Classifications

• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B61—RAILWAYS
  • B61B—RAILWAY SYSTEMS; EQUIPMENT THEREFOR NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • B61B9/00—Tramway or funicular systems with rigid track and cable traction
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B61—RAILWAYS
  • B61B—RAILWAY SYSTEMS; EQUIPMENT THEREFOR NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • B61B12/00—Component parts, details or accessories not provided for in groups B61B7/00 - B61B11/00
  • B61B12/10—Cable traction drives
  • B61B12/105—Acceleration devices or deceleration devices other than braking devices
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B61—RAILWAYS
  • B61B—RAILWAY SYSTEMS; EQUIPMENT THEREFOR NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • B61B12/00—Component parts, details or accessories not provided for in groups B61B7/00 - B61B11/00
  • B61B12/12—Cable grippers; Haulage clips
  • B61B12/122—Cable grippers; Haulage clips for aerial ropeways
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B61—RAILWAYS
  • B61B—RAILWAY SYSTEMS; EQUIPMENT THEREFOR NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • B61B15/00—Combinations of railway systems

Definitions

• the present invention relates to a closed circuit transport device, with variable speed, and offering the advantages of a kinematic chain system of the funicular type.
• a closed circuit transport device with variable speed, and offering the advantages of a kinematic chain system of the funicular type.
• These systems have always had a major drawback: the movable member (seat, wagon, container), whether intended for the transport of passengers or goods, must necessarily, at the entrance to the station, before slowing down or even l 'stop, be detached from the link (usually a cable or chain) which constitutes the kinematic element of the funicular.
• the movable member leaves a motor device programmed in a given way to join with another motor device programmed differently from the previous one: for example, the mobile leaves the cable which performs the kinematics of the funicular to hang onto a slower cable or to slow down on its own.
• this type of system has kinematics for the line and (different) kinematics for the station. More recently, systems have appeared in which the mobile always remains integral with the basic kinematics, that is to say the funicular, the latter itself carrying out the speed variations at the desired points.
• the fixing device, or clamp, of a mobile on the chain must be calculated to tow a whole train of mobiles, so that its dimensions are proportional to the length of the circuit and the number of mobiles.
• the present invention aims to overcome all of the above drawbacks by providing a device which retains the advantages of a thematic or funicular.
• Another object of the invention is to provide regulation means capable of always maintaining the voltage of the variator cable below a predetermined limit value, in low speed zones.
• the invention also aims to provide means for protecting the low-speed areas from high voltages which could result from causes such as:
• a transport device comprises a track or circuit closed in on itself, or at least one mobile assembly, to constitute a mode of transport of the funicular type, and it is characterized in that the mobile is always integral with a first link which realizes the variation in the speed of movement of the mobile along the circuit, while this mobile is connected integrally and intermittently to a second circulating link, according to a looped track, at a constant and high speed, to pull the mobile or a series of mobile all permanently attached to the first link.
• the speed variator link is constituted by a device forming a chain of links of variable length which determines the distance between two successive mobiles, thus making it possible to maintain the "pitch" of the mobiles of the system, while this chain transmits only the tension necessary to tow the mobiles in the variable speed zone, this chain no longer driving.
• the second link or link engine-tractor circulates at constant speed equal to the highest speed of the mobile or of the system of the invention.
• This tractor link practically collects the traction, braking and other mechanical forces, while its scrolling in a looped circuit at high speed limits tensions.
• This link is, for example, a cable or a series of towing cables each looped on itself, this or these cables leaving free the speed variation zone or zones in which the mobiles are detached from the tractor link, which lightens the system.
• the system comprises a regulation device in each speed variation zone, this device being common to all the towing cables and having the aim of prohibiting the crossing of a predetermined threshold for the tension in the variator link, by controlling the driving organs of the tractor links.
• the security and reliability of the system are maximum, the mobiles never being free, while the speed variations (entry and exit in station) are obtained by interaction between elements of a mobile and ramps of the fixed structure of the system, so that the auxiliary safety devices can be considerably simplified.
