EP4296137A1 - Cableway with person detection device - Google Patents

Abstract

In order to increase safety for people (P) in a cable car (1) as simply and cost-effectively as possible, a detection device for detecting a person (P) is provided in the cable car (1), wherein in at least one of the cable car stations (2a, 2b) at least one detection area (D1, D2) is defined, wherein the detection device has at least one sensor unit (10) which is arranged in the detection area (D1, D2) and wherein the at least one sensor unit (10) is designed to detect contact with a person ( P) to generate a sensor signal (X) or to interrupt a sensor signal (X) with the sensor unit (10).

Description

The invention relates to a cable car with a number of cable car stations and with a number of cable car vehicles which can be moved between the cable car stations with a conveyor rope, a detection device for detecting a person being provided in the cable car. The invention further relates to a method for operating a cable car.

In a known manner, cable cars are mostly used in winter sports areas to transport people, especially skiers, between two cable car stations, for example from a valley station to a mountain station. A basic distinction is made between orbits and aerial tramways. In orbits, a large number of cable car vehicles are usually moved by means of a conveyor rope in a rotating movement along a closed path between two or more cable car stations. In aerial tramways, the cable car vehicles are moved back and forth between two cable car stations in an oscillating motion. The cable car vehicles of aerial tramways usually have a cabin with a capacity of, for example, twenty people or more. Gondolas are usually designed as chairlifts or gondola lifts.

Chairlifts have chairlifts with chairs to accommodate a number of people and gondola lifts have cabin vehicles with cabins to accommodate a number of people, the capacity of the cabins usually being greater than the capacity of the chairs. In the past, armchairs were usually designed to accommodate two or four people. Recently, armchairs with a capacity of six to eight people have been increasingly used. In a first cable car station, e.g. the valley station, an entry area is usually provided for people, in which people can get into the chairs or cabins. In a second cable car station, e.g. the mountain station, there is usually an exit area for people where people can get out of the chairs or cabins again. Of course, both an entry area and an exit area can be provided in a cable car station, or a combined entry/exit area, which can be the case, for example, with aerial tramways or large circular gondola lifts.

In addition to pure chairlifts and gondola lifts, there are also so-called combination lifts, which form a combination of gondola lift and chairlift. In addition to the number of chair vehicles, a number of cabin vehicles are used. The different cable car vehicles are moved in a specific order with the same conveyor cable, for example three chairs and one cabin each. For pure chairlifts, each cable car station usually only has one chair entry area and one chair exit area. However, depending on where the cable car station is located, it is usually mainly either the chair boarding area used (e.g. valley station) or the chair exit area (e.g. mountain station). In the case of combined railways, the cable car stations each have an additional cabin entry area, cabin exit area or combined cabin entry/exit area for entering the cabins and/or for exiting the cabins.

Similar to how driverless operation already exists in subways, there has recently been an increasing effort in the area of cable cars to achieve a higher level of automation without endangering the safety of passengers. Until now, this was not easily possible due to the available sensors and control technology, especially in the winter sports sector, where wintry weather conditions often prevail, e.g. fog, snowfall, icing, etc. Because of the often unwieldy winter sports equipment, there is also a significant safety risk for passengers in the winter sports sector, so that a Operation without operating personnel who can intervene in an emergency was previously not easily possible. Armchair vehicles usually have safety bars on the chairs to reduce the risk of people falling from the chair. After the people have sat down on the chairs in the chair entry area of a cable car station, the safety bars can be closed during the exit from the cable car station. Before the people in the chair exit area of the other cable car station can leave the chairs again, the safety bars can be opened again. Closing and opening were often done manually, but recently they have also become more and more automatic.

Despite the safety bar, there remains a certain residual risk that people will fall out of the chair in front of the chair exit area, for example because the safety bar is opened manually too early or due to the early automatic opening time, which is necessarily in front of the chair exit area. Similarly, there is a certain risk that the safety bar after the chair entry area will be closed manually too late or due to the automatic closing time, which is necessarily after the chair entry area. Falls from a moving chair vehicle can result in serious injuries if a person hits the ground. Until now, the chair entry area and the chair exit area were usually monitored visually (by seeing) and acoustically (by hearing) by the cable car staff present. If it was detected that a person had fallen out of a chair, the cable car was stopped manually. However, on the one hand, this is personnel-intensive, which contradicts the pursuit of autonomous operation. On the other hand, the reliability of human monitoring is usually limited due to lack of attention, obstructed visibility or ambient noise.

The same applies to the cabin entry area, the cabin exit area or the combined cabin entry/exit area of cable cars. Here there is usually a platform through which passengers can get in and out of the cabins. There is usually a pit immediately adjacent to the platform, in which the cabin vehicles are moved in a direction of movement along the platform. The depth of the pit can be 50cm or more. It can happen that people accidentally fall into the pit between two cabin vehicles traveling one behind the other, which can lead to serious injuries, especially if the fall goes unnoticed and the system is not stopped immediately by the operating personnel.

In US 2021/0229713 A It is proposed to detect certain areas of a cable car station of a chairlift using radar sensors, for example to detect vibrations of the cable car vehicles, to detect the position of the safety bars, to detect when people accidentally remain seated on the chair or when people fall in the exit area and other people To block. However, radar detection requires, on the one hand, relatively complex evaluation logic and, on the other hand, incorrect detections can occur if the radar beam is interrupted by other objects, animals or people.

It is therefore an object of the invention to increase safety for people in a cable car as simply and cost-effectively as possible.

