WO1980002404A1

WO1980002404A1 - Double cable funicular transport device,looped on itself and with speed variation

Info

Publication number: WO1980002404A1
Application number: PCT/FR1980/000072
Authority: WO
Inventors: M Aulagner; J Jour
Original assignee: Stephanois Rech; M Aulagner; J Jour
Priority date: 1979-05-08
Filing date: 1980-05-08
Publication date: 1980-11-13
Also published as: JPS646979B2; JPS56500650A; BR8008701A; DE3067240D1

Abstract

Kinematic transport device of the funicular type. A series of moving bodies (Bi), always integral with a speed variator link (8), of the type of the variable length link chain, travels along a loop passage way. In the high speed areas (A'A), the moving bodies are further integral with a tractor link (5) looped on itself. The speed variation and station areas (9) are free of the tractor link. Application: reduction of the efforts in the "speed variator members". Particularly, reduction-and regulation of the tension in the variator link.

Description

"DUAL CABLE FUNCULAR TRANSPORT DEVICE, LOOP ON ITSELF AND VARIABLE SPEED"

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. There are known modes of transport formed by a series of mobiles secured to devices whose basic kinematics is a funicular, from the first trams hung on a cable to the cabins of modern cable cars. 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. Consequently, in boarding or slowing-down areas, 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. In terms of mechanics, we say that 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 mechanical diagram of these systems is a chain, the link of which is of variable length and is represented by a mobile assembly and a link length. The variation in the length of the link ensures the variation in speed. However, such systems are also limited:

- By the fact that the tension on the link varies in opposite direction to the speed. For example, if the speed variation is from 1 to 20, the tension in low speed will be, on the link, 20 times higher than the tension in high speed. Therefore, it is necessary to size all the components and the drive link for the voltages in low speed areas, therefore provide oversized and bulky parts in high speed areas.

- By the fact that in a looped circuit on itself the element will laugh must transmit the tensile force for the entire length

5 of the circuit, both in slowdown zones and in the high speed zone.

- By the fact that 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.

Apart from special cases (mountain cable cars), the "funicular" type of transport has never been able to develop intensively because, apart from their advantages, they have unacceptable drawbacks: - When the mobile changes cables, there are problems of shaking, acceleration, jerk, as well as reliability and safety problems due to repeated joining and detachment of the mobile on the cables.

- When using a link chain system of variable length, the funicular is both a tractor and a speed variator. We then run into problems of traffic and tension on the link, drive, traction, and braking.

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:

- Significant increase in the extreme speed ratio.

- Excessive friction or seizure of a bearing. - Effort due to the "chain" position of the dimmer cable portion hanging freely between two successive mobiles.

A transport device according to the invention 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.

According to an additional characteristic of the invention, 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. According to an additional characteristic of the invention, 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.

According to an additional characteristic of the invention, 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.

According to an additional characteristic of the invention, 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.

According to an additional characteristic of the invention 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. According to an additional characteristic of the invention, 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.

According to an additional characteristic of the invention, 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.

According to an additional characteristic of the invention, 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.

According to an additional characteristic of the invention, 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.

According to an additional characteristic of the invention, a servo device is provided 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.

According to an additional characteristic of the invention, in the case where the means of connecting a mobile on the towing cable is constituted by a friction clamp capable of being detached from the towing cable by closing under the action of a spring to recall or disengage from this tractor cable by opening under the action of a control ramp, 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.

According to an additional characteristic of the inventive in the case where the variator link is constituted by a link chain of the type with winding coils or flexible link unwinding, 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.

According to a variant of the invention, said regulation means are means capable of inducing a variation in the speed law in the station considered.

According to an additional characteristic of the invention, in the case where the variator link is constituted by a link chain of the type with winding coils or flexible link unwinding, 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.

According to a variant of the invention, an elastic member is interposed on the section of variator cable which separates two consecutive mobiles.

According to an additional characteristic of the invention, 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. According to another variant of the invention, 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.

According to an additional characteristic of the invention, 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. According to an additional characteristic of the invention, 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.

According to an additional characteristic of the invention, each deceleration zone is on a downward slope.

