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
  • B61B12/122—Cable grippers; Haulage clips for aerial ropeways

Definitions

• Coupling device for coupling a vehicle to a towing cable of a transport installation
• the present invention relates to a coupling device for coupling a vehicle, for example a gondola or chairlift, to a towing cable of a transport installation.
• US5111751 discloses such a coupling device which comprises in particular:
• a clamping element comprising a second clamping jaw and a link arm comprising a first integral end portion of the second clamping jaw and a second end portion opposite to the second clamping jaw, the clamping element being mounted; articulated on the support body around a first axis of articulation between a clamping position in which the first and second clamping jaws are configured to grip the towing cable and a release position in which the first and second clamping jaws are configured to release the traction cable,
• an operating lever configured to actuate a displacement of the clamping element between its clamping and release positions, the operating lever being bent and comprising a first lever portion articulated on the link arm around a second axis of articulation between a first position in which the clamping member is in the clamping position, and a second position in which the clamping member is in the release position, and a second lever portion equipped with 'a release roller, and
• biasing device configured to urge the clamping element towards the clamping position, the biasing device comprising a first mounting part mounted hinged to the operating lever around a third hinge axis, and a second mounted mounting portion hinged to the support body about a fourth hinge axis.
• Such a configuration of the coupling device has the consequence that the first position of the actuating lever, and therefore of the release roller, is dependent on the diameter of the portion of tractor cable gripped by the first and second clamping jaws.
• the position of the release roller is capable of varying both horizontally and vertically depending on the diameter of the portion of tractor cable clamped by the first and second clamping jaws. It This results in a high uncertainty in the position of the clutch roll at the end station inlet.
• the present invention aims to remedy these disadvantages.
• the technical problem underlying the invention is therefore to provide a coupling device which is simple and reliable structure, while allowing to limit the noise generated during its opening.
• the present invention relates to a coupling device for coupling a vehicle, for example a gondola or chairlift, to a towing cable of a transport installation, the coupling device comprising at least:
• a clamping element comprising a second clamping jaw and a connecting part connected to the second clamping jaw, the clamping element being articulated on the support body around a first articulation axis between a clamping position; wherein the first and second clamping jaws are configured to grip the towing cable and a release position in which the first and second clamping jaws are configured to release the towing cable,
• a biasing device configured to urge the clamping element towards the clamping position
• an actuating lever configured to actuate a displacement of the clamping element between its clamping and releasing positions, the operating lever being pivotally mounted on the support body around a second articulation axis, and
• a clutch / clutch element mounted on the operating lever, the clutch / clutch element being intended to cooperate with the at least one clutch rail and at least one clutch rail extending along the path of movement of the coupling device,
• the biasing device and the operating lever being configured to define a plurality of stable positions of the operating lever including a first stable position of the operating lever in which the clamping member is in the clamping position, and a second stable position of the operating lever in which the clamping member is in the release position.
• Such a configuration of the coupling device, and in particular such articulation of the actuating lever on the support body, makes it possible to greatly reduce the variations of the first position of the actuating lever, and therefore of a release roller carried by the operating lever, according to the diameter of the portion of tractor cable enclosed by the first and second clamping jaws.
• These arrangements thus make it possible to use simpler and smaller width release rails, and thus to reduce the intensity of the impacts of the release roller against the disengagement rail when opening the coupling device, as well as the noise generated during the opening of the coupling device.
• Such articulation of the actuating lever on the support body further ensures a displacement of the release roller carried by the actuating lever in a circular path, which greatly simplifies the structure of the clutch rails and disengagement intended to cooperate with such a release roller.
• the coupling device may further have one or more of the following features, taken alone or in combination.
• the coupling device is intended to couple a vehicle to a carrier-tractor cable of the transport installation.
