EP3770036A1 - Cable car installation comprising a relay structure between two cable loops - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an installation for telephoning people by disengageable vehicles and carrying cable (1) comprising: two stations (1a, 1b) each equipped with an end pulley (101, 102), a relay structure (2) equipped with two return pulleys (110, 120), two cable loops (11, 12) each engaged with one of the end pulleys (101) and one of the return pulleys (110). The relay structure (2) comprises means (20) for transferring vehicles between the two cable loops (11, 12) and a fixed guide track (22) supporting a structure (21) movable in translation with respect to the fixed guide track, carrying the return pulleys (110, 120) and carrying the transfer means (20).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a cable transport installation comprising one or more vehicles, for example cabins or seats, carried and driven by cable loops, for the transport of people or goods.

STATE OF THE PRIOR ART

The invention is concerned with transport installations and, more specifically, with those intended to provide an air path between end stations, respectively, a departure station and an arrival station.

More specifically, the invention relates to an installation of gondolas or chairlifts connecting two end stations by means of a continuous running carrier-tractor cable and cabins or seats coupled in line and disconnected from the cable at the entrance. in the stations.

Each of the stations is equipped with an end pulley through which the cable passes, a transfer rail on which the cabins run before being re-coupled to the cable at the exit of the station and with boarding platforms and / or disembarkation of passengers.

Transport installations of the type with cabins or detachable seats allow high transport throughputs with light infrastructures.

The increase in the loads transported due, in particular, to the increasing size and number of cabins, as well as the lengthening of journeys with large differences in height, involve large sections of the carrier-tractor cable. These large sections pose technical problems, in particular, to ensure a reliable and secure passage of the cable over the pulleys, the cable then proving to be too rigid.

Cable car installations are already known comprising two successive sections on either side of an intermediate station through which the cabins traveling on the two sections and in both directions are likely to pass. Each section constitutes an independent installation with a carrier-tractor cable and a drive motor. At the entrance to the stations, in particular the intermediate station, the cabins are disconnected from the cable and slowed down for disembarking and / or boarding passengers.

The intermediate station of this installation comprises a half-loop return rail to reconnect the cabins to the return strand of the cable of the same section at the exit of the station, after re-acceleration, and a connecting rail between the two sections which allows the transfer from the cabin to the next section where it is re-accelerated before being coupled to the cable. Passengers can thus travel the two sections successively without leaving their cabin.

However, the presence of an intermediate station between the two sections complicates the overall installation and increases its cost. In addition, the slowing down of the cabins in the intermediate station lengthens the journey time and imposes uncomfortable braking and acceleration phases on the passengers.

The EP0491632 describes a cable car installation which comprises a first and a second loop which extend one after the other, a technical relay arranged at the interface of the two loops which is provided with a pulley for returning the first loop and a return pulley for the second loop and two connecting rails ensuring the transfer of the cabins between the two loops avoiding the return pulleys.

The voltage system is common to both loops, by providing in the technical relay for voltage transfer from one loop to the other and for voltage recovery through the other loop. To this end, the deflection pulleys are carried by a car supporting the cabins which moves on the connecting rails in the direction of the cable. A tension recovery cylinder stresses the carriage.

Thus, the cabs are disengaged from one loop and transferred via the trolley to the other loop on which they are re-engaged.

The integration of a technical relay in the line and the division of the carrier cable into two independent closed loops, which extend respectively between the downstream station and the technical relay and between the technical relay and the upstream station, make it possible to significantly reduce the cross section of the cable without requiring any modifications to the installation.

However, in this installation, the adjustment of the tension of the cable jointly on the two loops is difficult because of the transfer and the resumption of the tension from one loop to the other.

However, to have a satisfactory adjustment capacity of the cable tension at the level of the technical relay, it is necessary to move the return pulleys inside this relay, which requires a technical relay of considerable length.

In addition, the connecting rails are supported by a structure independent of the support carriage of the deflection pulleys, which poses problems of coordination between the disengagement and engagement phases of the vehicles.

Another drawback lies in the configuration of the technical relay. In fact, only the support carriage of the deflection pulleys is mobile while the other structural elements are fixed, which poses problems of compactness, mechanical connection and cohesion between the fixed elements and the mobile elements.

Finally, because this technical relay has no embarkation and / or disembarkation platform, it is not possible to use it to serve an intermediate station, or even to evacuate passengers in the event of a breakdown or incident.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

The invention aims to remedy these technical problems by simplifying the structure of the technical relay for transferring from one cable loop to another, and by reducing the length of the technical relay.

