KR20240093469A - transportation facilities - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention provides a first traction cable (11) configured to form a first closed loop (10) and driven at a nominal linear speed by at least first drive means (12), and a coupling for coupling a vehicle to the first traction cable. It relates to a transport facility (100) with a vehicle (30) with a device (31), said transport facility having at least a first segment (110) comprising at least one track (111) along a first traction cable. comprising at least a first circulation path (101), the first circulation path comprising at least a second segment (120), said transport facility being coupled to a first traction cable to allow a vehicle to pass through the first segment and the second segment. configured to be pulled at a nominal speed, the first traction cable fully supporting the vehicle and driving the vehicle along the second segment at a nominal speed.

Description

transportation facilities

The present invention relates generally to the field of transport facilities, especially suspended, designed for the transport of passengers.

prior art

Today, there are many different types of transport facilities, especially those suspended from overhead cables and used primarily in the mountains, but also in other environments such as urban transport. There are also amusement parks with different types of suspended cable transport facilities.

In fact, there are amusement parks with suspended rides where vehicles transporting people are suspended from the ground and travel on suspended rails, with each vehicle including transport wheels attached to the top of the vehicle to enable it to roll along the rails. These rides can also be of various types, for example, they are intended to provide a strong sense when a circuit has slopes with large elevation changes, or they are intended to discover slopes with lower altitudes so that people can visit themed locations. The speeds of self-propelled "Discovery" type vehicles are generally small compared to the speeds of so-called "strong sense" vehicles where the vehicles are generally passive and accelerated by gravity.

To move the vehicle along the rails of a Discovery-type vehicle, the vehicle's wheels are typically driven by an electric motor mounted on the vehicle. The vehicle may also include several electric motors capable of driving each wheel or pair of wheels. However, these motors are bulky and make the vehicle heavier. Additionally, the vehicle must be equipped with a battery to power the motor, which makes the vehicle more complex, and self-propelled vehicles are also sensitive to environmental conditions. Additionally, the electric motors of each vehicle must be synchronized with each other to avoid the risk of collision between vehicles.

Patent application FR 3-043-627 proposes in particular a solution to this drawback and provides at least one circulation path for a vehicle, comprising a main rail suspended above the ground and having at least one curvature, and a main wheel configured to roll on the main rail. Describes a processing transportation facility that includes at least one vehicle for which a set is provided. The circulation path includes an overhead traction cable, drive means configured to drive the cable, and guiding means configured to guide the cable along the main rail, and the vehicle includes fastening means configured to attach the vehicle to the cable. Accordingly, by equipping an overhead transport facility with a tow cable and connecting the vehicle to the tow cable, a facility is provided that allows the vehicle to be brought closer together without collision problems and to increase the speed of movement of the vehicle compared to a Discovery type vehicle. This installation makes it possible to increase the speed of passenger flow, while reducing the risk of collisions between vehicles during passenger transport, since the vehicles are attached to the same traction cable during transport.

However, this type of installation is not suitable if the undulations of the position are too pronounced or abrupt, since it makes it impossible to implement vehicle movement in areas where the rails have significant inclinations. Additionally, the system is not suitable for certain environments: even though the rails offer the possibility of sharp turns, they require numerous support pylons, which can cross obstacles over long distances, for example over steep areas or through rivers. This is because the volume of the facility may increase if construction is required.

Therefore, the terrain where overhead cables or suspended transport facilities are deployed is very limited and does not allow for specific uses.

The present invention overcomes all or all of the disadvantages of the prior art, by proposing a solution suitable for more diverse terrains, while ensuring enhanced user safety, in particular by limiting the risk of collisions between vehicles, and making it possible to increase the speed of passenger transport flow. We aim to solve some of them.

For this purpose, at least one traction cable having at least a first traction cable configured to form a first closed loop and driven at a nominal linear speed by the at least one first drive means and having a coupling device configured to couple the vehicle to the first traction cable. A transport facility is proposed, having a vehicle of The vehicle has a set of transport and guidance wheels configured to move along the travel path at a nominal linear speed, the first circular path includes at least a second segment, and the transport facility has a transport facility wherein the vehicle is coupled to the first traction cable. and configured to be pulled by the first traction cable at a nominal linear speed for movement past the first segment and the second segment, wherein the first traction cable fully carries the vehicle at a nominal linear speed along the second segment. It is characterized in that it is configured to drive.

