Classifications

• • 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
• • 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
• • 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
  • B61B12/10—Cable traction drives
• • 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
  • B61B12/127—Cable grippers; Haulage clips for ski lift, sleigh lift or like trackless systems
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B61—RAILWAYS
  • B61B—RAILWAY SYSTEMS; EQUIPMENT THEREFOR NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • B61B13/00—Other railway systems
  • B61B13/12—Systems with propulsion devices between or alongside the rails, e.g. pneumatic systems
  • B61B13/125—Systems with propulsion devices between or alongside the rails, e.g. pneumatic systems the propulsion device being a rotating shaft or the like
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B61—RAILWAYS
  • B61B—RAILWAY SYSTEMS; EQUIPMENT THEREFOR NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • B61B7/00—Rope railway systems with suspended flexible tracks
  • B61B7/04—Rope railway systems with suspended flexible tracks with suspended tracks serving as haulage cables
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B61—RAILWAYS
  • B61B—RAILWAY SYSTEMS; EQUIPMENT THEREFOR NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • B61B9/00—Tramway or funicular systems with rigid track and cable traction
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B61—RAILWAYS
  • B61C—LOCOMOTIVES; MOTOR RAILCARS
  • B61C17/00—Arrangement or disposition of parts; Details or accessories not otherwise provided for; Use of control gear and control systems

Definitions

• Device for coupling a vehicle to a towing cable a vehicle equipped with such a device, and a towing cable transport installation comprising such a vehicle
• the invention relates to the coupling of vehicles to a towing cable, and more particularly the transport installations by aerial tractor cable.
• towed vehicles by cable, overhead or ground include a fastener for coupling the vehicles tow cable.
• the fasteners are said to be fixed when they permanently couple the vehicles to the towing cable.
• the fixed fasteners may be stationary clamps which enclose the towing cable at a position of the cable which remains constant throughout the journey of the vehicles.
• There is also another type of fixed fastener which comprises two plates riveted together, and between which a portion of the towing cable is deflected along a curve in the shape of a "V”, also called “cocked hat”. But these fixed fasteners do not increase the flow of passenger transport, because the towing cable must be stopped to stop the vehicles so that passengers can board or unload vehicles.
• fasteners are said to be disengageable when they couple the vehicles removably to the towing cable.
• a cable traction transport on the urban ground which includes a detachable clip to grip, or loosen, the traction cable moving.
• the tow rope speed is low, about 15 km / h, and offers not a big flow.
• the vehicles mate with the towing cable when they are stopped.
• there is a significant friction between the cable and the disengageable clamp during tightening, causing untimely wear of the clamp and towing cable.
• it can be immobilized on the line, while the towing cable remains in motion, which can lead to a risk of collision with a next vehicle.
• disengageable aerial cable traction such as chairlifts or gondola lifts.
• the vehicles are uncoupled from the towing cable, currently in an end station or intermediate, to move at a reduced speed to facilitate the loading and unloading of passengers, while maintaining the traction cable drive at a higher constant speed.
• the stations must be equipped with launching and slowing down sections of vehicles to respectively close and open the detachable clamps when the vehicles are at the same speed as the towing cable, so as not to damage the clamps. These sections are generally long, and their length is further proportional to the driving speed of the towing cable.
• these sections are complex because they are equipped with launchers and retarders equipped with motorized aligned tires, and a synchronization system to adapt the speed of the tires with the speed of the towing cable.
• French patent application FR2719011 discloses a vehicle transport installation equipped with two railway rails and a towing cable, in which each vehicle is equipped with wheels placed on the rails, and a detachable pliers coupling the vehicle to the towing cable.
• the vehicles further comprise an electric motor, powered by an accumulator, driving the wheels to accelerate the vehicle on the acceleration section so as to reach the running speed of the towing cable.
• the vehicles must be equipped with a complex control and control unit which must synchronize the speed of the vehicle with that of the cable, in particular the unit must control the departure and acceleration of the vehicle.
• the transport installation must imperatively be equipped with rails, or carrying cables, in order to accelerate the vehicles.
• patent application FR3013298 discloses a device for attaching a vehicle to two towing aerial cables, comprising a first fastener for removably securing the vehicle to a first traction cable driven at a first speed, and a second attachment for releasably securing the vehicle to a second driven towing cable at a second speed lower than the first speed.
• the first attachment comprises a main pulley intended to suspend and guide the vehicle on the first cable, and two lateral counter-pulleys arranged on either side of the main pulley and movable between a first position in which the vehicle is secured to the first one. cable, and a second position in which the vehicle is disengaged from the first cable.
• the second attachment comprises a main pulley for suspending and guiding the vehicle on the second cable, and a counter-pulley disposed facing the main pulley and movable between a first position in which the vehicle is secured to the second cable, and a second position in which the vehicle is disengaged from the second cable.
• the first and second fasteners comprise progressive clutch means arranged to manage the progressivity of a clamping force on the towing cable of one of the two fasteners at the same time as the loosening of the other. But such an attachment device is not suitable for installations with a single cable tractor, be it of the aerial type or located at ground level.