• the voltage is regulated by a device detecting the force collected by the fixed ramp during the speed variation, therefore of the voltage variation in the variator link.
• the connection between a mobile and a tractor link is made either by pliers, or similar friction device, or by control of parts integral with the tractor link.
• the variator link or chain with links of variable length is: - either constituted by a series of sections of cables anchored by their ends, on two successive bogies fitted with coils - or of the deformable mesh type , of constant perimeter defined by a closed link on itself.
• the means ensuring the regulation of the voltage in the variator link act, for a given station, within the sole framework of this station, without acting, by any mode whatsoever, on the motors d drive of the towing cables, and at their own speed, the term "station" designating the area traversed by a mobile between the moment when it has just released the towing cable and the moment when it is re-solidified from the towing cable.
• said regulating means are means capable of varying the position of the point where the moving body resembles the towing cable in a controlled manner.
• a servo device for controlling said means for varying the position of the resetting point as a function of the voltage in the variator link detected at the station in question.
• the servo device is provided for adjusting the position of this control ramp as a function of the delay of the mobiles leaving the station.
• the assembly is provided so that the normal gripping of the tractor cable by the clamp of each mobile takes place at a location fixed by construction before the end of the ramps controlling the unwinding, the effective location for gripping the tractor cable by the clamps being able to move on either side of the normal location.
• said regulation means are means capable of inducing a variation in the speed law in the station considered.
• the means capable of inducing a variation in the speed law act on the position of the ramps which limit the length of unwound cable.
• an elastic member is interposed on the section of variator cable which separates two consecutive mobiles.
• each elastic member is associated with a ratchet system which allows the movement of said member only in the deceleration zone and in the low speed zone of the stations.
• each mobile comprises two connecting members with the towing cable, namely: a first connecting member which secures said mobile to the towing cable in high speed areas, and a second capable connecting member to perform a friction training with a sliding of variable degree.
• the second connecting member comprises, for each mobile, a pair of clamping pulleys pinching the towing cable between them, each clamping pulley being composed of two complementary half-pulleys mounted to rotate on a same shaft secured to the mobile, where these two half-pulleys are stacked with friction discs, while means allow the stacking of each shaft to be tightened more or less depending on the overvoltage in the variator link.
• security systems are provided so that a mobile which decelerates always pulls on its rear cable, or upstream, but never on its front cable, or downstream, beyond a certain traction force of predetermined value, while on the contrary a mobile which accelerates always pulls on its front cable, but never on its rear cable beyond a certain traction force of predetermined value.
• each deceleration zone is on a downward slope.
• the safety systems consist of an increase in the inertia of the mobiles, by simple increase in their mass, or by means of flywheels linked in rotation to the rolling members.
• the security systems consist of systems capable of exerting on the decelerating mobiles a thrust oriented in the direction of movement, this thrust being sufficient to balance at least all the accidental and random causes of braking likely to occur.
• said systems consist of linear electric motors of the type where the windings are housed in the fixed part and where the unwound armature is housed in the mobile.
• FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a funicular according to the invention, comprising a tractor link and a variator link to constitute a mode of transport with loops on themselves.
• FIG. 2 is a variant of the transport mode circuit.
• FIG. 3 is a side view of a system comprising mobiles equipped with coils.
• FIG. 4 is a view along the arrows T-V (fig 5) of a chain variant of the type with "deformable links”.
• FIG. 5 is a top view of the variant of Figure 4.
• FIG. 6 illustrates the general layout of the funicular.
• FIG. 7 shows a device to detect and regulate the voltage in the drive link.
• FIG. 8 illustrates the regulation by measuring the force applied by a mobile on a fixed ramp of the structure.
• FIGS 9 and 10 are perspectives, respectively from the side and from below (according to arrow F) of another variant of the circuit.
• FIG. 11 is a partial schematic side view of a transport device according to a variant of the invention.
• FIG. 12 is another partial side view of this device.
• FIG. 13 is a view showing the speed diagram, in relation to Figure 12.
• FIG. 14 and 15 are other partial side views of the transport device, according to other variants.
• FIG. 16 is a section XVI-XVI (fig 15).
