FR2723040A1 - Public transport system with independent coach and motor chassis - Google Patents

Abstract

The system includes a public transport track which consists of a base (A) which carries a single guiding rail (1). One chassis (E) bears the coach and is supported by magnetic repulsion discs (18) and auxiliary skids (16). The coach chassis (E) is guided by rollers (7) which engage tracks (P) in the central rail (1). The electric linear motor chassis (C) is supported and guided by pneumatic tyres (3) which also run in the tracks (P) of the central rail (1). The motor chassis drives the coach chassis through a flexible connection (D) such that the motor maintains an optimum trajectory even when the coach moves sideways on bends.

Description

TRANSPORT SYSTEM, METROPOLITAN TYPE, COMPRISING A
CARRIER ASSEMBLY AND A GEOMETRICALLY ENGINE ASSEMBLY
INDEPENDENT ONE OF THE OTHER, DOORS AND GUIDES BY THE SAME WAY.

 The present invention relates to a collective transport device, passengers or goods, guided on a path of minimum space intended exclusively for this purpose, thus constituting a clean site.

This device adapts advantageously to the suspension on a cushion of pressurized fluid or lift by magnetic repulsion and propulsion by linear induction electric motor whose primary is indifferently attached to the track or on board the vehicle and vice versa, the secondary indifferently attached to the track or on board the vehicle
Devices of the type indicated are known, in particular:
(FR-A-2 163 829) by which the motorization system consists in installing a linear motor arranged on a carriage supported by wheels guided on rails and positioned under the, or the passenger cabin (s), it ( s) even if supported independently and not guided transversely; or (DE-A-2527 547 by which the linear motor traction system is arranged under the car (s) and guided magnetically relative to a rail, the maintenance of the air gap being obtained by catching by means of of an articulated structure magnetically actuated at both ends of the vehicle or alternatively, (FR-88086 18) by which the motorization system consists of installing a linear motor arranged on an independent truck sustante and guided by wheels, and circulating in a lane separate from the vehicle lift and guidance lane, the motor force being transmitted by a retractable and non-rigid connection intended to absorb the parallelism defects of the two lanes, resulting from differential thermal stresses, construction tolerances and other .

These systems either do not provide guidance for one of the elements, thus remaining very sensitive to external random solicitations, or combine wheel and air cushion lift technologies for example to support each subassembly, or use profiles. of different track and superimposed thus increasing the height gauge necessary for the installation of the device, and making delicate the design and the realization of the tracks and the apparatuses of way essential to the operation of the system
-1- PURPOSE OF THE INVENTION
The invention aims to solve these problems and to facilitate insertion in urban sites by allowing the construction of a light urban transport system and minimum height gauge thus particularly economical especially for the realization of airway infrastructure or underground.

For this purpose, the invention provides for circulating a transport cabin fixed on a chassis vertically supported by cushions of gaseous fluid under pressure, or by magnetic studs and guided transversely by rollers equipped with tires or tires, or any another suitable device, rolling on a guide pin of appropriate shape, arranged projecting in the axis of the track and constituting a continuous rail. The linear motor component (either the armature or the inductor depending on the use case in
Active or Passive Way) is attached to an independent frame disposed under the frame, vertically supported and guided transversely, independently of the chassis, by rollers equipped with tires or tires, or any other suitable device, rolling on the same central tenon guide, the engine is well in vertical connection and fixed transverse, very low degree of freedom, due to the elastic deformation of the independent guide device; and in transverse connection movable relative to the chassis thanks to a flexible device. This arrangement allows the accomplishment of the movements of the chassis due to external stresses such as centrifugal effects, wind, aerodynamic pressures generated by crossing convoys, etc ... on a normal amplitude, and simultaneously allows all constituent points the longitudinal axes of symmetry, the chassis cab and the drive module, normally contained in the same plane of symmetry, to travel different instantaneous paths, particularly during the course of channels with curves, without impairing the functionality of 1 ' motor assembly defined by the geometry of its guidance, thus keeping the linear motor a proper functioning air gap
-2- GENERAL CONCEPTION OF THE INVENTION
The invention is illustrated by the figures appended to this text,
Figures N "1, 2 and 3 illustrate the principle of operation and construction of the transverse guidance presented above and described hereinafter
The traffic lane comprises, in its vertical axis of symmetry a continuous element (1) designated "guide pin", this element (1) is fixed, by its lower face, on the top of the horizontal plane of lift (2), the two vertical faces each comprise a continuous recess (P), flat or curvilinear, of concave section (FIG. 2), or convex (FIG. 3), made in such a way as to constitute the rolling path of the moving parts of revolution (3) ensuring guiding the drive module (C) and those (7) guiding the chassis (E); the geometry of the section of the cavity (P) and that of the section of the revolution piece providing guidance (3) are such that the amplitude of a possible vertical movement of the mobile guided by the guide pin (1) ) be limited to elastic deformations. In order to confer on the operation of the qualities of flexibility and silence, the parts of revolution providing guiding (3 or 7) may be of the type of tire roller or tires; in both cases, the construction arrangements will ensure an adjustable nip of the "guide pin" (l) by the rollers or wheels (3 or 7), in order to modulate the stiffness of the devices to the necessary value.

