EP3650301B1 - Cable guide device for urban or peri-urban cableway installation - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a cable guide device for a cable car installation, and more particularly an installation of the type comprising one or more cables from which a plurality of vehicles, or carrying cables, are suspended, and at least one cable to which the vehicles can be coupled. to be towed relative to the carrying cables, or hauling cable.

Cable car installations of this type are generally called "bi-cable", as opposed to "single-cable" installations, in which a single cable, or carrier-tractor cable, supports and tows the vehicles.

A cable car installation generally comprises two terminus stations far apart from each other. These stations are interconnected by one or more carrier cables to form a transmission line. This line generally has two lanes, along which vehicles travel in mutually opposite directions.

The carrying cables are anchored in each of the terminus stations. The traction cable is arranged in a loop mounted around at least one pair of pulleys which drives it in rotation: at least one drive pulley, at one of the terminus stations, and at least one return pulley, at the another of these stations. The strands of the loop each extend along a respective path of the transport line.

The carrying cables and the hauling cable are held in the air according to a line gauge by means of holding structures. Such structures are found primarily at terminal stations. Structures of this type are also distributed along the line, between the terminus stations. These structures can then comprise one or more pylons. If necessary, support structures can also be located at one or more intermediate stations.

In each holding structure, at least one device holds the support cables and the traction cable with respect to the structure and guides these cables according to the template.

This cable guide device typically comprises at least one elongated cable support.

The elongated supports intended for the tractor cable can be of a first type, called "tractor cable banana" or "banana" ("roller carrier" in English). Banana-type supports are sometimes incorrectly referred to as "tractor cable dippers" or "dippers", by analogy with their counterparts in single-cable installations. In a single-cable installation, each support is rotatably mounted on the support structure to follow the movements of the carrier-tractor cable when a vehicle crosses the structure in question and to balance the forces between the portions of the cable located on either side. another of the structure in question.

The elongated supports intended for carrier cables can be of a second type, called "carrier cable shoe" or "sabot" ("cable carrier" in English).

The traction cable slides continuously with respect to the banana thanks to one or more rollers rotatably mounted on this support, substantially distributed along the longitudinal direction of the latter. The carrying cables are generally stationary with respect to the shoe. These cables must nevertheless be able to slide on the shoe, in particular when they retract or relax under the effect of temperature.

Bi-cable cable car installations are recognized for the comfort they provide to passengers: the crossing of support structures, in particular pylons, is done in a gentler way than in single-cable cable car installations, practically without jerks. . In dual-cable installations, the impact noise near overhead support structures is significantly reduced compared to single-cable installations due in particular to the absence of pendulums.

To reduce noise at the terminus station, FR 2 797 834 proposes a device for deflecting the traction cable therein, in the vicinity of a disengagement zone of the gripping pliers of the cable. This device comprises rollers to guide the cable and a supporting structure for these rollers. This structure comprises a hollow body, through which the axis of each roller passes, inside which a flexible casing, made of foam or elastomer, occupies the space between the hollow body and a rigid insert, made of metal or concrete.

The supporting structure is presented as capable of damping the vibrations generated by the movement of the traction cable in contact with the rollers. However, neither the layout nor the dimensioning of this structure are specifically adapted to this type of vibration. The device in question turns out to be quite inefficient in practice. Besides, FR 2 797 834 is concerned exclusively with the vibrations which occur at the terminus stations.

In manual 674 of the POMA company, entitled "operation, adjustment and maintenance - Plomb du Cantal LE LORIAN cable car", a cable guide device is described for a cable car installation actually installed on the Plomb du Cantal cable car. This cable guide device comprises a roller pivotally mounted on an oscillating arm, one end of which is articulated on a fixed yoke via a hub fitted with rings of elastomeric material. The device also comprises two shock absorbers located at the free end of the oscillating arm, one vertical to accompany the vertical deflection of the cable generated by the various load cases, and which prevents the birth of untimely whipping of the cable, the other horizontal to withstand the stresses generated by the horizontal whipping of the cable. A spring system, resting on the fixed yoke and an intermediate portion of the oscillating arm, pushes the roller against the cable during the ascent of the latter, and maintains it in the high position, even when the cable has taken off. The rings made of elastomer material (Ureflex 33) have a certain elasticity which gives the joint a flexibility which contributes to damping the movements of the cable.

FR 2 867 142 A1 discloses a pendulum intended to be mounted on a support structure fixed to a pylon and which comprises two bogies each with two rollers rotatably mounted on a support 16. The bogies are mounted on a beam via a pair of pseudo links -joint. These connections allow the pivoting of the support relative to the beam during the passage of a cabin attachment clamp. The connections do not concern the mounting of the beam on the rest of the structure.

The Claimant decided to go further. It has set itself the objective of significantly reducing the noise from twin-cable cable car installations, in particular in order to improve their integration in urban or peri-urban areas. The reduction of these noises must comply with the constraints associated with dual-cable installations, in particular maintaining a mutual spacing of the carrier cables as the vehicle passes and engaging the traction cable in a groove in the rollers.

To this end, a cable guide device for a cableway installation according to claim 1 is proposed.

The proposed guide device significantly reduces noise pollution compared to conventional installations. In particular, the vibrations resulting from the running of the traction cable on the elongated support and/or those resulting from the rolling of the vehicles on the carrying cables can be considerably reduced.

Each pair of damping blocks can easily be dimensioned in order to act on a specific range of frequencies, corresponding to these vibrations. The dimensioning of the damper blocks is greatly facilitated by the fact that one is in the presence of an elongated support, similar to a beam, on two links of the pseudo-embedding type which each behave like a ball joint. The dimensioning of the damping blocks can then result from a structural calculation. For this calculation, the connections can be considered as articulated (ball joints): these connections are arranged in such a way as to transmit each of the forces in each direction and no moment. The calculation and sizing of the damper blocks are considerably simplified. Due to specific sizing for the frequencies to be damped, deemed to be known in advance, the guide device is more effective in damping vibrations and therefore noise than those known hitherto. In particular, the proposed device is more efficient than that of FR 2 797 834 , whose structure, as described, cannot easily be dimensioned according to these vibrations.