• FIG. 17 is another partial side view of the transport device, according to another variant.
• - Figure 18 is a section XVIII-XVIII (fig 17).
• FIG. 19 is a partial top view of the torque of the clamping pulleys of Figure 18.
• FIGS. 20 and 21 are side views of the transport device, according to other variants.
• - Figure 22 is a view of the speed diagram, in relation to Figure 21.
• FIG. 1 a mode of transport using kinematics to funicular.
• a link chain of variable length 1 is looped on itself.
• Each link carries a mobile 2 which remains permanently attached to the chain.
• the transport system is completed by a tractor link, for example a cable 3, looped on itself and driven at high constant speed (equal to the highest speed of the mobiles 2) by a motor device 4 of any known type .
• FIG. 1 While the funicular in FIG. 1 has only one high speed scrolling zone UA and a single station zone comprising the deceleration section AB, the section BC of low speed (or stop) and the acceleration section CD, FIG. 2 illustrates a circuit whose variation chain 1 cooperates with several sections of tractor link 5, 6, 7, each section being looped back on itself. The tractor links leave free, between them, the intervals corresponding to the speed variations of the mobiles at stations 9, 10, 11.
• the towing cables only extend in high-speed areas: the mobiles are then secured to both the variator and tractor links.
• the mobiles are detached from the tractor link, as illustrated in FIGS. 3 to 5 and 10, while they remain fixed on the chain or variator link.
• the engine force is applied simultaneously to each of the mobiles 2 located in the high-speed areas.
• This tensile force is provided by the tractor cable and no longer by the chain 1.
• the connecting members between the links of variable length can thus be standardized. In particular, they no longer have to be adapted to the length of the closed circuit, or to be calculated for voltages at low speed.
• FIG 3 shows a portion of a transport system of which successive mobile Isss are constituted by bogies B i , B i + 1 ... while the upstream bogie B i is connected to the previous downstream bogie B i + 1 by a variator cable 8 or variator link, which is wound on the downstream and upstream coils respectively of the upstream and downstream bogies.
• each coil comprises a device for controlling rotation, constituted by a roller-bearing plate 12 and 12a, capable of coming into abutment against ramps 13 secured to the fixed structure of the system of the invention, and arranged in the zones speed variation.
• each bogie B i is provided with a clamp P i for its intermittent connection, by friction, with the tractor cable 3.
• the mobile B i travels at constant high speed. It is secured by its clamp P i , the cable 3 which runs at constant high speed.
• the bogie or downstream mobile B i + 1 has entered the slowdown zone. Its clamp P i + 1 opened under the effect of a control mechanism of any known type, not shown smell, and placed in the entrance portion of the station ( Figure 6).
• the bogie B i -1 is detached from the tractor cable 3, but remains integral with the funicular assembly formed subsequently by the bogies, by the variator cable 8.
• the mobiles of the system are cross members T i which carry, in known manner, idler rollers for cables or ribbons 22, closed on themselves, each of constant length, as well as means of support on lateral ramps 23 arranged in the speed variation zones.
• a chain with deformable links M i is produced (FIG. 5).
• FIGS. 4 and 5 show a slowdown zone.
• the sleepers T i-1 and T i circulate at high constant speed, along arrow 15A. They are secured, by the cleats t i-1 , and t i, 1 to the tractor cable 3 which runs at constant speed.
• the cross member T i + 1 has entered the deceleration phase: the cleats t i + 1 are open. The cross is disconnected from the cable 3. Its two opposite yokes deviate from one another under the action of the ramps 23 against which abut and roll rollers 24.
• the mobile T i + 1 remains integral with the funicular assembly of the series of crosspieces by the ribbon 22 which forms a link with constant perimeter. In the zone of FIGS. 4 and 5 "the link M i + 1 deforms in s' widening, therefore shortening, hence a slowing down of the mobile T i + 1 .
• FIG. 6 shows the general arrangement of the funicular according to the invention.
• the mobiles move from left to right and they are represented by a series of bogies B i as described above, integral with the speed variator chain 1.
