EP3235702A1 - Facility and method for transport by overhead cable - Google Patents

Abstract

An overhead cable transport installation (2), comprising at least one seat (3) configured to be suspended from the overhead cable (2) and having a pivoting seat (5), a backrest (6) and a pivoting mechanism (10) for modifying the inclination of the seat (5) relative to the backrest (6), the installation comprising a triggering means (14) configured to cooperate with the pivoting mechanism (10) so as to control the pivoting of the seat seat (5), the triggering means (14) being movably mounted between a raising position (R1) in which the triggering means (14) controls a raising of the seat (5) towards the backrest (6) and a lowering position (A1) in which the trigger means (14) controls a lowering of the seat (5).

Description

Technical field of the invention

The invention relates to transport by aerial cable, and more particularly chairlifts.

State of the art

Chairlifts are overhead cable transport installations, including seats suspended from the cable. These chairlifts are generally used in the mountains because they are particularly suitable for winter sports, including skiing. In particular many seats are suspended from the cable to ensure a sufficiently high passenger flow. However, these seats are in the open air and when it snows, the seats of the seats are covered with snow, which weighs down the seats and can soak the seats thus making them uncomfortable when the passengers sit down.

Some chairlifts have seats equipped with swivel-mounted seats to raise the seats to protect them from snow and to reduce the snowpack retention area. For example, the Swiss patent CH543991 which discloses a chairlift whose seatbacks are foldable towards the seating, and the Austrian patent AT385961 which discloses a chairlift whose seats have backrests and swivel seats to close or open the seats. However, the user must close the seats by swiveling the seats and folders at each end of use, and open at the beginning of operation, which can be tedious.

The US patent application US2010 / 0083867 discloses a chairlift with seats equipped with seating that tilts slightly towards the rear of the seat so that passengers are wedged against the backrest to limit the risks online accident, that is to say to prevent as much as possible the passengers to fall from the seat after leaving the boarding station. In addition, the seats are provided with a guide roller that tilts the seat base when the roller is moved upward with a guide rail mounted in a specific area of the station. But this guide rail is only configured to slightly tilt the seats of the seats to protect the passengers. In addition, the seats remain accessible to passengers to allow them to sit on the seat, and can be covered with snow. It therefore does not protect the foundations of abundant snowfall.

The European patent application EP2792565 and the German utility model DE202013101506 disclose a chairlift comprising a seat having a backrest and an adjustable seat between a sitting position and a rest position in which the seat is parallel to the backrest, and an actuating device movable between a folded position to bring the seat into the seat. rest position and a horizontal position where it does not cooperate with the seat.

There is therefore a need to protect the seats from the weather in an automated manner.

Object of the invention

An object of the invention is to overcome these disadvantages, and more particularly to provide means to change the inclination of the seats of the seats of an aerial cable transport facility according to the needs in an automated manner.

According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided an overhead cable transport installation, comprising at least one seat configured to be suspended from the overhead cable and having a swivel seat, a backrest and a pivot mechanism for changing the inclination of the seat relative to the backrest, the installation comprising at least one triggering means configured to cooperate with the pivot mechanism so as to control the pivoting of the seat.

Said at least one triggering means is movably mounted between a bearing position in which said at least one triggering means controls a raising of the seat towards the backrest and a lowering position in which said at least one triggering means controls a lowering of the seat.

Thus, an installation is provided for which the seats of the seats can be raised automatically, which makes it possible to protect the seats from bad weather to improve the comfort of the passengers and to lighten the installation. Advantageously, a triggering means also makes it possible to operate the installation in normal condition, that is to say in which the seats are lowered so that the passengers can sit down. The triggering means is particularly suitable for raising and lowering the seats of the seats in an automated manner. This gives the user the opportunity to raise all the seats at the end of the day and to lower them all at the beginning of the day, from the same place of the installation, ie from the same site. triggering means. The triggering means is simple to use and requires a minimum of mechanical parts.

