint which acts between the torsion spring 3 and the clamping lever 23.
That end of the clamping lever 23 which is on the left in the drawing is designed as a second clamping jaw 25, which can be adjusted by pivoting of the clamping lever 23 by means of a control roller 24, said clamping jaw being retained in the relevant position by means of the torsion spring 3. The other end of the clamping lever 23 is designed with the control roller 24, which runs on control rails 24a in the stations of the cableway system, as a result of which the clamping lever 23 is pivoted such that the adjustable clamping jaw 25 passes respectively into the other position in which it is retained by the torsion spring 3.
Figure 1 illustrates that position of the clamping device 2 in which the adjustable clamping jaw 25 is located in its closed position, the clamping body 1 being coupled to a cable 5. In this case, the articulation point 21a of the two levers 21 and 22 of the toggle-lever joint is located between the torsion spring 3 and that line which joins the bearing 23a of the -clamping lever 23 on the clamping body 1 and the bearing 22a of the second lever 22 on the clamping lever 23. Since the first lever 21 of the toggle-lever joint is forced to pivot in the direction of the arrow D by the torsion spring 3, this forces the clamping lever 23 in the direction of the arrow E.
As a result, the adjustable clamping jaw 25 passes into the closed position and is retained in this position. The closure force necessary for this purpose is applied by the torsion spring 3.
As soon as the coupling arrangement runs into a station of the cableway system, the running rollers 12 and 13 rolling along rails 12a and 13a, the control roller 24 runs onto the control rail 24a, as a result of which the clamping lever 23 is pivoted counter to the action of the torsion spring 3, counter to the direction of the arrow E, toward the open position of the adjustable clamping jaw 25. This pivoting of the clamping lever 23 means that the latter passes, beyond the dead-center position, into the open position of the clamping jaw 25, in which it is retained by the torsion spring 3. The control roller 24 runs along a control rail 24b in this case.
Figure 1a, furthermore, illustrates one of the acceleration and deceleration wheels 6 which are located in the stations and interact with a friction plate 9, which is also provided on the clamping body 1. Consequently, in the stations, there is a reduction in the speed of the transporting means -uncoupled from the cable 5, as a result of which the passengers can alight from or get into, or onto, said transporting means, and/or the speed of the transporting means is increased to such an extent that said transporting means can be coupled to the cable 5 again.
_g_ It can be seen from Figure 2 that the clamping lever 23 and the adjustable clamping jaw 25 are of fork-like design, it being the case that the length of the adjustable clamping jaw 25, as measured in the direction of the conveying or haulage cable 5, is at least approximately five times the diameter of the cable 5.
As can be seen from Figure 3, the adjustable clamping jaw 25 has, on one side, a clamping surface 26 which, when the clamping body 1 is aligned parallel to the cable 5, bears against the cable 5 over its entire length. Furthermore, laterally outside the fixed clamping jaw 15, the adjustable clamping jaw 25 is designed with two continuations 27, which form two stop surfaces 28 on the side which is located opposite the clamping surface 26, in relation to the cable 5.
Accordingly, the adjustable clamping jaw 25 is designed with two approximately semicircular recesses, of which the diameter is somewhat greater than the diameter of the cable 5, and which extend over an angle of approximately 200°. The inside width of said recesses is approximately 20o greater than the diameter of the cable 5.
The functioning of the adjustable clamping jaw 25 is explained hereinbelow with reference to Figures 4 and 5:
If, e.g. as a result of strong winds, the transporting means coupled to the conveying or haulage cable 5 is rotated with respect to the cable 5 in the direction of the arrow G, about an axis aligned transversely with respect to the cable 5, this causes the clamping body 1 to assume an angled position with respect to the cable 5. As a result, the cable 5, which bears against the region 16a of the clamping surface 16, said region being located at one of the two ends of the fixed clamping jaw 15, exerts on that end of the adjustable clamping jaw 25 which is remote from the aforementioned end, in the region 26a of the clamping surface 26 of the clamping jaw 25, a force Fl which is opposed to the closure force of the spring-energy store 3, as a result of which the adjustable clamping jaw 25 is moved, counter to the direction of the arrow E, toward its open position. If, in this case, the dead-center position of the clamping lever 23 were to be exceeded, the adjustable clamping jaw 25 would pass into its open position, in which it would be retained by the spring-energy store 3.