• une première poulie d'extrémité,
• une deuxième poulie d'extrémité,
• une structure de relais équipée d'une première poulie de renvoi et d'une deuxième poulie de renvoi,
• une première boucle de câble en prise avec la première poulie d'extrémité et la première poulie de renvoi,
• une deuxième boucle de câble en prise avec la deuxième poulie d'extrémité et la deuxième poulie de renvoi,
• au moins un véhicule apte à être accouplé alternativement à la première boucle de câble et à la deuxième boucle de câble par des moyens d'accouplement débrayables,

This goal is achieved by means of an installation for transporting people by disengageable vehicles and carrying cable comprising:

• a first end pulley,
• a second end pulley,
• a relay structure equipped with a first return pulley and a second return pulley,
• a first cable loop engaged with the first end pulley and the first deflection pulley,
• a second cable loop engaged with the second end pulley and the second deflection pulley,
• at least one vehicle capable of being coupled alternately to the first cable loop and to the second cable loop by disengageable coupling means,

The relay structure comprises means for transferring the vehicle uncoupled from the first cable loop and the second cable loop, from the first cable loop to the second cable loop. Remarkably, the relay structure comprises a fixed guide track supporting a movable structure in translation relative to the fixed guide track, the mobile structure carrying the first return pulley, the second return pulley and the means for transferring the vehicles.

Thus, according to the invention, the technical relay becomes completely mobile and takes on board all the essential mechanical components, in particular, the return pulleys, the vehicle transfer means and the cable clutch / release means. Thanks to the mobile structure, the technical relay moves according to the stress of the cables forming the two independent loops.

The end pulleys of the installation can be positioned in end stations, or in other relay structures.

According to an advantageous characteristic, the transfer means comprise at least one connecting rail ensuring the passage of vehicles between the two cable loops.

According to one embodiment, the transfer means comprise at least one release device capable of uncoupling the vehicle from the first cable loop, preferably located between the first end pulley and the first return pulley, and a device for 'clutch capable of coupling the vehicle to the second cable loop, preferably located between the second return pulley and the second end pulley.

According to another characteristic, the mobile structure is engaged with a force balancing member, for example disposed on or under the fixed guide track. This force-absorbing member is intended to ensure a nominal tension of the cable loops under conditions of use. This force balancing member may in particular comprise a jack connected to the mobile structure, this jack possibly being hydraulic, pneumatic or electromechanical, for example. Alternatively or in addition, the force balancing member can comprise a suspended balancing mass.

According to a specific variant of the invention, the mobile structure comprises a carriage equipped with at least one set of wheels capable of running on the fixed guide track.

Preferably, the mobile structure is open at its two longitudinal ends to allow the passage of the vehicle in transit.

According to another variant embodiment of the invention, the first return pulley is guided in rotation with respect to the mobile structure about a first axis of revolution, and the second return pulley is guided in rotation with respect to the structure. movable around a second axis of revolution, located at a distance from the first axis of revolution, and preferably parallel to the first axis of revolution.

According to an alternative variant, the first return pulley is guided in rotation with respect to the mobile structure about a first axis of revolution, and the second return pulley is guided in rotation with respect to the mobile structure about a second axis of revolution coincident with the first axis of revolution.

Optionally, the mobile structure comprises at least one platform allowing the embarkation or disembarkation of passengers or loads. Even in the event that the mobile structure is not intended to constitute an intermediate station, it can however be equipped to allow the evacuation of passengers or unloading in the event of damage or bad weather.

Preferably, this dock is then integrated into the transfer means.

According to the invention, provision is also made for the fixed guide track to be supported at altitude by supports.

The relay structure intended to be integrated into the installation of the invention is particularly compact and comprises an autonomous mobile structure which allows reliable and precise adjustment of the cable tension between the two loops as well as a safe and rapid transfer of the cables. vehicles between the two loops of successive sections.

In addition, inside this relay structure, the mechanical components, the vehicles and therefore the passengers are well protected from the external environment by passing through the mobile structure, which makes the installation of the invention particularly well suited. to an establishment in high mountains where possibly severe weather conditions prevail.

The installation of the invention can use a carrier-tractor cable of reduced section while retaining the advantages, in particular, of simplicity, flow rate and layout of the existing installation.

It thus offers great operating flexibility and ease of maintenance by simply moving and disengaging the mobile structure, which guarantees an optimal rate of availability.