The object is achieved according to the invention with the cable car mentioned at the beginning in that at least one detection area is defined in at least one of the cable car stations, that the detection device has at least one sensor unit which is arranged in the detection area and that the at least one sensor unit is designed to, upon contact with one Person with the sensor unit to generate a sensor signal or to interrupt a sensor signal. This means that people can be detected in a defined area even without the presence of cable car operating personnel, in particular if people fall into the detection area. The detection of a person can then be used to trigger a desired reaction from the cable car. In addition to detecting a fall, the detection device can also be used, for example, to detect (unauthorized) entry by people into the detection area.

The detection device preferably has an evaluation unit which is designed to detect a person in the detection area based on the sensor signal, the evaluation unit preferably being integrated in the sensor unit or in a control unit of the cable car. For example, the evaluation unit can be designed to assess a person under at least one of the following conditions detect: immediately upon or within a specified time after receipt or after the interruption of the sensor signal, when a specified temporal change in the sensor signal is exceeded, when a specified threshold value of the sensor signal is exceeded, when a specified difference value between the sensor signal and an initial sensor value is exceeded. This makes it possible to use more complex evaluation logic to detect a person or a fall of a person, which goes beyond a simple true/false query of the sensor signal.

A drive device for driving the cable car vehicles and a control unit for controlling the drive device are preferably provided in the cable car, wherein the control unit can be designed to stop the drive device or to set a conveying speed when a person is detected by the evaluation unit or when the sensor signal is received or interrupted To reduce cable car vehicles. The drive device preferably has at least one first drive unit for driving the conveyor rope. Preferably, the cable car vehicles in the cable car stations can be decoupled from the conveyor cable and an auxiliary drive is provided in each cable car station, which is designed to drive the cable car vehicles decoupled from the conveyor cable. In this case, the drive device preferably also has a second drive unit for the auxiliary drive. This means, for example, that the cable car can be stopped automatically or the speed can be automatically reduced if a person has been detected in a detection area, e.g. after a fall. This is particularly advantageous if there are no or only a few operating personnel available in the cable car station, so that optical monitoring and manual intervention are not reliably possible. This allows, for example, completely unattended operation in at least one cable car station.

The sensor unit preferably has at least one of the following sensors: pressure sensor, force sensor, acceleration sensor, touch sensor, wherein preferably at least one of the sensors has one of the following sensors: piezo sensor, strain gauge, inductive sensor, capacitive sensor, electrical switch. This means that a suitable sensor type can be provided depending on the application, for example depending on the expected weather conditions. In a simple embodiment, an electrical pressure switch, pushbutton switch or position switch can be used as a sensor, for example, which interrupts or closes a circuit when a person operates the respective switch, for example in the event of a fall. The interruption or closing of the circuit can be used, for example, as a sensor signal. However, the electrical switch could, for example, also be integrated directly in the circuit of the drive device, so that actuation of the switch leads directly to a stop of the drive device, essentially like an emergency stop switch. Under a In the context of the invention, sensor is therefore not just a sensor for detecting a measured variable, but also

The sensor unit can be permanently integrated into a stationary structural structure of the respective cable car station, which is advantageous, for example, when building a new system. However, the sensor unit can also be designed as a separate unit which is arranged to be removable in the detection area of the respective cable car station, which is advantageous, for example, in order to retrofit an existing cable car system with a detection device.

The detection area preferably has a detection width of at least 50cm, preferably at least 1m, transverse to the direction of movement of the cable car vehicles. Alternatively or additionally, the detection area in the direction of movement of the cable car vehicles preferably has a detection length of at least 0.5m, preferably at least 1m. This creates a sufficiently large area to detect a person.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the sensor unit has at least one pressure- or touch-sensitive sensor mat, which is preferably protected against the ingress of water and/or is designed to cushion and/or dampen an impact from a person. Such sensor mats are known in the prior art and represent a simple and cost-effective way to implement a detection device in the sense of the invention.

The sensor unit can also have a sensor interface via which the sensor unit can be connected to the control unit. Alternatively or additionally, the sensor unit can also have an energy supply interface via which the sensor unit can be connected to an energy source. Alternatively or additionally, the sensor unit can also have an energy storage device in order to at least temporarily supply the sensor unit with energy.

An alarm unit can also be provided in the cable car, which is designed to generate an alarm signal, preferably acoustic, optical or electronic, when a person is detected by the evaluation unit or when the sensor signal is received or interrupted. This can alert other passengers or the operating staff. If, for example, there are no operating personnel in the cable car station in which a person was detected, then it can also be advantageous if an electronic alarm signal is sent, for example, to a user interface of another cable car station in which there are operating personnel.

The cable car can be designed as a cable car or as an aerial tramway. This allows a wide range of applications for person detection to be created on all common cable cars.

Preferably, a number of chair vehicles are provided, each with a chair to accommodate a number of people, with a chair entry area being provided in one of the cable car stations for people to board the chair vehicles and a first detection area being provided in the cable car station, which is located in Direction of movement of the chair vehicles is located after the chair entry area and below a chair vehicle leaving the chair entry area. Additionally or alternatively, a chair exit area can be provided in one of the cable car stations for people to get out of the chair vehicles and a second detection area can be provided in the cable car station, which is located in front of the chair exit area in the direction of movement of the chair vehicles and below one in the chair vehicle. The exit area of the incoming chair vehicle is located. The first and/or second detection area preferably has a detection width transverse to the direction of movement of the chair vehicles, which corresponds to at least one vehicle width of the chair vehicles. Particularly preferably, the detection area has a detection width that corresponds to the vehicle width of a chair vehicle plus twice a lateral safety distance of at least 0.5 m each. For example, with a vehicle width of 4m, the detection width is at least 5m. This means that the detection device can be used to detect a fall on a pure chairlift or in the chair entry and/or exit area of a combination lift.

