FR2591174A1 - AIRCRAFT TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM WITH VEHICLES ASSOCIATED WITH CABLES BY AT LEAST TWO SUSPENSIONS - Google Patents

Abstract

1. Aerial cable-type transport installation having one or more spaced carriers (1), each of these carriers being associated rigidly but in disengageable manner with two endless carrying-hauling ropes (2, 3) below which they are suspended by association means (4) having gripping pincers (6) which normally come to bear on at least the upper part of the ropes (2, 3), these ropes being spaced and placed one next to the other in the horizontal direction, characterized in that the means (4) for associating each of the carriers (1) with the ropes (2, 3) have at least two suspension posts (15, 16) for associating the carrier (1) respectively with each of the ropes (2, 3), each of these suspension posts (15, 16) carrying at least one pincer (6) for gripping on a rope (2, 3) and being associated movably by movable means (17) of association with the useful part (5) forming the container of the carrier (1), these mobile association means (17) allowing the position of the suspension posts (15, 16) to be modified with respect to one another and/or with respect to the ropes (2, 3) for coupling/uncoupling the carrier (1) to/from the ropes (2, 3).

Description

TRANSPORTATION INSTALLATION WITH AERIAL CABLES INCLUDING VEHICLES

  ARE ASSOCIATED WITH CABLES BY AT LEAST TWO SUSPENSIONS

  The invention relates to an overhead cable transport installation of the type comprising one or more spaced vehicles, each of these vehicles being associated rigidly but disengageably with two endless cables, carriers and tractors, parallel to one another, placed side by side in the horizontal direction, driven continuously and supported by intermediate pylons. The cables define, between two end stations, two vehicle traffic lanes. In these end stations, and possibly in other intermediate stations, the charging / discharging of

  people or goods vehicles.

  Installations of this type are already known. Such installations with two carrying ropes and tractors have many advantages, in particular the possibility of a significant rotation of the vehicles (hence a greater flow of passengers or materials) and better lateral stability of the vehicles (wind resistance). The fact that the vehicles are disengagably associated with the cables makes it possible to uncouple the vehicles in the loading / unloading stations, in order to reduce their speed without modifying the speed of the cables, or even to store them in the station. We can also easily adapt the number

  online vehicles as needed.

  The problems that arise in such known installations result from the presence of the two cables combined with the fact that it is desired to be able to couple / disconnect the vehicles

hanging on the cables.

  French Patent 1,249,949 describes an installation in which the vehicles are associated with the cables by clamps

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  gripping the cables from below. Deactivation is therefore done naturally by opening the clamps, and the vehicles are deflected cables just down. Such an installation is fictitious, because the reliability of the association of the vehicles with the cables is not assured, because the weight tends

  to open the clamp and to cause inadvertent disconnection.

  European Patent 093 680 describes an installation in which the clamps are, in a conventional, safer way, resting on the upper face of the cables. To prevent the vehicle remains trapped between the cables after opening the clamps, there are provided guide rollers of inclined axis cables that change the spacing of these cables to allow the release of the vehicle and its circulation on independent transfer rails Cables. This solution is not realistic either. Indeed, the cables that are carriers and tractors, are of large diameter and strongly stretched. Therefore, installing deflection rollers of inclined-axis cables to change the spacing of the cables is not only technically extremely delicate, but also poses safety problems, since the cables are then subjected to poorly controlled torsional stresses and can all the more easily escape pebbles. The invention aims to overcome these disadvantages and relates to an air transport installation in which the spacing of the cables remains constant along the line and relatively low (typically 0.75 meters); the clamps bear against the upper part of the cables; vehicles can be

  simply disconnected from the cables in the end stations.