According to a variant of the invention, 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. According to another variant of the invention, 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.

According to an additional characteristic of the invention, 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. The appended drawing, given by way of nonlimiting example, will allow a better understanding of the characteristics of the invention.

- Figure 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.

- Figure 2 is a variant of the transport mode circuit.

- Figure 3 is a side view of a system comprising mobiles equipped with coils.

- Figure 4 is a view along the arrows T-V (fig 5) of a chain variant of the type with "deformable links".

- Figure 5 is a top view of the variant of Figure 4. -Figure 6 illustrates the general layout of the funicular.

- Figure 7 shows a device to detect and regulate the voltage in the drive link.

- Figure 8 illustrates the regulation by measuring the force applied by a mobile on a fixed ramp of the structure.

- Figures 9 and 10 are perspectives, respectively from the side and from below (according to arrow F) of another variant of the circuit.

- Figure 11 is a partial schematic side view of a transport device according to a variant of the invention.

- Figure 12 is another partial side view of this device.

- Figure 13 is a view showing the speed diagram, in relation to Figure 12. - Figures 14 and 15 are other partial side views of the transport device, according to other variants.

- Figure 16 is a section XVI-XVI (fig 15).

- Figure 17 is another partial side view of the transport device, according to another variant. - Figure 18 is a section XVIII-XVIII (fig 17).

- Figure 19 is a partial top view of the torque of the clamping pulleys of Figure 18.

- Figures 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.

- Figures 2-3 to 26 are other partial side views of the transport device, according to other variants.

There is shown in Figure 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 .

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.

In both cases, the towing cables only extend in high-speed areas: the mobiles are then secured to both the variator and tractor links. On the contrary, in the station areas (speed variation), 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.

We see a first advantage of a transport system according to the invention: 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.

Figure 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. Furthermore, 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.

In the figure, the entrance to a slowdown zone has been shown, the movement of the mobiles occurring from left to right (direction of arrow 15). 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. In this slowing zone, the coil P _i-1,1 is driven in rotation in the direction of arrow 18, by action of the ramps 13 on the rollers 12 and 12a. The coil winds the variator cable 8 on itself and the length of the link M, defined by the distance between the clamps P _i and P _i-1 decreases. Eans the embodiment of Figure 3, there is shown the upstream and downstream coils of a bogie which mesh on one another. Furthermore, the tractor cable 3 runs along the line: we will see later (fig 1, 6) that this cable can leave the speed variation zone free. Another construction of a system according to the invention is illustrated in FIGS. 4 (median lateral view) and 5 (top view). The tractor link 3 scrolls at high constant speed, from left to right. It carries, at regular intervals, a means for the articulation of a pair of cleats t _{i, 1} and t _{i, 2} , provided with rollers 19 for rolling or sliding on the ramps 20 of the fixed structure of the transport device, and bearing surfaces 21 to constitute the positive connection members between the towing cable and a chain with deformable links. 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).

Figures 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} .

The advantages of the transport system which has just been described are numerous and obvious: - Whether the mobile is secured to the towing cable or not, whether at constant speed or at variable speed, whether large or small speed, it always remains attached to a chain system with variable length links, looped on itself, this system immutably programming its distance with the mobile which precedes it and with that which follows it. Thus, the "pitch" of the transport system is automatically retained, any individual regulation of the speed or the elongation of the links being henceforth superfluous.

- Since the mobile is never free, the safety devices can be simplified to the extreme.

- All efforts relating to traction, braking, emergency stop, regulation, are assigned to the tractor link alone, so that the members of the variable-link chain (which constitutes the variator link) n 'have more to be oversized, therefore bulky. In addition, the drive link transmits only the voltage necessary to pull the mobiles in the variable speed areas, this tension being taken care of, in the high speed areas, by the tractor link, looped on itself, and that 'we can easily scale widely. - The funicular system according to the invention does not, apart from friction, work or heat with the outside. The funicular, looped on itself, does not dissipate, always with close friction, the energy for the deceleration of the mobiles, whatever their mass and speed. Likewise, it is capable of accelerating and then decelerating any mass without dissipating any energy other than that of friction, the only requirement being that the mass be removed from the funicular system at the same speed as that at which it had been loaded. - The funicular kinematics, looped on itself, forms, according to the invention, a mechanical assembly obeying, at all points of the loop, a pre-programmed speed law, this assembly passing cyclically through the same steps. There is thus a transport system in which no incident of a character randomness is not to be considered (apart from the breakage of a mechanical organ or an accident of a person).