Each damping block can be dimensioned in such a way that its natural frequency is on the one hand much lower than this specific range of frequencies, and, on the other hand, much higher than the first natural frequencies of the support structure and at a frequency of passage of vehicles on this structure. This allows the pair of damping blocks to be configured in such a way as to filter out the desired frequencies while avoiding excitation of the support structure.

A cable car installation of the type comprising one or more support cables and at least one traction cable is also proposed. The installation comprises at least one aerial support structure and at least one cable guide device of the aforementioned type which is fixed to this support structure so as to maintain at least one of the traction cable and the load-bearing cables on the structure. air support.

• la figure 1 représente une partie d'une installation téléphérique, vue en perspective isométrique ;
• la figure 2 représente la partie de l'installation de la figure 1, en vue de côté ;
• la figure 3 représente la partie de l'installation de la figure 1, en vue de face ;
• la figure 4 représente la partie de l'installation de la figure 1, en vue de dessus ;
• la figure 5 représente un support de type banane pour l'installation de la figure 1 en situation avec un câble tracteur, vue en perspective isométrique ;
• la figure 6 est analogue à la figure 5, sans le câble tracteur ;
• la figure 7 représente la banane de la figure 5, en vue de dessus, sans le câble tracteur ;
• la figure 8 représente un détail VIII de la figure 7 ;
• la figure 9 représente le détail VIII en perspective isométrique ;
• la figure 10 représente une partie du détail VIII en perspective isométrique ;
• la figure 11 représente une partie du détail VIII en vue de face ;
• la figure 12 représente une partie du détail VIII en coupe selon une ligne XII-XII ;
• la figure 13 représente une partie du détail VIII en vue de droite ;
• la figure 14 représente une portion de suspente de la banane de la figure 5, vue en perspective isométrique ;
• la figure 15 représente la portion de la figure 14 en vue de face ;
• la figure 16 représente un support de type sabot pour l'installation de la figure 1, sans câble porteur, en perspective isométrique ;
• la figure 17 représente le sabot de la figure 16 en vue de face ;
• la figure 18 représente le sabot de la figure 16 en coupe selon une ligne XVIII-XVIII ; et
• la figure 19 représente le sabot de la figure 16 en coupe selon une ligne XIX-XIX.

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will be set out in detail in the description below, made with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

• the figure 1 represents part of a cable car installation, seen in isometric perspective;
• the picture 2 represents the installation part of the figure 1 , in side view;
• the picture 3 represents the installation part of the figure 1 , in front view;
• the figure 4 represents the installation part of the figure 1 , in top view;
• the figure 5 represents a banana type support for the installation of the figure 1 in situation with a hauling cable, isometric perspective view;
• the figure 6 is analogous to the figure 5 , without the traction cable;
• the figure 7 represents the banana of the figure 5 , in top view, without the traction cable;
• the figure 8 represents a detail VIII of the figure 7 ;
• the figure 9 represents detail VIII in isometric perspective;
• the figure 10 represents part of detail VIII in isometric perspective;
• the figure 11 shows part of detail VIII in front view;
• the figure 12 represents part of detail VIII in section along a line XII-XII;
• the figure 13 shows part of detail VIII in right view;
• the figure 14 represents a portion of the line of the banana of the figure 5 , isometric perspective view;
• the figure 15 represents the portion of the figure 14 in front view;
• the figure 16 represents a shoe-type bracket for the installation of the figure 1 , without carrying cable, in isometric perspective;
• the figure 17 represents the hoof of the figure 16 in front view;
• the figure 18 represents the hoof of the figure 16 in section along a line XVIII-XVIII; and
• the figure 19 represents the hoof of the figure 16 in section along a XIX-XIX line.

The designs contain elements of certain character. They may not only serve to complete the invention, but also contribute to its definition, where appropriate.

Reference is made to figures 1 to 4 .

Part of a cable vehicle transport installation, here of the cable car installation type 1, comprises a transport line with a first traffic lane, or outward lane, along which extend at least one carrying cable 3A and a first strand of a hauling cable, or 5A go strand. The installation 1 comprises an overhead structure which participates in maintaining at least a portion of the carrier cable 3A and of the go strand 5A in the air, following a line gauge. This aerial structure here comprises a pylon 7. The installation 1 here further comprises an additional carrier cable, or second carrier cable 9A, which extends along the outward path and is also held in the air by the pylon 7.

The line of the installation 1 here comprises a second traffic lane, or return lane, similar to the outward lane. Along this return path extend cables homologous to the cables of the outward path, namely a first carrier cable 3B, a second strand of the traction cable, or return strand 5B, and a second carrier cable 9B. The first carrier cable 3B, the return strand 5B and the second carrier cable 9B of the return path are held in the air, following the line gauge, at least in part by the pylon 7.

The traction cable is typically a stranded cable, that is to say comprising an assembly of strands, each consisting of a plurality of wires. The strands are twisted together along the cable (twisted). Carrier cables are typically closed single-strand cables consisting of a bundle of wires.

The pylon 7 comprises a mainly vertical extension portion, here in the form of a pair of masts 11, and a mainly horizontal extension portion 13, supported by the vertical portion. The horizontal portion 13 comprises a first console portion 13A intended to hold the cables of the outward channel. This first bracket portion 13A projects from one side of the vertical portion. The horizontal portion 13 further comprises a second console portion 13B, intended to hold the cables of the return channel. This second console portion 13B protrudes from the vertical portion on the side opposite to the first console portion 13A. Here, the second console portion 13B is analogous to the first console portion 13A.