• a first fastener cooperates with a first towing cable and a second fastener cooperates with a second towing cable, each towing cable being used as a load-bearing structure of the installation.
• Such an installation must therefore be equipped with two towing cables having different speeds, which makes the realization of such an installation much more complex.
• the progressive clutch means are complex because it is necessary to synchronize the opening of a fastener during the closing of the other fastener to avoid a rotation of the vehicle on itself, and to prevent possible tearing of the first clamp that clamps the first cable having the highest speed in the case where the second fastener would tighten the second cable before loosening the first fastener.
• An object of the invention is to overcome these drawbacks, and more particularly to provide means to simplify tow cable transport facilities, including minimizing the length of stations of these facilities.
• a device for coupling a vehicle to a towing cable comprising a fastener configured to couple the vehicle to the towing cable, the fastener comprising at least two rotary elements configured to occupy an coupling position in which said at least two rotary members are in contact with the towing cable and the vehicle is coupled to the towing cable.
• the coupling device comprises a regulating means configured to change a rotational speed of the at least two rotary elements when the at least two rotary elements are in the position. coupling, so that the vehicle moves with respect to the towing cable.
• a coupling device for changing the speed of the vehicle, while maintaining a constant speed of the towing cable.
• the rotation of the rotary elements allows the vehicle to move relative to the towing cable, while maintaining the vehicle coupled to the towing cable, that is to say that the fastener is held mechanically linked to the towing cable.
• the rotating elements have a lower speed than the towing cable, the vehicle remains towed by the towing cable.
• the regulating means may be further configured to rotationally lock said at least two rotating members when said at least two rotatable members are in the mating position, so that the vehicle is stationary relative to the towing cable.
• the vehicle can be towed at the speed of the towing cable.
• Each rotary element may comprise at least one roller rotatably mounted.
• At least one rotary element may comprise a band designed to be interposed between the traction cable and the at least one roller of the at least one rotary element when said at least two rotary elements are in the coupling position.
• the fastener may comprise at least three rotary elements arranged to deflect a portion of the tow cable within the fastener when the at least three rotating elements are in the coupling position.
• the regulating means may comprise a variable speed drive coupled to at least one rotary element.
• the device may comprise a carriage on which the fastener is mounted, the carriage comprising wheels intended to roll on a bearing structure, the variable speed drive being controlled and provided with an input shaft coupled to said at least one rotary element. and an output shaft coupled to the input shaft and at least one wheel of the carriage, the device comprising a control unit coupled to the variable speed drive for controlling the rotational speed of said at least two rotating members.
• Such a device is particularly suitable for cable transport installations that use load-bearing structures to secure the transport of vehicles.
• the wheels of the carriage facilitate the movements of the vehicle relative to the towing cable when the regulating means change the speed of rotation of the rotating elements.
• variable speed drive may comprise, two cones arranged head to tail and coupled respectively to the input and output shafts, and a transmission belt connected to the two cones, the control unit being configured for moving the drive belt to control the rotational speed of said at least two rotating members.
• At least one rotary element may be mounted to move in translation between the coupling position in which the vehicle is coupled to the towing cable and a disengagement position in which the vehicle is uncoupled from the towing cable.
• This provides a fastener type disengageable.
• the fastener may include a housing for receiving the towing cable, the housing extending along a main axis, the device comprising guide means located along the main axis when the at least two rotating elements are in the coupling position, in order to keep the towing cable in the housing.
• the guide means are particularly adapted to facilitate the crossing of the pylons of the installation, in particular to maintain the towing cable in the housing of the fastener.
• the device may further comprise a disengageable clamp configured to couple the vehicle to the tow rope removably.
• Such a clamp strengthens the coupling of the vehicle to the towing cable, which secures the traction of the vehicle, particularly at the portions of the towing cable which are inclined relative to the horizontal.
• the device may comprise a launcher for rotating at least one rotating element when the at least one rotary element is in the uncoupling position.
• a vehicle intended to be coupled to a towing cable comprising a coupling device as defined above.
• a traction cable transport installation comprising at least one vehicle as defined above.
• the installation may include a carrier structure for supporting the at least one vehicle.
• FIG. 1 schematically illustrates an embodiment of a tractor cable transport system according to the invention
• FIG. 2 schematically illustrates a top view of an embodiment of a coupling device wherein the rotating elements are in the coupling position
• FIG. 3 schematically illustrates a view from above of an embodiment of a coupling device in which the rotary elements are in the uncoupling position
• FIG. 4 schematically illustrates a side view of the device of FIG. 2;
• FIG. 5 schematically illustrates a front view of another embodiment of a coupling device
• FIGS. 6 and 7 schematically illustrate top views of another embodiment of a fastener where the rotating elements are respectively in the coupling position and the uncoupling position;
• FIG. 8 and 9 schematically illustrate top views of yet another embodiment of a fastener wherein the rotary members are respectively in the coupling position and the uncoupling position;
• FIG. 10 and 11 schematically illustrate top views of another embodiment of a fastener wherein the rotary members are respectively in the coupling position and the uncoupling position.
• FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a traction cable transport installation 1.
• the installation 1 comprises vehicles 3 to 5 intended to be coupled to the traction cable 2, to be towed in order to transport people, or goods.
• the installation 1 can be a cable car of any type, for example of the monocable or bi-cable type.
• a cable car is a transport facility with traction cables and carrying cables overhead, and vehicles are suspended above ground by overhead cables.
• a monocable cableway 1 comprises at least one cable 2 which is both a carrier and a tractor, a twin-cable cableway 1 comprises at least one towing cable 2 and at least one carrying cable 6.
• the transporting installation 1 may also comprise a cable tractor cable 2 located at ground level and a carrier structure comprising one or more carrier rails 6, 7 on which are placed vehicles 3 to 5.
• the installation 1 may comprise at least one aerial traction cable and a carrier structure 6, 7 for supporting the vehicles 3 to 5.
• the carrier structure comprises one or more carrier cables 6, 7, it is also said that the vehicles 3 to 5 are suspended from the carrier cables 6, 7.
• the installation 1 is of the disengageable type, that is to say that the vehicles 3 to 5 can be uncoupled from the towing cable 2.
• uncoupled means that a vehicle 3 to 5 does not is not mechanically linked to the towing cable 2, in other words the vehicle 3 to 5 is not in mechanical contact with the towing cable 2.
• the term “coupled” means that the vehicle 3 to 5 is mechanically linked to the towing cable, that is to say that the vehicle 3 to 5 is in mechanical contact with the towing cable 2.
• the installation 1 is continuous towing cable, in other words the towing cable 2 describes a closed loop between two end stations 8, 9 of the installation 1, and the vehicles 3 to 5 circulate continuously along the towing cable 2.
• FIG. 1 an embodiment of FIG. an installation 1, in which the installation 1 is disengageable, bi-cables, and c tractor 2 continuous.
• the installation 1 furthermore comprises one or more intermediate stations 10, the stations 8 to 10 being adapted for the unloading / embarkation of the persons in the vehicles 3 to 5.
• the installation 1 comprises a driving station 9 provided with a motor 11 for rotating a driving pulley 12 driving the towing cable 2 in a direction of movement Y, and a return station 8 comprising a pulley 13 which serves to put the towing cable 2 under tension.
• each vehicle 3 to 5 comprises a cabin 14 may be a passenger compartment for receiving passengers or a container for containing goods, for example waste.
• at least one vehicle 3 to 5 comprises a coupling device 15 for coupling the vehicle 3 to 5 to the towing cable 2.
• the coupling device 15 comprises a fastener 16 configured to couple the vehicle 3 to 5 to the towing cable 2.
• the fastener 16 comprises at least two rotating elements 17 to 20, that is to say elements mounted mobile in rotation.
• the elements 17 to 20 are configured to occupy a coupling position F in which they are in contact with the towing cable 2 and the vehicle 3 to 5 is coupled to the towing cable 2.
• the rotating elements 17 to 20 adhere to the towing cable, that is to say they exert a clamping pressure on the towing cable 2.
• the clamping pressure is a minimum pressure that allows the towing cable 2 to pull the vehicle 3 to 5.
• the installation 1 comprises a single aerial cable 2 both tractor and carrier
• the clamping pressure is sufficient to both tow and suspend the vehicle 3 to 5 by the cable 2.
• the vehicle 3 to 5 can be suspended without necessarily equip the installation 1 of a carrier structure 6, 7 separate from the towing cable 2.
• the fastener 16 can comprise several rotating elements 17 to 20.
• the fastener 16 comprises two rotary elements 17, 18.
• the fastener 16 comprises three rotary elements 17 to 19.
• FIGS. 1 to 5 show a preferred embodiment in which the fastener 16 comprises four rotary elements 17 to 20.
• a rotary element 17 to 20 may comprise at least one roller, called a locking roller, mounted to rotation.
• a blocking roller is a wheel, cylindrical or conical.
• a blocking roller may be provided with an impression for the traction cable 2 in order to facilitate contact of the blocking roller against the traction cable 2. More particularly, each blocking roller 17 to 20 of the fastener 16 is mounted so that it can rotate around an axis passing through its center.
• a rotary element 17 to 20 may comprise at least one blocking roller and a strip intended to be interposed between the traction cable 2 and at least one blocking roller of the rotary element 17 to 20.
• the strip may then be moved in translation along the driving direction Y of the towing cable 2, when the locking rollers are in contact with the strip and they are also rotated.
• the rotary member 17 to 20 forms a crawler.
• the fastener 16 can be configured to couple the vehicle 3 to 5 to the towing cable 2 in a fixed manner, as illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 8. It is also said that the fastener 16 is fixed.
• the rotary elements 17 to 20 are previously arranged within the fastener 16 so that they are in contact with the towing cable 2 to couple the vehicle 3 to 5 to the towing cable 2.