The pivoting mechanism may comprise a transmission element connected to the seat and movably mounted between a first position in which the transmission element raises the seat towards the backrest, and a second position in which the transmission element lowers. the seat.

According to one embodiment, the pivot mechanism comprises a transmission cable connecting the transmission element with the seat.

According to another embodiment, the pivoting mechanism comprises a motor connecting the transmission element with the seat.

According to one embodiment, said at least one triggering means comprises a cam provided with two opposite inclination surfaces so that in the raising position, a first surface brings the transmission element into the first position, and into position. lowering, a second surface brings the transmission element into the second position, the cam being mounted movable in translation between the raising and lowering positions.

According to another embodiment, said at least one triggering means comprises a rail provided with two opposite slopes, so that in the raising position a first slope brings the transmission element into the first position, and in the lowering position. a second slope brings the transmission element into the second position, the rail being rotatably mounted between the raising and lowering positions.

The installation may include a first passenger landing station with a first release device located in a seat exit area of the first station and occupying a bearing position, and a second passenger boarding station with a second means of disembarkation. trigger located in a seat entry region in the second station and occupying a lowering position.

This prevents snow accumulation on the seats of the seats that run between two stations and that do not include passengers, that is to say the seats that return to the boarding station.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of transport by aerial cable, comprising an installation having at least one seat configured to be suspended from the aerial cable and having a pivoting seat and a backrest.

The method comprises using at least one movably mounted triggering means to occupy a bearing position in which said at least one triggering means controls raising of the seat towards the backrest and to occupy a lowering position in which said at least one trigger means controls a lowering of the seat.

The facility may include a first passenger landing station with a seat exit area of the first station and a first means of release, and a second passenger boarding station with an area of entry of the seats in the second station and a second triggering means, and the seat is raised towards the backrest using the first triggering means when said at least one seat is moving in the exit region and is lowered the seat by means of the second triggering means when said at least one seat circulates in the input region.

Brief description of the drawings

• la figure 1, illustre schématiquement une vue latérale en perspective d'un mode de réalisation d'une installation de transport par câble selon l'invention où le moyen de déclenchement est dans une position d'abaissement ; et
• la figure 2, illustre schématiquement une vue latérale en perspective d'un mode de réalisation d'une installation de transport par câble où le moyen de déclenchement est dans une position de relèvement ;
• les figures 3 et 4, illustrent de façon schématique un mode de réalisation du moyen de déclenchement occupant respectivement une position de relèvement et une position d'abaissement ;
• les figures 5 et 6, illustrent de façon schématique un autre mode de réalisation du moyen de déclenchement occupant respectivement une position de relèvement et une position d'abaissement ; et
• les figures 7 à 10, illustrent schématiquement d'autres modes de réalisation de l'installation de transport par câble.

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

• the figure 1 , schematically illustrates a perspective side view of an embodiment of a cable transport installation according to the invention wherein the triggering means is in a lowering position; and
• the figure 2 , schematically illustrates a perspective side view of an embodiment of a cable transport facility where the triggering means is in a raising position;
• the Figures 3 and 4 , schematically illustrate an embodiment of the trigger means respectively occupying a raising position and a lowering position;
• the Figures 5 and 6 , schematically illustrate another embodiment of the trigger means respectively occupying a raising position and a lowering position; and
• the Figures 7 to 10 , schematically illustrate other embodiments of the cable transport installation.