- Each element of the chain is pulled, and a clamp only pulls the single mobile to which it is assigned. 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. In this embodiment, 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:

- a section of deceleration AB; - a low speed BC section, or even a stop section;

- a CD acceleration section.

At the entrance to zone 9, there is an opening device 16 for the clamps, and, at the exit of 9, a closing device 17 for said clamps P _i ... P _{i + n} . The operation and movement of the system in the circuit portion illustrated in FIG. 6 is done as follows:

- The bogies B _{i -n} and B _{i -2} , still in the high-speed zone, are secured to the tractor cable 5.

- 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.

Thus, we do not have a continuous towing cable, but a series of towing cables looped around themselves. The advantage of such a system is to avoid an abnormal increase in the voltage in the variator cable 8, at low speed. For this purpose, the towing cable is interrupted as soon as the mobile is detached from it. Possible slippage of the clamps P _i which intermittently connect the mobiles to the tractor links can introduce, without major drawback, a certain increase in tension at high speed in the variator link. In fact, on the one hand this tension in the high-speed zone is collected by the towing cables, on the other hand, the funicular according to FIG. 6 comprises a simple regulation device, illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, and which has for goal :

- To interconnect the drive members 25 of each of the towing cables looped on themselves.

- To individually control these components so that the voltage in the variator cable never exceeds, at the entry of a deceleration zone, a predetermined value, very low. If this voltage is F, the voltage at a speed K times smaller will never exceed the value KF, which remains low.

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.

- An angular offset measurement device 27.

- A speed control 28.

- 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:

- A display 30 of the rotation speed.

- An angular position servo 31.

- A supply circuit shown diagrammatically at 32.

The purpose of 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. Consequently, 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. As soon as the force on the ramp exceeds a predetermined value, the regulation system (FIG. 7) 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.

Of course, as can be seen in FIGS. 7 and 8, a symmetrical regulation system acts on the motor 25 of the tractor link 6, at the outlet of the acceleration zone, for two reasons:

- Firstly, it is obvious that we cannot regulate the tension by simply increasing each time the speed of the link 5 "because we would constantly increase the speed of the system. There must therefore be an interconnection between the motors 25 of the tractor links 5 and 6, so as to achieve regulation around an average speed of the funicular assembly.

- Second, 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.

The judicious arrangement of 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.

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). If we consider that the direction of movement of the mobiles is that indicated by the arrows 41, 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). Finally, 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).

In this embodiment, there is thus a single tractor cable looped over on itself and a single variator link. The paths of these two elements deviate from each other at the ends of the loop, which defines, along the path of the transport system, two high-speed zones and two station zones at the ends. Only one end zone has been shown. The speed law of the mobiles at the opposite end can be identical or different, depending on the path followed by the drive link (chain) and the mobiles which are integral with it.

For the part of the description which follows, it will be recalled that the term "STATION" (FIG. 11) 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.

In the foregoing, 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 examples of systems for regulating the voltage of the variator cable at low speed which have been described so far concern a member which can be located outside the station. These systems can in particular act on the motors driving the tractor cable sections.

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. In this case, 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. We thus see 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. Of course, as soon as the clamp 57 grasps the tractor cable 50, the speed of the bogie is no longer dependent on the ramps 58: the speed variation is then in accordance with the new route 60. Given that this new line corresponds to a faster acceleration than that of curve 59, the ramps 58 continuing to unwind a certain length of variator cable 54 after the instant corresponding to point 56, slack is obtained in the section of the variator cable separating the bogie B _i of the bogie B _{i + 1} which immediately precedes it. This slack arises at the expense of slack present in the variator cable at the station considered. Thus, this operation makes it possible to re-tension the variator cable 54 at this station. To detect the undervoltage of the variator cable 54 at the station, any known means can be used. In particular, it is possible to detect the synchronism between the bogies that enter the station and those that leave it.