• the vehicle 3 at 5 is then coupled to a position of the permanent cable 2.
• the fastener 16 may be configured to couple the vehicle 3 to 5 to the towing cable 2 removably, as shown in Figures 1 to 9. It is also said that the fastener 16 is disengageable.
• at least one rotary element 17 to 20 is mounted to move in translation between the coupling position F, illustrated in FIGS.
• each rotary member 17 to 20 may be mounted movable in translation.
• the uncoupling position O the rotary elements 17 to 20 are no longer in contact with the towing cable 2, and the towing cable 2 can be extracted from the fastener 16, or introduced into the latter.
• the uncoupling position O of the rotary elements 17 to 20 corresponds to an open position O of the fastener 16, and the coupling position F of the rotary elements 17 to 20 corresponds to a closed position F of the 16.
• the coupling position F is identical. That is to say that in the coupling position F, the rotary elements 17 to 20 are positioned in contact with the traction cable 2, so that they adhere to the traction cable 2. When the rotary elements 17 to 20 adhere to the towing cable 2, it is said that the vehicle 3 to 5 is coupled to the towing cable 2. More particularly, in the coupling position F, the rotary elements 17 to 20 are immobile in translation relative to the fastener 16. In the coupling position F, the rotating elements 17 to 20 can be rotated, or immobile in rotation, while maintaining the clamping pressure on the towing cable 2.
• the coupling device 15 may comprise an adhesion means 23 configured to place the rotary members 17 to 20 in the coupling position F.
• the adhesion means 23 is further configured for exerting the clamping pressure on at least one rotating element 17 to 20 against the traction cable 2 so that the rotary elements 17 to 20 adhere to the traction cable 2.
• the fastener 16 is secured to the towing cable 2.
• the fastener 16 comprises a housing 21 for receiving the towing cable 2.
• the housing 21 preferably has a longitudinal shape, that is to say it extends along a main axis 22.
• the main axis 22 corresponds to the longitudinal axis of the housing 21 of the fastener 16.
• the rotary elements 17 to 20 are located on either side of the fastener 16, that is to say 22 and 20 of the main axis 22.
• the rotary elements 17 to 20 are situated on either side of the traction cable 2, that is to say they are in contact on two separate sides of the cable.
• the rotary elements 17 to 20 cooperate with each other to grip the cable 2 in order to couple the vehicle to the cable 2.
• an embodiment of the fastener is shown 16 comprising two locking rollers 17, 18, forming a pair, and located on either side of the main axis 22 of the housing 21.
• the rotary elements 17 to 20 are in the coupling position F , and they are in contact on two opposite sides of the towing cable 2.
• FIGS. 8 and 9 another embodiment of the fastener 16 comprises three blocking rollers 17 to 19.
• a first blocking roller 18 is located one side of the main axis 22, that is to say located at a first edge of the housing 21, and two other blocking rollers 17, 19 are located on the other side of the main axis 22, that is to say located at a second edge of the housing 21, opposite the first edge.
• all three blocking rollers 17 to 19 form two pairs of blocking pebbles.
• FIGS. 2 to 5 show a preferred embodiment of the coupling device 15 in which the fastener 16 comprises four blocking rollers 17 to 20.
• the set of four blocking rollers 17 20 also forms two pairs of blocking rollers.
• the rotary elements 17 to 20 are located in the same plane which contains the main axis 22. Moreover, when the rotary elements 17 to 20 are blocking rollers, they are rotatably mounted about their central axis.
• the central axis of a locking roller 17 to 20 passes through the center of the locking roller and extends according to the height of the locking roller. In particular, the central axes are located perpendicular to the main axis 22. In other words, the central axes of the locking rollers are perpendicular to the direction of movement of the vehicle 3 to 5.
• the fastener 16 When the fastener 16 is disengageable, and whatever the number of rotating elements 17 to 20, the fastener 16 comprises at least one rotary member 17 to 20 mounted to move in translation along a translation axis T, in order to open or close the fastener 16.
• all the rotary elements 17 to 20 are mounted movable in translation along the translation axis T.
• the translation axis T is perpendicular to the main axis 22 of the 21.
• the translation axis T is contained in the plane where the rotary elements 17 to 20 are located.
• the rotary elements 17 to 20 are configured to be rotated, or to be stationary in rotation, when they occupy the coupling position F and the traction cable 2 is in motion.
• the rotation of the rotary elements 17 to 20 avoids wear on the towing cable 2 and the rotary elements 17 to 20, when the rotary elements 17 to 20 are in contact with the traction cable 2.
• the two locking rollers 17, 18 when they exert the clamping pressure on a portion of the towing cable 2.
• the portion of the towing cable 2 is rectilinear in the housing 21, and extends longitudinally along the main axis 22.
• the two pairs of blocking rollers 17 to 20 exert the clamping pressure on a portion of the towing cable 2 at two successive locations of the towing cable 2, and more particularly at four distinct contact zones on the towing cable 2.