Thanks to the combination of these features, the vehicle can be divided into various segments (in particular: the vehicle is carried and guided along a travel path, which can form the desired curve, and is pulled by a first traction cable, thereby circulating at a nominal linear speed). One segment and at least a second segment in which the vehicle is completely carried and driven at a nominal linear speed by the first traction cable. In particular, along the second segment(s) of the first circulation path, the vehicle is suspended and carried entirely by associated carrier cables and may or may not require support pylons, which allows it to traverse steep areas over long distances. . In this suspended configuration, the transport wheels of the transport wheel set are passive and suspended when the vehicle is moving along the second segment. The term "suspended" means that the lower part of the vehicle remains free, and the transport wheels of the transport wheel set are separated from the path of travel and no longer rest on it.

Furthermore, the fact that the vehicle is transported and pulled entirely along this second segment(s) of the first circulation path makes it possible to circulate the vehicle on inclined sections with significant slopes, typically exceeding 15% in absolute value, such as This is because the slope can be positive or negative. Of course, in reality the slope may be different.

According to one embodiment, the transport facility comprises at least a second traction cable configured to form at least a second closed loop and be driven by at least one second drive means at a nominal linear speed, the transport facility comprising at least a second circulation path. wherein the vehicle is configured to pass through at least one transition area from one of the first and second circulation paths to the other, wherein the vehicle is coupled to the second traction cable and moves past at least a portion of the second circulation path. It is configured to be pulled by the second traction cable at a nominal linear speed.

This configuration allows the use of multiple cable loops, allowing the vehicle to follow much longer circuits than would be the case using a single cable, regardless of the local terrain. This also makes it possible to have a suitable nominal linear speed, which may be limited for a given drive means if the loop length is too large.

According to one embodiment, the second circulation path comprises a first segment comprising at least one movement path extending along at least a second traction cable, a movement path of the first segment having at least one curvature, moving at a nominal linear speed. The vehicle has transport and guidance wheels configured to move on a path.

According to one embodiment, the transition area comprises a continuous part of a preferably straight transition path of movement extending from a portion of the path of movement of the first segment of the first circulation path to a portion of the path of movement of the first segment of the second circulation path. . A transition path or an intersection path makes it possible to locally connect two circulation paths, i.e. a first and a second circulation path. In a configuration where the first and second closed loops formed by the first and second traction cables intersect, they intersect at two points, where at each of these two intersections there is a transition travel path. Of course, more than two cable loops (e.g. three or four depending on the desired extent of the transport facility) may be provided, but it is preferred that the cable loops are arranged in series and crossed in pairs.

According to one embodiment, the coupling device of the vehicle disengages the vehicle from a traction cable that is engaged among the first and second traction cables, and then provides disengagement means to couple the vehicle to the other traction cable of the first and second traction cables. Includes.

According to one embodiment, the transportation facility includes at least one boarding and/or disembarking station, wherein the disengaging means is in the disengaged position when the vehicle is in the embarking and/or disengaging position at the boarding and/or disembarking station. In certain configurations, pick-up and/or drop-off stations may be located in transition zones. Of course, other alternative locations of the pick-up and/or drop-off stations may be considered, or even complementary to other pick-up and/or drop-off stations.

According to one embodiment, the second circulation path comprises at least a second segment, and the transportation facility is configured such that a vehicle is connected to the second traction cable and is nominally driven by the second traction cable for movement past the first segment and the second segment. Configured to be pulled at a linear speed, the transport facility is configured such that the second traction cable fully carries and drives the vehicle along the second segment at a nominal linear speed.

According to one embodiment, the first traction cable is straight along the second segment of the first circulation path, preferably the second traction cable is straight along the second segment of the second circulation path. In other words, the section along which the vehicle is carried by its associated traction cable is straight.

According to one embodiment, the transport facility comprises guiding means configured to guide the associated traction cable along a travel path of a first segment of the associated circulation path.

According to one embodiment, the guiding means includes vertical guiding means and horizontal guiding means. In this way, the associated traction cable can be guided along horizontal and curved curves, or a combination of these curves.

According to one embodiment, the travel path comprises two rails spaced apart in a regular manner.

According to one embodiment, the first traction cable constitutes a single drive cable of the vehicle along a first circular path and/or the second traction cable constitutes a single drive cable of the vehicle along a second circular path.

According to one embodiment, the first traction cable constitutes a single vehicle support means along a second segment of the first circulation path and/or the second traction cable constitutes a single vehicle support means along a second segment of the second circulation path. Compose.