  To do this, the invention proposes a transport installation with overhead cables comprising one or more spaced vehicles, each of these vehicles being rigidly but releasably associated with two carrying cables and endless tractors below which they are suspended by means Association with clamps that come. normally supported at least on the upper part of the cables, these cables being spaced apart and placed one beside the other in the direction

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  horizontal, characterized in that the association means of each of the vehicles to the cables comprise at least two lines of association of the vehicle respectively with each of the cables, each of these lines carrying at least one clamp on a cable and being associated in a movable manner by means of mobile association with the useful part forming the container of the vehicle, these movable association means making it possible to modify the position of the suspension lines relative to each other and / or with respect to the cables for coupling / uncouple the

vehicle to / from the cables.

  Preferably, the line (s) of association with one of the cables and the line (s) of association with the other cable are parallel and spaced transversely by a distance d when the vehicle is associated with the cables; each vehicle is associated with each of the cables by a pair of clamps, and the two clamps of each of the two pairs are all associated with one and the same hanger; the means for mobile association of the lines to the useful part forming vehicles containing means of articulation making a connection of the pivot, sliding or

  rotoid with horizontal axis, longitudinal and / or transverse.

  Thus, in the end stations in particular, it is possible to completely disengage from the cables the means of association of the vehicles with the cables, by modifying the position of the lines relative to each other, and with respect to

  cables, for coupling / disconnecting vehicles to / from cables.

  The invention will be better understood on reading the description

  following of its preferred embodiments, with reference to the appended figures in which: - Figures 1 to 6 are elevational views transverse to the cables of six different embodiments of the means of association of vehicles with cables

  of a transport installation according to the invention.

  FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the kinematics of vehicle association means

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  to the cables of one embodiment of the invention.

  An overhead cable transport installation comprises one or more vehicles 1 spaced apart from each other along a transport line defined mainly by two cables 2, 3 carriers and endless tractors, parallel to each other, spaced apart and placed next to each other in the horizontal direction. Generally, the cables 2, 3 are inclined, one of the end stations being located at a lower level and the other station being located at a higher level. Therefore, in the text, the words "horizontal", "vertical" are relative and refer either to the usual physical concepts, or relatively, on the one hand, to the trace of the plane of the cables 2, 3 with respect to a vertical plane orthogonal to the latter and parallel to the cables, on the other hand, to a line perpendicular to the plane of the cables 2, 3. By convention, the 'longitudinal' and 'transverse' directions are respectively parallel to the axes of the cables 2 , 3 and horizontally perpendicular to

cables 2, 3.

  It is understood that, with some exceptions, the horizontal, vertical, axial or transverse directions encompass

  also, in general, those that are close to them.

  Thus the cables 2, 3 being placed next to each other in the horizontal direction, the plane of the cables 2, 3 has a horizontal direction in the absolute, which is the direction

cross.

  The two cables 2, 3 are driven continuously at the same speed, and define the transport line of the vehicles 1, including two traffic lanes in the opposite direction between

end stations.

  Each of the vehicles 1 is normally associated rigidly but disengageably by means 4 of association of the vehicles 1 with the cables 2, 3. The vehicles 1 are normally suspended in

2,591 1 74 5

  below the cables 2, 3, that is to say that the useful part 5 forming a container for the goods or persons to be transported and most of the means 4 of association of the vehicles 1 to the cables 2, 3 are located in below the plane of the cables 2, 3. The useful part 5 forming a container of a vehicle 1, partially shown in the figures is a cabin intended for the carriage of passengers, or a bucket or the like intended for the transport of goods. For example, this useful part 5 comprises, in a known manner, besides its chassis, a bodywork, movable doors, windows or portholes and all the equipment

  usual (bumpers, exit hatches, ...).

