SPACER DEVICE FOR A CABLE TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM, AND CABLE TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM FEATURING SUCH A DEVICE

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a spacer device for cable transportation systems.

[0002] More specifically, the present invention relates to a spacer device for a cable transportation system comprising at least one supporting cable and a pull cable, and a transportation unit supported by the supporting cable and drawn along by the pull cable. A spacer device of the type referred to normally comprises a frame; couplings connected to the frame and fixed to the supporting cable; and a first guide roller located beneath the pull cable, supported in rotary manner by the frame, and having a groove engaged by the pull cable; a second guide roller which is located on top of the pull cable and having a second groove engaged by the pull cable.

BACKGROUND ART

[0003] Spacer devices are normally used in cable transportation systems in which the supporting cable and pull cable extend along paths involving extremely long spans.

[0004] More specifically, a cable transportation system requires fixed supports for the supporting cable and pull cable, and which normally comprise the top and bottom stations, and intermediate roller assemblies supported on pylons between the top and bottom stations. At times, however, orographic features prevent equal spacing of the fixed supports, and result in extremely long spans, by which is meant the distance between two consecutive fixed supports.

[0005] Between two consecutive fixed supports, the supporting cable and pull cable form respective, often different, catenaries, so the distance between the pull cable and the supporting cable varies considerably. To solve this problem, spacer devices of the type referred to are installed, suspended from the supporting cable to provide support for the pull cable.

[0006] Known spacer devices as disclosed in EP 1,332,939 A1, however, fail to prevent the pull cable from straddling the supporting cable.

[0007] Straddling of the supporting cable by the pull cable is an extremely serious tissue in a cable transportation system, and may be caused by transit of a transportation unit of the system in combination with a strong crosswind. More specifically, the transportation unit comprises a trolley, in turn comprising at least one running roller resting on the supporting cable; and a clamp gripping the pull cable. The distance between the running roller and the clamp is less than the distance between the supporting cable and the groove engaged by the pull cable, with the result that, as the trolley travels over a spacer device, the pull cable is extracted from the groove in the guide roller, and vertical oscillations are generated in the pull cable and may, in the presence of a crosswind, cause the pull cable to straddle the supporting cable.

[0008] From WO 2004/067347 A1 it is known clamping a pull cable in correspondence of vertical turns wherein the upper roller is pressed against the pull cable and the lower roller by a spring. However such a system is still inadequate to prevent oscillation of the pull cable.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

[0009] It is an object of the present invention to provide a spacer device for a cable transportation system, designed to eliminate the drawbacks of the known art.

[0010] According to the present invention, there is provided a spacer device for a cable transportation system comprising at least one supporting cable and a pull cable; the spacer device comprising a frame; couplings connected to the frame and fixed to the supporting cable; and a first guide roller located beneath, the pull cable, supported in rotary manner by the frame, and having a first groove engaged by the pull cable; a second guide roller which is located on top of the pull cable, and having a second groove engaged by the pull cable; the spacer device being characterized in that the second guide roller is supported elastically by the frame, so as to be pressed onto the pull cable and the first guide roller, and by comprising a shock-absorber located between the second guide roller and the frame.

[0011] The present invention also relates to a cable transportation system.

[0012] According to the present invention, there is provided a cable transportation system comprising at least one supporting cable; a pull cable; a transportation unit supported by the supporting cable and drawn along by the pull cable; and a spacer device in accordance with the invention as defined above.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] A number of non-limiting embodiments of the present invention will be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows a schematic, partly sectioned front view, with parts removed for clarity, of a cable transportation system featuring a spacer device in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 2 shows a partly sectioned front view, with parts removed for clarity, of the Figure 1 system at a different operating stage;

Figure 3 shows a larger-scale, partly sectioned side view, with parts removed for clarity, of a detail of the Figure 1 cable transportation system;

Figure 4 shows a schematic side view, with parts removed for clarity, of the Figure 1 cable transportation system;