The installation of the invention operates symmetrically in both directions of travel, without jerks or braking, which avoids breakdowns and interruptions. accidental traffic and thus makes passenger transport smooth, comfortable and secure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

• [Fig. 1] La figure 1 représente une vue schématique globale d'un mode de réalisation de l'installation de l'invention.
• [Fig. 2] La figure 2 représente une vue schématique d'un premier mode de réalisation de la structure de relais intégrée à l'installation de l'invention.
• [Fig. 3] La figure 3 représente une vue schématique d'un second mode de réalisation de la structure de relais intégrée à l'installation de l'invention.
• [Fig. 4] La figure 4 représente une vue schématique d'un troisième mode de réalisation de la structure de relais intégrée à l'installation de l'invention.

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge on reading the description which follows, with reference to the appended and detailed figures below.

• [ Fig. 1 ] The figure 1 represents an overall schematic view of an embodiment of the installation of the invention.
• [ Fig. 2 ] The figure 2 represents a schematic view of a first embodiment of the relay structure integrated into the installation of the invention.
• [ Fig. 3 ] The figure 3 represents a schematic view of a second embodiment of the relay structure integrated into the installation of the invention.
• [ Fig. 4 ] The figure 4 represents a schematic view of a third embodiment of the relay structure integrated into the installation of the invention.

For greater clarity, identical or similar elements are identified by identical reference signs in all of the figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The figure 1 represents an overall schematic view of an embodiment of the installation of the invention.

In general and as described in EP 0 491 632 , this installation includes a carrier-towing vehicle cable (not shown). These vehicles consist, in particular but in a nonlimiting manner, of one or more gondolas or of a series of chairlifts, intended to move on a line 1 which extends in a closed circuit between a first end station 1a, for example, downstream and a second end station 1b located, for example, upstream of the first end station, passing over end pulleys 101, 102 arranged in these stations.

Traditionally, the cable of line 1 is supported by support and compression rollers 13 carried by supports (not shown here). The vehicles are coupled to the cable by means of trolleys with disengageable clamps (not shown), which open at the entrance to the end stations 1a , 1b to disconnect the vehicles from the cable.

The vehicles circulate in the end stations 1a, 1b on transfer rails (not shown) at reduced speed, for the embarkation and disembarkation of passengers, before being re-accelerated and reconnected to line 1 at the exit of the stations on the return strand of the cable.

The section of the cable is determined according to various factors, including essentially the difference in level between the two end stations 1a, 1b and the load, in particular the weight and the number of vehicles supported by the cable loops on line 1.

In a traditional way and as illustrated by the figure 1 , the cable line 1 is subdivided into two loops 11, 12, one of which 11 extends in a closed circuit between the first end station 1a and a technical relay formed by a relay structure 2 by delimiting a first section of line 1 while the other loop 12 extends between this same relay structure 2 and the second end station 1b by delimiting a second section of line 1.

The first cable loop 11 is engaged, on the one hand, with the first end pulley 101 and, on the other hand, with a first return pulley 110 while the second cable loop 12 is engaged, d 'on the one hand, with the second end pulley 102 and, on the other hand, with a second deflection pulley 120.

Each of the loops 11, 12 thus passes over a return pulley, respectively a first return pulley 110 and a second return pulley 120, mounted in the relay structure 2. The section of the cable can thus be significantly reduced.

In a known manner, the relay structure 2 comprises transfer means ensuring the passage of vehicles from one loop to another. These means of transfer comprise at least one connecting rail 20 which connects the two loops 11, 12 avoiding the two return pulleys 110, 120 and devices 14 ensuring the disengagement and engagement of vehicles on the cable, respectively, at the ends of entry and exit of the connecting rails 20 in a manner analogous to that of the transfer rails equipping the end stations 1a, 1b.

The figures 2 , 3 and 4 schematically and partially show different embodiments of the relay structure 2 of the transport installation according to the invention.

According to the invention, the relay structure 2 comprises a fixed guide track 22 supporting a mobile structure 21 in translation relative to the fixed track.

The mobile structure 21 carries the first return pulley 110, the second return pulley 120 and carries the transfer means 20 of the vehicles which are thus integral with the structure and capable of being moved with it.

In the embodiments shown, the mobile structure 21 consists of a carriage equipped with at least two sets of wheels 25 ensuring the running on the guide track 22 , the upper face of which is substantially flat. The fixed track 22 is here supported at altitude by supports 24 or uprights, so as to be positioned as close as possible to the plane of the arrival and departure trajectories of the vehicles.

This carriage has, at its two longitudinal ends, openings 211, 212 in the manner of a tunnel to allow the passage under cover of vehicles in transit between the loops 11, 12 forming the two sections of the cable line 1.