 The upper part of each vertical face of the "guide pin" (l), has above the footprint (P), a continuous vertical plane; in the event of accidental degradation of the tire or deflation of a tire of a guide roller, this plane is advantageously used to roll off exceptionally and for a limited time a disk (4), of precisely adapted dimensions, integral in rotation with the roller guide (3 or 7), and thus preserve the functionality and safety of the system, and in particular the lateral air gaps of linear induction motors arranged indifferently, according to one of the arrangements indicated in FIGS. 18 to 23, if the device operates at using an active pathway; or according to one of the arrangements indicated in Figures 24 to 29, if the device operates using a passive channel.

 The upper face (H) of the guide pin (1) constitutes the bearing surface of an element of the linear motor ensuring the propulsion of the device. If the device operates using an active channel, the inductors (5) are advantageously fixed from time to time at suitable intervals, they are powered by an electrical current called "power" flowing in conductive cables (19). ) traveling in an axial reservation of the track and passing through the guide pin (1), in orifices judiciously arranged to the right of the inductors (5) which are energized with the ferret as the advancement of the armature (6) carried by the drive module, the vehicle is constantly powered by an electrical current called "auxiliary" for on-board functions (lift, lighting, ventilation, etc ...) distributed along the driving lane by conductive elements (12), sensed by a conventional system of scrapers (13) mounted on a device (14) pantograph type or equivalent ensuring constant contact between mobile and fixed conductors.

 If the device operates using a passive path, the armature (10) is fixed thereto continuously, or the inductors (II) carried by the drive module and the vehicle are constantly powered by an electric current common to the "auxiliary" and "power" functions, distributed along the taxiway by conductive elements (12), sensed by a conventional system of wipers (13) mounted on a device (14) of the type pantograph or equivalent ensuring constant contact between mobile and fixed conductors. In addition, this same upper face of the guide pin can receive any member such as sensor, actuator or other useful for driving, control or safety of operation.

 -3- CONSTRUCTIVE AND FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION.

3-1- Functional Sub-Sets
FIG. 4 is an "exploded" view of the vertical stacking of the various sub-units constituting a transport device produced according to the invention.
These subsets are successively and from bottom to top:
-1-, the guide channel (A), which comprises the chassis support plane (E), the guide pin (1) of the drive module (C) and the chassis (E) fixed in the plane of symmetry; the plane of levitation and the axis of the guide pin are orthogonal, the plane of symmetry is normally vertical and can take an inclination to, for example, offset a lateral force due to a centrifugal effect; the guide path (A) may be made of concrete or metal or any other material, composite type for example, economically offering the qualities of strength, reliability, and geometry required; the guide path (A) also includes provisions for routing the power supply lines (19) and / or (12); in addition, the guide path (A) has vertical water discharge holes (33) arranged at the lowest point of the cross section.

 -2-, One of the two organs of the linear motor (B) is the inductor (5 or 10) or the armature (6 or 11) depending on the type of motorization, active or passive path applied to the invention and illustrated in Figures 18 to 23 and 24 to 29.

 -3-, the drive module (C), guided in the vertical plane and in the horizontal plane by tire wheels or tires (3) arranged horizontally .These guide wheels circulate in the longitudinal impressions (P), specially designed for this purpose, provided on the vertical faces of the guide post (1), by pinching it with a suitable effort to permanently obtain a suitable relative position of the mobile to the track. The drive module (C) receives either the armature (6) of the linear motor (B) in the case of an active channel (Fig. 18 to 23) or the inductor (11) of the linear motor (B). ) in the case of a passive path (FIGS. 24 to 29) The drive module (C) also comprises the fastening members (8) of the flexible connection device (D) to the chassis (E) described below. after.