• the forces exerted are reduced on the portion of the towing cable 2.
• the rotary elements 17 to 20 are positioned within the fastener 16 so that, in the coupling position F, the ends of the portion of the towing cable 2, deviated or not, are aligned along the main axis 22 of the housing 21.
• the adhesion means 23 is further configured to translate the rotary elements 17 to 20.
• the translation of the rotary elements 17 to 20 is carried out parallel to the translation axis T, c to open or close the fastener 16.
• the means adhesion 23 may comprise a lever and an actuator connected to the lever, not shown for simplification purposes.
• the actuator makes it possible to translate a first set of rotary elements 17, 20 in a first direction T1 of the translation axis T, and a second set of rotary elements 18, 19 in a second direction T2 of the axis of rotation.
• the actuator may comprise a set of springs, each spring being coupled to a rotary member 17 to 20 and being controlled by the lever.
• the end stations 8, 9 each comprise an opening system, for example an opening cam 24, to control the opening of the fastener 16, and a closure system, for example a closing cam 25, for controlling the closure of the fastener 16, as illustrated in FIG. 1.
• the opening and closing cams 24, 25 cooperate with the lever to trigger the respective closure opening and closing of the fastener 16.
• the opening cams 24 are placed at the entrance of the end stations 8, 9 to tilt the lever and trigger the opening of the fasteners 16.
• the closing cams 25 are positioned at the exit of the end stations 8, 9 to return the lever to an initial position and close the fasteners 16.
• the coupling device 15 also comprises a regulating means 31 configured to modify a rotation speed Vg of the rotary elements when the rotary elements 17 to 20 are in the coupling position F.
• the control means 31 makes it possible to rotate the rotary elements 17 to 20, or to block them in rotation, when the rotary elements 17 to 20 are in the coupling position F.
• the regulation means 31 is configured to apply friction on the rotary elements 17 to 20 to slow their rotation, or immobilize them in rotation, or reduce friction to increase the rotational speed of the rotary elements 17 to 20.
• the regulating means 31 reduces the friction on the rotary elements 17 to 20, the traction cable 2 rotates the rotary elements 17 to 20.
• the regulating means 31 can comprise a variable speed drive coupled to at least one rotary element 17 to 20.
• the variable speed drive can be, for example, a brake, or a clutch, or a gearbox.
• the rotation speed Vg of the rotary elements 17 to 20 is changed, and the vehicle 3 to 5 is coupled to the towing cable 2, then the vehicle 3 to 5 can move relative to the towing cable 2.
• the 3 to 5 may have a speed different from a running speed Vc of the towing cable 2.
• the rotational speed Vg of the rotary elements 17 to 20 is zero, the rotating elements 17 to 20 are immobile in rotation, and the vehicle 3 to 5 is stationary relative to the towing cable 2, while the towing cable 2 is moved at constant scrolling speed Vc.
• the speed of the vehicle 3 to 5 is equal to that of the towing cable 2.
• the speed of the vehicle 3 to 5 becomes lower than the running speed Vc , and in this case the vehicle is slowed compared to the installation 1.
• the coupling device 15 comprises a carriage 26 on which the fastener 16 is mounted.
• the carriage 26 is particularly suitable for installations 1, with aerial cable or cable located at ground level, provided with a carrying structure. 6, 7.
• the carriage 26 comprises wheels 27 to 30 located on either side of the carriage 26.
• the wheels 27 to 30 of the carriage 26 are intended to roll on the supporting structure 6, 7 of the installation 1.
• the coupling device 15 preferably comprises a controlled speed variator, and a control unit 32 of the variable speed drive coupled thereto, via a connection 33.
• the control unit 32 makes it possible to control the speed rotating Vg rotating elements 17 to 20, when the rotary elements 17 to 20 are in the position
• the carriage 26 may comprise four driving wheels 27 to 30, that is to say four wheels coupled to the variable speed drive.
• the carriage 26 comprises two freewheels 27, 28, and two driving wheels 29, 30.
• the variable speed drive comprises an input shaft 34 coupled to at least one rotary element 17 to 20 and a coupled output shaft 35 to the input shaft 34 and at least one wheel 27 to 30 of the carriage 26.
• the variable speed drive can be a mechanical drive, for example a cone drive, a toroidal drive or a chain drive.
• the drive controller can also be a drive with electrical, hydraulic or pneumatic components.
• a toroidal variator comprises a driving disk driven by the input shaft 34, a driven disk driving the output shaft 35, and movable rollers coupled to the disks for transmitting the speed from one shaft to the other.
• a chain drive also includes a drive disk and a driven disk in which a chain drive is engaged in the grooves of the drives to be engaged by the drives.
• the variable speed drive makes it possible to vary a gear ratio between the output shaft 35 and the input shaft 34.
• the variable speed drive makes it possible to vary the speed of the drive. input shaft 34, that is to say vary the rotation speed of the rotary elements 17 to 20, to vary the rotation speed Vr of the drive wheels 29, 30 of the carriage 26.