The first bracket portion 13A and the second bracket portion 13B are each made from a section of metal profile formed into a respective loop. With the uprights 11 and the first and second console portions 13A and 13B, the pylon 7 has the appearance of a double bracket, each bracket being intended to hold the cables of a respective traffic lane.

The installation 1 comprises at least one elongated support of a first type, or first elongated support, intended to hold at least one of the load-bearing cables on the aerial structure and to guide this cable along the line template. The first elongated support is made here in the form of a carrier shoe, or first shoe 15A. The first shoe 15A is arranged with respect to the first console portion 13A in such a way that the longitudinal direction of this first shoe 15A substantially corresponds to a direction of the outward track. The first shoe 15A is held fixedly in this position by means of a pair of lines of a first type, or first lines 17A, each connecting the first shoe 15A to the first console portion 13A. Here, the first lines 17A are similar to each other.

In the vicinity of one of their ends, the first lines 17A are connected to the first carrier shoe 15A at respective positions of the first shoe 15A which are distant from each other in the longitudinal direction of this shoe. In the vicinity of their opposite end, the first lines 17A are connected to the first console portion 13A at respective positions of this console which are distant from each other.

Here, the installation 1 further comprises an elongated support of a second type, or second elongated support, intended for holding the second support cable 9A on the aerial structure and for guiding this cable in the line gauge. The second elongated support here takes the form of a carrier shoe, or second shoe 19A, homologous to the first shoe 15A. The second shoe 19A is similar to the first shoe 15A.

This second shoe 19A is arranged with respect to the first console portion 13A, away from the first shoe 15A, in such a way that the longitudinal direction of the second shoe 19A corresponds to the direction of the outward path. The second shoe 19A is held fixedly in this position by means of a pair of lines of a second type, or second lines 21A, arranged analogously to the first lines 17A.

Here, the installation 1 further comprises an elongated support of a third type, or third elongated support, intended to guide the go end 5A of the hauling cable on the aerial structure. This third support is made here in the form of a tractor cable banana, or banana 23A. The banana 23A is arranged on the first console portion 13A, between the first shoe 15A and the second shoe 19A, in such a way that the longitudinal direction of the banana substantially corresponds to the direction of the outward path. The banana 23A is held fixedly in this position by means of a pair of lines of a third type, or third lines 25A, arranged similarly to the first lines 17A.

Maintaining and guiding the cables of the return path on the aerial structure is carried out in a similar way to the outward path. The installation 1 thus comprises a third shoe 15B, a fourth shoe 19B and a second banana 23B, homologous respectively with the first shoe 15A, the second shoe 19A and the banana 23A, and held fixedly on the second crosspiece portion 13B respectively by fourth lines 17B, fifth lines 21B and sixth lines 25B, counterparts of the first 17A, second 21A and third lines 25A.

Reference is made to figures 5 to 7 .

An elongated banana-type support 23, for example the first banana 23A or the second banana 23B of the figures 1 to 4 , comprises a beam structure of a first type, or first beam 27, and a plurality of rollers 29 each rotatably mounted on this first beam 27.

The rollers 29 are arranged substantially along the longitudinal direction of the first beam 27. The rollers 29 together guide the running of a portion of traction cable 5 along the banana 23, typically one of the go 5A and return 5B strands of the figures 1 to 4 .

The rollers 29 are here arranged slightly offset relative to each other along the height of the first beam 27, so as to guide the movement of the traction cable 5 along a slightly curved profile, for example in an arc.

The running of the traction cable 5 on the rollers 29 is accompanied by a succession of shocks, each corresponding to the contact of a strand with a roller 29. The frequency of these shocks is determined by the number of strands constituting the cable 5, the stranding pitch and the running speed of the traction cable on the rollers 29 (line speed). These frequencies are typically between 50 hertz and 250 hertz.

The first beam 27 has a hollow core, in which the rollers 29 are housed. This first beam 27 is produced here in a composite form, by mutual assembly of a pair of homologous flanges 31, flat and of elongated shape. Here, the homologous flanges 31 of the first beam 27 are similar to each other.

The homologous flanges 31 are arranged mutually facing each other, the main planes of these flanges 31 being parallel to each other. These homologous flanges 31 are held apart from one another by a plurality of elementary crosspieces of a first type, or first crosspieces 33. These first crosspieces 33 are each integral with each of the homologous flanges 31. For example, these first crosspieces 33 are welded to the homologous flanges 31.

A plurality of additional crosspieces, of a second type, or second crosspieces 36, connects one of the homologous flanges 31 to the other. The second crosspieces 36 are distributed along the first beam 27, here to the right, each time, of a first crosspiece 33. The second crosspieces 36 are made here in the form of perforated plates, arranged so that their main plane is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the first beam 27 and secured, in this position, with each of the homologous flanges 31, typically by welding.

The first crosspieces 33 and the second crosspieces 36 also act as stiffeners.

Each roller 29 is loosely mounted on a respective axis 37, mounted on each of the homologous flanges 31, across them.

Banana 23 can be connected to an overhead support structure by a pair of lines 25, for example of the type of third lines 25A or sixth lines 25B of the figures 1 to 4 . Each time, the banana 23 is connected to a hanger via a respective connection 39. In other words, the banana 23 is fixedly mounted on the overhead support structure by means of a single pair of links 39. The links 39 of this pair are analogous to each other: the links 39 behave mechanically and vibrationally in the same way. Structurally, the links 39 may differ slightly from each other, in particular by effect of symmetry.

Each connection 39 between a hanger 25 and the banana 23 is arranged here as a connection of the pseudo-recessed type, capable of transmitting forces in the manner of a ball joint (recessed connection articulated in three orthogonal directions two by two). Kinematically, each link 39 prohibits any relative movement, translation or rotation in three orthogonal directions, two by two, of the banana 23 with respect to a hanger 25, like an embedded link. Structurally, each link 39 transmits forces between the hanger 25 and the banana 23 like an embedding type link. However, unlike a connection of the pure embedding type, each connection 39 does not transmit moments in the three directions (couples), or else negligible values, due to a rotational rigidity which is low compared to the rigidity in bending of the beam. Each link 39 behaves structurally like a ball joint (articulated link) and kinematically like an embedding.