According to one embodiment, the first segment(s) and the first segment(s) of the associated circulation path are arranged in series.

According to another aspect of the invention, the invention relates to a method for using a transport facility as described above, said method comprising at least the following steps:

- a first step of circulating the vehicle along a first segment while a set of transport wheels for guiding the vehicle moves on the travel path, wherein the vehicle is driven by a traction cable at a nominal linear speed; and

- a second stage of circulating the vehicle along the second segment while the first traction cable fully carries and drives the vehicle along the second segment at a nominal linear speed.

Preferably, these two stages follow each other directly in one direction from the first circulation stage to the second circulation stage and/or in the other direction from the second circulation stage to the first circulation stage.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon reading the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[Figure 1] is a schematic plan view of an embodiment of a transportation facility according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[FIG. 2] is a side view of the trajectory portion of the vehicle equipment of the transportation facility according to FIG. 1.
[Figure 3] is a detailed view of Figure 1.
Figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the transport facility according to Figure 1, taken at a loading and/or disembarking station.
Figure 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the transport facility according to Figure 1, taken at the part carried by the traction cable when passing the pylon.
Figure 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the transport facility according to Figure 1, taken at the part carried by the traction cable.
Figure 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the transport facility according to Figure 1, taken at the rolling part of the vehicle on rails.
[Figure 8] is a schematic plan view of one embodiment of a transportation facility according to another embodiment of the present invention.
[FIG. 9] is a detailed view of an alternative embodiment of FIG. 8.
For greater clarity, identical or similar elements are identified by identical reference numerals throughout the drawings.

Figure 1 shows a transport facility 100 comprising a first traction cable 11 for pulling one or more vehicle(s) 30 above the ground. The first traction cable (11) forms a first closed loop (10) and is configured to be driven at a nominal linear speed by the first drive means (12). The first traction cable 11 defines a first circular path 101 along which the vehicle 30 is pulled, and the transport facility 100 guides the first traction cable 11 along the first circular path 101. Includes guidance means for doing so.

In this embodiment, the transport facility 100 further comprises a second traction cable 21 configured to form a second closed loop 20 and to be driven at a nominal linear speed by the second drive means 22 . The second traction cable 21 defines a second circulation path 102 .

The two closed loops 10 , 20 formed by the first traction cable 11 and the second traction cable 21 are here defined as two separate loops between the first traction cable 11 and the second traction cable 21 . each intersect or overlap to provide an intersection point, each of which is located in a transition zone 103. The transport facility 100 is configured to allow vehicles 30 to pass from one of the first and second circulation paths 101 , 102 to the other at each transition zone 103 . In this way, each vehicle follows a trajectory continuously defined by the first and second traction cables 11, 21 along a circulation path carried by the first circulation path 101 and the second circulation path 102. .

Transportation facility 100 further includes at least one passenger loading and/or unloading station 150 for vehicle 30 .

The drive means (12, 22) are configured to drive the associated traction cables (11, 21) along the corresponding circulation path (101, 102). The drive means 12, 22 are preferably located in a station called a drive station. Each drive station is arranged in the indoor space of a closed loop (10, 20) of the associated traction cables (11, 21), preferably in the intersection area between these two indoor spaces. In this way, the drive station is offset from the corresponding circulation path (101, 102).

Referring to Figure 3, each of the driving means (12, 22) includes a motor (M1, M2), a drive pulley (P1) driven by the associated motors (M1, M2) and configured to drive the associated traction cable (11, 21). , P2). Each drive means (12, 22) further comprises means (not shown) for tensioning the associated traction cable (11, 21). The tensioning means may comprise biasing pulleys (e.g. two) arranged on either side of the drive pulleys (P1, P2) for biasing the associated traction cables (11, 21) in the direction of the drive pulleys (P1, P2). . The driving pulleys (P1, P2) and the corresponding deflection pulleys have horizontal rotation axes. Alternatively, the tensioning means may comprise a single deflecting pulley, also called a return pulley. According to this alternative, the axes of rotation of the drive pulleys P1, P2 and the return pulley are vertical.

Facility 100 may include a single vehicle 30 or multiple vehicles. Additionally, each circulation path 101, 102 may include one or more vehicles 30. Each vehicle 30 comprises a cabin 300 as shown in particular in Figures 4 to 7 and/or comprises one or more seats for the carriage of passengers.