• the characteristic of the invention is implemented according to which successive mobiles are disconnected from the towing cable or cables 5. 6, in zone 9 of the station, zone corresponding to variations in speed.
• the towing cables 5 and 6, each looped on itself, are driven by motor members 25, of a known type, at a constant high speed. They circulate only opposite the sections A'A and DD 'where the chain 1 circulates at constant high speed, while they leave free between them the zone 9 of speed variations, which comprises three sections:
• the bogie B i -1 When passing through the device 16, the bogie B i -1 released the cable 5 (opening of its clamp P i-1 ) to enter the section AB of deceleration.
• the ramps 13 and the rollers 12 of this bogie turn the upstream coil P i-1,1 according to arrow 18 ( Figure 3), The coil coils the variator cable 8, and the distance between B i-2 and B i - 1 is in a slowing phase.
• the bogies B i and B i + 1 are on the low speed BC section.
• the bogie B i + 2 is shown in acceleration phase, its coil b i + 2 , 2 , connected by the variator cable 8 to the previous bogie B i + 3 unwinding of the cable under the action of the acceleration ramps -
• the bogies B i + 3 , B i + n having crossed the zone 17 of metering iron and found the high speed of circulation of the tractor link 6 have resolidarized with the latter.
• the funicular according to FIG. 6 comprises a simple regulation device, illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, and which has for goal :
• FIG. 7 shows a speed variation zone between two sections of high-speed circulation of the funicular, similar to the representation in FIG. 6.
• the motors 25 of the looped tractor cables 5 and 6 are connected to the one to the other by a regulation and control system which comprises, for each engine: - A tachometer dynamo 26.
• a four-quadrant speed regulator 29 which controls, as required, one or the other of the motors 25.
• the regulation system is in addition supplemented by:
• this regulation system is to limit the voltage in the dimmer cable.
• the value of this voltage is detected by means of the device illustrated in FIG. 8.
• the bogie B i in the station zone, or low-speed zone (corresponding to the section BC of FIG. 6) is connected to the bogie which follows it and to the bogie which precedes it by the variator link 8, which is wound on coils b i integral in rotation with rollers 12 and 12a bearing against the ramp 13a which is part of the fixed structure of the system.
• the tension exerted on the link 8 introduces a torque into the coil b i , a torque which is collected by the support of the roller 12 on the ramp 13a.
• the voltage in the variator link (cable) 8 will be detected, recorded and regulated by the measurement of the force exerted on the ramp 13a, measurement carried out by a known device represented at 33, for example a sensor-detector.
• a known device represented at 33, for example a sensor-detector.
• the regulation system gives the order to the drive member 25 of the tractor link 5, at the entry of the deceleration zone AB (FIG. 6) , accelerate for a given time, or perform an additional rotation to bring the voltage back within desired limits.
• the transport system of the invention must, in accordance with transport safety legislation, have means of braking and emergency stop. To avoid an increase in the speed of the drive link at low speed, it is necessary to achieve, by regulation, a braking balance between the tractor links 5 and 6, which absorb practically all the braking or stopping effort.
• tractor link loops in the device of the invention will avoid any excess voltage on the variator link, both when the system is launched and during normal operation, braking or emergency stop. It is understood that it would not go beyond the scope of the invention to make detailed modifications to the funicular type transport system according to the invention, or to its voltage regulation system in the variator link, provided that the regulation constitutes an interconnection between the driving organs of the looped tractor links.
• FIGS. 9 and 10 Another preferred construction variant has been illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10: the station zone (s) are provided at the ends of the loop formed by the towing cable. It can be seen that the variation chain 1 follows, in the end zones E, a path E 1 E 2 which deviates appreciably from that of the tractor cable 3 returned by the drive wheel 4. This construction is close to that of the Figure 1, with the difference that the station areas are located at the ends of the system channel. It can be seen that, in accordance with the invention, the towing cable leaves free the end zone E which is the speed variation zone of the mobiles 2 integral with the variator link 1.
• the mobiles are each equipped with a device for clamp 40 intended to make their intermittent connection with the tractor cable (fig 10).