The links 39 are organized at positions of the banana 23 which are distant from each other in the longitudinal direction of this banana 23. The links 39 are separated from each other by a distance, in the longitudinal direction of the banana 23, which is significant relative to the length of this banana. For example, this distance is between one third and the entire length of the banana 23, preferably between three fifths and four fifths of the length of the banana 23. The banana 23 is thus supported in two supports.

In particular, these links 39 are arranged on the first beam 27, away from each other in the longitudinal direction of this first beam 27. Here, each link 39 is organized mainly between the homologous flanges 31 of the first beam 27.

Here, a connection 39 between a hanger 25 and the banana 23 is organized each time in the vicinity of a respective end of the first beam 27, between an end roller 29 and a roller 29 adjacent to this end roller 29 .

Reference is made to figure 8 and 9 .

Each link 39 comprises at least a first zone, on the first beam 27, arranged to receive a junction member 41. This first zone comprises at least one flat surface against which a face of the junction member 41 bears. This flat surface is perpendicular to the main plane of each of the homologous flanges 31. This flat surface is oriented with respect to the flanges 31 so as to be disposed generally parallel to the longitudinal direction of the first beam 27 or of the banana 23.

Thus, the flat surface in question is oriented with respect to the flanges 31 so as to be perpendicular to the main direction, or resultant, of the deflection forces of the traction cable on the overhead support structure.

Once installed on an aerial support structure for the tensile cable, for example the pylon 7 of the figures 1 to 4 , banana 23 contributes to guiding the tractor cable along the line. Banana 23 is generally positioned therein so that its longitudinal direction corresponds substantially to the chord of the vertical deflection curve of the traction cable on the holding structure considered.

In the case where the line extends generally horizontally, in the vicinity of the support structure at least, the longitudinal direction of banana 23 is horizontal and the resultant of the deflection forces of the traction cable is directed substantially vertically. In the case where the line extends in a generally inclined manner with respect to the horizontal, in the vicinity of the support structure at least, for example when the support structures which respectively precede and follow the support structure considered are located at different altitudes from each other, the longitudinal direction of the banana 23 generally corresponds to this inclination and the resultant of the deflection forces is substantially inclined with respect to the vertical, in a way which corresponds to the inclination of the longitudinal direction of the banana 23.

In practice, this inclination is less than 45 degrees. It is generally preferred that this inclination be less than 30 degrees, or even 20 degrees.

In the absence of raising, or lowering, of the line in the vicinity of the support structure, the flat surface in question is arranged horizontally when the banana 23 is fixed to this structure, case illustrated on the figures 1 to 4 .

Here, this flat surface is carried by an underside of a first plate 43 integral with the first beam 27. This first plate 43 is arranged across the homologous flanges 31, generally perpendicular thereto. The first plate 43 is fixed to each of these homologous flanges 31, for example by welding. The plate 43 is pierced with orifices suitable for each receiving a fixing element, such as the threaded rod of a bolt 45 for example.

Each connection 39 comprises at least a second zone, on a respective hanger 25, adapted to receive the junction member 41. This second zone comprises at least one flat surface 47 against which a face of the junction member comes to rest. 41 opposite the face of this member resting with the first beam 27.

This flat surface is arranged relative to the hanger 25 so as to be oriented generally parallel to the longitudinal direction of the banana 23 when the hanger 25 and the banana 23 are in position on an overhead support structure, for example the pylon 7 of figures 1 to 4 . The orientation of this flat surface with respect to the hanger 25 corresponds to the orientation of the banana 23 on the support structure. When the banana 23 is arranged on the support structure so that its longitudinal direction is horizontal, the flat surface 47 of the second zone is arranged on the hanger so as to be substantially horizontal. When the banana 23 is arranged on the support structure so that its direction longitudinal is inclined relative to the horizontal, the flat surface 47 of the second zone is arranged on the hanger so as to be inclined in the same way relative to the horizontal.

Thus the flat surface 47 of the second zone is arranged so as to be disposed generally perpendicular to the resultant of the deflection forces of the traction cable when the hanger 25 is fixed to an overhead support structure, for example the pylon 7 of the figures 1 to 4 .

Here, this flat surface is carried by an upper face of a second plate 49 secured to the hanger 25.

For each connection 39, at least one of the homologous flanges 31 of the first beam 27 is pierced with at least one opening 51 shaped so that a part of the hanger 25 integral with the second plate 49 passes through.

Each day 51 is arranged in a longitudinal position of the homologous flange 31 in such a way that the second plate 49 can come in line with the first plate 43.

Here, each of the homologous flanges 31 is pierced with two respective openings 51, the openings 51 of one of the homologous flanges 31 being opposite one day from the other of these flanges 31. This allows, among other things, to make homologous flanges 31 similar.

Here, a portion of each second plate 49 protrudes from the homologous flange 31 opposite the homologous flange 31 close to the rest of the hanger 25.

The banana 23 is mounted on each hanger 25 so that the flat face of the first plate 43 and the flat face of the second plate 49 are facing each other, and extend generally parallel to each other. .

Between the flat face of the first plate 43 and the flat face 47 of the second plate 49 is interposed a junction member 41. The openings 51 are shaped so as to avoid any contact between the homologous flange 31 and the hanger 25 or its second platinum 49. It as a result, the first beam 27 is connected to the pair of suspension lines 25 via two junction members 41. These junction members 41 are spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the first beam 27.