It is possible, according to a variant not shown, to make the mobile structure 21 in the form of a rolling plate or a platform carrying, in particular, a support frame for the two return pulleys 110, 120 and the rail or rails. bond 20.

This platform can be provided with a roof making it possible to protect the mechanical components from the external environment and with all means of access allowing the intervention of security and maintenance personnel.

In the embodiment, illustrated by figure 3 , the axes of the return pulleys 110, 120 are offset in the direction of line 1.

Thus, the first return pulley 110 is guided in rotation with respect to the mobile structure 21 about a first axis of revolution X1, and the second return pulley 120 is guided in rotation with respect to the mobile structure 21 about a second axis of revolution X2, located at a distance from the first axis of revolution, and preferably parallel to the first axis of revolution.

The two loops 11, 12 thus travel at the same speed while being driven by a motor (not shown) coupled to one of the end pulleys, for example, to the pulley of the downstream station. Each loop 11, 12 can include a drive motor, synchronism being ensured by any suitable means, in particular by a connection between the two return pulleys 110, 120.

Preferably, the deflection pulleys 110, 120 are idle and the driving of the cable is provided by the end stations 1a, 1b, as in the configuration illustrated by figures 2 , 3 and 4 .

However, according to a variant not shown, the two return pulleys could be coupled mechanically by an intermediate shaft, so as to rotate in synchronism in the same direction.

In the embodiment illustrated by figures 2 and 4 , the first return pulley 110 is guided in rotation with respect to the mobile structure 21 about a first axis of revolution X1 and the second return pulley 120 is guided in rotation with respect to the mobile structure 21 around a second axis of revolution X2 which is here coincident with the first axis of revolution X1.

In another embodiment not shown, the return pulleys can be formed by a single pulley with two superimposed grooves or double grooves, each associated with one of the loops.

The two return pulleys 110, 120 can be in the plane of the loops 11, 12 and the connecting rails 20 are, in this case, deflected upwards or else the Offsets are shared, with the pulleys slightly offset downward and the rails upward. The operation of the technical relay of relay structure 2 is not affected by these provisions.

In both embodiments of the invention, the transfer means comprise connecting rails 20 extending in a rectilinear manner in the extension of the loops 11, 12, in order to maintain a uniform trajectory of the vehicles. The axes are inclined and the rollers deflect the cable 1 in the plane of the deflection pulleys 110, 120, so as not to interfere with the trajectory of the vehicles, in a manner well known per se and described, in particular, in the EP 0 491 632 .

According to the invention, the connecting rails 20 are directly carried by the mobile structure 21, for example by its floor, and are equipped with drive means, such as rollers optionally fitted with tires, which frictionally engage the carriages of the tires. vehicles moving on the connecting rails 20 while being uncoupled from the cable.

These rollers are driven by any suitable means, in particular, by a power take-off (not shown) on the cable and rotate at the speed of the cable so that the vehicles pass through the mobile structure 21 of the relay structure 2 without slowing down and without changing direction.

Each loop 11, 12 may include its own cable tension system which cooperates with the respective end pulleys 101, 102 , but in a preferred embodiment, a common counterweight or jack tension system cooperates with the 'one of the end pulleys, for example, that of the upstream station.

According to the invention, a force balancing member 3 urges the mobile structure 21 to pull or push it in order to be able to translate it in both directions, in the direction of the loops 11, 12, to ensure the resumption of the tension. of the cable of line 1 and the sharing of the efforts between the two loops.

The movable structure 21 is thus engaged with the force balancing member 3 preferably mounted on or under the fixed guide track 22 and which is hooked to the carriage here forming the movable structure 21.

In the embodiment illustrated by figures 2 and 3 , the force balancing member 3 consists of a hydraulic cylinder whose rod 30 is fixed to the frame 23 of the mobile structure 21.

In the embodiment of the figure 4 , the force balancing member 3 comprises at least one balancing mass 32 forming a ballast which is, on the one hand, suspended at the end of a cable 31 attached to the mobile structure 21 and passing over a angle pulley 33 and which is guided, on the other hand, in a vertical well housed here inside one of the supports 24.

Where appropriate, a return member (not shown) is connected to the movable structure 21 on the side opposite to the balancing member 3 to elastically compensate for the action of the mass 32.

According to a variant not shown of the invention, the mobile structure 21 comprises at least one platform (not shown) allowing the embarkation or disembarkation of passengers in the relay structure 2, either when the vehicles are stationary, or during a period of time. programmed slowdown phase or even in case of failure. This dock is preferably integrated by means of transfers 20 housed in the mobile structure 21.

The operation of the technical relay integrated in the relay structure 2 is carried out as follows.