To obtain a regulation of the instant when the clamp 57 grasps the tractor cable 50, it is also possible to act on the position of a control ramp which causes the opening of the clamp 57, while the clamp 57 remains closed when it is subject to the sole action of its recall spring. ïïne simple combination of known means allows in this way to achieve the desired regulation: the detection of the delay of a bogie that leaves the station causes the control ramp to move back to keep the clamp open. The more the delay increases, the more this control ramp moves back. The earlier the bogie grips the tractor cable 50, the more the variator cable 54 is tensioned in the station concerned.

It is also clear that any slack in the variator cable 54 entering the station is immediately detected, and that the regulation device immediately corrects this increase in slack. There is thus a self-regulating system which acts step by step without ever modifying the speed of the drive systems of the tractor cable 50.

According to a variant illustrated in FIG. 14 »it is advantageous to design the assembly so that the normal gripping of the tractor cable 50 by the clamp 57 of each bogie takes place at a location 61 fixed, by construction, before the end of the ramps 58 controlling the unwinding. The effective location for gripping the towing cable by the grippers can thus be moved on either side of the normal or theoretical location 61. By allowing this movement, a stationary transfer system is introduced. slack gradually from one station to the next, but the fact of allowing each clamp to grasp the tractor cable 50 downstream of the theoretical location 61 fixed by construction makes it possible to give slack to the tractor cable 50 in the station considered by preventing the departure of the amount of slack corresponding to the closure, the clamp 57 at the theoretical location 61.

According to another variant illustrated in FIGS. 15 and 16, 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.

It is understood that an increase in tension which gradually accumulates in the station will cause compression of the springs 62 in the low speed zone 52 as soon as in this place the tension of the variator cable 54 will exceed the value of the prestressing of the springs 62. A limitation of the voltage of the variator cable 54 is therefore obtained.

The system can be improved by associating each spring 62 with two non-return pawls 63 capable of engaging on racks 64. 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. When 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.

Thus, 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. In the case where there is a continuous drift, due for example to a steep slope in an interval between two stations, 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 numerical example would make it easy to grasp the system: Suppose that a foreign body introduces at the entrance of the station, on a bogie, a delay of L meters. Suppose further that represents the ratio between the high speed V of

high speed zones 49 and low speed v of the low speed zone 52. In this case, 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. Thus, 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.

On the other hand, the return to normal will only be done by fractions of the value at each bogie pass.

According to another variant illustrated in FIGS. 7 to 9, 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. In this case, 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.

In practice, 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.

More precisely, it can be seen that 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,

It is understood that in the absence of abnormal overvoltage, the sensors 75 do not pick up any sufficiently intense force to cause the ramps 73 to move. These ramps then remain low enough to loosen the half-pulleys 65a and 65b. On the contrary, in the event of an overvoltage in the variator cable 54, the ramps 73 rise more or less so as to let the spring 70 act on the stack, to carry out a friction drive.

It is noted that 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.

According to a last example illustrated in FIGS. 20 to 22, it is also possible, unlike in the case of FIGS. 12 to 14, where a regulation of the voltage of the variator cable 54 is obtained by making sure to fasten the elements of the variator cable to the tractor cable with an adjustable step, make a step variation while leaving fixed the position of the ramps 77 controlling the closing of the clamps 57. For this, it suffices, beforehand, to adjust the step of the variator cable by any known means such as: variation in the diameter of the bogie winding coils, variation in the orientation or position of the stops and / or ramps 78 which limit the length of the unwound variator cable. As can be seen in FIG. 22, all of this has the consequence of modifying very slightly the law of speed corresponding to curve 59, either in a punctual manner, in accordance with curve 79, or in a more continuous manner, in accordance with curve 80. The voltage regulating means of the variator link according to the invention make it possible, on the one hand, to spare the variator cable by preventing this cable from being subjected to excessively high local voltages, and, on the other hand, to avoid - cuts in the driving of the mobiles, in particular at the moment when each mobile is resolidated from the tractor cable.