detailed description

On the figure 1 there is shown an embodiment of a transport installation 1 by aerial cable 2. The installation 1 comprises at least one seat 3 configured to be suspended and towed by the cable 2, to carry passengers. Installation 1 is also called chairlift. The chairlift 1 generally has several seats 3, and the cable 2 is an aerial cable, that is to say that the seats 3 are suspended above the ground. There is only one seat 3 on the Figures 1 and 2 , for reasons of simplification. In addition, the cable 2 is preferably both tractor and carrier. The installation 1 generally comprises a station 4 for boarding and a station 40, as illustrated on the figure 7 , for the disembarkation of the passengers. At least one seat 3, and preferably each seat 3, comprises at least one seat 5 or even several seats 5 located next to each other, for seating a passenger. Generally speaking, a seat 3 has as many backrests 6 as seating 5, and a seat structure 7 on which the backrests 6 and the seats 5 are mounted. The seat 3 comprises a guard rail 8 pivotally mounted on the structure seat 7 to ensure the protection of the passengers sitting on the seat 3. Each seat 3 further comprises a clip 9 to suspend it to the cable 2. The clamps 9 can be fixed, and in this case the seats 3 are suspended permanently 2. Preferably, the clamps 9 are disengageable, and in this case the seats 3 are detachably hooked to the cable 2.

Moreover, at least one seat 3 comprises at least one seat 5 pivotally mounted on the seat structure 7, between a raised position R, as illustrated in FIG. figure 1 , in which the seat 5 is located against the backrest 6, and a lowered position A, as illustrated in FIG. figure 2 , wherein the seat 5 is away from the backrest 6 and allows a passenger to sit on the seat 5. Preferably, all seats 5 of a seat 3 are pivotally mounted. For example, all the seats 3 of the installation 1 each have their seats 5 pivotally mounted. In addition, each seat 3 comprises a pivoting mechanism 10 configured to change the inclination of at least one seat 5 relative to the backrest 6, and more particularly the inclination of all the seats 5 of the seat 3. More particularly, the seat pivoting mechanism 10 comprises a transmission element 11 connected to the swivel seat 5. In addition, the transmission element 11 is movably mounted on the seat structure 7, between a first position P in which the transmission element 11 raises the seat 5 in the direction of the backrest 6, and a second position Q in which the transmission element 11 lowers the seat 5. Here is meant by raising, the fact that the seat 5 is directed upwards, in particularly to the backrest 6, to be in contact with the backrest 6 or leaving a narrow space between the backrest 6 and the seat 5 so as to reduce the volume between the seat 5 and the backrest 6 to limit accumulation of snow on the 5. More particularly, in the raised position R of the seat 5, the distance between the backrest 6 of an anterior edge of the seat 5 is less than half the length of the seat 5. In part other words, in the raised position R, a passenger can not sit on the seat 5. Conversely, it is meant by lowering, the fact that the seat 5 and directed downwards, in other words the seat 5 is away from the folder 6 to occupy its original position, said normal operating position.

For example, the transmission element 11 is rotatably mounted on the structure 7 about an axis X perpendicular to the direction Y of displacement of the seat 3. The transmission element 11 may be a fixed mounted roller, or movable, on a movably mounted arm on the seat structure 7. In general, the seat pivoting 5 is mounted on the seat structure 7 by a pivot connection 13. For example, the seat 5 comprises a pivot shaft rotatably mounted about an axis perpendicular to the Y direction. The pivoting of the seat 5 can to be realized in different ways. For example, the pivot mechanism 10 comprises a drive system, not shown for purposes of simplification, which causes the seat 5 to pivot relative to the backrest 6 as a function of the position of the transmission element 11. The drive system may include a gear system formed by a set of gears. Alternatively, the drive system comprises a set of smooth wheels and belts, or a combination of smooth and toothed wheels. In particular, the drive system is connected to the pivot shaft to pivot the seat 5. The transmission element 11 can be connected to the drive system via an arm 11a rotatably mounted around of the X axis, as shown in Figures 8 and 9 . In this case, the transmission element 11 is located at the seat 5 to reduce the size of the seat 3. Alternatively, the pivoting mechanism 10 comprises a transmission cable 12 connecting the transmission element 11 with In particular, the transmission cable 12 is connected to the drive system described above. In this case, it is possible to move the transmission element 11 away from the seat 5. In general, the transmission cable 12 is flexible. Alternatively, the transmission cable 12 may be replaced by several rods hinged together. The transmission cable 12 actuates the drive system to cause the raising and / or lowering of the seat 5. In general, the pivoting mechanism 10 is reversible. According to yet another embodiment, illustrated at figure 10 , the pivot mechanism 10 comprises a motor M connecting the transmission element 11 with the seat 5. The motor M is configured to rotate the pivot shaft to pivot the seat 5 according to the position of the transmission element 11.