Preferably, a number of cabin vehicles are provided, each with a cabin to accommodate a number of people, and in one of the cable car stations a cabin boarding area is provided for people to board the cabin vehicles, with a third detection area being provided, which is located below the in the cabin vehicle. Cabin vehicles located in the entry area and which extends in the direction of movement of the cabin vehicles over a fixed detection length along the cabin entry area. In the same cable car station or in another cable car station, a cabin exit area can also be provided for people to get out of the cabin vehicles and a fourth detection area can be provided, which is located below the cabin vehicles located in the cabin exit area and which is in the direction of movement of the Cabin vehicles extend over a specified detection length of the cabin exit area. This means that the detection device can be used on a pure gondola lift or in the gondola entrance and/or - The exit area of a combination railway can be used to detect people who have fallen, for example.

The task is also solved with a method in that a sensor unit is generated with a sensor unit arranged in a defined detection area of a cable car station or a sensor signal is interrupted when a person in the detection area contacts the sensor unit.

Advantageous embodiments of the method are specified in the dependent claims 17 to 20.

• Fig.1 eine Seilbahn in Form einer Sesselbahn in einer Ansicht von oben,
• Fig.2 eine perspektivische Ansicht einer Seilbahnstation der Sesselbahn,
• Fig.3 eine Seilbahnstation einer Seilbahn in Form einer Kabinenbahn in einer Ansicht von oben.

The present invention is described below with reference to Figures 1 to 3 explained in more detail, which show exemplary, schematic and non-restrictive advantageous embodiments of the invention. This shows

• Fig.1 a cable car in the form of a chairlift in a view from above,
• Fig.2 a perspective view of a chairlift cable car station,
• Fig.3 a cable car station of a cable car in the form of a gondola in a view from above.

For the sake of simplicity, the invention is described below using a circulating cable car in the form of a chairlift and a circulating cable car in the form of a gondola lift. Of course, both the combination train mentioned at the beginning and the commuter train are covered by the invention.

In the Fig.1 Cable car 1 shown has a first cable car station 2a and a second cable car station 2b, which are each designed as end stations. The cable car 1 also has a number of cable car vehicles 5a, which can be moved with a conveyor cable 3 between the cable car stations 2a, 2b. The cable car 1 is designed as a circulation cable car in the form of a chairlift, in which the conveyor cable 3 is moved in a closed loop. For ease of representation, the area between the cable car stations 2a, 2b is not shown, as symbolized by the interrupted conveyor cable 3. Depending on the length and topography, as is known, a plurality of cable car supports (not shown) can be provided between the cable car stations 2a, 2b, on which the conveyor cable 3 is guided. So-called roller batteries are usually provided for guidance, each of which has a plurality of rotatably mounted rollers arranged one behind the other in the direction of movement B. Within the cable car stations 2a, 2b, the conveyor cable 3 is deflected around cable pulleys 4. The first cable car station 2a can, for example, be a valley station and the second cable car station 2b can be a mountain station.

The cable car 1 shown is designed as a chairlift, in which the cable car vehicles 5a each have a chair to accommodate a number of people P. The Cable car vehicles 5a are therefore referred to below as chair vehicles 5a. The chair vehicles 5a each have a hanger (not shown) with which the chair vehicle 5a is suspended and detachably attached to the conveyor rope 3. While the armchairs were previously often designed to accommodate two or four people P, the armchairs are now usually designed to accommodate six or eight people P, which means a higher transport capacity is achieved. For releasable fastening, a rope clamp (not shown) is provided at the upper end of the hanger, via which the chair vehicles 5a can be positively coupled to the conveyor rope 3. To operate the rope clamp for coupling the chair vehicles 5a with the conveyor rope 3 or to decouple the cable car vehicles 5a from the conveyor rope 3, stationary actuating devices (not shown), for example mechanical positive guides, are generally provided within the cable car stations 2a, 2b.

When entering a cable car station 2a, 2b, the cable clamps can be opened by the respective actuating device and the chair vehicles 5a can be decoupled from the conveyor cable 3, whereby the adhesion is interrupted. This allows the chair vehicles 5a to be braked and moved through the respective cable car station 2a, 2b at a reduced speed. When leaving the cable car station 2a, 2b, the chair vehicles 5a can be accelerated again to the speed of the conveyor rope 3 and can be coupled back to the conveyor rope 3 by closing the rope clamps in order to restore the adhesion. In order to be able to move the chair vehicles 5a in the decoupled state through the cable car stations 2a, 2b, guide rollers (not shown) are usually arranged on the chair vehicles 5a and suitable guide rails 6 are provided in the cable car stations 2a, 2b, along which the chair vehicles 5 are guided are, as in Fig.1 is indicated.

A drive device 7 for driving the chair vehicles 5a is also provided in the circulating cable car 1. The drive device 7 can have at least a first drive unit 7a, for example in the form of an electric machine, which serves to drive the conveyor cable 3. The first drive unit 7a can be arranged in one of the cable car stations 2a, 2b or a first drive unit 7a can be provided in each cable car station 2a, 2b. The first drive unit 7a is designed to drive the pulley 4 of the respective cable car station 2a, 2b, here the pulley 4 of the second cable car station 2b. To move the chair vehicles 5a in the decoupled state within the cable car stations 2a, 2b, a separate auxiliary drive 8 is usually provided in each cable car station 2a, 2b. The drive device 7 of the circulation cable car 1 therefore preferably also has at least one second drive unit 7b, for example an electric machine, for the auxiliary drive 8, as in Fig.1 is indicated schematically. The auxiliary drive 8 can, in a known manner, have a plurality of drive wheels (not shown) which run along the guide rail 6 are arranged and which can be driven by the second drive unit 7b. A suitable friction lining can be provided on the chair vehicles 5a, with which the drive wheels interact to drive the chair vehicles 5.