The regulation systems which have been described so far completely protect the low-speed zone from overvoltages in cases where random slippage of the clamps would have caused "link consumption", that is to say in the case where between the entry and exit points of the station, the length of variator cable available would become smaller than the length of the tractor cable.

The remainder of this description deals with how to protect the low speed zone from high voltages which may result from causes such as:

- Significant multiplication of the extreme speed ratio,

- Excessive friction or seizure of a bearing.

- Effort due to the "chain" position of the portion of dimmer cable hanging freely between two successive mobiles.

In this case, 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.

The examples which follow, illustrating the aforementioned operating principle, are given without implied limitation.

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. For to allow the operating mode described above, the deceleration zone 82 has been designed in a downward slope, while the acceleration zone 84 has been designed in an upward slope. When a mobile is in the zone 82, 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.

According to another example illustrated in FIG. 25, 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.

In this case, it is clear that, in each deceleration zone, the kinetic energy of the mobiles, or of the steering wheels, will tend to accelerate the mobiles by causing a tension in their cable. backward, the opposite phenomenon occurs in acceleration zones.

In the case of the example illustrated in FIG. 26, 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. *

Of course, instead of using a linear electric motor, one could just as easily use any mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, magnetic, electric, or other traction system of known type capable of exerting on the mobiles under deceleration a thrust which is directed in the direction of movement and which is sufficient to at least balance all the accidental and random causes of braking which may occur.

Claims

REVENDICATIOHS

1. Transport device of the funicular type, composed of a series of mobiles which circulate along a looped path on itself, characterized in that each mobile is permanently attached to a first link which realizes the variation of speed of movement of the mobile which is intermittently connected to a second link which provides traction for the series of mobiles.

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the first link, or variator link, is constituted by a mechanical assembly of the type of chains with links of variable length.

3. Transport device according to claim 1, characterized in that the traction link consists of at least one cable closed on itself, along a defined path and traveling at a constant high speed equal to the highest speed of the device transport.

4. Transport device according to any one of claims 1 and 3, characterized in that the towing cable is formed of several cable sections, each of them being looped on itself and arranged in the areas of large displacement speed of the mobile devices,

5. Transport device according to claim 4, characterized in that the successive loops of the towing cable leave free the intervals corresponding to each other, along the path of the mobiles, to the zones of variation of speed or of low speed, also called zones of station.

6. Transport device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each mobile is provided with a means for its integral connection with the towing cable or cables, this connection being provided only in high-speed areas .

7. Transport device according to claim 6, characterized in that the engine force is applied simultaneously, by the tractor cable, to each of the mobiles located in the high-speed zone or zones.

8. Transport device according to any one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the variator link is a link chain of the type with winding (or unwinding) coils of flexible link.

9. Transport device according to any one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the variator link is an endless chain, looped on itself, with deformable links of constant perimeter defined by a cable, a ribbon or the like closed on itself. 10. Transport device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the variator link is always integral with all the mobiles over the entire length of its closed path, and programs, at each point of this path, the difference which separates a mobile from the one that follows it and from the one that precedes it, the mechanical assembly obeying in all points a pre-programmed speed law, and passing cyclically through the same stages of this law.

11. Transport device according to any one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that the means for connecting a mobile on the tractor cable are constituted by friction clamps which separate the mobile concerned from the cable to the entry of a deceleration zone to re-join it from the towing cable at the exit of an acceleration zone. 12. Transport device according to any one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that the mobile-tractor cable connection means consist of pairs of articulated lugs and carried by the tractor cable. 13. Transport device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a fixed structure equipped with ramps inclined at least in the speed variation zones and in the low speed zone, these fixed ramps acting on elements of the suite of mobiles to achieve speed variations. 14. Transport device according to one. any one of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that each towing cable loop is provided with drive motors with adjustable constant speed.

15. Transport device according to any one of claims 4 to 7, 13 and 14, characterized in that it is equipped with a system for regulating the voltage in the variator link, this system ensuring an interconnection between the members motors for towing cables.