  Each of the vehicles 1 is normally associated with the cables 2, 3 by disengageable rigid association means comprising gripping clamps 6 secured to this vehicle 1, disengageable and bearing at least on the upper part of the cables 2, 3 These clamps 6 each comprise a gripper body 7; a fixed jaw 8 carried by the gripper body, in particular in two parts axially spaced apart; a movable jaw 9 placed between the two parts of the fixed jaw, carried by the lower free end portion of a lever arm 10 located in a transverse plane, articulated to the clamp body about a longitudinal axis; elastic means 29 for returning the movable jaw 9 to the fixed jaw 8 (corresponding to the engaged state); a clutch release roller 11 mounted to pivot freely at the upper free end portion of the arm 10 about a substantially horizontal and transverse axis and cooperable with disengaging means and clutch intermediate stations and

  end, for example an inclined ramp.

  The clamps 6 may have their opening downwards, and grip the cable 2 or 3 laterally (as shown in the figures) or alternatively have their opening outward laterally, the fixed jaw 8 then being above the movable jaw

  9, so as to grip the cable 2 or 3 over and under.

  All intermediate positions between these two variants o clamps 6 are inclined relative to the cable 2 or 3 are

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  possible. In any case, the clamps 6 are supported at least on the upper part of the cables 2, 3 so that an untimely opening of these clamps 6 does not cause the

  disassociation of the vehicle 1 of the cables 2, 3 and its fall.

  The cables 2, 3 are guided, carried and stretched in line by support or compression pylons comprising rollers 30 of

rolling of the cables 2, 3.

  According to the invention, the means 4 of association of each of the vehicles 1 to the cables 2, 3 comprise at least two lines, 16 of association of the vehicle 1 respectively with each of the cables 2, 3. Each of these lines 15, 16 carries at least one gripping clamp 6 on a cable 2, 3. Each of these lines 15, 16 is movably associated by means 17 of mobile association with the useful part 5 forming the vehicle container 1. Said means 17 d mobile association can change the position of the lines 15, 16 relative to each other and / or with respect to the cables 2, 3 for coupling / uncoupling the vehicle 1 corresponding to / 2, 3 cables. one of the lines allows the combination of the vehicle 1 to one 2 of the cables 2, 3, while the other 16 allows the combination of the vehicle 1 to the other 3 cable. Several lines can be provided

  or 16 of association with each of the cables 2, 3.

  When the vehicle 1 is associated with the cables 2, 3 (see figures), the (or) link (s) 15 of association with one 2 of the cables 2, 3 and the (or) suspension (s) 16 of association to the other 3 cable

  are parallel and transversely spaced by a distance d.

  Preferably, each vehicle 1 is associated with each of the cables 2, 3 by a pair of clamps 6 and the two clamps 6 of each of the two pairs of clamps 6 are both associated with the same hanger 15, 16. Thus, a vehicle 1 advantageously comprises four clamps 6 clamping, and two lines 15, 16 (see Figure 7).

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  Alternatively, each vehicle 1 is associated with each of the cables 2, 3 by a pair of clamps 6 and the two clamps 6 of each of the two pairs of clamps 6 are independent of each other and each associated respectively with a hanger 15, 16. In this case a vehicle 1 has four clamps 6 and four clamps

suspensions 15, 16.

  Other variants are possible, but a vehicle 1 according to the invention will preferably comprise four clamps 6 (two by cable), which offers many advantages in itself

(stability, security ...).

  The lines 15, 16 can be made in various ways.

  For example and preferably, they are each formed of a straight metal beam. Alternatively, each of the lines 15, 16 may be double or multiple and be formed of a plurality of parallel beams. Also, each of the lines 15, 16 can be complex and consists of a metal structure. In any case, each of the lines 15, 16 comprises an upper end portion 18, a lower end portion 19 and extends substantially vertically between this upper end portion 18 and this lower end portion 19. Each of the lines 15, 16 comprises at its upper end portion 18 of the means 23 of association with the clamps 6, and its lower end 19 said means 17 of mobile association to the party

  useful 5 forming vehicle container 1.

  Preferably, the means 17 of movable association of the lines, 16 to the useful part 5 of the vehicle 1 are hinge means providing a connection of the pivot type, sliding or rotoide with orthogonal axes, or a type connection point

central, including a patella.