A control unit 9 is also provided in the circulation cable car 1, which can have suitable hardware and/or software. The control unit 9 is in Fig.1 only shown schematically in the center and in practice can be arranged, for example, in a possibly existing control room of a cable car station 2a, 2b or at another suitable location in a cable car station 2a, 2b. The control unit 9 is designed to control the drive device 7 in order to move the chair vehicles 5a in a direction of movement B. In addition to controlling the drive unit 7, the control unit 9 can of course also control other functions of the cable car 1, which, however, are not relevant to the present invention.

On the open route between the cable car stations 2a, 2b, the direction of movement B is determined by the conveyor cable 3. Within the cable car stations 2a, 2b, the direction of movement B is determined by the course of the guide rails 6. In the example shown, the control unit 9 is connected via suitable control lines to the first drive unit 7a (for the pulley 4) and to the second drive unit 7b (for the auxiliary drive 8) of the second cable car station 2b. The control unit 9 is also connected to the second drive unit 7b of the auxiliary drive 8 of the first cable car station 2a.

In the first cable car station 2a, a chair boarding area SE is provided for people P to get into the chair vehicles 5a. In the second cable car station 2b, a chair exit area SA is provided for people P to get out of the chair vehicles 5a. As mentioned at the beginning, a combined entry/exit area could of course also be provided, which is intended for both boarding and alighting. Equally, of course, a separate entry area only for boarding and a separate exit area only for exiting can be arranged within a cable car station 2a, 2b. This is the case, for example, with chairlifts, where people are usually transported in both directions, or with gondola lifts.

A detection device for detecting people P is also provided in the cable car 1. For this purpose, a first detection area D1 is defined in the first cable car station 2a, in which a sensor unit 10 is arranged, which is designed to generate a sensor signal X or to interrupt a sensor signal X when a person P comes into contact with the sensor unit 10. In the second cable car station 2a, a second detection area D2 is defined in the same way, in which a sensor unit 10 is arranged is designed to generate a sensor signal X or to interrupt a sensor signal X when a person P comes into contact with the sensor unit 10. The sensor signal X can be transmitted to the control unit 9 via a suitable communication connection, for example wirelessly or wired. The control unit 9 can stop the drive device 7 or reduce a conveying speed of the cable car vehicles 5 when the sensor signal X is received or interrupted. Whether it is received or interrupted depends on the type of sensor unit 10.

The sensor unit 10 can, for example, have at least one of the following sensors 10a (not shown) in order to detect the person P: pressure sensor, force sensor, acceleration sensor, touch sensor. Of course, a plurality of sensors 10a can also be provided in the sensor unit 10. A combination of different sensors 10a is also conceivable. Preferably, at least one of the sensors 10a has a piezo sensor, strain gauge, inductive sensor, capacitive sensor or electrical switch. Depending on the specific application, a suitable sensor type can be selected.

In a simple embodiment, for example, an electrical switch, e.g. pressure switch, pushbutton switch or position switch, can be used, which interrupts an electrical sensor signal , D2, pressed. The control unit 9 can then, for example, stop the drive device 7 directly when the sensor signal X is interrupted. The other sensors 10a mentioned can, for example, generate an electrical sensor signal X when a person directly contacts the sensor 10a or a sensor area of the sensor 10a. The control unit 9 can then, for example, stop the drive device 7 immediately upon receipt of the sensor signal X. For example, in urban applications in areas where no snow falls, it may be advantageous to use a different sensor type than in winter sports areas with large amounts of snow, low temperatures, icing, etc.

In the cable car 1 shown, the second detection area D2 is located in the second cable car station 2b in the direction of movement B of the chair vehicles 5a in front of the chair exit area SA and below a chair vehicle 5a entering the chair exit area SA (see also Fig.2 ). The first detection area D1 is located in the first cable car station 2a in the direction of movement B of the chair vehicles 5a after the chair entry area SE and below a chair vehicle 5a leaving the chair entry area SE. As a result, a person P in the first cable car station 2a who falls from the chair into the first detection area D1 after getting into a chair vehicle 5a can be detected by the sensor unit 10. In an analogous manner, a person P in the second cable car station 2a, which is in front of the Getting out of a chair vehicle 5a from the chair falls into the second detection area D2 can be detected by the sensor unit 10. Of course, people P who enter one of the detection areas D1, D2 without authorization can also be recognized by the detection device.

The illustrated embodiment of the cable car 1 and the arrangement, shape and size of the detection areas D1, D1 are of course only to be understood as examples in order to describe the invention. The person skilled in the art can of course adapt the detection device to given requirements. For example, the detection areas D1, D2 can each have a detection width DB transverse to the direction of movement B of the chair vehicles 5a, which corresponds to at least one vehicle width FB of the chair vehicles 5a. Preferably, a lateral safety distance of, for example, at least 0.5m can also be taken into account. The detection width DB is then a sum of the vehicle width FB and twice the lateral safety distance. For example, with a vehicle width of 4m, the detection width can be at least 5m. As a result, the width of the detection areas D1, D2 can be adapted to the width of the cable car vehicles 5a used and people P can also be reliably detected who fall out of the cable car vehicle 5a on the edge of the chair or enter the detection areas D1, D2. In the direction of movement B of the cable car vehicles 5a, a detection length DL of the detection areas D1, D2 in the direction of movement B is preferably at least 1m, particularly preferably at least 2m. The position of the detection areas D1, D2 in the direction of movement B and the detection length DL are preferably chosen so that at least the area in which the greatest risk of falling exists is covered. This area is generally well known.