• the control means 31 slows or accelerates the carriage 26 at any point in the path of the vehicle 3 to 5, while maintaining a running speed of the traction cable 2 constant.
• Figures 2 and 3 there is shown an embodiment in which the regulating means 31 comprises a cone speed variator.
• the fastener 16 comprises four locking rollers 17 to 20.
• the variable speed drive comprises a first cone 36, a second cone 37, a transmission belt 38 connected to the two cones 36, 37.
• the variable speed drive may comprise a fork 39 for moving the transmission belt 38 to change the rotational speed Vg of the rotating elements.
• the speed variator comprises a pinion 40 fixedly mounted at one end of the input shaft 34, and a drive pulley 41 fixedly mounted at one end of the output shaft 35.
• the fastener 16 may comprise drive belts 42 of the locking rollers 17 to 20.
• the drive belts 42 connect the locking rollers 17 to 20 to each other via drive pulleys 43 respectively mounted on the locking rollers 17 to 20.
• the fastener 16 comprises a toothed wheel 44 coupled to at least one blocking roller 17 to 20, via a drive belt 42.
• the pinion 40 meshes with the toothed wheel 44 of the fastener 16.
• the drive pulley 41 is coupled, in turn, to the driving wheels 29, 30 of the carriage 26 by means of drive belts 45.
• trolley wheels 26 and pulleys 46 for driving the carriage 26.
• the driving pulleys 46 of the carriage 26 are respectively coupled to the drive wheels 29, 30.
• the cones 36, 37 of the speed variator are arranged head -bêche, that is to say that the second cone 37 is reversed at 180 ° relative to the first cone 36.
• Each cone 36, 37 comprises a base and a vertex.
• the base of the first cone 36 is connected to the input shaft 34, and the base of the second cone 37 is connected to the output shaft 35.
• the control unit 32 is furthermore configured to control the variable speed drive, in order to vary the rotation speed Vg of the rotary elements 17 to 20.
• the control unit 32 controls the position of the fork 39 to control the position of the drive belt 38.
• the control unit 32 controls the position of the drive belt 38 in order to change the gear ratio of the drive. speed.
• the modification of the position of the transmission belt 38 makes it possible to modify the speed of the first cone 36 or of the second cone 37, that is to say the speed of the output shaft 35 or of the input shaft 34.
• the tangential velocity of an element means the speed of rotation of the element multiplied by a radius of the element.
• the input shaft 34 being coupled to the rotary elements 17 to 20, it can be driven by the rotation of the rotary elements 17 to 20.
• the output shaft 35 being coupled to the drive wheels 29, 30 of the carriage 26, it can animate them in rotation.
• Vtg is the tangential speed of the rotary elements 17 to 20
• Vtr is the tangential speed of the wheels of the carriage 26
• Vc is the speed of travel of the towing cable 2.
• Vtg Rg x Vg
• Vtr Rr x Vr
• Vtg the tangential speed of the rotary elements 17 to 20;
• Vtr the tangential velocity of the wheels 27 to 30 of the carriage 26
• the blocking rollers 17 to 20 are rotated by the traction cable 2, their tangential speed Vtg is less than that of the cable 2, and the vehicle 3 to 5 is pulled by the towing cable 2 at a lower speed than that of the cable Vc.
• the vehicles 3 to 5 are represented according to three distinct positions in the installation 1.
• a first vehicle 3 is located in the return station 8 where it travels in a contour circuit C1 of the station of reference 8
• the other end station 9 also has a contour circuit C2. It is also said that the vehicle 3 is disengaged, that is to say that it is uncoupled from the towing cable 2.
• the fastener 16 is in the open position O, and the vehicle 3 is disengaged from the cable tractor 2.
• the vehicle 3 is unhooked from the towing cable 2, to bypass the return pulley 13, and to be hooked again to the towing cable 2.
• a second vehicle 4 is located between the two end stations 8, 9
• the fastener 16 of the second vehicle is in the closed position F
• the rotating elements 17 to 20 are motionless in rotation
• the vehicle 4 is towed by the traction cable 2 at the running speed Vc of the cable 2.
• a third vehicle 5 is located in the intermediate station 10, in a stationary position relative to the installation 1, that is to say parking in the intermediate station 10. In this very particular immobile position, the rotating elements 17 to 20 of the third vehicle 5 are da
• the rotary elements 17 to 20 are in contact with the traction cable 2, and they are rotated by the latter.
• the third vehicle 5 is therefore stationary and coupled to the towing cable 2, while the towing cable 2 is in motion.
• the control unit 32 controls the speed of the rotary elements 17 to 20 by moving the transmission belt 38 between the position C and the position A, and vice versa.
• the vehicle is accelerated, and conversely, when the transmission belt 38 moves from position A to position C, the vehicle is slowed down. . That is, as the transmission belt 38 moves from the C position to the A position, the tangential velocity of the rotating members Vtg decreases as the tangential velocity Vtr of the trolley wheels increases, allowing the vehicle to move forward. along the carrier structure 6, 7, and gradually reach the speed of the tractor cable Vc.