On the figure 1 , the dotted line 5 is shown in a lowered initial position, and in full lines the seat 5 in a raised position R. Inversely, on the figure 2 , the dotted line 5 is shown in the raised position, and in full lines the seat 5 in the initial lowered position A. The seat 5 pivots from one position to the other, and vice versa, by the intermediate of the pivot mechanism 10.

The installation 1 comprises at least one trigger means 14, 44 configured to cooperate with the pivoting mechanism 10 so as to control the pivoting of the seat 5. For example, the installation 1 may comprise a single triggering means 14 located in one of the stations 4, 40. The triggering means 14 may optionally be located outside the stations, for example it can be mounted on a pylon located near a station 4. Alternatively, as shown on the figure 7 , each station 4, 40 comprises a triggering means 14, 44. In particular, the triggering means 14 is movably mounted between a bearing position R1, as shown in solid lines on the figures 2 , 3 and 5 , and a lowering position A1, as shown in solid lines on the figures 1 , 4 and 6 . In the bearing position R1, illustrated in FIG. figure 2 , the triggering means 14 is configured to control a raising of the seat 5 in the direction of the backrest 6. More particularly, in the bearing position R1, the triggering means 14 cooperates with the pivoting mechanism 10 when the seat goes into position. in other words, at the passage of the seat 3 facing the triggering means 14, the transmission element 11 comes into contact with the triggering means 14 and the latter moves the transmission element 11 in order to bring it into the first position P. The change of position of the transmission element 11 controls the pivoting of the seat 5. When the pivoting mechanism 10 comprises a transmission cable 12, the transmission element 11 exerts a first tension on the transmission cable 12, which pivots the seat 5 in the bearing position R. When the pivoting mechanism 10 comprises a motor M, the transmission element 11 motor control M animate the pivot shaft in a first direction of rotation, which pivots the seat 5 in the bearing position A. Thus, all the seats 5 of the seats 3 of the installation can be raised by positioning the triggering means 14 in the bearing position R1.

In addition, the triggering means 14 is configured to occupy a lowering position A1 in which the triggering means 14 controls a lowering of the seat 5. In the lowering position A1, illustrated in FIG. figure 1 , the triggering means 14 cooperates with the pivoting mechanism 10 when the seat 3 passes opposite the triggering means 14. In other words, at the passage of the seat 3 facing the triggering means 14, the transmission element 11 comes into contact with the triggering means 14 and the latter moves the transmission element 11 to bring it into the second position Q. The change of position of the transmission element 11 rotates the seat 5 in the position d A. When the pivoting mechanism 10 comprises a transmission cable 12, the transmission element 11 exerts a second voltage, opposite to the first voltage, on the transmission cable 12, which pivots the seat 5 in the lowering position A. When the pivoting mechanism 10 comprises a motor M, the transmission element 11 commands the motor M to animate the pivot shaft in a second direction of rotation, opposite to the first direction of rotation. This rotates the seat 5 into the lowering position A. Thus, all the seats 5 of the seats 3 can be lowered to return the seat 5 to the operating position under normal conditions. In general, the position of the triggering means 14 can be modified by a lever actuating a mechanical system, or by means of an actuator controlling an electric, pneumatic or hydraulic motor.

After the seat 5 of a seat 3 is lowered, the triggering means 14 which remains in its lowering position A1 no longer cooperates with the pivoting mechanism 10 of the seat 3 when the seat 3 passes again opposite the trigger means 14. In this case, the seat 5 keeps its lowered position A and no longer pivots. We can thus exploit the installation 1 in condition normal to allow boarding and / or disembarking of passengers on seats 3.