  Preferably, the means 17 of movable association of the lines, 16 to the useful part 5 of the vehicle 1 comprise an axis 20 of rotation and / or translation substantially horizontal and longitudinal (Figures 1, 2, 5, 6 and 7). Alternatively or in

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  combination (Figures 5 to 7), the means 17 of movable association comprise an axis 21 of rotation and / or translation substantially horizontal and transverse. These axes 20 and 21 may be materialized in the case of pivot-type links (figures), or simply be kinematic axes, as in the case of a

ball joint (not shown).

  In the embodiments shown, the mobile association means 17 associate the lower end portion 19 of each of the lines 15, 16 to the roof 22 of the useful part 5 of the vehicle 1 which is then a cabin or the like. However this provision will have to be adapted in the case of skips or assimilated, and is not at all obligatory. Indeed, the means 17 of mobile association can associate both the lines 15, 16 to the flanks or to other elements of the part

useful 5 of the vehicle 1.

  Preferably, the means 23 of association of the lines 15, 16 to the clamps 6 are movable association means, in particular hinge means comprising at least one axis of substantially horizontal and transverse rotation, so that the lines 15, 16 be permanently vertical when moving the vehicle 1 along the line, regardless of

the inclination of the cables 2, 3.

  The means 23 for associating each of the lines 15, 16 with the clamps 6 advantageously comprise a half-carriage 25, constituted in particular by a spar, to which, on the one hand, each of the clamping clamps 6 of the corresponding cable 2, 3 is associated, and on which on the other hand the corresponding hanger 15, 16 is hinged, this half-carriage 25 also bearing all or part of the auxiliary devices allowing the operation of the clamps 6 and the circulation of the vehicle 1 along the line. Each vehicle 1 comprises two corresponding half-trolley 25 association

  respectively to each of the cables 2,3.

  The means 4 for associating each of the vehicles 1 with the cables 2, 3, consisting in particular of the clamping clamps 6, the hangers, 16, the means 17 for connecting the hangers 15, 16 to the useful part 5 of the vehicle 1, means 23 of association of the lines 15, 16 to the clamps 6, are advantageously symmetrical with respect to a longitudinal plane vertical median P of the cables 2, 3. Two distinct modes of arrangement of the means 4 of association of the

  vehicles 1 to cables 2, 3 are possible.

  In FIGS. 1, 3 and 5, the transverse spacing distance d of the suspension lines 15, 16 of a vehicle 1 is greater than the spacing E of the cables and the means 4 of association of the vehicle 1 with the cables 2, 3 enclose the cables 2, 3 from the outside, the clamping clamps 6 extending transversely

  inward 26 of the lines 15, 16.

  In FIGS. 2, 4, 6 and 7, the transverse spacing distance d of the suspension lines 15, 16 of a vehicle 1 is smaller than the spacing E of the cables and the means 4 of association of the vehicle 1 with the cables 2 3 are inserted between the cables 2, 3, the grippers 6 extending transversely towards the

  the outside 27 of the lines 15, 16.

  Preferably, as shown, the upper free end portion 28 of the lever arm 10 of a clamp 6 extends opposite the clamp 6 relative to the corresponding hanger 15, 16. Thus in the first mode of arrangement of the means 4 of association o the clamps 6 extend inward 26 of the lines 15, 16, the upper portion 28 of the arm 10 and the release roller 11 corresponding are located at the 27 outside

suspensions 15, 16.

  In the second mode of arrangement, the clamps 6 extend outwardly from the lines 15, 16, and the upper part 28 of the arm 10 and the corresponding release roller 11 are located

  inward 26 of the lines 15, 16.