• the rotary elements 17 to 20 are in contact with the towing cable 2 and are immobile in rotation, in this case the vehicle is towed by the towing cable 2, in particular thanks to the adhesion of the rotating elements to the towing cable 2.
• a preferred mode of use of the coupling device 15 can be described as follows: a vehicle 3 is initially positioned in the return station 8, then it is pulled by the traction cable 2 to the power station 9, it is uncoupled from the towing cable 2 to bypass the drive pulley 12, then it is again coupled to the towing cable 2 to be brought to the intermediate station 10. The vehicle 3 is then immobilized in the intermediate station. During the entire mode of use, the towing cable 2 is driven in rotation by the driving pulley 12 at the running speed Vc.
• the fastener 16 In the initial position, the fastener 16 is in the open position O, the transmission belt 38 is in the position C, and the vehicle 3 is traveling along the bypass circuit C1. Then the vehicle 3 is placed at the output cam 25 of the forward station 8.
• the vehicle 3 can be immobilized at the output cam 25.
• the vehicle 3 is placed so as to make the main axis 22 coincide with the towing cable 2 under tension.
• the tangential speed Vtg of the rotary elements 17 to 20 is equal to the running speed Vc of the towing cable 2 because the rotary elements 17 to 20 adhere to the towing cable 2, and because they are driven by the traction cable 2 by friction.
• the tangential speed Vtr of the wheels 27 to 30 of the carriage 26 is zero and the vehicle 3 is stationary in the power station 9. It is thus noted that it is no longer necessary to equip the stations 8 to 10 of the installation 1 of a long and complex slowdown section.
• the fastener 16 When the vehicle 3 is stopped in the power station 9, the fastener 16 is opened, the opening of which can be triggered by the input cam 24 of the station 9 or by the control unit 32, and the traction cable 2 is extracted from the housing 21 of the fastener 16. It may be noted that the control unit 32 can also be coupled, by a connection 47, by means of adhesion 23 to control the opening and closing of the fastener 16.
• the opening of the fastener 16 is obtained by lateral displacement of the rotating elements 17 to 20 on either side of the main axis 22 of the housing 21 so as to disengage the housing 21 to extract the cable 2 from the In particular, to extract the cable 2 from the housing 21, the cable 2 is deflected at the end station 8, 9 upwards or downwards by deflection rollers, not shown here for purposes simplification.
• the opening of the fastener 16 is generally performed in an end station 8, 9 to circulate the vehicle around the pulley 12, 13 of the station 8, 9.
• the vehicle 3 is then uncoupled from the towing cable 2 and can walk along the C2 bypass circuit around the driving pulley 12.
• the end stations 8, 9 generally include motorized tire systems for moving the vehicles along the outline circuits C1, C2.
• the vehicle 3 can be immobilized in the intermediate station 10, while the towing cable 2 remains driven at the speed of Vc movement, and that the fastener 16 is in the closed position F. It is no longer necessary to uncouple the vehicle 3 of the tow cable 2 to immobilize the vehicle 3.
• the coupling device 15 may comprise means guide means located along the main axis 22 when the rotary members are in the coupling position F.
• the guide means may be rounded parts to limit friction when in contact with the towing cable 2.
• the guide means comprise pairs of guide rollers 48 for holding the portion of the towing cable 2 in the housing 21, especially when the fastener 16 crosses a pylon in line.
• the guide rollers 48 are mounted on roller carriers 49 to 52.
• the guide rollers 48 are rotatably mounted along axes perpendicular to the main axis 22 of the housing 21 and perpendicular to the central axes of the blocking rollers 17 to 20.
• the roller carriers 49 to 52 are mounted to move in translation along axes parallel to the translation axis T of the locking rollers 17 to 20.
• the fastener 16 comprises four roller carriers 49 to 52 , an upper front roller holder 49, a lower front roller holder 50, a rear lower roller holder 51 and a rear upper roller holder 52. The front and the rear are defined with respect to the direction of the main axis 22 oriented in the direction of travel Y of the vehicle.
• each pair of guide rollers 48 comprises a roller mounted on an upper roller holder 49, 52 and a roller mounted on a roller holder lower 50, 51, so that the guide rollers 48 of each pair are located opposite one another.
• the roller carriers 49 to 52 are movable in translation between a holding position, illustrated in Figure 2, and a release position, illustrated in Figure 3. In the holding position, the guide rollers 48 are located along the main axis 22 of the housing 21 to hold the towing cable 2 within the fastener 16. It can then be avoided that the cable 2 comes out of the fastener 16 when the vehicle 3 to 5 passes a line pylon supporting or compressing the traction cable 2.
• FIG. 4 a side view of FIG. One embodiment of the coupling device 15.
• FIG. 4 illustrates the role of the roller carriers 49 to 52.