• the connecting portion comprises a first end portion connected to the second clamping jaw and a second end portion opposite to the second clamping jaw.
• the connecting part is a connecting arm.
• the actuating lever is articulated on the support body between the first stable position in which the clamping element is in the clamping position, and the second stable position in which the clamping element is in the release position.
• the biasing device and the actuating lever are configured so as to define a toggle joint.
• the actuating lever comprises a stop portion configured to cooperate with the support body when the actuating lever is in the first stable position.
• the abutment portion is disposed near the second axis of articulation.
• the abutment portion is configured to limit the pivoting stroke of the actuating lever towards the first and second clamping jaws.
• the abutment portion comprises a substantially planar abutment surface configured to cooperate with a substantially planar bearing surface formed on the support body.
• the first and second axes of articulation are substantially parallel.
• the biasing device comprises a first mounting portion mounted articulated on the connecting portion around a third hinge pin, and a second mounting portion hingedly mounted on the lever of the invention. actuation around a fourth axis of articulation.
• the biasing device is interposed between the connecting portion and the actuating lever.
• the coupling device is configured such that, when the clamping member is in the clamping position, the fourth hinge axis is disposed on the side of the first and second jaws clamping with respect to an imaginary straight line connecting the second and third axes of articulation, and so that, when the clamping member is in the release position, the fourth axis of articulation is disposed on the side opposite the first and second clamping jaws with respect to the imaginary straight line connecting the second and third hinge pins.
• the toggle joint defines an alignment point corresponding to the alignment of the second, third and the last articulation axes.
• the toggle comprises a toggle axis formed by the fourth axis of articulation.
• the first, second, third and fourth axes of articulation are substantially parallel.
• the biasing device further comprises a compression spring configured to urge the first and second remote mounting parts from each other.
• the normal to the bearing surface formed on the support body extends substantially parallel to the axis of the compression spring when the actuating lever is in its first position.
• the coupling device comprises two biasing devices arranged symmetrically on either side of a pivoting plane of the actuating lever.
• the coupling device is configured such that, when the actuating lever is in its first position, the normal to the bearing surface formed on the support body s' extends substantially parallel to the axes of the two compression springs, and is included in the plane formed by these two axes.
• the compression spring comprises a first end portion bearing against the first mounting portion, and a second end portion bearing against the second mounting portion.
• the second mounting portion defines a housing in which is housed at least in part the compression spring.
• the biasing device comprises a stop element configured to limit the elongation of the compression spring.
• the stop element is fixed on the guide rod, and for example on the second end portion of the guide rod.
• the stop element is configured to bear against the second mounting portion when the actuating lever is in the second stable position.
• the second mounting portion comprises a bottom wall delimiting at least in part the housing in which is housed at least in part the compression spring.
• the stop element is advantageously configured to bear against the bottom wall when the actuating lever is in the second stable position.
• the second end portion of the compression spring bears against the bottom wall of the second mounting portion.
• the first mounting portion comprises a bearing surface against which bears the first end portion of the compression spring.
• the actuating lever comprises a first articulated end portion articulated on the support body around the second articulation axis, a second end portion opposite to the first portion of the invention. end, and an intermediate portion disposed between the first and second end portions, the second mounting portion being hingedly mounted on the intermediate portion of the actuating lever.
• the intermediate portion is arcuate.
• the actuating lever comprises a protective surface
• the biasing device and the lever actuating means are configured such that when the clamping member is in the clamping position, the protective surface is further away from the first and second clamping jaws than the compression spring.
• the biasing device and the operating lever are configured such that, when the clamping member is in the clamping position, the compression spring is set back from the protective surface and on the side of the first and second clamping jaws.
• the protective surface is disposed opposite the first and second clamping jaws when the clamping member is in the clamping position.