16. Transport device according to any one of s previous claims, characterized in that the regulation comprises, in addition to display, servo and control devices, one or more sensor-detectors of the force collected by the fixed ramp of the structure in the zone or zones where the tensions on the links are maximum. 17. Device for transport according to claim 16, characterized in that the value of the torque applied to the ramps of the fixed system is detected by means of the rolling or sliding members carried by the mobiles. 18. Transport device according to any one of claims 15, 16 and 17, characterized in that a maximum voltage of very low value is displayed on the regulation system which will apply an appropriate signal to the drive members of the towing cables, to keep the voltage in the drive link or in the funicular kinematics below this value. 19. Transport device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises safety means, for braking or emergency stop, and starting means, the forces and the tension caused by the actions of these means being almost entirely collected by the towing cable loop (s) which can easily be dimensioned, while the various members of the kinematics to the funicular are standardized and dimensioned for the tensions to which they are subjected in the only variable speed zones. 20. Transport device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, 8 to 11 and 13, characterized in that it comprises a single tractor cable and a single variator cable, each of them being looped over on itself, while the path of the variator cable departs from the path of the towing cable at the opposite ends of the closed loop to define two high-speed circulation zones and two station zones at the ends of the path followed by the mobiles of the transport device.

21. Transport device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising regulation means provided for regulating the voltage in the variator link, characterized in that said regulation means act, for a given station, in the only framework of this station, without acting, by any mode that it is, on the driving bodies of the towing cables, and on the own speed of the towing cables, "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.

22. Transport device according to claim 21, characterized in that said regulation means are capable of varying in a controlled manner the position of the point where the mobile resociates from the towing cable.

23. Transport device according to claim 22, characterized in that a servo device is provided for controlling said means for varying the position of the connection point as a function of the voltage in the variator link detected at the station. considered.

24. Transport device according to claim 23 »characterized in that, in the case where the means of connection of a mobile on the tractor cable is constituted by a friction clamp capable of being secured to the tractor cable by closing under the action of a return spring or detaching from the tractor cable by opening under the action of a control ramp, the control device is provided for adjusting the position of this control ramp as a function of the delay mobiles leaving the station,

25. Transport device according to claim 24, characterized in that, in the case where the variator link is constituted by a link chain of the type with winding coils or flexible link unwinding, the assembly is provided so that the normal grip of the towing cable by the clamp of each mobile takes place at a fixed location, by construction, before the end of the ramps controlling the unwinding, the effective location of grip of the towing cable by the clamps being able to move from side to side and other from the normal location,

26. Transport device according to claim 21, characterized in that said regulation means are means capable of inducing a variation of the speed law in the station considered. 27. Transport device according to claim 26, characterized in that, in the case where the variator link is constituted by a link chain of the type with winding coils or flexible link unwinding, the means capable of inducing a variation of the speed law act on the position of ramps that limit the length of unwound cable.

28. Transport device according to claim 21, characterized in that said regulation means are constituted by an elastic member interposed on the section of the variator cable which separates two consecutive mobiles.

29. Transport device according to claim 28, characterized in that 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.

30. Transport device according to claim 21, characterized in that each mobile comprises two connecting members with the tractor cable, namely: a first connecting member which secures said mobile to the tractor cable in high-speed areas, and a second connecting member capable of carrying out a friction drive with a sliding of variable degree.

31. Transport device according to claim 30, characterized in that 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 the same shaft secured to the mobile, and where the 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 drive link.

32. Transport device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that 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 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 value predetermined. 35. Transport device according to claim 32, characterized in that the safety systems consist in placing each deceleration zone in a downward slope, and each acceleration zone in an upward slope.

34. Transport device according to claim 32 characterized in that the safety systems consist of an increase in the inertia of the mobiles, either directly by simple increase in their mass, or indirectly by the use of flywheels linked in rotation to the rolling members of the mobiles. 35. A transport device according to claim 32, characterized in that the security systems consist of systems capable of exerting on the mobiles under deceleration a thrust oriented in the direction of movement, this thrust being sufficient to balance at least all of the accidental and random causes of braking likely to occur, said systems being able to use any mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, magnetic, electric, or other traction system.

36. Transport device according to claim 35 * characterized in that said systems consist of linear electric motors whose windings are housed in the fixed part and whose armatures are housed in mobiles.