The junction member 41 is arranged so as to transmit forces between the first plate 43 and the second plate 49. It is in particular a question of transmitting the resultant of the deflection forces of the traction cable of the banana 23 to the lines 25. The junction member 41 is also arranged so as to transmit only negligible moments (torques) between the first plate 43 and the second plate 49. This is to prevent the transmission of torque between the banana 23 and the lines 25.

In this configuration, banana 23 behaves structurally like a continuous beam on two supports (articulation, ball joint).

Each first crosspiece 33 has a portion with a groove 53 intended for the passage of the traction cable 5 which runs over the rollers 29. This groove 53 is used, if necessary, to guide the traction cable 5 when the latter is no longer in contact with the groove of the rollers 29, in particular after the latter has been raised by the passage of a vehicle.

Reference is made to figures 10 to 15 .

Each junction member 41 comprises a first plate, or banana plate 55, shown here in the upper position, on which the first beam 27 is intended to bear, in particular by plane support of a plate of the type of the first plate 43 Each junction member 41 further comprises a second plate, or hanger plate 57, here in the lower position, intended to bear against a portion of the hanger 25, in particular by flat support of a plate of the type of the second platinum 49.

Banana plate 55 and hanger plate 57 face each other and are held in this position by a damping block 59, integral with each of these plates. The term “damper block” designates here a piece of elementary shape (plate, cylinder or cobblestone for example), solid and compact, the damping capacity of which stems mainly from the flexibility or from the materials which constitute it. This distinguishes a damper block from a spring, for example. An elastomer block can be one-piece or made up of a stack of layers, at least some of which are made of a flexible material. A damper block can comprise a stack of elastomer plates and metal plates secured to each other. A characteristic of a damper block is that its damping performance is largely determined by the dimensions of the elementary shape and the material of which it is made. As a result, a damper block can be easily dimensioned.

The damper block 59 comprises a flexible and elastic body, typically made of elastomer, integral with the banana plate 55 and the hanger plate 57. For example, the flexible and elastic body can be vulcanized on these plates. The flexible and elastic body constitutes the active part of the damper block 59.

Here, the flexible and elastic body is shaped like a rectangular parallelepiped. The large opposite faces of this parallelepiped are integral with the banana plate 55 and the hanger plate 57, respectively. The thickness of this parallelepiped, that is to say the distance between its mutually opposite large faces, as well as the dimensions of its large opposite faces, are characteristic of the damper block 59. The frequency range over which the damper block 59 is effective depends on this thickness and these dimensions. This thickness corresponds to the dimension of the flexible and elastic body in a main working direction of the damper block 59. The flexible and elastic body is shaped to transmit forces mainly in this direction. To a lesser extent, the flexible and elastic body can transmit forces in directions transverse to this main direction of work. This arrangement of the flexible and elastic body limits any transmission of moments (torques) between the banana plate 55 and the hanger plate 57 to negligible values with regard to those of the forces.

Provided with the junction member 41 with its damper block 59, each link 39 is capable of behaving, as regards the transmission of forces, like a joint, with the effect of the damper block or blocks.

The damper block 59 is characterized by the thickness of flexible and elastic material interposed between its banana plate 55 and its hanger plate 57, and by the dimensions of its large opposite faces. A flexible and elastic body in the shape of a plate or cylinder straight, in particular circular or prismatic, more particularly parallelepipedal, and even more particularly in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped is advantageous in that the dimensioning of the damper block 59 by calculation is thereby greatly simplified.

The banana plate 55 is pierced with orifices 61 suitable for each receiving an element for fixing with the first plate 43 of the first beam 27, such as a bolt 45 for example.

The hanger plate 57 is pierced with holes suitable for each receiving a fixing element with the second plate 49, for example a second bolt 63. The second plate 49 is pierced with a pair of oblong holes 65 suitable for each receiving a fastening element with the junction member 41, for example a second bolt 63. This oblong shape makes it possible to adjust the relative position of the first plate 43 and the second plate 49 in a transverse direction of the banana 23.

The arrangement of the links 39 causes the banana 23 to behave like a beam on two supports (articulation) distant from each other, and each provided with a damper block 59. Not only does the damper block 59 confer the flexibility at each link 39, but still the assembly has a low rotational rigidity compared to the bending stiffness of the banana 23.

The forces which are exerted on the banana 23, in particular those resulting from the maintenance and the guiding of the traction cable, are transmitted to the lines 25 exclusively via the intermediary of the damping blocks 59. This results in a vibration isolation of the banana 23 from the rest of the overhead support structure of this cable. The vibrations pass through and are filtered by the damping blocks 59.

Each damper block 59 can be dimensioned so as to filter these vibrations in an optimal manner.

The main direction of work of the damper blocks 59 corresponds to the direction of the resultant of the deflection forces of the traction cable on the banana 23. The damper blocks 59 will work mainly in the direction of their thickness or height, here in compression. This greatly facilitates the dimensioning of these damping blocks 59 by calculation to filter out one or more specific vibration frequency ranges. For example, it is possible to target the vibrations generated as the traction cable passes over the rollers.

In particular, each damper block 59 can be dimensioned so as to filter the vibration frequencies which correspond to the movement of the traction cable 5 on the rollers 29, that is to say the succession of contacts between each of the strands of the traction cable 5 and the rollers 29 as the traction cable 5 travels, and/or on the return of the traction cable 5 into contact with the rollers 29 after having been lifted by a vehicle of the installation when the latter crosses the overhead support structure .

For example, when the flexible and elastic body is prismatic, in particular parallelepipedal, and more particularly rectangular, circular, polygonal, in particular in the shape of a parallelogram, and more particularly rectangular, each of the sides or the diameter of this body is between 50 and 250 millimeters.

Still by way of example, the height of the flexible and elastic body, or its thickness, is between 20 and 100 millimeters.