• the disengagement / clutch element comprises a disengagement roller / clutch rotatably mounted around an axis of rotation carried by the actuating lever.
• the link arm comprises a first arm portion connected to the second clamping jaw, and a second arm portion on which is mounted articulated the first mounting portion, the first and second portions of arms being inclined relative to each other.
• the coupling device is configured such that a passage of the actuating lever from its first stable position to its second stable position induces a pivoting of the actuating lever to the opposite of the first and second clamping jaws.
• the actuating lever extends in a first general direction of extension when the actuating lever is in the first stable position, and in a second general direction of extension when the operating lever is in the second stable position, the angle of inclination between the first general direction of extension of the operating lever and a general direction of extension of the support body is greater than the angle of inclination between the second general direction of extension of the actuating lever and the general direction of extension of the support body.
• the angle of inclination between the first general direction of extension of the actuating lever and the general direction of extension of the support body is between 70 and 110 °.
• the angle of inclination between the second general direction of extension of the actuating lever and the general direction of extension of the support body is between 0 and 40 °, and by example between 0 and 30 °.
• the coupling device is configured such that a passage of the operating lever from its first stable position to its second stable position induces downward pivoting of the operating lever. .
• the coupling device is configured such that the second end portion of the operating lever is further away from the first and second clamping jaws when the operating lever is in position. the second stable position only when the actuating lever is in the first stable position.
• the coupling device is configured in such a way that the second end portion of the operating lever is closer to the support body when the operating lever is in the second position. stable only when the actuating lever is in the first stable position.
• the actuating lever is articulated on an upper portion of the support body.
• the coupling device comprises rollers mounted on the support body and configured to cooperate with guide elements belonging to the transport installation.
• Figures 1 and 2 are perspective views of a coupling device according to the invention.
• Figure 3 is a side view of the coupling device of Figure 1 coupled to a towing cable.
• Figures 4 and 5 are side views of the coupling device of Figure 1 in intermediate operating positions.
• Figure 6 is a side view of the coupling device of Figure 1 in a release position of the towing cable.
• FIGS. 1 to 6 show a disengageable coupling device 2, also called a disengageable coupling clip, intended to couple a vehicle, for example a gondola or a chairlift, to a towing cable 3 of a cable air transport installation tractor.
• a disengageable coupling device 2 also called a disengageable coupling clip
• Such coupling of the vehicle to the towing cable 3, via the coupling device 2, moves the vehicle between two end stations of the transport facility.
• the towing cable 3 is a carrier-tractor cable.
• the coupling device 2 comprises an elongate support body 4 extending in a general direction of extension De.
• the coupling device 2 is configured so that when the coupling device 2 is coupled to the cable tractor 3, the support body 4 extends transversely to the towing cable 3, and more particularly substantially perpendicular to the towing cable 3.
• the support body 4 is intended to be connected to a hanger 5 supporting a vehicle (not shown in the figures), such as a gondola or chairlift, for example.
• the support body 4 carries rollers 6 configured to cooperate with guide rails (not shown in the figures) belonging to the transport facility and disposed in the end stations of the transport facility.
• the support body 4 further carries a slider or driving crossbar 7 configured to cooperate with complementary drive means of the transport installation.
• the rollers 6 and the drive shoe 7 are more particularly configured to allow a displacement of the coupling device 2, disengaged from the towing cable 3, on and along the guide rails.
• the coupling device 2 also comprises a first clamping jaw 8 fixedly mounted relative to the support body 4.
• the first clamping jaw 8 is advantageously arranged at a front end of the support body 4.
• the coupling device 2 further comprises a clamping element 9 comprising a second clamping jaw 11, and a connecting arm 12 extending from the second clamping jaw 11.
• the clamping element 9 is in one piece.
• the second clamping jaw 11 can be attached and fixed on the linkage arm 12.
• the linkage arm 12 more particularly comprises a first end portion 12a secured to the second clamping jaw 11 and a second end portion 12b opposite the second clamping jaw 11.
• the connecting arm 12 is arcuate, and has a first arm portion 13 connected to the second clamping jaw 11, and a second arm portion 14 opposite the second clamping jaw 11.