We have shown on Figures 3 and 4 , an embodiment of the triggering means 14. In this embodiment, the triggering means 14 comprises a rail 20 provided with a first slope 21 located on a first surface of the rail 20, and a second slope 22, said opposite, located on a second surface of the rail 20 opposite the first surface. The rail 20 is rotatably mounted around a main axis 23, between the bearing position R1, illustrated in FIG. figure 3 and the lowering position A1, illustrated in FIG. figure 4 . In normal operating condition of the installation, the triggering means 14 is in the lowering position A1 and the seats 5 pivot in their lowered position A, or remain in their lowered position A if they were previously lowered. When it is desired to raise the seats 5 of the seats 3, the triggering means 14 is placed in the bearing position R1 in which the first slope 21 cooperates with the transmission element 11 to bring the latter into the first position P. effect, as illustrated on the figure 3 , the seats 3 move in the direction of circulation Y and, for each seat of the installation 1, the transmission element 11 translate in a direction Z1 perpendicular to the Y direction in contact with the first slope 21 of the rail 20. Conversely, the triggering means 14 is positioned in the lowering position A1 to lower the seats 5 of the seats 3. In this case, the transmission element 11 comes into contact with the second slope 22 of the rail 20. when the seat 3 circulates in the direction Y, and it follows the second slope 22, moving in the direction Z2 to occupy the second position Q. The position A1, R1 of the rail 20 changes the position P, Q of the transmission element 11 for pivoting the seats in the desired position A, R. The position A1, R1 of the rail 20 is modified by rotating the rail 20 around the main axis 23.

We have shown on Figures 5 and 6 , another embodiment of the triggering means 14. In this embodiment, the triggering means 14 has a cam 30 provided with a first surface 31 and a second surface 32 located opposite the first surface 31 and inclined relative thereto. The cam 30 is movably mounted between the bearing positions R1 and lowering A1. More particularly, the cam 30 is movable in translation along an axis Z3 perpendicular to the flow direction Y of the seats 3. In the bearing position R1, the cam 30 has the first surface 31 to bring the translation element 11 into the first position P. In the bearing position R1, the transmission element 11 comes into contact with the first surface 31 to be translated in the direction Z1. In the lowering position A1, the cam 30 has the second surface 32 to bring the translation element 11 into the second position Q. In the lowering position A1, the transmission element 11 comes into contact with the second surface 32 to be translated in the direction Z2. The position A1, R1 of the cam 30 is modified by moving it by translation along the axis Z3.

On the figure 7 there is shown an embodiment in which each station 4, 40 comprises a triggering means 14, 44. In this embodiment, the installation 1 comprises a first station 40 for the landing of passengers and a second station 4 for when boarding passengers on the seats 3. The first station 40 has an output region M1 of the seats 3, and a first triggering means 44 located in the output region M1 and occupying a bearing position R1. In this case, when the seats 3 are in the first station 40, before the exit region M1, the seats 5 are lowered and the passengers can disembark. Then, when the seats 3 leave the first station 40, they pass next to the first triggering means 44 and their bases 5 are raised because the first triggering means 44 is in the bearing position R1. Thus, the seats 3 which do not carry passengers and which are directed to the second boarding station 4 are protected from an accumulation of snow during their journey from the first station 40 to the second station 4. In particular, the first trigger means 44 may be located at the entrance or exit of the output region M1, it may also be located between the input and the exit from the M1 output region. In addition, the second station 4 comprises an input region M2 of the seats 3, and a second triggering means 14 located in the input region M2 and occupying a lowering position A1. In this case, when the seats 3 are located before the entrance region M2, the seats 5 are raised. Then, when the seats 3 enter the second station 4, they pass next to the second triggering means 14 and their seats 5 are lowered because the second triggering means 14 is in the lowering position A1. Thus, the passengers can embark on the seats 3. In particular, the second triggering means 14 can be located at the entrance or exit of the input region M2, it can also be located between the entrance and the exit from the M2 input region.