Each vehicle 30 comprises a coupling device 31 configured to couple the vehicle 30 to an associated cable, ie to a first traction cable 11 or a second traction cable 21 depending on the position on the track. In this way, the vehicle 30 is attached to the first traction cable 11 or the second traction cable 21 and is pulled at a nominal linear speed by the associated traction cable 11, 21 into the associated first or second circulation. At least part of the paths 101 and 102 are moved.

The term “nominal linear speed” means the cruising speed at which the vehicle 30 moves in the transport position and is understood to also correspond to the speed of the traction cables 11 , 21 associated therewith.

More specifically, each of the first and second circulation paths 101, 102 includes at least one movement path 111, 211 and extends along the first or second traction cable 11, 21. Includes a first segment 110. The vehicle 30 includes a set of transport wheels 32 and guide wheels configured to roll on these travel paths 111, 211 at a nominal linear speed.

In this embodiment, each travel path 111, 211 includes at least one transport structure (e.g. at least one rail), where the transport structures are spaced apart in a regular manner and have an associated first or second traction. It includes two rails (111', 211') extending along the cables (11, 21). In another alternative, the transport structure may include one or more transport cable(s) instead of transport rail(s). Along these first segments 110, 210, the vehicle 30 is transported by a transport structure carrying a movement path 111, 211 along which transport and guide wheels circulate. Each movement path 111, 211 has at least one curvature to guide the vehicle 30 to different positions, especially non-aligned positions. The curvature may be horizontal or vertical. The horizontal curvature may be internal, towards the inside of the closed loop 10, 20, or external, towards the outside of the closed loop 10, 20. The vertical curvature (see especially Figure 2) may be upward or downward relative to the vertical axis (Z). The curvature may of course be a combination of these types of curvature.

The transport facility (100) comprises guiding means (140) configured to guide the associated traction cables (11, 21) along the travel path (111, 211) of the first segment (110, 210) of the associated circulation path (101, 102). Includes. The guiding means 140 includes vertical guiding means 141 and horizontal guiding means 142. The guiding means 140 may include rollers 140', i.e. small wheels with grooves to allow the traction cables 11, 21 to pass inside the grooves. Generally, the rollers 140' are disposed along the first segment 110 of the circular path 101, 102 such that the associated traction cables 11, 21 follow the vertical and horizontal curvatures of the circular path 101, 102. do.

The guiding means 140 are spaced in groups of vertical guiding means 141 and horizontal guiding means 142 along each movement path 111, 211 for guiding the traction cables 11, 21 along the curvature. Each group of guiding means 140 comprises two vertical guiding means 141 and two horizontal guiding means 142 distributed radially around the associated traction cables 11, 21. In particular, two vertical guiding means 141 are arranged perpendicularly opposite each other on both sides of the associated traction cables 11, 21, consisting of a lower roller and an upper roller, and two horizontal guiding means 142 are arranged on two side rollers. are disposed on opposite sides on both sides of the associated traction cables 11, 21, which contain

Of course, the circulation path 101, 102 may comprise an inclined curvature, i.e. a curvature that is not exactly vertical or not exactly horizontal, and the rollers 140' may also be formed in the first segment of the circulation path 101, 102 ( It can be tilted to guide the traction cables 11, 21 along 110, 210).

The first circulation path 101 further comprises at least a second segment 120 , the transport facility 100 being configured such that the vehicle 30 is coupled to the first traction cable 11 and connected to the first traction cable 11 . configured to travel the first segment (110) and the second segment (120) at a nominal linear speed, wherein the transport facility (100) has the first traction cable (11) pulled along the second segment (120) at a nominal linear speed. It is configured to completely transport and drive the vehicle 30. In other words, the first traction cable 11 constitutes the only drive cable of the vehicle 30 along the first circulation path 101 and along this second segment 120 from the coupling means 31 to the vehicle ( 30) Absorbs all gravity. The first traction cable 11 has a straight cable strand along the second segment 120 of the first circulation path 101 . The vehicle 30 moves along this second segment 120 while being completely carried by the first traction cable 11 , so that the fastening structures required for this segment are limited to the traction cable 11 alone or even above the ground. It is limited to a support pylon (60) for securing the suspended traction cable (11).

Figure 2 shows, in particular, a side view of the second segment 120 having a highly inclined portion, generally greater than 15%. This inclination is possible thanks to the fact that the traction cable 11 pulls and simultaneously carries the vehicle 30 along the second segment 120 .