The detection device can also have an evaluation unit 11, which is designed to detect a person P, in particular a fall, in the respective detection area D1, D2 based on the sensor signal X. The control unit 9 can then stop the drive device 7 or reduce a conveying speed of the chair vehicles 5a when a person is detected by the evaluation unit 11. The evaluation unit 11 is preferably integrated in the sensor unit 10 or in the control unit 9, as in Fig.1 indicated. The evaluation unit 11 can be implemented, for example, as evaluation logic in the software of the control unit 9. The evaluation unit 11 can detect a person P, for example, directly by receiving or interrupting the sensor signal

The evaluation unit 11 could, for example, only detect a person P after a set time has elapsed after receipt or after the sensor signal X has been interrupted. This can mean, for example, that no person P is detected if Although a sensor signal X is generated (or interrupted), the duration of the signal or interruption is shorter than the specified time. However, a person P could, for example, also be detected if a specified time change in the sensor signal X is exceeded or if a specified threshold value of the sensor signal Such a load could, for example, be a snow load located in the detection area D1, D2 or objects located in the detection area D1, D2. However, a person P, in particular a fall, could also be detected, for example, if a fixed difference value ΔX between the sensor signal X and an initial sensor value is exceeded. The initial sensor value could, for example, be set automatically when the cable car 1 is put into operation. This allows, for example, any sensor drift to be taken into account.

An alarm unit 13 can also be provided in the cable car 1, which is designed to generate an alarm signal 13b, preferably acoustic, optical or electronic, when a person is detected. The alarm unit 11 can be connected to one or more sensor units 10 via a suitable communication connection indirectly (i.e. via the control unit 9) or directly (i.e. via a direct connection). The alarm unit 13 can, for example, have a loudspeaker for emitting an acoustic alarm signal 13a and/or can have a lamp for emitting an optical alarm signal 13a. Alternatively or additionally, the alarm unit 13 can also generate an electronic alarm signal 13a and, for example, transmit it to a user interface (not shown) of the cable car 1. At the user interface, for example a suitable input/output unit, a corresponding message can then be output to the operating personnel, for example, that a person P has fallen from a chair into the detection area D1, D2.

The sensor unit 10 can be permanently integrated into a stationary structural structure of the respective cable car station 2a, 2b and thus be stationary. For example, individual sensors 10a could be integrated directly into the floor of the cable car station 2a, 2b. Alternatively, the sensor unit 10 could also be designed as a separate unit which is arranged to be removable in the respective detection area D1, D2 of the respective cable car station 2a, 2b. According to the in Fig.1 In the embodiment shown, the sensor unit 10 has, for example, a pressure- or touch-sensitive sensor mat 10b, which is arranged in the respective detection area D1, D2. This means that existing cable car systems can also be relatively easily retrofitted with the person detection according to the invention. The sensor mat 10b can, for example, be additionally protected against the ingress of water, which is particularly important when used in Winter sports areas or in rainy areas is advantageous. Alternatively or additionally, the sensor mat 10b could also be designed to cushion and/or dampen an impact from a person P. This not only allows a fall to be detected, but also reduces the risk of injury.

The sensor unit 10 can also have a sensor interface 12 and/or an energy supply interface 14 and/or an energy storage 15 (in Fig.1 not shown). This is particularly advantageous if the sensor unit 10 is designed as a separate unit, i.e. is not an integral part of the cable car station 2a, 2b. The sensor unit 10 can be connected to the control unit 9 via the sensor interface 12 using a suitable communication connection. The communication connection can be wireless or wired, with the sensor interface 12 of course being designed in a suitable manner. The sensor unit 10 can be connected to an external energy source via a suitable electrical line via the energy supply interface 14. The power supply interface 14 can, for example, have a suitable electrical plug. Energy-autonomous operation of the sensor unit 10 can take place at least temporarily via the energy storage device 15, for example a suitable battery.

In Fig.2 is the second cable car station 2b Fig.1 presented in a perspective view and greatly simplified. The second detection area D2 is located in front of the chair exit area SA of the second cable car station 2b in the direction of movement B and is located on an inclined plane below the incoming chair vehicles 5a. In the second detection area D2, a sensor unit 10 is provided, which is designed to detect people P who fall out of a chair vehicle 5a in front of the chair exit area SA (or people who enter this area without authorization). To illustrate the various embodiments, the sensor unit 10 shown has a first section, adjacent to the chair exit area SA, in which a pressure- or touch-sensitive sensor mat 10b is provided, and a second section adjacent to the first section, in which a plurality of Sensors 10a are provided, which are structurally integrated in the cable car station 2b.

The sensor mat 10b is not stationary, but is arranged to be removable. If necessary, for example, a suitable depression (not shown) can be provided in the floor of the second cable car station 2b, into which the sensor mat 10b can be inserted, for example in a substantially form-fitting manner. This allows the position to be fixed relative to the cable car station 2b. The sensor mat 10b can have one or more of the sensors 10a mentioned. For example, a sensor 10a can be provided in the form of an electrical switch, which has a first electrical contact element that extends over a fixed area of the sensor mat 10b, for example essentially over the entire base area, and a second electrical contact element, which preferably extends over the same surface of the sensor mat 10b. The contact elements can be spaced apart from one another and, if necessary, prestressed by a suitable prestressing means. If a person P falls onto the sensor mat 10b, then the contact elements are brought into contact by the weight of the person P and a sensor signal X, for example an electrical current or an electrical voltage, is generated or interrupted.

The sensor mat 10b can, for example, have a sensor interface 12, which can be connected to the control unit 9 via a suitable communication connection. The sensor signal(s) X can be output via the sensor interface 12 and transmitted to the control unit 9 via the communication connection. The communication connection 13 can be wired, for example as an electrical line, or wireless, for example as a radio or Bluetooth connection. The sensor mat 10b can also have a suitable energy supply interface 14 in order to supply the sensor or sensors 10a with the necessary energy. The power supply interface 14 can be connected to a power source (not shown) in a suitable manner, for example via a cable. The energy supply of the cable car 1 is preferably used as the energy source. Alternatively, a separate energy source could also be provided in the cable car station 2b, for example a photovoltaic module. Alternatively or additionally, an energy storage device 15, for example a battery, could also be provided to supply energy to the sensor mat 10b.