  In the stations, the clamps 6 are disengaged, and the vehicles

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  1 circulate on transfer rails (not shown), preferably at a reduced speed, or at least less than that of the cables 2, 3. When the vehicles 1 travel on the transfer rails, they can be loaded or unloaded. The transfer rails guide and support the vehicles 1 from the arrival area to the departure area of the vehicles 1. A branch can be provided to lead to a storage or maintenance area. In each station, the arrival zone of the vehicles 1 comprises a zone of uncoupling of the vehicles 1 of the cables 2, 3. Similarly, the starting zone comprises a coupling zone of the

vehicles 1 to cables 2, 3.

  The transfer rails cooperate in the intermediate or end stations with guide means-support vehicles 1 associated either conventionally means 4 of association of the vehicles 1 to the cables 2, 3, or to the useful part 5 of the vehicle 1. Alternatively, said guide-support means are integral with the lines 15, 16, so that the modification of the position of the lines 15, 16 relative to each other and / or with respect to the cables 2 , 3 is done by the cooperation of the guide-support means with the transfer rails which will have a

appropriate trajectory.

  To uncouple a vehicle 1, the claws 6 are disengaged by cooperation of the rollers 11 with one or more inclined ramps, then the position of the lines 15, 16 is changed by pivoting them around the means 17 of association with the useful part 5 of the vehicles so that the clips 6 no longer interfere with the cables 2, 3 and that the vehicles 1 can be disengaged towards

the bottom.

  To couple a vehicle 1 in line, the reverse operations are carried out. It may be necessary to provide means of pivoting the

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  vehicle 1 about a vertical axis, especially in the case where the means 17 of association of the lines 15, 16 to the useful part 5 are only transverse horizontal axis. These pivoting means can be made in various known ways,

  and are for example part of guide-support means.

  The invention may be the subject of numerous variants of embodiment obvious to those skilled in the art and not shown,

  which do not go beyond the scope of the invention.

2 5 9 1 17 4 12

Claims (19)