In order for it to be possible to rule out this adjustment movement, the adjustable clamping jaw 25 is designed, on the side which is located opposite the clamping surface 26, in relation to the cable 5, with two continuations 27, which form stop surfaces 28 on that side of the clamping jaw 25 which is located opposite the clamping surface 26. When the clamping body 1 and the cable 5 are aligned parallel to one another, said stop surfaces 28 are located at a distance from the cable 5. If, however, the clamping body 1 is rotated about an axis aligned transversely with respect to the cable 5, as a result of which the adjustable clamping jaw 25 is adjusted, the stop surface 28 located respectively at the other end of the clamping jaw 25 comes to bear against the cable 5. As a result, on the one hand, the cable 5 exerts on the adjustable clamping jaw 25, via the region 26a of the clamping surface 26, a force F1 which acts in the direction of the open position of the adjustable clamping jaw 25. On the other hand, the cable 5 exerts on the adjustable clamping jaw 25, via the obliquely opposite stop surface 28, a force F2 which is of equal magnitude and acts in the opposite direction, this preventing further adjustment of the clamping jaw 25.
This ensures that, even in the event of unfavorable operational conditions for the cableway system, the adjustable clamping jaw 25 is always retained in its closed position since the forces which are exerted on the adjustable clamping jaw 25 by the cable 5 and act in opposite directions mean that the dead-center position of the clamping lever 23 can never be reached.
Figures 6 to 9c illustrate the possible positions which the clamping device can assume in its closed position with respect to the conveying and haulage cable 5:
Figures 6, 6a and 6b illustrate the position in which the clamping device is aligned parallel to the cable 5. In this .case, the entire clamping surface 26 of the adjustable clamping jaw 25 and the entire clamping surface 16 of the fixed clamping jaw 15 bear closely against the cable 5. In contrast, the stop surfaces 28 of the continuations 27 of the adjustable clamping jaw 25 are located at a distance from the cable 5. In Figure 6, the sum of the lengths of the stop surfaces 28 of one of the clamping jaws 25 and of the clamping surface 16 of the other clamping jaw 15 is equal to the length of the clamping surface 26 of the one clamping jaw 25.
Figures 7, 7a, 7b and 7c illustrate a first rotated position of the clamping jaws 15 and 25 with respect to the cable 5. In this case, the cable 5 bears against the clamping surface 26 of the adjustable clamping jaw 25 just in one region 26a and, at the other end of the clamping device, the cable 5 bears against the clamping surface 16 of the fixed clamping jaw 15 just in one region 16a, the adjacent stop surface 28 being very close to the cable 5.
Figures 8, 8a, 8b and 8c illustrate the position which is assumed with respect to the cable 5 when the clamping body is rotated further. In this case, the cable 5 comes to bear against one of the two stop surfaces 28, this preventing further pivoting of the clamping lever 23.
Figures 9, 9a, 9b and 9c, furthermore, illustrate that, when the clamping body 1 rotates further, this rotation is transmitted to the conveying or haulage cable 5.
Figures 10, 10a, lOb and lOc illustrate an alternative embodiment of a coupling arrangement according to the invention. In this case, the clamping jaw 15a, which is fastened rigidly on the clamping body and is of fork-like design, is designed on the opposite side, in relation to the conveying or supporting cable 5, with two continuations 17, of which the inner surfaces act as stop surfaces 18 for the cable 5. In contrast, the adjustable, second clamping jaw 25a is located between the two continuations 17 of the rigidly fastened clamping jaw 15a. In this case, the rigidly fastened clamping jaw 15a is designed in the same way as has been explained for the adjustable clamping jaw with reference to Figure 3.