In the second section of the sensor unit 10 shown, a plurality of sensors 10a are provided, which are arranged in a grid shape and are integrated into the floor of the second cable car station 2b. The sensors 10a can have one or more of the sensor types mentioned above, for example pressure sensor, force sensor, acceleration sensor, touch sensor, electrical switch, etc. The sensors 10a can be connected in a suitable manner and connected to the control unit 9. In the example shown, the sensor mat 10b is connected to the evaluation unit 11, which is integrated here in the control unit 9. The control unit 9 can therefore control the drive device 7 depending on the evaluation logic of the evaluation unit 11, as has already been described. The sensors 10a of the second section of the sensor unit 10, on the other hand, are connected directly to the control unit 9, so that the control unit 9 uses the sensor signals X directly (without any evaluation logic in between). The control unit 9 can therefore control the drive device 7 directly upon receipt or interruption of the sensor signal X of at least one sensor 10a in order to stop the cable car 1 or reduce the conveying speed. Alternatively or additionally, when a person P is detected, an alarm unit 13 can also be controlled by the control unit 9 in order to generate an alarm signal 13a.

The embodiment shown is of course only to be understood as an example and is not restrictive. In practice, the person skilled in the art can choose a suitable sensor unit 10 that suits the specific application. Of course, only one embodiment of the sensor unit 10 is preferably used, for example either several structurally integrated sensors 10a or a sensor mat 10b.

In Fig.3 a further embodiment of the invention is shown. Fig.3 shows a cable car station 2c of a cable car 1, which is designed as a circulation cable car in the form of a gondola lift. The cable car station 2c is designed as an end station, for example as a mountain station or valley station. The basic structure and the basic function of the cable car essentially correspond to that shown Fig.1 + Fig.2 chairlift described and can be considered well known. Reference will therefore only be made below to the aspects essential to the invention. Instead of the chairs, the cable car vehicles 5b of the cable car each have a cabin to accommodate a number of people P. The cable car vehicles 5b are therefore referred to below as cabin vehicles 5b. The capacity of the cabins of the cabin vehicles 5b is generally larger than the capacity of the chairs of the chair vehicles 5s and can, for example, be in the range of eight to twenty people or more.

The cable car 1 in turn has a plurality of cabin vehicles 5b, which can be moved suspended with a conveyor cable 3 between the cable car station 2c and at least one further cable car station (not shown). While chairlifts generally only use single-cable lifts, in which the hoisting rope 3 functions both as a pull rope and as a support cable, other constructions are also used in gondola lifts in addition to the single-cable lift, e.g. multi-cable lifts. In multi-cable railways, the conveyor cable 3 serves as a pull cable and one or more support cables are additionally provided, along which cable car vehicles 5b roll by means of a suitable chassis. There are also the aforementioned aerial trams. The cable car shown is a single cable car, but of course all other embodiments are also included in the invention.

The conveyor rope 3 is in turn deflected in the cable car station 2c around a pulley 4, which can be driven by a (not shown) first drive unit 7a, which is part of the drive device 7 and which can have, for example, an electric machine. The drive device 7 can be controlled by a control unit 9. As was described with reference to the chairlift, the cabin vehicles 5b can be decoupled from the conveyor cable 3 in an entrance area EB in an analogous manner after entering the cable car station 2c, moved along a guide rail 6 within the cable car station 2c by means of an auxiliary drive 8 and before exiting be coupled again with the conveyor rope 3 in an exit area AB. For coupling or Decoupling, operable cable clamps (not shown) are again provided on the cable car vehicles 5b and actuating devices (not shown), for example positive guides, are again provided in the cable car station 2c. The auxiliary drive 8 has a second drive unit 7b, for example an electric machine.

In the cable car station 2c, a cabin entry area KE is provided for people P to get into the cabin vehicles 5b and there is a cabin exit area KA for people P to get out of the cabin vehicles 5b, as indicated by the arrows. While entry and exit on the chairlift takes place in the direction of movement B, entry and exit on the cable car takes place transversely to the direction of movement. For this purpose, the cabins of the cabin vehicles 5b have laterally arranged doors which open and close automatically at specified positions. The cabin entry area KE is located in the direction of movement B in front of the exit area AB and extends over a certain length, for example a few meters. The cabin exit area KA is located in the direction of movement B after the entrance area EB and extends over a certain length, for example a few meters. As in Fig.3 is shown, the cabin exit area KA and the cabin entry area KE can be separate areas and, for example, be limited by suitable barriers 16 in the direction of movement of the cabin vehicles 5b. Of course, a common area could also be provided, which simultaneously serves as a cabin entry area KE and as a cabin exit area KA.

As a rule, a pit 18 is also provided in the cable car station 2c, in which a lower section of the cabin vehicles 5b is located during the movement of the cabin vehicles 5b. The pit 18 is located at a lower level in the vertical direction than the cabin entry area KE and the cabin exit area KA. Depending on the size of cable car 1, the difference in level is usually in the range of 20cm to 1m. The different levels enable essentially level, barrier-free access to the cabin vehicles 5b. The cabin entry area KE and the cabin exit area KA are delimited by a platform edge 17 relative to the pit 18 and the cabin vehicles 5b move along the platform edge 17.