Here, the junction member 41 rests on the second plate 49 via a wedge 67 by which the positioning of the banana 23 is adjusted relative to one of the lines 25. The wedge 67 is inserted between the plate hanger 57 and the flat surface 47 of the second plate 49. This wedge 67 is generally prismatic, with a base whose shape corresponds to that of the hanger plate 57. The wedge 67 is held fixed relative to the junction member 41 and the second plate 49 by the second bolts 63.

Each hanger 25 has a tubular portion 69 with a flat on which the second plate 49 bears. A first wing 71 and a second wing 73 protrude from a lower surface 75 of the second plate 49. This first wing 71 and this second wing 73 are secured with the second plate 49 on the one hand, typically by welding, and, on the other hand, with the tubular portion 69 of the hanger 25. The first wing 71 and the second wing 73 act as stiffeners and allow a adjustment of the transverse position of the banana 23 with respect to the hanger 25.

Reference is made to figures 16 to 19 .

An elongated shoe-like support 15, for example the first shoe 15A, the second shoe 19A, the third shoe 15B or the fourth shoe 19B of the figures 1 to 4 , comprises a beam structure of a second type, or second beam 77.

The second beam 77 comprises a generally flat core 79 and a slightly curved flange 81. The core 79 and the sole 81 are integral with each other, typically welded to each other. The sole 81 comprises a first face, or upper face 83, on which will rest a support cable (not shown), for example the first support cable 3A or the second support cable 9A. The sole 81 further comprises a second face, or lower face 85, opposite the upper face 83. The core 79 protrudes from this lower face 85.

The shoe 15 can be connected to an overhead support structure by a pair of lines 17, for example of the type of first lines 17A, second lines 21A, fourth lines 17B or fifth lines 21B.

Each time, the shoe 15 is connected to a respective hanger 17 via a connection of a second type, or second connection 87. Each second connection 87 is arranged here as a connection of the pseudo-embedding type, able to behave like a joint (ball joint) with regard to the transmission of forces. In other words, the shoe 15 is fixed to the overhead support structure via a pair of links 87.

The second links 87 are arranged in positions of the shoe 15 which are distant from each other in the longitudinal direction of this shoe 15. These links 87 are arranged on the second beam 77 in positions of this beam which are distant from each other in the longitudinal direction of this beam 77. The second links 87 are separated from each other by a distance, in the longitudinal direction of the shoe 15, which is significant relative to the length of this hoof. For example, this distance is between one third and the entire length of the shoe 15, preferably between three fifths and four fifths of the length of the shoe 15. The shoe 15 is thus supported in two supports.

Each link 87 comprises a portion of the hanger 17 capable of receiving a junction device 89. Here, this portion comprises a cylindrical bearing surface 91. This cylindrical bearing surface 91 is provided on an end portion of the hanger 17. Here, each second connection 87 comprises an orifice 93 made in the web 79 of the second beam 77 and intended to receive at least a portion of the cylindrical bearing surface 91. The orifice 93 is wider than the cylindrical bearing surface 91, at least on the portion of this cylindrical bearing surface 91 received in the orifice 93.

The junction device 89 comprises a pair of homologous flanges 95 fixed to the cylindrical bearing surface 91, each on a respective side of the core 79. Each flange 95 comprises a portion shaped like a collar 97 which is mounted on the cylindrical bearing surface 91 and held there by tightening.

Each flange 95 comprises a square portion 99 integral with the collar 97 of this flange 95. The collar 97 of each flange 95 bears against a first wing 101 of the square 99. In each flange 95, the collar 97 and the bracket 99 are integral with each other, for example mutually welded. The bracket 99 of each flange comprises a second flange 103 which is connected to the first flange 101 of this flange 95 and extends perpendicular to this first flange 101. The first flange 101 of each flange 95 is pierced with an orifice for the passage of the cylindrical bearing surface 91.

Each flange 95 is here positioned relative to the hanger 17 in such a way that the second wing 103 is substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the sabot 15, even in the case where the longitudinal direction of the sabot 15 is inclined with respect to the horizontal. In this position, the second wing 103 is oriented perpendicular to the main direction, or resultant, of the deflection forces of the supporting cable on the overhead support structure on the one hand, as well as the resultant of the forces exerted on the shoe 15 by a vehicle on the other hand.

Once installed on an aerial support structure for a carrying cable, for example the pylon 7 of the figures 1 to 4 , the shoe 15 contributes to maintaining and guiding the carrying cable along the line. The shoe 15 is generally positioned therein so that its longitudinal direction substantially corresponds to the chord of the vertical deflection curve of the carrying cable on the holding structure considered.

In the case where the line extends generally horizontally, at least in the vicinity of the retaining structure, the longitudinal direction of the shoe 15 is horizontal, and the resultant of the deflection forces of the carrying cable as well as the resultant of the forces exerted on the shoe 15 by a vehicle are directed substantially vertically. In the case where the line extends in a generally inclined manner with respect to the horizontal, in the vicinity of the support structure at least, for example when the support structures which respectively precede and follow the support structure considered are located at different altitudes from each other, the longitudinal direction of the shoe 15 generally corresponds to this inclination, and the resultant of the deflection forces of the carrying cable as well as the resultant of the forces exerted on the shoe 15 by a vehicle are substantially inclined with respect to the vertical, in a way which corresponds to the inclination of the longitudinal direction of the shoe 15.

In practice, this inclination is less than 45 degrees. It is generally preferred that this inclination be less than 30 degrees, or even 20 degrees.

In the absence of elevation, or lowering, of the line in the vicinity of the support structure, the second wing 103 is oriented horizontally when the shoe 15 is fixed to this structure, case illustrated on the figures 16 to 19 .

The junction device 89 comprises a pair of dampers of a first type, or first dampers 105 each comprising a damper block 107 integral with a pair of plates 109. For example, each damper block 107 comprises a body made of flexible material and elastic, for example made of elastomer, integral with each of the two plates 109. For example, the flexible and elastic body is vulcanized on the plates 109.