The flexible connecting device (D), made using elastomer-type high elongation materials or the like, is intended to ensure the transmission of axial traction or braking forces existing between the module. (C) and the chassis (E), whatever the operating position range, the relative transverse positions thereof; this flexible connection device (D) is fixed on the one hand on the devices (8) belonging to the drive module (C), and on the other hand on the devices (9) belonging to the chassis (E), the equipment for fixing the nominal positions of the chassis (E) and the drive module (C), and to quickly disconnect the drive module (C) and the chassis for ease of operation. of maintenance
The chassis (E), intended to support the casing for receiving the load to be transported, is vertically supported by two parallel series of gaseous membrane membrane cushion or magnetic repulsion devices (18), it is transversely guided by tire or tire rollers (7) disposed at each of its ends which grip the central guide pin (1); the frame (E), further comprises the fastening members (9) of the flexible connection device (D) to the drive module (C) described above and fixed braking and immobilizing devices (15) at the ends, allowing immobilization of the moving assembly relative to the track (A) by clamping the central guide pin (1); the chassis (E) also comprises support pads (16), intended to support the mobile assembly at complete standstill, in the absence of lift by the membrane gaseous fluid cushions or magnetic repulsion devices ( 18), in particular during the period of placing in storage, maintenance stop, etc ..; these pads (16) advantageously contribute to the safety of the system, they constitute, in fact, a gravitational braking device in case of loss of lift resulting from a power failure or an exceptional situation.

 The cabin (F) receives the load, passengers or goods, to be transported, it is fixed on the frame (E) by means of connecting devices (17) constituting a filter to the vibrations possibly resulting from the structures of levitation and motorization and guidance. To a frame member (C) of one of the types shown successively in FIGS. 5, 12 and 15 corresponds a cabin member of appropriate length, these elements may be coupled by articulated connecting members fixed at their ends to constitute a paddle.

3-2- Functional Explanations
Figure N0 5. shows the subassemblies: drive module (C) and chassis (E) in their minimum length configuration, seen from above before assembly; this length corresponds to the "minimum length" of a linear motor element, which dimension results from the use of the sufficient number of poles for a satisfactory operation, and to the deflection induced by this rectilinear element, during the transition to low radius, allowing the conservation of a sufficient lateral air gap, it is to be noted that this last parameter does not intervene in case of use of a motors of the "flat" type (Fig 18, and 24).

Figure N0 6. shows the subsets: drive module (C) and chassis (E) in top view assembled through the flexible links (D), in service position on a straight track
Figure N7. represents the subsets: drive module (C) and chassis (E) in top view, assembled via the flexible link assembly (D), in the service position on a curved track; the operation described above according to the principle of the invention appears clearly, in fact, the arrow corresponding to the offset of the frame (E), is different from a value "Dp", the arrow corresponding to the offset of the module d drive (C), without disturbing the nominal operation due to the transverse deformability of the flexible link (D).

 FIG. N "8. illustrates, (in cross-section marked XX 'in FIG. 6) the subassemblies described above, in their functionally assembled configuration, it clearly shows the advantage of the invention as regards the low height devoted to technical equipment, with regard to the total height of the system, this cross section clearly shows that the mobile assembly travels on a specific track composed of the lift plane (2) of the chassis (E), and the central post (1) independently providing chassis guidance (E) and transverse guidance and vertical lift of the drive module (C).

 FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate the possibilities of combination resulting from the modularity of the concept of the invention, two elements (FIG. 10) or more (FIG. 11), each comprising: a cabin (F) fixed on a chassis (E), motorized by a drive module (C) can be assembled via one or more articulated links (H) bellows type, or equivalent, to form a train capable of enrolling in curve, and or the continuous inner path is possible, the two ends of the train thus formed are equipped with a closing body (G), these end bodies each comprise a door (P) opening outwardly , designed for exceptional use corresponding to an emergency evacuation, the specificity of the system makes it possible to lower and route the passengers on the lift lane in complete safety.