Figure 5 shows a side view, with parts removed for clarity, of the Figure 2 system;

Figure 6 shows a partly sectioned front view, with parts removed for clarity, of a further cable transportation system featuring a spacer device in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 7 shows a partly sectioned front view, with parts removed for clarity, of the Figure 6 system at a different operating stage;

Figure 8 shows a larger-scale side view, with parts removed for clarity, of a detail of the Figure 6 cable transportation system.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0014] Number 1 in Figure 1 indicates as a whole a cable transportation system comprising two supporting cables 2; a pull cable 3; a spacer device 4; and a transportation unit 5 (Figure 2).

[0015] Supporting cables 2 and pull cable 3 extend between successive fixed supports (not shown) which substantially produce a catenary configuration of supporting cables 2 and pull cable 3, in which pull cable 3 is located below and halfway between supporting cables 2.

[0016] Spacer device 4 comprises a frame 6; couplings 7 and 8 for connecting frame 6 to supporting cables 2; two guide rollers 9, 10 for guiding pull cable 3 and which rotate with respect to frame 6 about respective parallel axes A1, A2.

[0017] Frame 6 comprises a bottom beam 11; two top beams 12, 13 parallel to bottom beam 11; two V-shaped structures 14 connecting bottom beam 11 to top beams 12, 13; two rails 15, each fixed to a respective structure 14 (Figure 4); a flange 16; and an arm 17 hinged to flange 16 about an axis A3 parallel to axis A2.

[0018] Each of couplings 7, 8 comprises two flanges 18 fitted to each other to grip a respective supporting cable 2. In the Figure 1-5 example, spacer device 4 comprises a coupling 7 connected to top beam 12, and two couplings 8 connected to top beam 13. Coupling 7 is connected to top beam 12 in sliding manner, as shown in Figure 3. That is, coupling 7 comprises a further flange 19 connected prismatically to a portion 20 of top beam 12; and flanges 18 are hinged to flange 19 about an axis A4 perpendicular to supporting cable 2.

[0019] With reference to Figure 1, the two couplings 8 each comprise a further flange 21 fixed to top beam 13 and hinged to flanges 18 about an axis A5 perpendicular to supporting cable 2.

[0020] Guide roller 9 is supported by a pin 22 fixed to bottom beam 11, and has, along its cylindrical surface, an annular groove 23 engaged by pull cable 3. Roller 9 is located beneath, and provides for supporting and guiding, pull cable 3.

[0021] Guide roller 10 is located on top of pull cable 3, is cantilevered to arm 17 by a pin 24, and has, along its cylindrical surface, an annular groove 25 engaged by pull cable 3.

[0022] Guide rollers 9 and 10 lie in the same plane P in which pull cable 3 lies in normal operating conditions. Axes A1 and A2 of respective guide rollers 9 and 10 are perpendicular to plane P; and guide roller 10 is movable in plane P with respect to guide roller 9, and is pressed elastically onto pull cable 3 and guide roller 9.

[0023] In the example shown, spacer device 4 comprises a traction spring 26 located between arm 17 and flange 16; and a fluid shock-absorber 27 also located between arm 17 and flange 16.

[0024] In variations not shown, traction spring 26 is replaced by a compression spring, or fluid shock-absorber 27 is replaced by a silent-block-type rubber shock-absorber.

[0025] In another variation, the spring is eliminated, and shock-absorber 27 alone pushes guide roller 10 downwards.

[0026] In Figures 1 and 4, pull cable 3 is shown gripped between guide rollers 9 and 10; and, in Figures 2 and 5, both pull cable 3 and guide roller 10 are shown lifted off guide roller 9 by transit of a transportation unit 5.

[0027] Transportation unit 5 comprises a trolley 28; a supporting arm 29 integral with trolley 28; and a car or chair (not shown) suspended from supporting arm 29.