In this embodiment, second circulation path 102 does not include second segment 120. It is understood that the second circulation path 102 may include one or more second segments similar to the first circulation path 101 depending on the topography of the environment in which the transportation facility 100 is located. In this case, the properties of the second segment are the same.

According to one embodiment, the coupling means 31 comprises a fixing clamp 34 for coupling the vehicle 30 to the traction cables 11 and 21 . Along the circular path, the vehicles are attached equidistantly to the tractor cables 11, 21.

In a configuration not shown, the coupling means 31 permanently couples the vehicle 30 to the traction cables 11, 21. In this configuration, the drive means 12, 22 must be stopped so that the vehicle 30 remains motionless so that passengers can board or exit the vehicle 30. However, this configuration is only possible if the transport facility 100 includes only a single closed loop 10 .

According to a preferred embodiment, the fastening means 31 comprises a disengageable clamp 34 for removably coupling the vehicle 30 to the traction cables 11 , 21 . The disengagement means 33 are in the disengaged position, in particular when the vehicle 30 is in the loading and/or disembarking position of the loading and/or disembarking station 150 . The disengageable clamp 34 can be open to separate the vehicle 30 from the traction cables 11, 21, or closed to clamp it to pull the traction cables 11, 21. That is, the vehicle 30 can be mechanically connected to the traction cables 11 and 21. In other words, the vehicle 30 is attached to a traction cable 11, 21 between two stations 150 and travels at the nominal speed of the traction cable 11, 21, in particular the first and second segments 110, 120. is pulled along. When the vehicle 30 enters the station 150, the vehicle 30 may be separated from the traction cables 11 and 21.

Each transition area 103 is divided from the travel path portion 111 of the first segment 110 of the first circulation path 101 to the travel path portion 211 of the first segment 210 of the second circulation path 102. ) and a continuous portion of a preferably straight transitional movement path 311 extending to ). In this way, even though the first and second circulation paths 101 , 102 have separate traction cables 11 , 21 , they are connected to the travel path 111 of the first segment 110 of the first circulation path 101 and is continuously connected to the movement path 211 of the first segment 210 of the second circulation path 102 through a switching movement path 311. In the same way as at station 150, when vehicle 30 enters transition area 103, vehicle 30 is disconnected from one of the two original traction cables 11, 21 and then from two in the circular direction. It can be reconnected to another one of the destination tow cables (11, 21).

At a loading and/or disembarking station 150, such as in a transition area 103, when the vehicle 30 is disconnected from its traction cables 11, 21, the vehicle 30 is pulled from the transport structure, here rails 111. ', 211'). Accordingly, the separated vehicle 30 can move at a lower speed than the associated traction cables 11, 21, and therefore at a lower speed than the nominal speed, in particular to facilitate the loading and unloading of passengers at the station 150. Movement of the vehicle 30 at the station 150 is provided by electric drive wheels 45 .

More specifically, the vehicle 30 is configured to roll on the rails of each travel path 111, 211, in particular on the rails, from the first segment 110, 210 of the associated circulation path 101, 102. 32) and a set of guide wheels. In this embodiment, vehicle 30 includes a carriage 40 on which two pairs of transport wheels 32 are mounted, and coupling means 31 . The transport wheels 32 are activated when the vehicle 30 circulates along the first segment 110 , 210 of the associated circulation path 101 , 102 . In contrast, these transport wheels 32 are passive when the vehicle 30 circulates, in particular here along the second segment 120 of the first circulation path 101 , in which the vehicle 30 This is because it is completely moved and transported by the transport cable (11). Therefore, the transport wheels 32 do not need to be electrically operated. Preferably, the transport wheels 32 are mounted so as to be freely rotatable on the two pairs of side ends of the carriage 40. The guide roller 46 disposed below the carriage 45 is configured to support each side of the corresponding rails 111' and 211'. In this way, the carriage 45 can roll on the travel paths 111 , 211 thanks to the transport wheels 32 and transverse guidance is ensured by guide rollers 46 , here four. The rollers 46 are preferably stressed by elastic stress means (not shown) to avoid any gaps.