The N ° 12 represents the subassemblies: drive module (C) and chassis (E) in their configuration corresponding to a drive module capable of receiving a motor of length equal to two times the "nominal length", seen from above before assembly the remarkable arrangement in this case is the construction of the drive module in two articulated elements intended to each receive a linear motor element of "nominal length"
Figure N 13. shows the subassemblies: drive module (C) and chassis (E) in top view assembled through the flexible links (D), in the service position on a straight path;
FIG. 14 shows the training unit (C) and chassis (E) subassemblies in plan view, assembled via the set of flexible links (D), in the service position on a curved track ; the operation described above according to the principle of the invention appears clearly in this figure, in fact the arrow corresponding to the offset of the frame (E), is different from the arrows corresponding to the offset of each articulated element of the drive module (C ), without disturbing the nominal operation due to the transverse deformability of the flexible links (D).

FIG. 15 shows the subassemblies: drive module (C) and chassis (E) in their configuration corresponding to a drive module capable of receiving a motor of length equal to three times the "nominal length", seen from above before assembly; the remarkable arrangement in this case is the construction of the drive module in three articulated elements intended to each receive a linear motor element of "nominal length"
Figure N 16. shows subassemblies drive module (C) and chassis (E) in top view assembled through the flexible links (D), in service position on a straight path;
FIG. 17 shows the subassemblies: drive module (C) and chassis (E) in plan view, assembled via the set of flexible links (D), in service position on a track curve; the operation described above, according to the principle of the invention, appears clearly in this figure, in fact the arrow corresponding to the offset of the frame (E), is different from the arrows corresponding to the offset of each articulated element of the training module (C), without disturbing the nominal operation due to the transverse deformability of the flexible links (D).

FIGS. 18 to 23 illustrate various configurations that can be used for the implementation of an active path type motorization as defined above, in all the illustrated cases, the inductor (5), of finite length, proportional to the number of their magnetic poles are fixed, at intervals and at a suitable distance, on the upper plane of the guide pin (1); Armature (6), consisting of one or more elements of "minimum length" hinged, is integral with the drive module; the inductors are supplied with electrical energy, one by one, by means of fixed and continuous cables (19), running along the guide pin (1), and passing therethrough to the right of the inductor to feed
FIGS. 24 to 29 illustrate various configurations that can be used to implement a passive path type motorization as defined above, in all the illustrated cases, the linear and continuous armature (10) is fixed on the upper plane. guide pin (1); the inductor (11), consisting of one or more elements of "minimum length" articulated, is integral with the drive module; the inductor is supplied with electrical energy, through on-chassis control systems, which are themselves powered by means of wipers (13) sensing the current on fixed and continuous cables (12) arranged laterally to the track .

The different configurations illustrated correspond to the use of the following types of engines:
- Figs 18 and 24: Flat linear induction motors arranged horizontally,
- Fig 19 and 25: flat linear induction motors arranged, two by two, vertically,
FIGS. 20,21 and 26,27: Flat linear induction motors arranged, two by two, forming a
Diedre,
- Figs 22 and 28: Cylindrical linear induction motors,
- Fig 23 and 29: Linear induction motors in 3-3 Functional Sub-Assemblies not shown
The system obviously includes, the functional subassemblies intended to allow the exploitation not making, in the present document, the object of graphic representation, and in particular,
- all the devices for transforming, shaping and regulating the traction current,
- Manual or automatic driving and control systems,
- Communication systems, remote monitoring, and remote maintenance, 3-4- Subassemblies illustrated accessories
The system comprises subsets specific to the principles of the invention, essential or accessory to the operation.

 -1-, Level crossings, represented by the NSJO figure, in the normal traffic position of the transport system and in Figure 31, in the crossing position of the track, this device is specially designed to allow the crossing of the track of circulation, by any other type of vehicle, particularly road, it adapts advantageously to the specific geometry of the way through two pivoting flaps (20), maintained and locked in a vertical position for the normal operation of the transport system. They pivot about the axes (21), through the action of hydraulic cylinders (25) or any other suitable device, until it bears on the central pin (1) to form a temporary bridge crossing the traffic way ; along the length of the level crossing, the power supply lines (12) arranged laterally to the track are fixed to the pivoting flaps (20) and to the track (A), by means of articulated supports (22) constituting a deformable parallelogram, this arrangement allows the storage of the elements constituting the power supply line in the existing residual volume in the crossing position (Fig N 31); obviously, the appropriate safety provisions and servocontrols control the electrical continuity of the supply line and prohibit the circulation of the transport system when using the crossing device of the track; the device also provides effective protection against accidental trespassing on the track.