• the clamping element 9 is hingedly mounted on the support body 4 around a first hinge axis A between a clamping position (shown in FIG. 3) in which the first and second clamping jaws 8, 11 are configured to grip the tractor cable 3 and a release position (shown in FIG. 6) in which the first and second clamping jaws 8, 11 are configured to release the towing cable 3.
• the clamping element 9 is more particularly configured such that the second end portion 12b of the link arm 12 is closer to the support body 4 when the clamping member 9 is in the release position, than when the clamping member 9 is in the position Clamping.
• the coupling device 2 is advantageously configured so that the first clamping jaw 8 is located towards the inside of the coupling device 2 and the second clamping jaw 11 is turned towards the outside of the coupling device 2
• the first and second clamping jaws 8, 11 are advantageously configured for clamping the towing cable 3 from above.
• the coupling device 2 also comprises an operating lever 15 configured to actuate a movement of the clamping member 9 between its clamping and releasing positions.
• the actuating lever 15 has a first end portion 16, a second end portion 17 opposite the first end portion 16, and an intermediate portion 18 disposed between the first and second end portions 15, 16
• the intermediate portion 18 is arcuate.
• the intermediate portion 18 could have another shape, and for example be rectilinear.
• the first end portion 16 of the actuating lever 15 is articulated on an upper portion of the support body 4 about a second hinge axis B between a first position (shown in FIG. 3) in which the clamping element 9 is in the clamping position, and a second position (shown in FIG. 6) in which the clamping element 9 is in the release position.
• the coupling device is more particularly configured such that a passage of the operating lever 15 from the first position to the second position induces pivoting of the actuating lever 15 downwards and the opposite of the first and second clamping jaws 8, 11.
• the actuating lever 15 extends in a first general extension direction D1 when the actuating lever 15 is in the first stable position, and according to a second general direction of extension D2 when the operating lever is in the second stable position.
• the angle of inclination between the first general extension direction Dl of the operating lever 15 and the general extension direction De of the support body 4 is between 70 and 110 °
• the angle of inclination between the second general extension direction D2 of the operating lever 15 and the general extension direction De of the support body is between 0 and 40 °, and for example between 0 and 30 °.
• the second end portion 17 of the actuating lever 15 is equipped with a release / clutch roller 19 rotatably mounted about an axis of rotation 21 fixed on the second end portion 17.
• the release roller / clutch 19 is configured to cooperate with disengagement rails and clutch 22 belonging to the transport installation and extending along the path of movement of the coupling device 2, so as to guide a movement of the lever of actuation between its first and second positions.
• the actuating lever 15 advantageously comprises an abutment portion 23 configured to cooperate with a bearing surface 24 formed on the support body 4, when the actuating lever 15 is in the first position.
• the abutment portion 23 is thus configured to limit the pivoting stroke of the actuating lever 15 towards the first and second clamping jaws 8, 11.
• the abutment portion 23 is advantageously arranged near the second articulation axis B.
• the coupling device 2 further comprises at least one biasing device 25 interposed between the actuating lever 15 and the connecting arm 12, and configured to bias the clamping element 9 towards the clamping position.
• the coupling device 2 comprises two identical biasing devices 25 arranged symmetrically on either side of a plane of articulation or pivoting of the actuating lever 15. the coupling device 2 could comprise a single biasing device 25.
• Each biasing device 25 more particularly comprises a first mounting portion 26 mounted articulated on the second end portion 12b of the clamping element 9 around a third hinge pin C, and a second mounting portion 27 mounted articulated on the intermediate portion 18 of the actuating lever 15 around a fourth axis of articulation D.
• the first, second, third and fourth articulation axes A, B, C, D are advantageously substantially parallel.
• the first mounting portion 26 of each biasing device 25 is intended to receive the second pivot axis C carried by the link arm 12, and the second mounting portion 27 of each biasing device 25 comprises a bottom wall 29 and a side wall 31 delimiting a receiving housing 32.
• Each biasing device 25 further comprises a compression spring 33 housed at least partially in the respective receiving housing 32.
• the compression spring 33 of each biasing device 25 is helical, and comprises a first end portion bearing against a bearing face delimited by the respective first mounting portion 26, and a second end portion bearing against the bottom wall 29 of the respective second mounting part 27.
