FR3161175A1 - Switching system for a cableway installation - Google Patents

Abstract

A switch system (1) for a cableway transport installation intended to transport a transport unit which comprises a disengageable coupling device supporting rollers and a balancing roller, said switch system comprising an upstream track, a main track (3) and a secondary track (4), the main track comprising a movable main rail section (32), a static main rail section (33), a movable main slide section (34) and a static main slide section (35), and the secondary track comprising a first movable secondary rail section (42), a second movable secondary rail section (44) and a static secondary slide (41), wherein the second movable secondary rail section and the movable main slide section are mechanically connected and jointly movable by an actuator between a main switch configuration and a secondary switch configuration. Abstract figure: Figure 4

Description

Switching system for a cable transport installation

The invention relates to a switching system for a cable transport installation, such as a cable car, a chairlift or a gondola lift.

It relates more specifically to a switching system for a cable transport installation intended to transport a transport unit which includes a disengageable coupling device supporting rollers and a balancing roller.

The invention finds a favorite, but not limiting, application in a switching system ensuring switching in a station between a main track and a siding.

In a cable transport system, a transport unit is typically suspended from a detachable coupling device, also sometimes called a detachable grip. This device is engaged between two stations to couple to an overhead cable (or haul rope) to pull the transport unit, and disengaged within the station to uncouple from the overhead cable. Generally, the transport unit is moved within the station by means of a friction drive system comprising a line of motorized friction wheels (e.g., pneumatic wheels) that move the detachable coupling device by friction. The coupling device is typically equipped with a friction pad on which the friction wheels rotate.

This detachable coupling device also supports rollers that run on a rail within the station. This rail has a running surface to allow the rollers to roll smoothly. The detachable coupling device also supports a counterweight roller that is guided in a track within the station. Thus, inside the station, the detachable coupling device, and therefore the transport unit, is guided by the rail and the track, which together form a track.

It is also known that, within the station, a switching system is planned to direct the transport unit either towards a main track (which may be the track used in normal operation to unload/load at a stop) or towards a secondary track (which may be another track also used in normal operation to unload/load at another stop, or which may be a siding to move the transport unit out in order to carry out maintenance, repair or control operations).

Switching systems require at least two movable rail sections and at least two movable slide sections associated with the respective main and secondary tracks, so as to switch between a main switch configuration in order to be able to direct the transport unit to the main track and a secondary switch configuration in order to be able to direct the transport unit to the secondary track.

To move the movable rail sections and the movable slide sections, it is common to use a dedicated motorized actuator per section, i.e. a minimum of four motorized actuators.

The invention relates to a switching system designed to operate with a reduced number of motorized actuators, thereby reducing cost, power consumption and also reducing the switching time between the main switching configuration and the secondary switching configuration.

To this end, the invention proposes a switching system for a cable transport installation intended to transport a transport unit which includes a disengageable coupling device supporting rollers and a balancing roller.

More specifically, this switching system includes an upstream track comprising an upstream rail having a running surface to allow the rolling of the rollers of the detachable coupling device of the transport unit, and an upstream slide to allow guidance of the balancing roller of the detachable coupling device of the transport unit, said upstream rail and said upstream slide being static.

This upstream track is the track by which the transport unit arrives, which, once the disengageable coupling device is in the disengaged position, allows the rolling rollers to roll on the upstream rail and the balancing roller to be guided in the upstream slide; this upstream track can be equipped with a friction drive system.

The switching system also includes a main track and a secondary track. The main track may be the track used in normal operation to load/unload at a stop, and the secondary track may be another track also used in normal operation to load/unload at another stop, or it may be a siding. It is also possible for the main track to be a siding, and for the secondary track to be the track used in normal operation to load/unload at a stop.

The main track comprises a main rail and a main slide which are curved and which respectively extend the upstream rail and the upstream slide in a main switch configuration of the switch system in order to be able to switch the transport unit from the upstream track to the main track.

Thus, this main track forms a curve extending the upstream track and which the transport unit follows in the main switch configuration; the running rollers passing from the upstream rail to the main rail and the guide roller passing from the upstream slide to the main slide in this main switch configuration.

The secondary track includes a secondary rail and a secondary slide which respectively extend the upstream rail and the upstream slide in a secondary switching configuration of the switching system in order to be able to switch the transport unit from the upstream track to the secondary track.

Thus, this secondary track forms another track which the transport unit follows in the secondary switch configuration; the running rollers passing from the upstream rail to the secondary rail and the guide roller passing from the upstream slide to the secondary slide in this secondary switch configuration.