  1. A transport installation with overhead cables comprising one or more spaced vehicles, each of these vehicles being associated rigidly but disengageably with two carrying cables and endless tractors below which they are suspended by means of association comprising grippers. which are normally supported at least on the upper part of the cables, these cables being spaced apart and placed next to each other in the horizontal direction, characterized in that the means (4) of association of each of the vehicles (1) to the ropes (2, 3) comprise at least two lines (15, 16) of association of the vehicle (1) respectively to each of the cables (2, 3-), each of these lines (15, 16) carrying at least one clamp (6) on a cable (2, 3) and being movably associated by means (17) of movable association with the useful part (5) forming the container of the vehicle (1), these means (17) of mobile association per making it possible to modify the position of the lines (15, 16) relative to one another and / or with respect to the cables (2, 3) for coupling / uncoupling the vehicle (1) to / from the cables (2, 3).   2. Installation according to claim 1, characterized in that the (or) the hanger (s) (15) of association with one (2) of the cables (2, 3) and the (or) the hanger (s) ) (16) of association with the other (3) cable are parallel and spaced transversely of a   distance d when the vehicle (1) is associated with the cables (2, 3).   3. Installation according to any one of claims 1 and 2,   characterized in that each vehicle (1) is associated with each of the ropes (2, 3) by a pair of pliers (6) and in that the two pliers (6) of each of the two pairs of pliers (6) are   both associated with the same hanger (15, 16). 259 1 174 13   4. Installation according to any one of claims 1 and 2,   characterized in that each vehicle (1) is associated with each of the cables (2, 3) by a pair of clamps (6) and in that the clamps (6) of each of the two pairs of clamps (6) are independent of each other. one of the other and associated respectively to a hanger (15, 16).   5. Installation according to any one of claims 1 to 4,   characterized in that each of the lines (15, 16) comprises at its upper end portion (18) means (23) for association with the clamps (6), and at its lower end portion (19) said means (17) for mobile association to the useful part (5) forming container of the vehicle (1).   6. Installation according to any one of claims 1 to 5,   characterized in that the means (17) for movably connecting the lines (15, 16) to the useful part (5) of the vehicle (1) are articulation means.   7. Installation according to claim 6, characterized in that the means (17) movable association of the lines (15, 16) to the useful part (5) of the vehicle (1) make a connection of the type pivot, sliding or rotunda.   8. Installation according to claim 6, characterized in that the means (17) movable association of the lines (15, 16) to the useful part (5) of the vehicle (1) perform two links of the type.   pivot, sliding or rotoid, with orthogonal axes.   9. Installation according to claim 6, characterized in that the means (17) of movable association of the lines (15, 16) to the useful part (5) of the vehicle (1) perform a connection type to   central point, including a patella.   10. Installation according to any one of claims 1 to 9,   characterized in that the means (17) of movable association of the lines (15, 16) to the useful part (5) of the vehicle (1) comprise an axis (20) of rotation and / or translation substantially horizontal and longitudinal. 2591174 14   11. Installation according to any one of claims 1 to   , characterized in that the means (17) of movable association of the lines (15, 16) to the useful part (5) of the vehicle (1) comprise a substantially horizontal and transverse axis (21) of rotation and / or translation.   12. Installation according to any one of claims 1 to   11, characterized in that the means (23) for associating the lines (15, 16) with the clamps (6) are movable association means, and comprise in particular articulation means comprising at least one axis (24). substantially rotating horizontal and transverse.   13. Installation according to any one of claims 1 to   12, characterized in that the means (23) of association of each of the lines (15, 16) to the clamps (6) comprise a half-carriage (25), constituted in particular by a spar, to which on the one hand each of clamping clamps (6) for the corresponding cable (2, 3) is associated, and to which, on the other hand, the corresponding hanger (15, 16) is hinged, this disassembly plate (25) also carrying all or part of the auxiliary devices allowing operation grippers (6) and the circulation of the vehicle (1) along the line, and in that each vehicle (1) comprises two corresponding half-trolley (25) of association   respectively to each of the cables (2, 3).   14. Installation according to any one of claims 1 to   13, characterized in that the means (4) for associating each of the vehicles (1) with the cables (2, 3) are symmetrical with respect to   at a vertical longitudinal plane P of the cables (2, 3).   15. Installation according to any one of claims 1 to   14, characterized in that the transverse distance d spacing of the lines (15, 16) of a vehicle (1) is greater than the spacing E of the cables and in that the means (4) of association of the vehicle (1) to the cables (2, 3) grip the cables (2, 3) from the outside, the clamps (6) extending transversely inwards (26) of the lines 2591174 15 (15, -16).   16. Installation according to any one of claims 1 to   14, characterized in that the transverse distance d spacing of the lines (15, 16) of a vehicle (1) is less than the spacing E of the cables and in that the means (4) of association of the vehicle (1) to the cables (2, 3) are inserted between the cables (2, 3), the clamps (6) loosening extending   transversely outwardly (27) of the lines (15, 16).   17. Installation according to any one of claims 1 to   16, wherein each clamp (6) comprises a clamp body (7); a fixed jaw (8) carried by the clamp body (7); a movable jaw (9) placed between the two parts of the fixed jaw, carried by the lower free end portion of a lever arm (10) in a transverse plane, having a generally L-shape, articulated to the gripper body ( 7) around a longitudinal axis; elastic return means (29) of the movable jaw (9) towards the fixed jaw (8) such as a spring arranged substantially vertically; and a release roller (11) of the gripper (6) engageable with disengaging and clutching means of the intermediate and end stations, characterized in that the upper free end portion (28) of the arm (10) extends the opposite of   the clamp (6) relative to the corresponding hanger (15, 16).   18. Installation according to one of claims 1 to 17,   characterized in that the vehicles (1) comprise support guide means associated with the useful part (5) of the vehicles (1) and cooperating in the intermediate or end stations with transfer rails.   19. Installation according to one of claims 1 to 17,   characterized in that said guide-support means is secured to the lines (15, 16).