A vehicle transported on the first loop 11 and arriving at the relay structure 2 enters the mobile structure 21 through its longitudinal opening 211 of entry. At this stage, the vehicle trolley engages on the connecting rail 20 while the coupling clamp opens to release the vehicle from the cable of the first loop 11.

The vehicle continues its course inside the mobile structure 21 while being driven by its rollers on the connecting rail 20 in the direction of the second loop 12. Arrived at the end of its travel on the connecting rail 20 of the mobile structure 21 , the vehicle is coupled to the cable of the second loop 12 by closing the front clamp or as soon as the step of the longitudinal opening 212 of the mobile structure 21 has been crossed .

In the same way, the vehicles traveling in the opposite direction cross the relay structure 2 while rolling on the other connecting rail 20 housed symmetrically in the mobile structure 21. The passage through the station 2 is thus carried out under shelter, without slowing down and without noticeable change of course, which prevents the vehicle from oscillating and jerking.

The integration of the mobile structure 21 into the relay structure 2 does not pose any difficulty since it is placed and guided on the fixed track 22 with a freedom of longitudinal translation and can be moved easily in the event of a breakdown or released by crane. for heavy maintenance operations.

The relay structure 2 is not necessarily located halfway on line 1 between the two sections and a change of direction is possible at the station between the two sections of line 1 by strengthening the anchorages.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments more particularly described and shown, but it extends to any variant remaining within the scope of equivalences, in particular, to that of a technical relay arranged in several mobile modules in translation on the fixed track or the one where the technical relay does not include means for driving the vehicles on the connecting rails 20, the latter moving mainly by gravity.

Where appropriate, one and / or the other of the stations 1a, 1b described as end stations of the installation is itself a relay structure similar in structure to station 2, ensuring a transition to a other section of the installation.

Naturally, the embodiments illustrated by the figures presented above are given only by way of non-limiting examples. It is explicitly planned that we can combine these different modes and variants to offer others.

Claims (11)

Telephone installation comprising: - a first end pulley (101), - a second end pulley (102), - a relay structure (2) equipped with a first return pulley (110) and a second return pulley (120), - a first cable loop (11) engaged with the first end pulley (101) and the first return pulley (110), - a second loop (12) of cable engaged with the second end pulley (102) and the second return pulley (120), - at least one vehicle suitable for being coupled alternately to the first cable loop and to the second cable loop by disengageable coupling means, the relay structure (2) comprising transfer means (20) of the vehicle uncoupled from the first cable loop and the second cable loop, from the first cable loop (11) to the second cable loop (12) ; characterized in that the relay structure (2) comprises a fixed guide track (22) supporting a structure (21) movable in translation with respect to the fixed guide track, the movable structure (21) carrying the first return pulley (110), the second return pulley (120) and the vehicle transfer means (20). Cableway installation according to Claim 1, characterized in that the transfer means comprise at least one connecting rail (20) ensuring the passage of vehicles between the two cable loops (11, 12). Cableway installation according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transfer means comprise at least one release device capable of uncoupling the vehicle (14) from the first cable loop (11), the release device being located preferably between the first end pulley (101), and the first deflection pulley (110) and a clutch device capable of coupling the vehicle (14) to the second cable loop (12), the clutch device preferably being located between the second return pulley (120) and the second end pulley (102) . Telephone installation according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the mobile structure (21) is engaged with a force balancing member (3), preferably positioned under the fixed guide track (22). Telephone installation according to Claim 4, characterized in that the force balancing member (3) comprises a jack connected to the mobile structure (21). Cableway installation according to Claim 4 or Claim 5, characterized in that the force balancing member (3) comprises a suspended balancing mass (32). Telephone installation according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mobile structure (21) comprises at least one carriage equipped with at least one set of wheels (25) able to run on the fixed guide track (22) . Telephone installation according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mobile structure (21) is open at its two longitudinal ends (211, 212) to allow the passage of the vehicle in transit. Telephone installation according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first return pulley (110) is guided in rotation with respect to the mobile structure (21) about a first axis of revolution, and the second pulley reference (120) is guided in rotation relative to the mobile structure (21) about a second axis of revolution, located at a distance from the first axis of revolution, and preferably parallel to the first axis of revolution. Telephone installation according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the first return pulley (110) is guided in rotation with respect to the mobile structure (21) about a first axis of revolution, and the second Return pulley (120) is guided in rotation with respect to the mobile structure (21) about a second axis of revolution coincident with the first axis of revolution. Cableway installation according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fixed guide track (22) is supported at altitude above the ground by supports (24).

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