EP3221199B1 - Aerial cableway system - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a cable car system with at least two stations, between which driving means, in particular cabins are rope-driven mobile, wherein in the stations an entry area for passengers in driving equipment and an exit area is provided from driving resources, with a sensor that enters from a entering into a station Driving resources is controllable and with a controller that is controlled by the sensor.

A similar cable car facility is out of the EP 0 736 434 A2 known.

Cableway installations, for example gondola installations or chairlift installations, have in one station an exit area and an access area for passengers to be transported. When a driving resource, such as a cabin or an armchair, enters a station, the exit area and then the boarding area are traversed first. If necessary, a deflection region can be provided between the exit area and the entry area in order to change the direction of travel of the travel operating means.

In a cable car system with continuously circulating driving resources, the passengers in the stations in the designated areas from the driving equipment must get off and get into this, while the driving resources continue to move. It must therefore be ensured that it is possible for passengers to get in and out of the vehicle within the time frame within which the vehicle is moving through the exit or entry area.

In the previously known cableway systems of this type, it can be problematic that there is an indeterminate and essentially uncontrolled number of passengers in the boarding area. If this number of passengers exceeds the maximum possible number of passengers for a driving resource, uncertainties may arise as to which passenger can get on the driving resource and which passenger is on the next driving resource has to wait. As a result, on the one hand, there is the risk that there will be a large influx of passengers to a driving resource, which may pose a potential risk to passengers. On the other hand, this can lead to that driving resources are understaffed even in heavy passenger traffic.

The invention is based on the object to provide a cable car system available, which better coordinates the boarding of passengers in the driving resources.

This object is achieved according to the invention with a cable car system, which has the features of claim 1.

Preferred and advantageous embodiments of the invention are subject of the dependent claims.

According to the invention, at least one delimited area arranged in the station is provided with a first boundary and a second boundary seen in the direction of access to the driving resource. In order to ensure that passengers can enter the restricted area only when it is empty, it is provided that the first boundary for entering the demarcated area is only open when the second boundary for leaving the demarcated area is closed. In order to ensure that passengers do not enter the entry area in an improper manner, it is provided that the second boundary for leaving the delimited area is only open when the first boundary for entering the demarcated area is closed.

The term "open" in the context of the invention means both mechanically open, as well as that a passage is permitted by corresponding, for example optical signals. The term "closed" in the context of the invention means both mechanically closed, and that by passage, for example, optical signals, a passage is not permitted.

Thus, it can be achieved that avoids an excess of passengers in the entry area and increases safety in the entry area and a understaffing of the driving resources is avoided. In particular, it is clear which passengers can and do not enter an approaching vehicle.

Retracting into the station in the context of the invention means that a driving means in the area in front of the station moves towards the station, as well as that a driving means moves in from the area in front of the station in the station, and that a vehicle within the Station moved to the entry area for the passengers.

The driving means, which may be rope-towed with a carrying and / or hoisting rope, are in the context of the invention preferably cabins or chairs of a chairlift, in particular cabins. More particularly, the invention relates to detachable webs in which the driving resources in the station are decoupled from the hoisting rope and conveyed through the station at a slower speed.

In the context of the invention, the driving means may each comprise an information transmitter which controls the sensor, or the driving means may trigger an information transmitter arranged in particular in the region of a station, which controls the sensor.

In order to ensure the fastest possible and safe operation in the boarding area, it is provided in a preferred embodiment that the sensor is arranged in the direction of travel of the driving means before the entry area in the driving resources, for example, the entry area of a driving resource is assigned to a station.

Advantageously, the controller may comprise a timer, so that the limit after a predetermined period of time after the activation of the sensor by a Driving means allows the passage of a predetermined number of individual passengers. In order to be able to control the filling of the delimited area in the event of a fault, it is advantageously provided that the time span can be changed depending on the current speed of the driving resources in and / or by the station.

In order to ensure the fastest and safest possible flow in the boarding area, it is provided in a preferred embodiment that the delimited area is assigned to the boarding area, in particular arranged upstream of the boarding area.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the boundary for entering the demarcated area is a person-singling facility, in particular a turnstile. A passenger singulator is a device that allows the passage of only a single passenger. Within the scope of the invention, a person-separating system can also be understood to mean a device which does not act mechanically, such as an optical display device, as defined below.

In the context of the invention, the second boundary for leaving the delimited area may be a mechanical barrier and / or a display device which gives information about when the passengers are allowed to leave the demarcated area. The barrier indicates as intended that passengers may leave the demarcated area, in particular if the vehicle has reached the boarding area or is about to reach the boarding area.

The (optical) barrier can be, for example, a display, in particular a screen, on which security-relevant information is reproduced. The (optical) barrier may also be a projector which, for example, projects "STOP" or "GO" or the like onto an area visible from the passengers in the demarcated area. The safety device may also be a traffic light provided with a traffic light system, for example in the form of lightbars, where the color "red" means that the demarcated area must not yet be left, and the color "green" means that the demarcated area is left may. If necessary, the color "yellow" can be used, which may mean that passengers may soon leave the demarcated area.