• the lower rollers 50, 51 enable therefore, to maintain the towing cable 2 in the housing 21. More particularly, the lower roller-bearings 50, 51 hold the two ends of the portion of the cable aligned with the main axis 22 of the housing 21. Conversely, when the coupling device 15 passes a compression pylon of the towing cable 2, the latter is bent with a concavity facing upwards. In this case, the towing cable 2 bears on the guide rollers 48 of the upper rollers 49, 52. The upper rollers 49, 52 thus make it possible to keep the two ends of the portion of the cable aligned with the main axis 22 of the housing 21. According to another advantage, the carriage 26 may comprise a displacement device 58 which cooperates with a set of tires of the bypass circuits C1, C2 to move the vehicles 3 to 5 in these circuits C1, C2.
• detachable fastener 16 It is also possible to increase the adhesion of a detachable fastener 16, for example by equipping the fastener 16 with an additional detachable gripper 53.
• the detachable gripper 53 is controlled when opening or closing, when the fastener 16 is in the closed position F.
• the additional clamp 53 allows the vehicle to be towed in case of strong inclinations of the towing cable 2.
• the coupling device 15 may also comprise a launcher 54, as illustrated in FIG. 4, for rotating the rotating elements 17 to 20 when the fastener 16 is in the open position O.
• the launcher 54 may comprise a rod 55 whose first end is connected to the toothed wheel 44, and the second end is connected to a launching wheel 56.
• the end stations 8, 9 of the installation 1 may, in this case, In this case, include a motorized animation system 57 for rotating the launching wheel 56, and therefore the rotating elements 17 to 20.
• the motorized animation systems 57 drive the rotating elements 17 to 20 in rotation when the 16 is in the open position O, before closing.
• the motorized animation system 57 makes it possible to animate the rotating elements 17 to 20 in rotation at a tangential speed Vtg corresponding to that of the towing cable 2. Thus, wear is avoided.
• FIGS. 10 and 11 show a particular embodiment of the fastener 16.
• the fastener 16 comprises at least four rotary elements 17 to 20 arranged so that the towing cable 2 is straight in the housing 21 when the four rotary elements 17 to 20 are in the coupling position F.
• the towing cable 2 extends longitudinally along the main axis 22 of the housing 21.
• Such a fastener 16 allows to reduce the forces to be provided on each of the four rotary elements 17 to 20, to tighten the towing cable 2, compared to the configuration illustrated in Figures 6 and 7 wherein the fastener 16 comprises two rotary members 17, 18. thus improves the safety for hooking the vehicle to the towing cable 2.
• the fastener 16 has two pairs of rotating elements 17 to 20, each pair having two rotating elements located facing each other.
• the fastener 16 could possibly comprise several pairs of rotating elements arranged in series next to one another along the main axis 22.
• the rotary elements 17 to 20 are located on either side of the fastener 16, that is to say on either side of the main axis 22.
• the fastener 16 comprises four locking rollers 17 to 20 forming two pairs, two rollers 17, 20 are located d one side of the main axis 22 and two other rollers 18, 19 are located on the other side.
• the axis connecting the centers of the blocking rollers of the same pair is perpendicular to the towing cable 2 when the blocking rollers are in the coupling position F.
• the fastener 16 may be configured to couple the vehicle 3 to 5 to the towing cable 2 removably, as shown in Figs. 10 and 11, or in a fixed manner. In FIG. 10, the rotating elements 17 to 20 are in the coupling position F and they are in contact on the two opposite sides of the traction cable 2.
• the rotary elements 17 to 20 cooperate between to grip the towing cable 2 in order to couple the vehicle to the towing cable 2. Indeed, when the four rotary elements 17 to 20 are in the coupling position F, they exert the clamping pressure on the towing cable 2.
• the invention just described is particularly suitable for any type of cable transport installation, including an aerial tractor or ground cable installation. The invention makes it possible to increase the throughput of an installation by minimizing the size of the stations, in particular without having to increase their size by equipping them with complex and cumbersome launching and slowing sections.

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• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Transportation (AREA)
• Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
• Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
• Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
• Flexible Shafts (AREA)
• Platform Screen Doors And Railroad Systems (AREA)
• Gear-Shifting Mechanisms (AREA)
• Agricultural Machines (AREA)

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• 2015
  • 2015-06-12 FR FR1555375A patent/FR3037304B1/fr not_active Expired - Fee Related
• 2016
  • 2016-06-10 EP EP16741072.9A patent/EP3307599B1/de active Active
  • 2016-06-10 RU RU2018100680A patent/RU2675949C1/ru active
  • 2016-06-10 KR KR1020177035442A patent/KR102549651B1/ko active IP Right Grant
  • 2016-06-10 US US15/739,472 patent/US10864924B2/en active Active
  • 2016-06-10 PL PL16741072T patent/PL3307599T3/pl unknown
  • 2016-06-10 WO PCT/FR2016/051414 patent/WO2016198805A1/fr active Application Filing
  • 2016-06-10 ES ES16741072T patent/ES2866168T3/es active Active
  • 2016-06-10 CN CN201680033937.6A patent/CN107709128A/zh active Pending

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