 -2-, Drawbar bypass apparatus, illustrated in Figure N 32, in continuous passage position (M <-> N), and in Figure N 33, in deviated passage position (M <- > P); the principle of the switchgear consists in modifying a route by means of two movable elements, the rectilinear (23), another curvilinear (24) constituting in turn the central guide pin. These movable elements are maintained at a constant distance from each other guided and motorized by two linear actuators (26), whose design allows the preservation of the continuity of the plan of levitation of the track; they slide by translation on the fixed plane of lift parallel to themselves, until they align with one or other of the adjacent full-length sections. To establish the route M <-> N (Fig Nus32), the rectilinear movable guide pin (23) is aligned with the guide posts of the rectilinear channels M and N, the curvilinear movable guide pin (24) is spaced apart. outside the area where the vehicle's levitation devices pass; to establish the route M <-> P (Fig N 33), the curvilinear movable guide post (24) is aligned with the guide posts of the rectilinear track M and the deflected track N, the rectilinear movable guide post (23) is spaced apart from the area of passage of levitation organs of the vehicle.

Claims (11)

 1- A collective transport system, guided on own site, driven by the carrier chassis (E) carrying the cabin (F), by a drive module (C) carrying the engine (B), characterized in that the chassis (E) and the drive module (C) are flexibly connected by a dedicated link (D) and guided by similar members respectively belonging to each of them, on the same guide pin (1) belonging to the track (A), in order to allow the drive module (C) to travel a precise and constant trajectory defined by its geometric characteristics, favorable to the use of a linear motor, without affecting or being affected by, the trajectory of the chassis (E) geometrically different, especially during the crossing of the curves, and potentially instantly different due to random external solicitations, including climatic, supported by the cabin (F) and transmitted to the chassis (E)  2- transport system according to claim 1, above, characterized in that the guide pin (1) has on each of its two vertical faces continuous longitudinal impressions (P), concave section, or convex, on and in which rolls rollers or tires (3) which belong to the drive module (C) and provide its transverse and vertical guidance; and the tire or tire rollers (7) which belong to the chassis (E) and ensure its transverse guidance  3- transport system according to any one of the above claims, characterized in that the frame (E) is levitated on the plane (2) of the path (A) independently of the drive module (C).  4- transport system according to any one of the above claims, characterized in that the drive module (C) is levitated on the guide pin (1) belonging to the track (A) independently of the chassis ( E).  5- transport system according to any one of the above claims, characterized in that the drive module (C) is motorized by linear induction electric motor.  6- transport system according to any one of the above claims, characterized in that the drive module (C) may consist, as necessary, of one or more articulated elements.  7- transport system according to claims 1, 2 and 4, above, characterized in that the vertical faces of the guide pin (1) constitute exceptionally the rolling surface of the spare discs (4), for guiding cross section of the drive module (C) or / and the chassis (E) in the event of degradation of the rollers with tires or tires.  8- transport system according to claims 1,2,4 and 7, above, characterized in that the vertical faces of the guide pin (1) constitute the bearing surface of the pads of the braking devices (15), secured to the frame (E), which immobilize the moving assembly by pinching the post (1).  9- transport system according to claims 1,2 and 3, above, characterized in that the cabin elements (G) constituting the ends of a vehicle comprise an opening device giving access to the lift track (2) of the track (A), a characteristic allowing in particular the exceptional evacuation of passengers by descent and pedestrian pathway on the lift track (2).  10-: Transport system according to claims 1 and 2, above, characterized in that the guideway (A) can be temporarily crossed transversely through a level crossing device that fits perfectly to the section of the track, the use of the device for crossing, prohibiting the operation of any vehicle on the track and reciprocally the presence of any vehicle in a neighboring area of the device, prohibiting the use of it for the crossing of the track  11- transport system according to claims 1 to 8, above, characterized in that several directions can be reached from a starting point through the establishment on the course of one or more apparatuses lane allowing modifying a route by permutation of a rectilinear central guide pin element with a curvilinear central guide post element, this permutation being effected by simultaneous translation of the two elements parallel to themselves under the effect of a or several linear actuators.