[0028] Trolley 28 comprises a frame 30; a number of running rollers 31 which rotate with respect to frame 30 about respective axes A6 and engage supporting cables 2; and a clamp 32 in turn comprising two jaws 33, 34 gripping pull cable 3 and hinged about an axis A7 parallel to pull cable 3.

[0029] The distance between jaws 33, 34 and running rollers 31 is constant and less than the distance between supporting cables 2 and the annular groove 23 in guide roller 9, so as to prevent jaws 33, 34 from interfering with guide roller 9.

[0030] As transportation unit 5 travels over a spacer device 4, therefore, pull cable 3 is gradually lifted off guide roller 9 and then eased back down onto guide roller 9.

[0031] At this stage, guide roller 10 damps oscillation of pull cable 3 with the aid of spring 26 and/or shock-absorber 27.

[0032] The Figure 6-8 embodiment shows a cable transportation system 35 comprising only one supporting cable 36; a pull cable 37; two auxiliary cables 38; a spacer device 39; and a transportation unit 40 (Figure 7).

[0033] Supporting cable 36 and pull cable 37 extend between successive fixed supports (not shown) which substantially produce a catenary configuration of supporting cable 36 and pull cable 37, in which pull cable 37 is located below and in the same plane P as supporting cable 36. Auxiliary cables 38 simply provide for supporting spacer device 39, are located above supporting cable 36, and extend between two fixed supports (not shown).

[0034] Spacer device 39 comprises a frame 41; couplings 42 and 43 for connecting frame 41 to auxiliary cables 38; two couplings 44 for connecting frame 41 to supporting cable 36; and two guide rollers 45, 46 for guiding pull cable 37, and which rotate with respect to frame 41 about respective axes A1, A2 parallel to each other and perpendicular to supporting cable 36 and pull cable 37.

[0035] With reference to Figure 8, frame 41 comprises a bottom beam 47; two top beams 48, 49 parallel to bottom beam 47; two E-shaped structures 50 connecting bottom beam 47 to top beams 48 and 49; and an arm 51 hinged to one of structures 50 about an axis A3 parallel to axis A2.

[0036] Each of couplings 42, 43, 44 comprises two flanges 52 fitted to each other to grip an auxiliary cable 38 or supporting cable 36. In Figure 8, spacer device 39 comprises a coupling 42 connected to top beam 48; and two couplings 43 connected to top beam 49. In the example shown, coupling 42 is connected in sliding manner to top beam 48. That is, coupling 42 comprises a further flange 53 fitted prismatically to a portion 54 of top beam 48; and flanges 52 are hinged to flange 53 about an axis A4 perpendicular to auxiliary cables 38.

[0037] The two couplings 43 each comprise a flange 55 fixed to top beam 49 and hinged to flanges 52 about an axis A5 perpendicular to auxiliary cable 38.

[0038] In addition to the two flanges 52, each coupling 44 also comprises a further flange 55 hinged to flanges 52 about an axis A8 and fixed to a respective structure 50.

[0039] Guide roller 45 is supported by a pin 56 fixed to bottom beam 47, and has, along its cylindrical outer surface, an annular groove 57 engaged by pull cable 37. Guide roller 45 is located beneath, and provides for supporting and guiding, pull cable 37.

[0040] Guide roller 46 is located on top of pull cable 37, is cantilevered to arm 51 by a pin 58, and has, along its cylindrical surface, an annular groove 59 engaged by pull cable 37.

[0041] Guide rollers 45 and 46 lie in the same plane P in which pull cable 37 lies in normal operating conditions. Axes A1 and A2 of respective rollers 45 and 46 are perpendicular to plane P; and guide roller 46 is movable in plane P with respect to guide roller 45, and is pressed elastically onto pull cable 37 and guide roller 45.

[0042] In the example shown, spacer device 39 comprises a traction spring 60 located between arm 51 and structure 50; and possibly a fluid shock-absorber (not shown) located between arm 51 and structure 50, preferably inside of spring 60.