Additionally, the vehicle 30 includes a hanger 37 to which the cabin 300 is attached, in particular connecting the cabin 300 with the carriage 40 . Preferably, the hanger 37 is connected to the carriage 40 by a pivot link that allows pendulum movement of the cabin 300 relative to the carriage 40 . In particular, this first pivot connection between the hanger 37 and the carriage 40 is located in particular at the upper end of the hanger 37 and is positioned so that the hanger 37 is positioned along an axis parallel to the transverse reference axis of the carriage (i.e. at least on the vehicle ( 30) can pivot relative to the carriage 40 about a horizontal axis locally orthogonal to the part of the associated traction cable 11, 21 on which it is located. This first connection thus allows a pitch movement of the hanger 37 and thus of the cabin 300 relative to the carriage 40 . Preferably, the hanger 37 is connected to the cabin 300 by a second pivot link 42, especially at the lower part opposite the top of the hanger 37, and is connected to the cabin 300 with respect to the hanger 37. Allows pendulum movement, particularly roll movement of the cabin 300 relative to the hanger 37.

The engaging means 31 comprises a disengageable clamp 34 with pinchers capable of opening and closing the traction cables 11, 21. The pincher comprises two jaws, here opposite to each other with respect to the horizontal reference axis, and the traction cables 11, 21 are positioned so that when the vehicle 30 is connected to the traction cables 11, 21, the two jaws of the pincher It is fixed between two groups. The disengageable clamp 34 also includes one or several springs 35 for holding the pinchers closed on the traction cables 11, 21. The disengageable clamp 34 also includes a lever 36 supported against a spring 35 to open the pincher. The lever 36 is activated to engage and disengage the vehicle 30 from the loading and unloading station 150 and the transition area 103 as well as from the towing cables 11, 21. The disengageable clamp 34 is mounted on the carriage 40 via the support arm 41.

The fixed structure of the transport facility 100 includes, in particular, support means (in this case comprising pylons 60 ) for holding the tractor cables 11 , 21 and locally the carrier along the second segment 120 above the ground. . Each pylon 60 includes a bracket 61 extending perpendicularly to the direction of movement of the traction cables 11, 21 and having at least one end 62 on which a support pulley 63 is mounted. Each of the pulleys 63 includes a groove for receiving the corresponding traction cables 11 and 21 when the vehicle passes the pylon 60. In particular, some pylons 60 located in the second segment 120 of the first circulation path 101 support only this support pulley 63 (see Figure 5).

Some of the other pylons 60 also support at least one support frame 70 of the movement paths 111, 211 of the first segments 110, 210 of the first and second circulation paths 101, 102. . Frame 70 has a “C” shape open toward the ground. In other words, the frame 70 has the carriage 40 disposed therein and has a hollow shape that is open at the lower side, downward with respect to the reference vertical orientation (Z). The lower opening of the frame 70 is bordered on both sides by two rails 111', 211' which form a transport structure and carry the associated travel paths 111, 211. Each group of guiding means 140, especially vertical 141 and horizontal 142 guiding means, is fixedly mounted on this frame 70. The lower rollers participating in the vertical guidance also serve to support the associated traction cables 11, 21, similarly to the support pulleys 63 of the first segments 110, 210.

The suspension and support frames 70 of the travel paths 111 , 211 also support the electric drive wheels 45 which ensure the movement of the vehicle 30 not only in the stations 150 but also in the transition area 103 . In this embodiment, the drive roller 45 is capable of slowing down or accelerating the vehicle 30 upon disengaging and engaging the disengagement means 33, but also in the transition area 103, in particular the transition movement path ( 311), the tires are formed to provide adequate grip to maintain the nominal linear speed as much as possible (see Figure 3).

The contactor 47, which is integral with the carriage 45, is integral with the frame 70 and makes it possible to maintain electrical contact with the electric rail accommodated in its internal space. In this way, it is possible to supply electrical energy to the electrical equipment of the vehicle 30 .

4 to 7 show schematic side views of the transport facility 100, in particular the vehicles 30 at different positions on the circulation path 101, 102 during movement.

In particular, Figure 4 shows a schematic view taken along section A-A of the transportation facility 100 of Figure 1, i.e. at the boarding and/or disembarking station 150, with the disengageable clamp 34 in the disengaged position. Figure 7 is similar to this figure, on the rails 111', 211' of the first section of the first circulation path 101 or the second circulation path 102, outside the boarding and/or disembarkation station 150. It shows a schematic view along section D-D of the transport facility 100 of FIG. 1 taken at the rolling portion of the vehicle 30, with the disengageable clamp 34 in the closed position for engaging the traction cable.