As can be seen from Figure 10, the cable 5 is located at a distance from the stop surfaces 18 of the rigidly fastened clamping jaw 15a as long as the transporting means and thus the clamping body are not rotated with respect to the cable 5.
However, as soon as the clamping body is rotated with respect to the cable 5 about an axis aligned transversely with respect to the cable 5, the adjustable clamping jaw 25a is adjusted in the direction of its open position until such time as the cable 5 comes to bear against one of the stop surfaces 18, as a result of which the clamping jaw 25a cannot be adjusted any further. This likewise reliably rules out adjustment of the clamping jaw 25a into its open position.
This thus provides a coupling arrangement which ensures that the operation of the clamping lever pivoting out of the closed position of the adjustable clamping jaw is brought about ~
exclusively by the control roller rolling along control rails, as a result of which the necessary functional reliability of the coupling arrangement is ensured in any given operational conditions.
Instead of a torsion spring, it is also possible to provide some other spring structure as the spring-energy store.
According to a further preferred embodiment, the sum of the lengths of the stop surfaces of one of the two clamping jaws and the clamping surface of the other clamping jaw is equal to the length of the clamping surface of one clamping jaw.
Coupling arrangements according to the invention are explained in more detail hereinbelow with reference to two exemplary embodiments illustrated in the drawing, in which:
Figure 1 shows a side view of a first embodiment of a coupling arrangement according to the invention, the adjustable clamping jaw being located in its closed position;
Figure la shows a side view of the coupling arrangement according to Figure l, the adjustable clamping jaw being located in its open position;
Figure 2 shows a plan view of the coupling arrangement according to Figure l;
Figure 3 shows a side view of the clamping lever of said coupling arrangement;
Figure 4 shows, in horizontal section, a broken-away illustration of the two clamping jaws of this coupling arrangement according to the invention in interaction with the conveying or haulage cable, with the adjustable clamping jaw being located in the closed position and with the clamping body in a rotated position with respect to the conveying or haulage cable;
Figure 5 shows a plan view of said coupling arrangement with the adjustable clamping jaw being located in the closed position and with the clamping body in a rotated position;
Figures 6 to 9 show, in horizontal section in each case, illustrations according to Figure 4 with the clamping body in different rotated positions with respect to the conveying or haulage cable;
Figures 6a, 6b to 9a, 9b, 9c show the sections along lines A-A, B-B and C-C of Figures 6 to 9;
Figure 10 shows, in horizontal section, a broken-away illustration of a second embodiment of a coupling arrangement according to the invention;
Figures 10a, 10b and lOc show the coupling arrangement according to Figure 10 in section along lines A-A, B-B and C-C
of Figure 10; and Figure 11 shows an illustration according to Figure 10 with the clamping body in a pronounced rotated position with respect to the conveying or haulage cable.
The coupling arrangement illustrated in Figures 1 to 3 contains a clamping body l, on which there is fastened a rod 11 which bears a transporting means, e.g. a cabin or a chair.
Also mounted on the clamping body 1 are running rollers 12 and 13, by means of which the clamping body 1 is guided along rails 12a and 13a in the stations of the cableway system. The clamping body 1 is designed with a clamping device 2, which has a rigidly fastened clamping jaw 15 and an adjustable clamping jaw 25.
The clamping device 2 also contains a spring-energy store, which is likewise fastened on the clamping body 1, is in the form of a torsion spring 3 and on which a first lever 21 is fastened, a second lever 22 being articulated at the free end of said first lever. The other end of the second lever 22 is mounted in a bearing 22a of a clamping lever 23, which, for its part, is mounted in a bearing 23a on the clamping device 2. The two levers 21 and 22 form a toggle-lever joint which acts between the torsion spring 3 and the clamping lever 23.