[0043] In Figure 6, pull cable 37 is shown gripped between guide rollers 45 and 46; and, in Figure 7, both pull cable 37 and guide roller 46 are shown lifted off guide roller 45 by transit of a transportation unit 40.

[0044] Transportation unit 40 comprises a trolley 62; a supporting arm 63 integral with trolley 62; and a car or chair (not shown) suspended from supporting arm 63.

[0045] Trolley 62 comprises a frame 64; a number of running rollers 65 which rotate with respect to frame 64 about respective axes A6 and engage supporting cable 36; and a clamp 66 in turn comprising two jaws 67, 68 gripping pull cable 37.

[0046] The distance between jaws 67, 68 and running rollers 65 is constant and less than the distance between supporting cable 36 and the annular groove 57 in guide roller 45, so as to prevent jaws 67, 68 from interfering with guide roller 45.

[0047] Operation of the second embodiment is similar to that described with reference to the first embodiment.

Claims

1. A spacer device (4; 39) for a cable transportation system (1; 35) comprising at least one supporting cable (2; 36) and a pull cable (3; 37); the spacer device (4; 39) comprising a frame (6; 41); couplings (7, 8; 44) connected to the frame (6; 41) and fixed to the supporting cable (2; 36); and a first guide roller (9; 45) located beneath the pull cable (3; 37), supported in rotary manner by the frame (6; 41), and having a first groove (23; 57) engaged by the pull cable (3; 37); a second guide roller (10; 46) which is located on top of the pull cable (3; 37), and having a second groove (25; 59) engaged by the pull cable (3; 37) ; the spacer device (4; 39) being characterized in that the second guide roller (10; 46) is supported elastically by the frame (6; 41), so as to be pressed onto the pull cable (3; 37) and the first guide roller (9; 45), and by comprising a shock-absorber (27) located between the second guide roller (10', 46) and the frame (6; 41).

2. A device as claimed in Claim 1, characterized in that the first and second guide roller (9, 10; 45, 46) lie in a common plane (P), and rotate respectively about a first and second axis (A1, A2) perpendicular to the plane (P).

3. A device as claimed in Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the second guide roller (10; 46) is movable in said plane, and is pressed onto the first guide roller (9; 45) by a spring (26; 60) located between the second guide roller (10; 46) and the frame (6; 41).

4. A device as claimed in Claim 1 or 3, characterized in that the frame (6; 41) comprises a rigid structure (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16; 47, 48, 49, 50); and an arm (17; 51) supporting the second guide roller (10; 46) and hinged to the rigid structure (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16; 47, 48, 49, 50) about a third axis (A3) parallel to the first and second axis (A1, A2).

5. A device as claimed in any one of the foregoing Claims, characterized in that each of the couplings (7, 8; 44) comprises first flanges (18; 52) fixed to the supporting cable (2; 36); and a second flange (19, 21; 55) connected to the frame (6; 41) and hinged to the first flanges (18; 52) about a fourth axis (A4, A5).

6. A cable transportation system comprising at least one supporting cable (2; 36); a pull cable (3; 37); a transportation unit (5; 40) supported by the supporting cable (2; 36) and drawn along by the pull cable (3; 37); and a spacer device (4; 39) as claimed in any one of the foregoing Claims.

7. A cable transportation system as claimed in Claim 6, characterized by comprising two supporting cables (2) and a pull cable (3); the spacer device (4) being suspended solely from said supporting cables (2).

8. A cable transportation system as claimed in Claim 6, characterized by comprising one supporting cable (36); a pull cable (37); and at least one auxiliary cable (38); the spacer device (39) being suspended from the supporting cable (36) and the auxiliary cable (38).

9. A cable transportation system as claimed in Claim 8, characterized by comprising two auxiliary cables (38) located above the supporting cable (36); said spacer device (39) being suspended from the supporting cable (36) and the auxiliary cables (38).