• the clamps are ordered to open when the mobiles arrive at the start of the section R 1 R 2 of connection on the variator link.
• the mobile is then separated from the tractor cable, and follows the path of the variator link, passing through a deceleration zone, a station or low speed zone and an acceleration zone (in FIG. 9, these zones have been referenced respectively by the letters D, PV, A).
• the mobile reaches the second connection section R ' 1 R' 2 where its clamp is ordered to close on the tractor cable.
• the mobile (2) can then enter the high-speed area GV along which it is integral with the two variator and tractor cables (fig 9 and 10).
• STATION designates the zone traversed by a mobile secured to a bogie B between the moment when this bogie has just released the towing cable 50 and the moment where it resociates itself from this towing cable. Between these two moments, the bogie. considered will have successively traversed a zone 51 of deceleration, a zone 52 of low speed, and a zone 53 of acceleration. On both sides of the station, there are of course high speed zones 49. In parallel with the routing of the tractor cable 50 and the variator cable 54, a speed diagram 55 has been drawn.
• ramp and roller systems have been described which, in the various zones of deceleration or acceleration, make it possible to unwind or rewind the variator cable in order to achieve such or such a predetermined speed law entered by construction in the ramps.
• the particular examples of the new voltage regulating devices given below are that they can act within the framework of a station only, without influencing, in any mode whatsoever, the drive motors and the speed of these drive motors.
• a first example of such a regulation device is illustrated in FIG. 12, placed in correspondence with the speed diagram of FIG. 13.
• regulation means capable of causing the position to move upstream are used. from point 56 where the bogie is re-attached to the tractor cable 50.
• the bogie B i grip the tractor cable 50 by its clamp 57 before the end of the acceleration zone 53 where the ramps 58 unwind the variator cable 54
• "La curve 59 of the speed diagram corresponds to the variation of speeds obtained using only ramps 58.
• the regulation means are constituted by an elastic system such as a spring 62 interposed on the section of the variator cable 54 which separates two consecutive bogies.
• a predetermined stress is preferably given to the spring.
• the system can be improved by associating each spring 62 with two non-return pawls 63 capable of engaging on racks 64.
• the pawls When the pawls are delivered to the action of the single spring 62, their respective active ends remain engaged on the racks 64 to lock the mechanism and prevent any movement of the spring 62.
• the free ends of the pawls 63 bear on opening ramps 64 ′, these pawls are driven at a distance from the racks 64, so that the mechanism is located be unlocked to allow free movement of the spring.
• opening ramps 64 ′ are provided in the low speed zone of each station, but are absent in the re-acceleration zone.
• the pawls 63 thus preventing the spring 62 from returning to its natural position when, during the re-acceleration, the tension of the variator cable 54 decreases in opposite direction to the speed. This process amounts to giving slack in the variator cable 54 in the station considered.
• Ramps are provided at the entrance to each station to cause the pawls 63 to jump when passing through the deceleration zone. The slack that is given to the variator cable 54 in a given station is automatically compensated for by an increase in the voltage of this same cable in the next station.
• the regulating device which has just been described is less advantageous than those which have been described previously: the correction of length is not fast taking into account that the variation obtained is divided by the ratio of extreme speeds.
• This device is, on the other hand, advantageous when it is no longer a weak drift repeatedly repeated, but a brutal excess which caused a delay detrimental to a bogie or a small number of bogies.
• a foreign body introduces at the entrance of the station, on a bogie, a delay of L meters.
• the delay of L meters of the bogie still in the zone close to the high speed zone will immediately result in an elongation equal to elastic systems located at this moment in the low speed zone 52.
• the only overvoltage of the variator cable 54 which will result therefrom will be the overvoltage corresponding to the over-compression of the elastic systems for the elongation equal to, and the excess voltage will be easily swallowed.
• the problem of overvoltages in the variator cable 54 can also be resolved no longer by playing on local variations in the length of this cable, but by locally relieving this variator cable by means of a driving force taken directly from the tractor cable, via a friction mechanism.
• This type of solution is advantageous, for example, if a mechanical accident such as a seizing of rolling or that an introduction of foreign body in the mechanisms exerts a permanent braking on a given bogie.