The cable car 1 in turn has a detection device for detecting a person P. For this purpose, a third detection area D3 and a fourth detection area D4 are defined in the cable car station 2c. The third detection area D3 is located in the pit 18 below the cabin vehicles 5b located in the cabin entry area KE. The third detection area D3 extends in the direction of movement B of the cabin vehicles 5b over a fixed detection length DL along the cabin entry area KE and transversely to the direction of movement B over a fixed detection width DB. The fourth Detection area D4 is located in the pit 18 below the cabin vehicles 5b located in the cabin exit area KA. The fourth detection area D4 extends in the direction of movement B of the cabin vehicles 5b over a fixed detection length DL of the cabin exit area KA and transversely to the direction of movement B over a fixed detection width DB.

The detection width DB is set so that people P who fall from the edge of the platform 17 into the pit 18 into the respective detection area D3, D4 can be reliably detected. The detection length DL is set so that the relevant area in which there is the highest risk of falling is covered by the respective detection area D3, D4. This area can be assumed to be known. Depending on the size of the cable car 1, the detection width DB can be, for example, at least 50cm, preferably at least 1m, and the detection length DL can be a few meters. However, the specific values depend on the structural design and size of the cable car 1 and can of course vary.

The detection device in turn has a sensor unit 10 which is arranged in the third detection area D3 and has a sensor unit 10 which is arranged in the fourth detection area D4. As has already been described with reference to the chairlift, the sensor units 10 are designed to generate a sensor signal X or to interrupt a sensor signal X when a person P comes into contact with the sensor unit 10. In the example shown, the sensor unit 10 of the third detection area D3 has four sensor mats 10b, which are arranged one behind the other in the direction of movement B along the cabin entry area KE in the pit 18. In the same way, the sensor unit 10 of the fourth detection area D4 has four sensor mats 10b, which are arranged one behind the other in the direction of movement B along the cabin exit area KA in the pit 18. Of course, this is only an example and a single sensor mat 10b could also be provided for each detection area D3, D4.

The sensor units 10 of the third and fourth detection areas D3, D4 are connected to the control unit 9 in order to transmit the sensor signals X. An evaluation unit 11 can in turn be provided in the control unit 9 in order to detect a person, in particular a fall of a person P, using the sensor signals X using a defined evaluation logic. For example, each sensor mat 10b can have a separate sensor interface 12, via which the sensor mat 10b can be connected to the control unit 9. If, as shown, several sensor mats 10b are lined up next to each other, then it can also be advantageous if the sensor mats 10b can be electrically connected so that only one sensor mat 10b, for example the last one, is connected to the control unit 9. The sensor mats 10b can also be designed identically, so that a modular system is formed. Any number of sensor mats 10b can then be connected together to form a detection area D with a desired shape and size.

Of course it's in Fig.3 The illustrated embodiment is again to be understood only as an example and not as a limitation. Depending on the type, size and embodiment of a cable car 1, the person skilled in the art can provide a suitable detection device that meets the desired requirements. For example, instead of the movable sensor mats 10b, a plurality of stationary sensors 10a can also be provided in the third and fourth detection areas D3, D4. At this point it should also be noted that details of the detection described for the chairlift can of course also be provided for the cable car in the same way. It is also pointed out again that a sensor 10a in the context of the invention also means an electrical switch, whereby the sensor signal X in this case can be an electrical signal, for example a current or a voltage.

Claims (20)