• Each compression spring 33 is thus configured to bias the respective first and second mounting portions 26, 27 away from one another.
• the coupling device 2 is advantageously configured so that each compression spring 33 is compressed when the clamping element 9 is in the clamping position.
• Each biasing device 25 also comprises a guide rod 34 around which extends the respective compression spring 33.
• Each guide rod 34 comprises a first end portion secured to the respective first mounting portion 26 and a second end portion slidably mounted in a through opening 35 delimited by the bottom wall 29 of the second mounting portion 27 respectively.
• Each biasing device 25 further comprises an abutment member 36 configured to limit the elongation or expansion of the respective compression spring 33, and thus the spacing of the first and second mounting portions 26, 27.
• the stop element 36 of each biasing device 25 is fixed on the second end portion of the respective guide rod 34, and is configured to bear against the respective bottom wall 29 when the clamping element 9 is in the release position.
• the coupling device 2 is configured such that, when the clamping member 9 is in the clamping position, the fourth hinge pin D is disposed on the side of the support body 4 with respect to an imaginary straight line connecting the second and third hinge pins B, C, and such that, when the clamping member 9 is in the release position, the fourth hinge axis D is disposed on the opposite side to the support body 4 relative to the imaginary straight line connecting the second and third hinge pins B, C.
• the biasing devices 25 and the actuating lever 15 are configured to define a toggle joint having a toggle axis formed by the fourth axis of articulation D and an alignment point corresponding to the alignment of the second, third and the first axis. articulation B, C, D (see Figure 4).
• the toggle is more particularly defined so that the first and second positions of the operating lever 15 are stable.
• the operating lever 15 comprises a protective surface 37 disposed opposite the first and second clamping jaws 8, 11, and the biasing devices 25 and the operating lever. 15 are configured such that when the clamping member 9 is in the clamping position, the protective surface 37 is further away from the first and second clamping jaws 8, 11 than the compression springs 33 of the biasing devices. 25. In other words, when the clamping element 9 is in the clamping position, the compression springs 33 are set back from the protective surface 37 and the side of the first and second clamping jaws 8, 11 .
• the clutch / clutch roller 19 cooperates with a disengagement rail 22 shaped to guide the actuating lever 15 towards its second stable position.
• the actuating lever 15 then pivots progressively opposite the first and second clamping jaws 8, 11.
• each biasing device 25 relaxes and also biases the actuating lever 15 towards its second position.
• the disengaging rail 22 accompanies and guides the actuating lever 15 to its second position.
• Such a displacement of the actuating lever 15 causes pivoting of the connecting arm 12 towards the support body 4 and thus a displacement of the element clamping 9 in the release position, and therefore a release of the towing cable and a disengagement of the vehicle equipped with the coupling device.
• the disengaged vehicle After the release of the towing cable 3 by the coupling device 2, the disengaged vehicle is guided along a transfer path, in particular by means of the rollers 6, to the exit of the station. end.
• the clutch / clutch roller 19 cooperates with a clutch rail (not shown in the figures) shaped to guide the actuating lever 15 to its first position.
• the operating lever 15 then pivots progressively towards the first and second clamping jaws 8, 11, which causes a displacement of the fourth hinge axis D towards the first and second clamping jaws 8, 11.
• Such displacement of the operating lever 15 can be decomposed into a first phase during which the clamping member 9 is moved to its clamping position and the compression spring 33 of each biasing device 25 is not compressed. , and in a second phase during which the compression spring 33 of each biasing device 25 is compressed.
• the invention is not limited to the sole embodiment of this coupling device, described above as an example, it encompasses all the variants.

Landscapes

• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Transportation (AREA)
• Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
• Mechanical Operated Clutches (AREA)
• Clamps And Clips (AREA)
• Agricultural Machines (AREA)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Publications (1)

Family

ID=54199802

Family Applications (1)

Country Status (5)

Families Citing this family (2)

Family Cites Families (4)

• 2015
  • 2015-06-18 FR FR1555562A patent/FR3037550B1/fr active Active
• 2016
  • 2016-06-17 EP EP16741088.5A patent/EP3310635A1/de not_active Withdrawn
  • 2016-06-17 WO PCT/FR2016/051482 patent/WO2016203174A1/fr active Application Filing
  • 2016-06-17 CN CN201680034761.6A patent/CN107750217B/zh not_active Expired - Fee Related
  • 2016-06-17 US US15/737,591 patent/US20180170404A1/en not_active Abandoned

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