• the braking intensity is increased when the bogie initiates a deceleration at the start of the station, and when this bogie has reached the low speed zone, the overvoltage of the variator cable 54 will thus have been multiplied by the ratio R of the speeds large and small areas se.
• each bogie is provided with two connecting members with the towing cable.
• the first connecting member is that which secures said bogie of the tractor cable in high-speed areas, and it is known that it can, for example, a pinch;
• the second link member is capable of providing friction drive with sliding of varying degrees. The intensity of the friction must be able to be adjusted according to the overvoltage to be compensated, so that the compensation takes place by an additional driving force supplied by the towing cable.
• the term "friction" is used here in its broadest sense: in the case of the example illustrated in FIGS. 17 to 19, there is for example a system which clamps the tractor cable between two pulleys 65 with a variable tightening intensity , or graduated braking of the pulleys on a drive shaft 66.
• each pulley 65 comprises two substantially identical complementary half-pulleys 65a and 65b and mounted to rotate on the same transmission shaft 66 secured to the bogie B i considered.
• This shaft 66 is immobilized in rotation in the bogie B i , and a spring acting on the upper end of the shaft 66 constantly tends to pinch between the lower head 67 of the shaft 66 and a bearing 68 a stack comprising the half-pulleys 65a and 65b, and friction discs 69.
• This spring 70 is adjacent to a yoke 71 carrying a roller 72 capable of bearing on ramps 73.
• a servo device 74 in connection with a mechanism for positioning the ramps 75 and force sensors 75 positions the ramps 73 so as to more or less combat the pinching force provided by the spring 70,
• the flanges of the pulleys 65 preferably carry teeth 76 on their periphery. A meshing of these teeth ensures a balancing of the friction forces transmitted through the two pulleys.
• the invention provides a protection system, the operating principle of which can be stated in the following manner: it is made so that a mobile in deceleration always pulls on its rear cable, or upstream, but never on its front cable, or downstream, beyond a certain predetermined traction limit, while on the contrary a mobile in deceleration always pulls on its front cable, or downstream, but never on its rear cable, or upstream, beyond a certain predetermined traction limit.
• FIG. 23 shows a portion of the circuit comprising a high-speed zone 81, a deceleration zone 82, a low-speed zone 83, and an acceleration zone 84, the zones 82, 83 and 84 constituting a station 85.
• the deceleration zone 82 has been designed in a downward slope
• the acceleration zone 84 has been designed in an upward slope.
• the component of the gravity force 86 obtained by projection of this force on the running surface is indeed a force 86a directed so as to generate a traction of the mobile on its rear cable, this traction relieving all the tension of the front cable. Without the presence of the slope, we know that the tension of the front cable would have been multiplied in the low speed zone.
• Figure 24 shows the same principle of construction, but at the end of a looped circuit.
• the station 87 is arranged on an inclined terrain which gives the deceleration zone 88 a descending slope and the acceleration zone 89 an ascending slope.
• the inertia of the mobiles 90 can be increased either by directly increasing their mass, or indirectly by providing each mobile with at least one flywheel linked in rotation with the rolling members 91 of this mobile.
• a linear motor 93 of the type according to which the coils 94 are housed in the fixed part is then provided along the deceleration zones 92, or on part of these zones. that the unwound armature is housed in the mobile 9.

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• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Transportation (AREA)
• Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
• Electric Cable Arrangement Between Relatively Moving Parts (AREA)
• Tension Adjustment In Filamentary Materials (AREA)

Priority Applications (2)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Publications (1)

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Citations (9)

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• 1980
  • 1980-05-08 DE DE8080420055T patent/DE3067240D1/de not_active Expired
  • 1980-05-08 JP JP55501069A patent/JPS646979B2/ja not_active Expired
  • 1980-05-08 WO PCT/FR1980/000072 patent/WO1980002404A1/fr unknown
  • 1980-05-08 BR BR8008701A patent/BR8008701A/pt not_active IP Right Cessation

Patent Citations (9)

Non-Patent Citations (1)

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