That end of the clamping lever 23 which is on the left in the drawing is designed as a second clamping jaw 25, which can be adjusted by pivoting of the clamping lever 23 by means of a control roller 24, said clamping jaw being retained in the relevant position by means of the torsion spring 3. The other end of the clamping lever 23 is designed with the control roller 24, which runs on control rails 24a in the stations of the cableway system, as a result of which the clamping lever 23 is pivoted such that the adjustable clamping jaw 25 passes respectively into the other position in which it is retained by the torsion spring 3.
Figure 1 illustrates that position of the clamping device 2 in which the adjustable clamping jaw 25 is located in its closed position, the clamping body 1 being coupled to a cable 5. In this case, the articulation point 21a of the two levers 21 and 22 of the toggle-lever joint is located between the torsion spring 3 and that line which joins the bearing 23a of the -clamping lever 23 on the clamping body 1 and the bearing 22a of the second lever 22 on the clamping lever 23. Since the first lever 21 of the toggle-lever joint is forced to pivot in the direction of the arrow D by the torsion spring 3, this forces the clamping lever 23 in the direction of the arrow E.
As a result, the adjustable clamping jaw 25 passes into the closed position and is retained in this position. The closure force necessary for this purpose is applied by the torsion spring 3.
As soon as the coupling arrangement runs into a station of the cableway system, the running rollers 12 and 13 rolling along rails 12a and 13a, the control roller 24 runs onto the control rail 24a, as a result of which the clamping lever 23 is pivoted counter to the action of the torsion spring 3, counter to the direction of the arrow E, toward the open position of the adjustable clamping jaw 25. This pivoting of the clamping lever 23 means that the latter passes, beyond the dead-center position, into the open position of the clamping jaw 25, in which it is retained by the torsion spring 3. The control roller 24 runs along a control rail 24b in this case.
Figure 1a, furthermore, illustrates one of the acceleration and deceleration wheels 6 which are located in the stations and interact with a friction plate 9, which is also provided on the clamping body 1. Consequently, in the stations, there is a reduction in the speed of the transporting means -uncoupled from the cable 5, as a result of which the passengers can alight from or get into, or onto, said transporting means, and/or the speed of the transporting means is increased to such an extent that said transporting means can be coupled to the cable 5 again.
_g_ It can be seen from Figure 2 that the clamping lever 23 and the adjustable clamping jaw 25 are of fork-like design, it being the case that the length of the adjustable clamping jaw 25, as measured in the direction of the conveying or haulage cable 5, is at least approximately five times the diameter of the cable 5.
As can be seen from Figure 3, the adjustable clamping jaw 25 has, on one side, a clamping surface 26 which, when the clamping body 1 is aligned parallel to the cable 5, bears against the cable 5 over its entire length. Furthermore, laterally outside the fixed clamping jaw 15, the adjustable clamping jaw 25 is designed with two continuations 27, which form two stop surfaces 28 on the side which is located opposite the clamping surface 26, in relation to the cable 5.
Accordingly, the adjustable clamping jaw 25 is designed with two approximately semicircular recesses, of which the diameter is somewhat greater than the diameter of the cable 5, and which extend over an angle of approximately 200°. The inside width of said recesses is approximately 20o greater than the diameter of the cable 5.
The functioning of the adjustable clamping jaw 25 is explained hereinbelow with reference to Figures 4 and 5:
If, e.g. as a result of strong winds, the transporting means coupled to the conveying or haulage cable 5 is rotated with respect to the cable 5 in the direction of the arrow G, about an axis aligned transversely with respect to the cable 5, this causes the clamping body 1 to assume an angled position with respect to the cable 5. As a result, the cable 5, which bears against the region 16a of the clamping surface 16, said region being located at one of the two ends of the fixed clamping jaw 15, exerts on that end of the adjustable clamping jaw 25 which is remote from the aforementioned end, in the region 26a of the clamping surface 26 of the clamping jaw 25, a force Fl which is opposed to the closure force of the spring-energy store 3, as a result of which the adjustable clamping jaw 25 is moved, counter to the direction of the arrow E, toward its open position. If, in this case, the dead-center position of the clamping lever 23 were to be exceeded, the adjustable clamping jaw 25 would pass into its open position, in which it would be retained by the spring-energy store 3.