Barriers may be provided to the side of the demarcated area to form a clearly defined area that can not be accessed improperly. The size of this demarcated area is preferably designed for the maximum number of passengers for a vehicle.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention it is provided that the sensor controls the control of the second boundary to leave the delimited area and that the first boundary for entering the demarcated area can be controlled by the control of the second boundary to leave the demarcated area.

Alternatively, it can be provided that the first boundary for entering the demarcated area can be controlled by a further sensor, which can be controlled by a driving resource entering the access area, or by a further time switching element.

Within the scope of the invention, it is preferred if the first boundary for entering the delimited area is closed before it is activated.

Within the scope of the invention, it is preferred if the first boundary for entering the delimited area is closed after reaching the predetermined number of passes until the next activation by the sensor.

In one embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the control of the first boundary for entering the demarcated area comprises a counter as well as a memory in which a predetermined number of passengers are stored for a driving resource. Thus, it can be achieved that the appropriate number of passengers is provided for each vehicle, which increases safety in the boarding area.

In particular, it can be provided within the scope of the invention that the passage of a predetermined number of individual passengers through the first boundary is permitted to enter the demarcated area before the driving resource reaches the entry area. Thus, it is ensured that the desired number of passengers in the demarcated area is gathered when the driving resource reaches the boarding area.

In a further, preferred embodiment it is provided that a predetermined number of passes of individual passengers is permitted by the first boundary for entering the demarcated area after activation, which corresponds at most to the number of passengers allowed for the driving equipment.

Within the scope of the invention, for example, a first station and a second station, in particular a valley station and a mountain station, may be provided, wherein further at least one intermediate station may be provided. The ropeway installations or stations can not only be parked in open terrain, e.g. be located in ski resorts or theme parks, but also in urban areas. In the context of the invention, the cable-drawn driving means can be used in an air as well as in a rail cable car.

It is thus possible that, for example, in the first station only the entry of a number of passengers is possible, this number does not correspond to the maximum possible number of passengers per vehicle driving. This ensures that additional passengers can board this means of transport in an intermediate station. If, for example, a cabin is provided for eight people, it can be ensured according to the invention that only four passengers can board the cabin in the first station so that an additional four passengers can enter this cabin in an intermediate station or only every second vehicle, for example is occupied.

It can be a display on which the predetermined number and the number of currently located in the demarcated area passengers is displayed, be provided.

In the context of the invention, one or more, preferably two, side by side arranged person separation systems can be provided as the first boundary to enter the demarcated area, which are driven, for example, alternately. In the context of the invention, two or more juxtaposed, delimited areas can be provided, which are driven, for example, alternately.

According to the invention, a method for operating a cable car installation according to claim 1 can be provided. The features described for the cable car system can also be implemented as process features.

Further details, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments are shown.

• Fig. 1 eine erfindungsgemäße Seilbahnanlage im Bereich einer Station und die
• Fig. 2 bis 5 einen abgegrenzten Bereich für Fahrgäste.

It shows:

• Fig. 1 an inventive cable car installation in the area of a station and the
• Fig. 2 to 5 a defined area for passengers.

In Fig. 1 a cable car system is shown in the area of a station, wherein the driving resources are 1 cabins. The cabins 1 and the guidance or the drive of the cabins can be designed as known from the prior art. The cabins 1 travel in the direction of travel 2 in the station, where they are deflected in a deflection area 3 and drive in the direction of travel 4 from the station. Before the deflection area 3 an exit area 5 is provided for the passengers. When deflection 3 an entry area 6 is provided for the passengers.

In the direction of travel 2 of the vehicle 1 seen in front of the boarding area 6, in the illustrated embodiment in the entrance area of a driving resource 1 in the station, a sensor 7 is arranged, which is driven by a vehicle 1 entering the station. Subsequent to the access area 6, two delimited areas 8 are arranged for passengers. As seen in the direction of access to the driving equipment 1, the delimited areas 8 each have a first boundary 9 for entering the delimited area 8 in the form of two turnstiles 10 arranged next to one another. The delimited areas 8 each have a second boundary 11 for leaving the demarcated area 8, which in the Fig. 2 to 5 are better visible. The second boundary 11 for leaving the demarcated area 8 is a traffic light provided with a traffic light system 13, wherein the color "red" means that the delimited area may not yet be left, and the color "green" means that the demarcated Area 8 may be left. Optionally, the color "yellow" may be used, which may mean that passengers may soon leave the demarcated area 8. Side barriers 12 are provided.

When a driving means 1 entering the station drives the sensor 7, the sensor 7 controls a control of the first limit 11 to leave the restricted area 8, whereby the second limit 11 for leaving the restricted area 8 is opened after a certain period of time has elapsed and indicates the color "green". In the demarcated Area 8 people can now enter the boarding area 6. While the first boundary 11 is open to leave the demarcated area 8, the second boundary 9 for entering the demarcated area 8 is closed in order to prevent inadvertently other passengers from getting into the access area 6.