An overhead cable transport method can be implemented by the installation 1 which has just been described above. In this process, the seat 5 is raised towards the backrest 6 when the seats 3 are moving in the outlet region M1 and the seat 5 is lowered when the seats 3 move in the entry region M2. The raising of the seats 5 is carried out by bringing the first triggering means 44 into the bearing position R1 and the lowering is performed by bringing the second triggering means 14 into the lowering position A1.

The installation that has just been described is particularly suitable for automatically raising and lowering the seats of the seats according to the wishes of the user. In particular, the user can at the end of operation to raise all the bases, and at the beginning of the exploitation it will be able and automatically to lower again all the bases for a exploitation in normal condition.

Claims (9)

An overhead cable transport installation (2), comprising at least one seat (3) configured to be suspended from the overhead cable (2) and having a pivoting seat (5), a backrest (6) and a pivoting mechanism (10) for modifying the inclination of the seat (5) relative to the backrest (6), the installation comprising at least one triggering means (14) configured to cooperate with the pivoting mechanism (10) so as to control the pivoting of the seat (5), characterized in that said at least one triggering means (14) is movably mounted between a bearing position (R1) in which said at least one triggering means (14) controls a raising of the seat (5) towards the backrest (6) and a lowering position (A1) in which said at least one triggering means (14) controls a lowering of the seat (5). Installation according to claim 1, wherein the pivoting mechanism (10) comprises a transmission element (11) connected to the seat (5) and mounted movably between a first position (P) in which the transmission element (11) ) raises the seat (5) towards the backrest (6), and a second position (Q) in which the transmission element (11) lowers the seat (5). Installation according to claim 2, wherein the pivoting mechanism (10) comprises a transmission cable (12) connecting the transmission element (11) with the seat (5). Installation according to claim 2, wherein the pivoting mechanism (10) comprises a motor (M) connecting the transmission element (11) with the seat (5). Installation according to one of claims 2 to 4, wherein said at least one trigger means (14) comprises a cam (30) provided with two surfaces (31, 32) of opposite inclinations so that in the bearing position (R1), a first surface (31) brings the transmission element (11) into the first position (P), and in the lowering position (A1), a second surface (32) conveys the transmission element ( 11) in the second position (Q), the cam (30) being movable in translation between the raising (R1) and lowering (A1) positions. Installation according to one of claims 2 to 4, wherein said at least one triggering means (14) comprises a rail (20) provided with two slopes (21, 22) opposite so that in the bearing position (R1) a first slope (21) brings the transmission element (11) into the first position (P), and in the lowering position (A1) a second slope (22) brings the transmission element (11) into the second position (Q), the rail (20) being rotatably mounted between the raising (R1) and lowering (A1) positions. Installation according to one of claims 1 to 6, comprising a first passenger landing station (40) having a first triggering means (44) located in an outlet region (M1) of the seats (3) of the first station ( 40) and occupying a bearing position (R1), and a second passenger loading station (4) having a second triggering means (14) located in an entrance region (M2) of the seats (3) in the second station (4) and occupying a lowering position (A1). A method of transport by aerial cable (2), comprising an installation having at least one seat (3) configured to be suspended from the overhead cable (2) and having a pivoting seat (5) and a backrest (6), characterized in that it comprises use of at least one triggering means (14, 44) movably mounted to occupy a raised position (R1) wherein said at least one triggering means (14, 44) controls an increase of the seat (5) towards the backrest (6) and to occupy a lowering position (A1) in which said at least one triggering means (14, 44) controls a lowering of the seat (5). A method according to claim 8, wherein the installation comprises a first passenger landing station (40) provided with an exit region (M1) of the seats (3) of the first station (40) and a first means triggering station (44), and a second passenger boarding station (4) provided with an entrance region (M2) of the seats (3) in the second station (4) and a second triggering means ( 14), and the seat (5) is raised towards the backrest (6) by means of the first triggering means (44) when the at least one seat (3) circulates in the exit region (M1) and the seat (5) is lowered by means of the second triggering means (14) when the at least one seat (3) circulates in the entry region (M2).

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