Figure 5 shows a second segment of the first circulation path 101 taken in the part carried by the first traction cable 11 (i.e. when passing over the support pylon 60 of the first traction cable 11). shows a schematic view along section B-B of the transport facility 100 of FIG. 1 (taken along). It will be noted that not all pylons 60 are shown to improve the readability of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 6 is a schematic view along section C-C of the transport facility 100 of FIG. 1 taken on the portion carried entirely by the first traction cable 11 (i.e. taken along the second segment of the first circulation path 101 ). shows.

Thanks to this transport facility 100, the vehicle 30 can be driven along the first and second circulation paths 101, 102 by passing through different segments, in particular the first segment 110, 210, where the vehicle (30) is continuously transported and guided along the travel path (111, 211), exhibiting a curve as a function of the desired trajectory, circulates at a nominal linear speed and is pulled by the first traction cable (11, 21). If the topography of the place where the transportation facility 100 is located is too restrictive, for example, if there is a river on the route as shown in FIG. 1, the second segment 120 is connected by the traction cables 11 and 21, There is a transport facility 100 in the path of the vehicle 30 in which the vehicle 30 is fully transported and driven at a nominal linear speed.

Figure 8 shows a schematic diagram of another embodiment of a transport facility 100 which differs substantially from the previously described embodiment in that it comprises a single monocable loop (i.e. a single first traction cable 11). Another difference due to this configuration is that the drive station containing the drive means 12 is located in the lateral space (here inside) of the closed loop 10 of the first traction cable 11, and the second of the cables 11, 21 There is no intersection area between the open and closed loops. Of course, the drive station comprising the drive means 12 is located outside the closed loop 10, in particular depending on the geometry of the carriage 40 and the geometry of the coupling means 31 and also depending on the topography of the external environment. You may. Accordingly, a means of transportation similar to that of the boarding and/or disembarkation station 150 or that used in the transition area 103 should be provided. In this case, two cases can be considered.

In a first configuration, as shown in Figure 8, the motor is located at the loading and/or disembarking station 150, so that said loading and/or disembarking station 150 is also a drive station: in this configuration, The transport means comprising drive rollers 45 are configured to reduce the speed of the vehicle 30 at the station entrance and allow acceleration at the station exit, and when passing the drive means 12, transport the vehicle 30 with a traction cable ( Connecting means (31) with disengageable clamps (34) for disengaging and then removably joining to (11). In this configuration, after the vehicle is disengaged by the disengagement means 33, the tires forming the drive rollers 45 slow the vehicle 30 to an unloading-loading speed (e.g. 0.25 m/s). Next, the tires forming the drive rollers 45 accelerate the vehicle 30 up to the nominal linear speed of the first traction cable 11 for engagement by the disengagement means 33 . Accordingly, the disengagement means 33 disengages the vehicle 30 from the first traction cable 11 attached upstream of the drive means 12 (in particular, the drive pulley P1) and then (In particular, it is configured to couple the vehicle 30 to the same first tractor cable 11 downstream of the drive pulley P1). Accordingly, the transportation means are similar to those used in the boarding and/or disembarkation station 150 of the previous embodiment.

In the second configuration, as shown in FIG. 9 , the motor is located outside the loading and/or disembarking station 150 , in which case the transport means are thus similar to those used in the transport area 103 of the previous embodiment. In summary, everything happens as at the station, except that the tires forming the drive rollers 45 are set to maintain the vehicle 30 at a speed equal to the nominal linear speed of the first traction cable 11 . Accordingly, the vehicle disengages the vehicle 30 from the first traction cable 11 where the disengagement means 33 is attached upstream of the drive means 12 (in particular the drive pulley P1) and then Guided along a transport track similar to the transition travel path 311, except that it is configured to couple the vehicle 30 to the same first tractor cable 11 downstream of the drive pulley 12 (in particular the drive pulley P1). do.

Of course, the invention is explained as described above by way of example. It will be understood that those skilled in the art may make different variations of the invention without departing from the scope of the invention.

All features, specifically, even if they are described individually and in any combination with other determined features, are not expressly excluded and are described in technical context as they are taught to those skilled in the art from the present disclosure, drawings and appended claims. It is emphasized that it can be combined with other features or groups of features disclosed herein, unless such combination is impossible or meaningless.