Ansprüche

1. Abstandsvorrichtung (4; 39) für ein Kabel- bzw. Seiltransportsystem (1; 35), das wenigstens ein Halteseil (2; 36) und ein Zugseil (3; 37) umfasst; wobei die Abstandsvorrichtung (4; 39) umfasst: ein Gestell bzw. einen Rahmen (6; 41); Kopplungen (7, 8; 44), die mit dem Rahmen (6; 41) verbunden und an dem Halteseil (2; 36) befestigt sind; und eine erste Führungsrolle (9; 45), die sich unterhalb des Zugseils (3; 37) befindet, die von dem Rahmen (6; 41) in einer drehbaren Weise gehalten wird und eine erste Nut (23; 57) hat, in die von dem Zugseil (3; 37) eingegriffen wird; eine zweite Führungsrolle (10; 46), die sich auf dem Zugseil (3; 37) befindet und eine zweite Nut (25; 59) hat, in die von dem Zugseil (3; 37) eingegriffen wird; wobei die Abstandsvorrichtung (4; 39) dadurch gekennzeichnet ist, dass die zweite Führungsrolle (10; 46) von dem Rahmen (6; 41) elastisch gehalten wird, um auf das Zugseil (3; 37) und die erste Führungsrolle (9; 45) gedrückt zu werden; und dadurch, dass sie einen Stoßdämpfer (27) umfasst, der zwischen der zweiten Führungsrolle (10; 46) und dem Rahmen (6; 41) angeordnet ist.

2. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die erste und zweite Führungsrolle (9, 10; 45, 46) in einer gemeinsamen Ebene (P) liegen und sich jeweils um eine erste und zweite Achse (A1, A2) drehen, die senkrecht zu der Ebene (P) sind.

3. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die zweite Führungsrolle (10; 46) in dieser Ebene beweglich ist und von einer Feder (26; 60), die sich zwischen der zweiten Führungsrolle (10; 46) und dem Rahmen (6; 41) befindet, auf die erste Führungsrolle (9; 45) gedrückt wird.

4. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 1 oder 3, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Rahmen (6; 41) umfasst: eine starre Struktur (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16; 47, 48, 49, 50); und einen Arm (17; 51), der die zweite Führungsrolle (10; 46) hält und an der starren Struktur (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16; 47, 48, 49, 50) um eine dritte Achse (A3) parallel zu der ersten und zweiten Achse (A1, A2) gelenkig eingehängt ist.

5. Vorrichtung nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass jede der Kopplungen (7, 8; 44) umfasst: erste Flansche (18; 52), die an dem Halteseil (2; 36) befestigt sind; und einen zweiten Flansch (19, 21; 55), der mit dem Rahmen (6; 41) verbunden ist und an den ersten Flanschen (18; 52) um eine vierte Achse (A4, A5) gelenkig eingehängt ist.

6. Seiltransportsystem, das umfasst: wenigstens ein Halteseil (2; 36); ein Zugseil (3; 37); eine Transporteinheit (5; 40), die von dem Halteseil (2; 36) gehalten wird und von dem Zugseil (3; 37) vorwärts gezogen wird; und eine Abstandsvorrichtung (4; 39) nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche.

7. Seiltransportsystem nach Anspruch 6, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass es umfasst: zwei Halteseile (2) und ein Zugseil (3); die Abstandsvorrichtung (4), die einzig an den Halteseilen (2) aufgehängt ist.

8. Seiltransportsystem nach Anspruch 6, das dadurch gekennzeichnet ist, dass es umfasst: ein Halteseil (36); ein Zugseil (37); und wenigstens ein Hilfsseil (38); die Abstandsvorrichtung (39), die an dem Halteseil (36) und dem Hilfsseil (38) aufgehängt ist.