Cable car (1) with a number of cable car stations (2a, 2b) and with a number of cable car vehicles (5a), which can be moved with a conveyor cable (3) between the cable car stations (2a, 2b), one in the cable car (1). Detection device for detecting a person (P) is provided, characterized in that at least one detection area (D1, D2) is defined in at least one of the cable car stations (2a, 2b), that the detection device has at least one sensor unit (10) which is in the detection area (D1, D2) is arranged and that the at least one sensor unit (10) is designed to generate a sensor signal (X) or to interrupt a sensor signal (X) when a person (P) comes into contact with the sensor unit (10). Cable car (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the detection device has an evaluation unit (11) which is designed to detect a person (P) in the detection area (D1, D2) based on the sensor signal (X), the evaluation unit (11) is preferably integrated in the sensor unit (10) or in a control unit (9) of the cable car (1). Cable car (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the evaluation unit (11) is designed to detect a person (P) in the detection area (D1, D2) under at least one of the following conditions: immediately at or within a specified time after upon receipt or after the interruption of the sensor signal (X), when a specified time change in the sensor signal (X) is exceeded, when a specified threshold value of the sensor signal (X) is exceeded, when a specified difference value (ΔX) between the sensor signal (X) and is exceeded an initial sensor value. Cable car (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that a drive device (7) for driving the cable car vehicles (5a) and a control unit (9) for controlling the drive device (7) are provided in the cable car (1) and that the control unit (9) is designed to stop the drive device (7) or reduce a conveying speed of the cable car vehicles (5) when a person (P) is detected by the evaluation unit (11) or when the sensor signal (X) is received or interrupted . Cable car (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the drive device (7) has a first drive unit (7a) for driving the conveyor cable (3) and / or that the cable car vehicles (5a) in the cable car stations (2a, 2b) from the conveyor cable (3) can be decoupled so that there is one in each of the cable car stations (2a, 2b). Auxiliary drive (8) is provided, which is designed to drive the cable car vehicles (5a) decoupled from the conveyor cable (3) and that the drive device (7) has a second drive unit (7b) for the auxiliary drive (8). Cable car (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the sensor unit (10) has at least one of the following sensors (10a): pressure sensor, force sensor, acceleration sensor, touch sensor, preferably at least one of the sensors (10a) being one of the has the following sensors: piezo sensor, strain gauge, inductive sensor, capacitive sensor, electrical switch. Cable car (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the sensor unit (10) is permanently integrated in a stationary structural structure of the respective cable car station (2a, 2b) or that the sensor unit (10) is designed as a separate unit, which is arranged removably in the detection area (D1, D2) of the respective cable car station (2a, 2b). Cable car (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the detection area (D1, D2) has a detection width (DB) transverse to the direction of movement (B) of the cable car vehicles (5a), which corresponds to at least 50cm, preferably at least 1m and /or that the detection area (D) in the direction of movement (B) of the cable car vehicles (5a, 5b) has a detection length (DL) which is at least 0.5m, preferably at least 1m. Cable car (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the sensor unit (10) has at least one pressure- or touch-sensitive sensor mat (10b), wherein the at least one sensor mat (10b) is preferably protected against the ingress of water and / or is designed to cushion and/or dampen an impact from a person (P). Cable car (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the sensor unit (10) has a sensor interface (12) and/or an energy supply interface (14) and/or an energy storage (15). Cable car (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that an alarm unit (13) is provided in the cable car (1), which is designed to respond when a person (P) is detected by the evaluation unit (11) or at Receiving or interrupting the sensor signal (X) to generate an alarm signal (13b), preferably acoustic, optical or electronic. Cable car (1) according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the cable car (1) is designed as a circulation track or as an aerial tramway. Cable car (1) according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that a number of chair vehicles (5a) are provided, each with a chair to accommodate a number of people (P), with a chair in one of the cable car stations (2a). Entry area (SE) is provided for people (P) to board the chair vehicles (5a) and that a first detection area (D1) is provided in the cable car station (2a), which is in the direction of movement (B) of the chair vehicles (5a). Chair entry area (SE) and below a chair vehicle (5) extending from the chair entry area (SE) and / or that
in one of the cable car stations (2b) a chair exit area (SA) is provided for people (P) to get out of the chair vehicles (5a) and that a second detection area (D2) is provided in the cable car station (2b), which is in the direction of movement (B) of the chair vehicles (5a) is located in front of the chair exit area (SA) and below a chair vehicle (5a) entering the chair exit area (SA). Cable car (1) according to claim 13, characterized in that the detection area (D1, D2) has a detection width (DB) transverse to the direction of movement (B) of the chair vehicles (5a), which corresponds to at least one vehicle width (FB) of the chair vehicles (5a). , preferably the vehicle width (FB) plus a specified lateral safety distance. Cable car (1) according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that a number of cabin vehicles (5b), each with a cabin to accommodate a number of people (P), is provided and that in one of the cable car stations (2c) there is a cabin Entry area (KE) is provided for boarding people (P) into the cabin vehicles (5b) and a third detection area (D3) is provided, which is located below the cabin vehicles (5b) located in the cabin entry area (KE) and which is in Direction of movement (B) of the cabin vehicles (5b) extends over a fixed detection length (DL) along the cabin entry area (KE) and / or that in one of the cable car stations (2c) there is a cabin exit area (KA) for people (P) to get out. from the cabin vehicles (5b) is provided and a fourth detection area (D4) is provided, which is located below the cabin vehicles (5b) located in the cabin exit area (KA) and which is in the direction of movement (B) of the cabin vehicles (5b) via a defined detection length (DL) of the cabin exit area (KA). Method for operating a cable car (1), which has a number of cable car stations (2a, 2b) and a number of cable car vehicles (5a), which can be moved with a conveyor cable (3) between the cable car stations (2a, 2b), characterized in that that a sensor signal (X) or a sensor signal is generated with a sensor unit (10) arranged in a defined detection area (D1, D2) of a cable car station (2a, 2b). (X) is interrupted when a person (P) in the detection area (D) contacts the sensor unit (10). Method according to claim 16, characterized in that a person (P) is detected under at least one of the following conditions: immediately at or within a specified time after the generation or after the interruption of the sensor signal (X), when a specified time change in the sensor signal (X) is exceeded Sensor signal (X), when a specified threshold value of the sensor signal (X) is exceeded, when a specified difference value (ΔX) between the sensor signal (X) and an initial sensor value (X0) is exceeded. Method according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that the cable car vehicles (5a) are driven by a drive device (7), the drive device (7) being controlled by a control unit (9) and that the control unit (9) controls the drive device (7 ) stops or a conveying speed of the cable car vehicles (5) is reduced when a person (P) is detected in the detection area (D1, D2) and / or that an alarm signal (13b), preferably acoustic, optical or electronic, is generated when a person (P) is detected in the detection area (D1, D2). Method according to one of claims 16 to 18, characterized in that a chair vehicle (5a) is moved out of a chair entry area (SE) in a first cable car station (2a) so that a person (P) is moved out of the chair vehicle (5a). a first detection area (D1) located in the direction of movement (B) after the chair entry area (SE) and below the chair vehicle (5a) and that the fall of the person (P) from the sensor unit (10) in the first detection area (D1 ) is detected when the person (P) contacts the sensor unit (10) or that a chair vehicle (5a) in a second cable car station (2b) is moved into a chair exit area (SA) that a person (P) comes out of a Chair vehicle (5a) falls into a second detection area (D2) located in the direction of movement (B) in front of and below the chair vehicle (5a) and that the fall is detected by the sensor unit (10) in the second detection area (D2) when the person (P) contacts the sensor unit (10). Method according to one of claims 16 to 19, characterized in that a cabin vehicle (5b) is moved in a third cable car station (2c) along a cabin entry area (KE) or a cabin exit area (KA), with a person (P) in the direction of movement (B) before or after the cabin vehicle (5b) falls into a detection area (D3, D4), which is located below the cabin vehicle (5b) and which is in the direction of movement (B) over a fixed detection length (DL) along the cabin -Entry area (KE) or the cabin exit area (KA) extends and that the fall of the person (P) is detected by the sensor unit (10) in the detection area (D3, D4) when the person (P) contacts the sensor unit (10).

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