Here, the flexible and elastic body is parallelepipedal, the mutually opposite large faces of the parallelepiped being attached to the plates 109. Each damper block 107 is arranged to work mainly in compression according to the thickness of this flexible and elastic body.

The flexible and elastic body can take any form of portion of a right cylinder, in particular prismatic, more particularly parallelepipedic, and even more particularly rectangular, or circular, or of plate, in particular circular or polygonal, more particularly in the form of a parallelogram, and more particularly still rectangular, so that the characteristics of the damper block 107 can be determined according to the height or the thickness of the flexible and elastic body, as well as the dimensions of its large faces.

A first damper 105 is arranged on one face of the second wing 103 of each flange 95, with a shim of a second type, or second wedge 111, inserted between this second wing 105 and the first damper 105. In each flange 95, the assembly formed by the damper 105 and the second wedge 111 is fixed to the bracket 99 of this flange 95, here by welding between the lower plate of the first damper 105 and the second wedge 111 on the one hand, and between the second wedge 111 and the second wing 103 of this flange 95 on the other hand.

The shoe 15 rests on the flanges 95 of each of the links 87. The lower surface 85 of the sole 81 bears against the upper face of the upper plate of the shock absorber 105, and is held fixedly in this position, here by welding. .

In the vertical direction or inclined with respect to the vertical, corresponding to the direction of the main component of the resultant of all the forces likely to be applied to the shoe 15, the shoe 15 is thus held fixedly on the pair of lines 17 via the damper blocks 107. The damper blocks 107 are oriented so that their main direction of work is substantially parallel to the direction of this main component. This main component is transmitted to the pair of lines 17 via the damping blocks 107. No significant torque is transmitted.

Each damper block 107 is arranged here with respect to the shoe 15 so that its working direction is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of this shoe 15. The damper blocks 107 are arranged on this shoe 15 so as to work in the same direction.

These damper blocks 107 act vis-à-vis the vibrations corresponding to forces oriented along this main direction of work, as is the case with the vibrations resulting from the passage of the vehicle. This is the case even when the shoe 15 is inclined with respect to the horizontal. These damping blocks 107, in particular the thickness or the height of their flexible and elastic body, as well as the dimensions of its large faces, can be dimensioned by calculation according to one or more frequency ranges of vibration to be damped specifically. It is for example possible to target the vibrations generated by the rolling of the rollers of a vehicle trolley, the frequencies of which are typically between 5 hertz and 12 hertz.

When the shoe 15 rests on the flanges 95, the first wing 101 of each of these flanges 95 generally extends parallel to the web 79 of the second beam 77. An additional damping block 115 is each time inserted between the first wing 101 of a flange 95 and the facing part of the core 77. Each additional damping block 115 here has a flexible and elastic body in the form of a plate, typically made of elastomeric material. The thickness of this plate corresponds to the main working direction of the additional damper block 115. As a variant, the body can take the form of a straight cylinder, in particular a prismatic one.

The flanges 95 are fixed to one another by fasteners which each pass through the web 79 of the beam 77 and the first wing 101 of these flanges. These are, for example, bolts 125. In the horizontal direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the shoe 15, the latter is thus held fixedly on the pair of lines 17 by means of the additional damping blocks 115. The transverse horizontal component of the resultant of all the forces likely to be applied to the shoe 15 is transmitted to the pair of lines via these additional damping blocks 115. The thickness or the height of the flexible and elastic body of the additional damping blocks 115, as well as the dimensions of its large faces, can be dimensioned by calculation so that these blocks act on a specific range of vibration frequencies.

Each additional damping block 115 is arranged relative to the shoe 15 so that its working direction is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of this shoe 15. The additional damping blocks 115 are arranged on this shoe 15 of way to work in the same direction. The additional damping blocks 115 are arranged on this shoe 15 so that their working direction is perpendicular to the working direction of the damping blocks 107.

Each flange 95 here comprises a lug 117 connected to the first wing 101 of the bracket 99 and which protrudes from this wing in a generally perpendicular manner. This leg 117 carries a wedge of a third type, or third wedge 119. The third wedge 119 is fixed to the leg 117, here by welding. Each connection 87 further comprises at least one pair of flats 121 which each project from one side of the core 79, close to the orifice 93. Each flat 121 is arranged on the core 79 so as to face to the leg 117 of a respective flange 95. Between each flat 121 and the tab 117 opposite is inserted a damper of a second type, or second damper 123. This second damper 123 comprises a damper unit integral with a pair of plates, for example with a flexible and elastic body , typically made of elastomeric material, vulcanized on each of these plates.

This second damper 123 is fixed against the third wedge 119, here by welding between said wedge and a plate of the second damper. In the substantially longitudinal direction, the shoe 15 is thus held fixed on the pair of lines 17 by means of the second damper 123. The substantially longitudinal component of the resultant of all the forces likely to be applied to the shoe 15 is transmitted to the pair of lines via this second damper 123.

The block of the second shock absorber 123 is arranged relative to the shoe 15 so that its direction of work is substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of this shoe 15. The second shock absorber 123 is placed on the shoe 15 so that the direction of work of its block is perpendicular to the working direction of the damping blocks 107 and to that of the additional damping blocks 115.

The damper blocks 107, the additional damper blocks 115 and the damper block of the second damper 123 can be advantageously dimensioned (height or thickness and dimensions of the large faces of their flexible and elastic body) by calculation so as to filter a range of vibration frequencies. determined. In particular, the damping blocks and plates can be dimensioned in such a way as to filter vibration frequencies which correspond to the rolling of the rollers of a vehicle trolley on the carrier cable portion 3 located on the shoe 15.

For example, when the flexible and elastic body is prismatic, in particular parallelepipedal, and more particularly rectangular, circular, polygonal, in particular in the shape of a parallelogram, and more particularly rectangular, each of the sides or the diameter of this body is between 50 and 250 millimeters.