9. Seiltransportsystem nach Anspruch 8, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass es zwei Hilfsseile (38) umfasst, die sich über dem Halteseil (36) befinden; wobei die Abstandsvorrichtung (39) an dem Halteseil (36) und den Hilfsseilen (38) aufgehängt ist.

Revendications

1. Dispositif d'espacement (4 ; 39) destiné à un système de transport par câble (1, 35) comprenant au moins un câble de support (2, 36) et un câble de traction (3 ; 37), le dispositif d'écartement (4 ; 39) comprenant un châssis (6, 41) ; des moyens d'accouplement (7, 8, 44) reliés au châssis (6, 41) et fixés au câble de support (2, 36), et un premier rouleau de guidage (9, 45) situé en dessous du câble (3 ; 37) de traction, supporté par le châssis (6, 41) de façon à pouvoir tourner, et présentant une première gorge (23 ; 57) engagée avec le câble de traction (3 ; 37), un second rouleau de guidage (10, 46) qui est situé au-dessus du câble de traction (3 ; 37), et présentant une seconde gorge (25 ; 59) engagée avec le câble de traction (3 ; 37), le dispositif d'écartement (4 ; 39) étant caractérisé en ce que le second rouleau de guidage (10, 46) est supporté élastiquement par le cadre (6, 41), de manière à être pressé sur le câble de traction (3 ; 37) et le premier rouleau de guidage (9, 45) et en ce qu'il comprend un absorbeur de chocs (27) situé entre le second rouleau de guidage (10', 46) et le châssis (6, 41).

2. Dispositif selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que le premier et le second rouleau de guidage (9, 10, 45, 46) sont situés dans un plan commun (P), et tournent respectivement autour d'un premier et d'un deuxième axe (A1, A2) perpendiculaire au plan (P).

3. Dispositif selon la revendication 1 ou 2, caractérisé en ce que le second rouleau de guidage (10 ; 46) est mobile dans ledit plan, et est pressé sur le premier rouleau de guidage (9, 45) par un ressort (26 ; 60) situé entre le second rouleau de guidage (10 ; 46) et le châssis (6 ; 41).

4. Dispositif selon la revendication 1 ou 3, caractérisé en ce que le châssis (6, 41) comporte une structure rigide (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 ; 47, 48, 49, 50), et un bras (17 ; 51) supportant le second rouleau de guidage (10 ; 46) et articulé à la structure rigide (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 ; 47, 48, 49, 50) autour d'un troisième axe (A3) parallèle à au premier et au deuxième axe (A1, A2).

5. Dispositif selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que chacun des moyens d'accouplement (7, 8, 44) comprend des premières brides (18 ; 52) fixées au câble de support (2 ; 36) ; et une seconde bride (19, 21 ; 55) reliée au châssis (6 ; 41) et articulée aux premières brides (18 ; 52) autour d'un quatrième axe (A4, A5).

6. Système de transport par câble comprenant au moins un câble de support (2 ; 36) ; un câble de traction (3 ; 37) ; une unité de transport (5 ; 40) supportée par le câble de support (2 ; 36) et entraînée par le câble de traction (3 ; 37), et un dispositif d'espacement (4 ; 39) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes.

7. Système de transport par câble selon la revendication 6, caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend deux câbles de support (2) et un câble de traction (3) ; le dispositif d'espacement (4) étant suspendu uniquement auxdits câbles de support (2).

8. Système de transport par câble selon la revendication 6, caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend un câble de support (36), un câble de traction (37), et au moins un câble auxiliaire (38) ; le dispositif d'espacement (39) étant suspendu au câble de support (36) et au câble auxiliaire (38).

9. Système de transport par câble selon la revendication 8, caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend deux câbles auxiliaires (38) situés au-dessus du câble de support (36) ; ledit dispositif d'espacement (39) étant suspendu au câble de support (36) et aux câbles auxiliaires (38).

Drawing