Claims (16)

at least a first traction cable (11) configured to form a first closed loop (10) and driven at a nominal linear speed by at least one first drive means (12), 1 A transport facility (100) with the vehicle (30) provided with a coupling device (31) configured to couple to a traction cable (11), wherein the transport facility (100) moves along the first traction cable (11). comprising at least a first circulation path (101) having at least a first segment (110) comprising at least one moving path (111) extending, said moving path (111) having at least one curvature, said vehicle (30) has a set of transport and guidance wheels (32) configured to move along said travel path (111) at said nominal linear speed, said first circulation path (101) comprising at least a second segment (120); , the transport facility 100 is such that the vehicle 30 is coupled to the first traction cable 11 and moves at the nominal linear speed for moving past the first segment 110 and the second segment 120. configured to be pulled by the first traction cable (11), the transport facility (100) being configured to allow the first traction cable (11) to pull the vehicle (30) along the second segment (120) at the nominal linear speed. A transport facility (100), characterized in that it is configured to completely transport and drive. 2. The transport according to claim 1, comprising at least a second traction cable (21) forming a second closed loop (20) and configured to be driven at said nominal linear speed by at least one second drive means (22). The facility (100) includes at least a second circulation path (102), wherein the vehicle (30) has at least one transition area (103) from one of the first and second circulation paths (101, 102) to the other. configured to pass through, wherein the vehicle (30) is coupled to the second traction cable (21) and is configured to travel over at least a portion of the second circulation path (102) by means of the second traction cable (21). A transport facility (100), characterized in that it is configured to be pulled at a nominal linear speed. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the second circulation path (102) has at least a first segment (210) comprising at least one travel path (211) extending along the second traction cable (21), The movement path 211 of one segment 210 has at least one curvature, and the transport and guidance wheels 32 of the vehicle 30 are configured to move along the movement path 211 at the nominal linear speed. A transportation facility (100), characterized in that. 4. The method according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the transition area (103) extends from the travel path portion (111) of the first segment (110) of the first circulation path (101) to the second circulation path (102). Transport facility (100), characterized in that it comprises a continuous part of a preferably straight transitional path (311) extending into a path portion (211) of one segment (210). The method according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the coupling device 31 of the vehicle 30 is a traction device to which the vehicle 30 is coupled among the first and second traction cables 11 and 21. Disengagement means ( A transport facility (100), characterized in that it comprises 33). 6. The method of claim 5, comprising at least one boarding and/or disembarkation station (150), wherein the engagement occurs when the vehicle (30) is in the boarding and/or disembarkation position of the boarding and/or disembarkation station (150). Transport facility (100), characterized in that the release means (33) is in the disengaged position. The method according to claim 3 , wherein the second circulation path ( 102 ) comprises at least a second segment, wherein the transport facility ( 100 ) comprises the vehicle ( 30 ). is coupled to the second traction cable (21) and is configured to be pulled by the first traction cable (21) at the nominal linear speed to move past the first segment (210) and the second segment, Transport facility (100), characterized in that the second traction cable (21) is configured to completely transport and drive the vehicle (30) along the second segment at the nominal linear speed. 8. Transport facility according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the first traction cable (11) is straight along the second segment (120) of the first circulation path (101). 100). Transport facility (100) according to claim 8, characterized in that the second traction cable (21) is straight along the second segment of the second circulation path (102). 10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, configured to guide the first traction cable (11) along the movement path (111) of the first segment (110) of the first circulation path (101). A transport facility (100), characterized in that it comprises guiding means (140). 11. Transport facility (100) according to claim 10, characterized in that the guiding means (140) comprise vertical guiding means (141) and horizontal guiding means (142). 12. Transport facility (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the travel path comprises two rails spaced apart in a regular manner. 13. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the first traction cable (11) constitutes a single drive cable of the vehicle (30) along the first circulation path (101). Transportation facilities (100). 14. The method according to any one of claims 3 to 13, which is at least dependent on claim 2, wherein the second traction cable (21) provides a single drive cable of the vehicle (30) along the second circulation path (102). Consisting of transportation facilities (100). 15. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the first segment(s) (110) and the second segment(s) (120) of one circulation path (101) are arranged in series. , transportation facilities (100). 16. A method of using the transport facility (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, comprising at least:
- a first step of circulating the vehicle (30) along the first segment (110) while the set of transport wheels (32) for guiding the vehicle (30) moves in the travel path (111), A first step, wherein the vehicle (30) is driven by the traction cable (11) at the nominal linear speed; and
- the vehicle 30 along the second segment 210 while the first traction cable 11 completely carries and drives the vehicle 30 along the second segment 120 at the nominal linear speed. Characterized in that it comprises a second step of circulating.

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