After a further period of time or when the passengers have left the delimited area 8, the second boundary 11 closes again to leave the delimited area 8, the color "red" being displayed and its control the first boundary 9 for entering the delimited area 8 opens. While the first boundary 9 is open for entering the delimited area 8, the second boundary 11 for leaving the delimited area 8 remains closed ("red").

A control of the turnstile has a counter and a memory in which a predetermined number of passengers for a driving means 1 is deposited. After control of the turnstiles by the control of the second boundary 11 to leave the delimited area 8, a predetermined number of individual passengers enter the demarcated area 8. When the predetermined number of passengers has entered the delimited area 8, the turnstiles are blocked again until the next activation by the sensor 7. The persons located in the demarcated area 8 remain in the demarcated area 8 until a new entering into the station driving means 1 controls the sensor 7, which controls the control of the boundary 11 to leave the demarcated area 8, whereby the limit 11 to leave the demarcated Area 8 is reopened after a certain period of time ("green").

In summary, an embodiment of the invention can be described as follows:
A cable car system has at least two stations, between which driving means 1, in particular cabins, are pulled by cable, with the stations in a Entry area 6 for passengers in driving equipment 1 and an exit area 5 is provided from driving resources 1, a sensor 7, which is controlled by a driving into a station driving means 1, at least one arranged in the station, by a first and a second boundary 9, 11th demarcated area 8, and a controller which is controlled by the sensor 7.

The first boundary 9 is open for entering the demarcated area 8 only when the second boundary 11 for leaving the demarcated area 8 is closed. The second boundary 11 for leaving the delimited area 8 is only opened when the first boundary 9 for entering the demarcated area 8 is closed.

Claims (13)

1. An aerial cableway system, comprising at least two stations between which vehicles (1), in particular cars, can travel as they are pulled by a cable, wherein a boarding area (6) for passengers to board the vehicles (1) and a deboarding area (5) for passengers to deboard the vehicles (1) are provided in the stations, comprising a sensor (7) which can be activated by a vehicle (1) entering a station, and comprising a controller which can be activated by the sensor (7), characterised in that at least one delimited area (8) arranged in the station and having a first and a second restrictor (9, 11), as seen in the direction of access towards the vehicle (1), is provided, in that the first restrictor (9) for access to the delimited area (8) is opened only when the second restrictor (11) for leaving the delimited area (8) is closed, and in that the second restrictor (11) for leaving the delimited area (8) is opened only when the first restrictor (9) for access to the delimited area (8) is closed.
2. The aerial cableway system according to claim 1, characterised in that the vehicles (1) each have an information transmitter configured to activate the sensor (7), or in that the vehicles (1) trigger an information transmitter which is situated in particular in the area of a station and which activates the sensor (7).
3. The aerial cableway system according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the sensor (7) is situated, as seen in the direction of travel (2) of the vehicles (1), upstream of the boarding area (6), for example is assigned to the entry area of a vehicle (1) into a station.
4. The aerial cableway system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the controller comprises a time-switch element so that at least one of the restrictors (9, 11) permits passage of a predefined number of individual passengers after a predefined period of time following the activation of the sensor (7) by a vehicle (1).
5. The aerial cableway system according to claim 4, characterised in that the period of time is variable depending on the current speed of the vehicles (1) into and/or through the station.
6. The aerial cableway system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the delimited area (8) is assigned to the boarding area (6) and in particular is situated upstream from the boarding area (6).
7. The aerial cableway system according to claim 1, characterised in that the first restrictor (9) for access to the delimited area (8) is a person-separating system, in particular a turnstile (10).
8. The aerial cableway system according to claim 1, characterised in that the second restrictor (11) for leaving the delimited area is a mechanical barrier and/or a display device providing information regarding when the passengers are permitted to exit from the delimited area, for example a display and/or a projector and/or a passage provided with a traffic-light system.
9. The aerial cableway system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterised in that the sensor (7) is configured to activate the controller of the second restrictor (11) for leaving the delimited area (8), and in that the first restrictor (9) for access to the delimited area (8) can be controlled by the controller of the second restrictor (11) for leaving the delimited area (8).
10. The aerial cableway system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterised in that the first restrictor (9) for access to the delimited area (8) can be controlled by a further sensor that can be controlled by a vehicle (1) entering the boarding area (6), or by a further time-switch element.
11. The aerial cableway system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterised in that a controller of the first restrictor (9) for access to the delimited area (8) comprises a counting device and a memory in which a predefined number of passengers for a vehicle (1) is stored.
12. The aerial cableway system according to claim 11, characterised in that, after activation, a predefined number of passages by individual passengers through the first restrictor (9) for access to the delimited area (8) is permitted, in particular in that the first restrictor (9) for access to the delimited area (8) is closed after the predefined number of passages has been reached, until the next activation.
13. The aerial cableway system according to any one of claims 4 to 12, characterised by a display, on which the predefined number of passengers and the number of passengers currently located in the delimited area are displayed.

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