In order for it to be possible to rule out this adjustment movement, the adjustable clamping jaw 25 is designed, on the side which is located opposite the clamping surface 26, in relation to the cable 5, with two continuations 27, which form stop surfaces 28 on that side of the clamping jaw 25 which is located opposite the clamping surface 26. When the clamping body 1 and the cable 5 are aligned parallel to one another, said stop surfaces 28 are located at a distance from the cable 5. If, however, the clamping body 1 is rotated about an axis aligned transversely with respect to the cable 5, as a result of which the adjustable clamping jaw 25 is adjusted, the stop surface 28 located respectively at the other end of the clamping jaw 25 comes to bear against the cable 5. As a result, on the one hand, the cable 5 exerts on the adjustable clamping jaw 25, via the region 26a of the clamping surface 26, a force F1 which acts in the direction of the open position of the adjustable clamping jaw 25. On the other hand, the cable 5 exerts on the adjustable clamping jaw 25, via the obliquely opposite stop surface 28, a force F2 which is of equal magnitude and acts in the opposite direction, this preventing further adjustment of the clamping jaw 25.
This ensures that, even in the event of unfavorable operational conditions for the cableway system, the adjustable clamping jaw 25 is always retained in its closed position since the forces which are exerted on the adjustable clamping jaw 25 by the cable 5 and act in opposite directions mean that the dead-center position of the clamping lever 23 can never be reached.
Figures 6 to 9c illustrate the possible positions which the clamping device can assume in its closed position with respect to the conveying and haulage cable 5:
Figures 6, 6a and 6b illustrate the position in which the clamping device is aligned parallel to the cable 5. In this .case, the entire clamping surface 26 of the adjustable clamping jaw 25 and the entire clamping surface 16 of the fixed clamping jaw 15 bear closely against the cable 5. In contrast, the stop surfaces 28 of the continuations 27 of the adjustable clamping jaw 25 are located at a distance from the cable 5. In Figure 6, the sum of the lengths of the stop surfaces 28 of one of the clamping jaws 25 and of the clamping surface 16 of the other clamping jaw 15 is equal to the length of the clamping surface 26 of the one clamping jaw 25.
Figures 7, 7a, 7b and 7c illustrate a first rotated position of the clamping jaws 15 and 25 with respect to the cable 5. In this case, the cable 5 bears against the clamping surface 26 of the adjustable clamping jaw 25 just in one region 26a and, at the other end of the clamping device, the cable 5 bears against the clamping surface 16 of the fixed clamping jaw 15 just in one region 16a, the adjacent stop surface 28 being very close to the cable 5.
Figures 8, 8a, 8b and 8c illustrate the position which is assumed with respect to the cable 5 when the clamping body is rotated further. In this case, the cable 5 comes to bear against one of the two stop surfaces 28, this preventing further pivoting of the clamping lever 23.
Figures 9, 9a, 9b and 9c, furthermore, illustrate that, when the clamping body 1 rotates further, this rotation is transmitted to the conveying or haulage cable 5.
Figures 10, 10a, lOb and lOc illustrate an alternative embodiment of a coupling arrangement according to the invention. In this case, the clamping jaw 15a, which is fastened rigidly on the clamping body and is of fork-like design, is designed on the opposite side, in relation to the conveying or supporting cable 5, with two continuations 17, of which the inner surfaces act as stop surfaces 18 for the cable 5. In contrast, the adjustable, second clamping jaw 25a is located between the two continuations 17 of the rigidly fastened clamping jaw 15a. In this case, the rigidly fastened clamping jaw 15a is designed in the same way as has been explained for the adjustable clamping jaw with reference to Figure 3.