Still by way of example, the height of the flexible and elastic body, or its thickness, is between 20 and 100 millimeters.

Each of the second links 87 is arranged so that the damper blocks 107, the additional damper blocks 115 and the damper block of the second damper 123 are arranged relative to each other so that their main working directions are perpendicular in pairs. This makes it possible, among other things, to damp independently in different directions, and, if necessary, to dimension each damping block practically independently of the others, with a view to damping specific vibrations.

A cable car installation has just been described in which the guiding of each of the carrying cables and of the pulling cable is carried out by means of an elongated cable support and a pair of connections by means of which the cable support is fixed to an aerial support structure. This elongated support takes the form of a support of the so-called "banana" type for the traction cable and of a support of the so-called "shoe" type for the carrying cables.

These links are arranged remote from each other in a longitudinal direction of the cable support. Each link is arranged as a link of the pseudo-embedding type, capable of behaving like a joint in terms of transmitting forces. Each elongated support then behaves like a continuous beam on two supports. In each of the two supports, only forces then pass from the elongated support to the overhead support structure. In each connection, one or more damping blocks can then be arranged so that their main direction of work corresponds to a force transmission direction. The damper blocks are arranged in such a way that their main direction of work corresponds to the thickness or the height of a cylindrical or flat body made of a flexible and elastic material, typically an elastomeric material. This flexible and elastic body can easily be dimensioned by calculation, in particular its thickness or height and the dimensions of its large face, so as to damp a specific range of vibrations transiting along the direction of force transmission.

According to the invention, the cable support is isolated from the rest of the aerial support structure, on the one hand by using connections of the pseudo-embedding type, capable of transmitting forces in the manner of joints, of on the other hand by inserting, at each link, at least one damper block which will work axially (in compression), at least for the directions in which the main forces are transmitted. The vibrations transmitted from the cable support to the support structure pass through the damping block(s). These damping blocks can be dimensioned by calculation, so as to filter these vibrations in an optimal manner.

These vibrations can have different origins depending on whether the support dedicated to the traction cable or that dedicated to the support cables is considered.

The support dedicated to the traction cable is mainly subjected to the deflection forces of the cable on this support, the resultant of which is directed substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the support. A damper block is arranged between the support and the rest of the structure, so that its working direction, perpendicular to its large faces in the parallelepipedic case, corresponds to this resultant. The block is dimensioned in such a way as to dampen the vibrations typically resulting from the running of the stranded traction cable on the guide rollers.

The support dedicated to a carrier cable undergoes both the deflection forces of the cable on this support and the forces exerted by the vehicles crossing this support, the resultant of which is also directed substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the support. A damping block is arranged between the support and the rest of the structure, so that its working direction corresponds to this resultant. The block is dimensioned in such a way as to dampen the vibrations typically resulting from the rolling of vehicles on the carrying cable support.

The invention relates not only to the installation which has just been described but also to any subassembly of the latter forming a guide device and which comprises a cable support, a pair of links via which the support attaches to an aerial support structure, if necessary equipped with their shock absorber blocks.

In particular, an overhead support structure is not limited to the case of a pylon but also includes any structural element performing this function in a station, whether the latter is a terminus or an intermediate one.

Bonds organized in pairs have been described, in which the bonds are analogous. This simplifies the sizing by calculation of the damping blocks that equip these links. Connections analogous to one another are understood to mean connections which behave mechanically and vibrationally in the same way. Structurally, the bonds may be identical to each other, or may differ slightly from each other, in particular by effect of symmetry.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but also encompasses any variant that a person skilled in the art may consider within the field defined by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims (10)

1. Cable guiding device for an aerial cableway system comprising at least one elongate cable support (15, 23), the device further including a single pair of similar connections (39, 87), by means of which the cable support is securely mounted on an aerial support structure (7), the connections (39, 87) being arranged at a distance from one another in a longitudinal direction of the cable support (15, 23), each connection (39, 87) including at least one respective damping block (59, 107, 115, 123) which is inserted between the cable support (15, 23) and the support structure (7), each damping block (59, 107, 115, 123) being shaped with a main working direction and the connection arranged such that this main working direction is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the cable support (15, 23), each damping block (59, 107, 115, 123) comprising a body made of a flexible material and each connection (39, 87) of said pair being arranged as a pseudo-embedded type connection, capable of transmitting forces in the manner of a ball joint, with the effect of the one or more damping blocks (59, 107, 115, 123).
2. Device according to claim 1, wherein the cable support is of the hauling cable roller carrier (23) type or track cable carrier (15) type.
3. Device according to one of claims 1 and 2, wherein the overall shape of the body is that of a portion of a right cylinder or plate.
4. Device according to claim 3, wherein at least one of the connections (39, 87) is arranged such that a height of the right cylinder or a plate thickness corresponds to a main working direction of the damping block (59, 107, 115, 123).
5. Device according to one of claims 3 and 4, wherein the height of the right cylinder or the thickness of the plate is comprised between 20 and 100 millimetres.
6. Device according to one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the portion of the right cylinder is prismatic, in particular parallelepipedal, and more particularly rectangular, or circular.
7. Device according to one of claims 3 to 6, wherein the portion of the plate is polygonal, in particular parallelogram-shaped, and more particularly rectangular, or circular.
8. Device according to one of claims 6 and 7, wherein each of the sides or the diameter of the portion of the plate or right cylinder is comprised between 50 and 250 millimetres.
9. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein each connection includes a plurality of damping blocks (59, 107, 115, 123), each working in a main direction, and the connection is arranged such that the main working directions of these damping blocks (59, 107, 115, 123) are perpendicular to one another pairwise.
10. Aerial cableway system of the type comprising one or a plurality of track cables and at least one hauling cable, the system comprising at least one aerial support structure and at least one cable guiding device according to one of the preceding claims, which is fastened to this support structure so as to support at least one of the hauling cable and the track cables on the aerial support structure.

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