As can be seen from Figure 10, the cable 5 is located at a distance from the stop surfaces 18 of the rigidly fastened clamping jaw 15a as long as the transporting means and thus the clamping body are not rotated with respect to the cable 5.
However, as soon as the clamping body is rotated with respect to the cable 5 about an axis aligned transversely with respect to the cable 5, the adjustable clamping jaw 25a is adjusted in the direction of its open position until such time as the cable 5 comes to bear against one of the stop surfaces 18, as a result of which the clamping jaw 25a cannot be adjusted any further. This likewise reliably rules out adjustment of the clamping jaw 25a into its open position.
This thus provides a coupling arrangement which ensures that the operation of the clamping lever pivoting out of the closed position of the adjustable clamping jaw is brought about ~
exclusively by the control roller rolling along control rails, as a result of which the necessary functional reliability of the coupling arrangement is ensured in any given operational conditions.
Instead of a torsion spring, it is also possible to provide some other spring structure as the spring-energy store.
Claims (12)
1. A device for coupling travelling stock to the hauling or traction cable of an aerial cableway installation, comprising a clamping member provided with rollers, which clamping member comprises a first clamping jaw attached rigidly to the clamping member and a second clamping jaw adjustable relative to the first clamping jaw, the second clamping jaw being located on a clamping lever, on which there is additionally provided a control element interacting with control rails, by means of which control element the clamping lever may be adjusted with respect to the clamping member against the action of at least one spring energy store, whereupon the clamping lever is held by means of the spring energy store in one of two top dead centre positions, wherein each of said first and second clamping jaws has a clamping face for engaging the cable and at least one of said first and second clamping jaws comprises at least one stop face lying opposite its clamping face with regard to the cable, against which stop face the cable comes to lie in the event of twisting of the clamping member about an axis oriented perpendicularly to the cable.
2. A device according to claim 1, wherein said travelling stock is a car or a chair.
3. A device according to claim 1 or 2 wherein said control element comprises a control roller.
4. A device according to claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein said at least one spring energy store comprises a torsion spring.
5. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the second clamping jaw comprises a stop face lying opposite the clamping face with regard to the cable.
6. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the second clamping jaw comprises at least one extension each side of the first clamping jaw when viewed along an axis oriented parallel to the direction of the cable.
7. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first clamping jaw comprises said at least one stop face lying opposite the clamping face with regard to the cable.
8. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 4 and 7 wherein a first clamping jaw comprises at least one extension each side of the second clamping jaw when viewed along an axis oriented parallel to the direction of the cable, by means of each of which extensions a stop face is formed for the cable.
9. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein one of the clamping jaws comprises at least one approximately semicircular recess for accommodating the cable, the diameter of which recess is somewhat larger than the diameter of the cable and which extends over more than 180°, the clamping face and the at least one stop face being formed by the inner surfaces of this recess.
10. A device according to claim 9, wherein the recess extends over an angle of approximately 200°.
11. A device according to any one of claims 9 and 10, wherein the internal width of the recess is approximately 20% larger than the diameter of the cable.
12. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the sum of the length of the stop faces of one of the clamping jaws and the length of the clamping face of the other clamping jaw is equal to the length of the clamping face of said one of the clamping jaws.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| ATA31/98 | 1998-01-13 | ||
| AT0003198A AT405389B (en) | 1998-01-13 | 1998-01-13 | DEVICE FOR COUPLING A VEHICLE TO THE CONVEYOR TOW ROPE OF A CABLE CAR |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2255419A1 CA2255419A1 (en) | 1999-07-13 |
| CA2255419C true CA2255419C (en) | 2005-09-13 |
Family
ID=3479706
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002255419A Expired - Fee Related CA2255419C (en) | 1998-01-13 | 1998-12-11 | Arrangement for coupling a transporting means, e.g. a cabin or a chair, to the conveying or haulage cable of a cableway system |
Country Status (7)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP0928731B1 (en) |
| JP (1) | JP3776609B2 (en) |
| CN (1) | CN1094849C (en) |
| AT (2) | AT405389B (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2255419C (en) |
| DE (1) | DE59806713D1 (en) |
| ES (1) | ES2187919T3 (en) |
Families Citing this family (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US7527002B2 (en) * | 2004-07-07 | 2009-05-05 | Cwa Constructions S.A. | Cableway cabin |
| ITTO20121105A1 (en) * | 2012-12-19 | 2014-06-20 | Dimensione Ingenierie S R L | MUSCLE CABLE DEVICE. |
| FR3013298B1 (en) | 2013-11-15 | 2017-08-25 | Philippe Berthet-Rambaud | DEVICE FOR ATTACHING A VEHICLE TO A DEVICE FOR DRIVING A TRANSPORT LINE |
| FR3037550B1 (en) * | 2015-06-18 | 2019-04-05 | Lst | COUPLING DEVICE FOR COUPLING A VEHICLE TO A TRACTOR CABLE OF A TRANSPORT FACILITY |
| WO2019007870A1 (en) * | 2017-07-04 | 2019-01-10 | Innova Patent Gmbh | Cableway and method for operating a cableway |
| IT201700103222A1 (en) * | 2017-09-15 | 2019-03-15 | Ferruccio Levi | HIGH-EFFICIENCY AUTOMATIC ENERGY-ACCUMULATION VESSEL FOR FUNCTIONAL SYSTEM |
Family Cites Families (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE1131718B (en) * | 1962-06-20 | Pohlig Ag J | Clamping device for the side mounting of the pull rope, especially for circulating cable cars | |
| US805464A (en) * | 1905-06-23 | 1905-11-28 | William Hewitt | Grip mechanism. |
| US4658733A (en) * | 1985-08-19 | 1987-04-21 | Kunczynski Jan K | Aerial tramway grip assembly |
| IT1187954B (en) * | 1986-02-21 | 1987-12-23 | Agudio Spa | DEVICE FOR THE AUTOMATIC CONNECTION OF A VEHICLE TO THE ROPE OR TO EACH OF THE TWO ROPES OF A CONTINUOUS MOTORCYCLE |
| AT404458B (en) * | 1993-03-30 | 1998-11-25 | Doppelmayr & Sohn | DEVICE FOR CONNECTING A VEHICLE OPERATING EQUIPMENT |
-
1998
- 1998-01-13 AT AT0003198A patent/AT405389B/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1998-08-27 AT AT98890254T patent/ATE229901T1/en active
- 1998-08-27 ES ES98890254T patent/ES2187919T3/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1998-08-27 DE DE59806713T patent/DE59806713D1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1998-08-27 EP EP98890254A patent/EP0928731B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1998-11-25 CN CN98124866A patent/CN1094849C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1998-12-01 JP JP34189998A patent/JP3776609B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1998-12-11 CA CA002255419A patent/CA2255419C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| EP0928731B1 (en) | 2002-12-18 |
| DE59806713D1 (en) | 2003-01-30 |
| CN1094849C (en) | 2002-11-27 |
| ATA3198A (en) | 1998-12-15 |
| ATE229901T1 (en) | 2003-01-15 |
| CA2255419A1 (en) | 1999-07-13 |
| AT405389B (en) | 1999-07-26 |
| EP0928731A1 (en) | 1999-07-14 |
| CN1223211A (en) | 1999-07-21 |
| JP3776609B2 (en) | 2006-05-17 |
| JPH11278252A (en) | 1999-10-12 |
| ES2187919T3 (en) | 2003-06-16 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKLA | Lapsed |
Effective date: 20181211 |