In this switching system, the main rail successively comprises a movable main rail section and a static main rail section, the movable main rail section being movable between an active position and an inactive position, where said movable main rail section is aligned with the upstream rail and the static main rail section in its active position and is misaligned with the upstream rail and the static main rail section in its inactive position.

In the main switch configuration, the movable main rail section is in the active position, allowing the rolling wheels to run on the upstream rail, then the movable main rail section, and finally the static main rail section. Conversely, in the secondary switch configuration, the movable main rail section is in the inactive position and is therefore retracted (or offset) relative to the upstream rail.

In this switching system, the secondary rail successively comprises at least a first movable secondary rail section and a second movable secondary rail section, where:
- the first movable secondary rail section is movable between an active position and an inactive position, where said first movable secondary rail section is aligned with the upstream rail in its active position and is misaligned with the upstream rail in its inactive position, and
- the second mobile secondary rail section is movable between an active position and an inactive position, where said second mobile secondary rail section is aligned with the first mobile secondary rail section in its active position and is misaligned with the first mobile secondary rail section in its inactive position.

Thus, this secondary rail comprises at least these two movable rail sections, and for example, only these two movable rail sections; it being noted that the secondary rail may also include at least one static rail section. In the main switch configuration, the first movable secondary rail section and the second movable secondary rail section are both in their inactive positions, and are thus retracted (or offset) relative to the upstream rail. Conversely, in the secondary switch configuration, the first movable secondary rail section and the second movable secondary rail section are both in their active positions, so that the rollers can run on the upstream rail, then the first movable secondary rail section, and then the second movable secondary rail section.

The secondary slide is static and aligned with the upstream slide. Thus, this secondary slide is always aligned with the upstream slide.

The main slide comprises successively a movable main slide section and a static main slide section, said movable main slide section being movable between an active position and an inactive position, where said movable main slide section is aligned with the upstream slide and the static main slide section in its active position and is misaligned with the upstream slide and the static main slide section in its inactive position.

In the main switch configuration, the movable main slide section is in the active position, allowing the guide roller to be guided through the upstream slide, then the movable main slide section, and finally the static main slide section. When this movable main slide section is in the active position, it is aligned with the upstream slide, overlapping the static secondary slide, so that the guide roller follows the movable main slide section instead of the static secondary slide. Conversely, in the secondary switch configuration, the movable main slide section is in the inactive position and is therefore retracted (or offset) relative to the upstream slide.

In summary, as described above:
- in the main switching configuration of the switching system, the main movable rail section and the main movable track section are in their respective active positions, and the first movable secondary rail section and the second movable secondary rail section are in their respective inactive positions; and
- in the secondary switching configuration of the switching system, the main movable rail section and the main movable slide section are in their respective inactive positions, and the first secondary movable rail section and the second secondary movable rail section are in their respective active positions.

Furthermore, in this switching system, the second mobile secondary rail section and the mobile main slide section are mechanically linked and can be moved together by an actuator between the main switching configuration and the secondary switching configuration.

This actuator is therefore a common actuator for the second movable secondary rail section and the main slide section, which moves them between:
- a first position in which the main slide section is in the active position and the second movable secondary rail section is in the inactive position; and
- a second position in which the main slide section is in the inactive position and the second movable secondary rail section is in the active position.

The first position is occupied in the main switch configuration, and the second position is occupied in the secondary switch configuration.

Thus, a single actuator is used to move two moving sections, namely the second moving secondary rail section and the main slide section.

According to one characteristic, the first section of movable secondary rail is moved independently of the second section of movable secondary rail.

According to one feature, the second mobile secondary rail section and the mobile main slide section are mechanically connected by a connecting rod having one end articulated on the second mobile secondary rail section and another end articulated on the mobile main slide section.

Such a linkage will allow control of the spacing between the second section of mobile secondary rail and the section of mobile main slide, this spacing varying between the first position (in other words the main switch configuration) and the second position (in other words the secondary switch configuration).

According to one possibility, the main movable slide section is mounted pivoting around a first pivot axis and the second movable secondary rail section is mounted pivoting around a second pivot axis parallel to the first pivot axis.

Thus, the first pivot axis for the main movable slide section is offset from the second pivot axis for the second movable secondary rail section, facilitating the double kinematics of these two sections between the first position (in other words the main switch configuration) and the second position (in other words the secondary switch configuration).

According to one variant, the first pivot axis and the second pivot axis are orthogonal to the rolling surface.

According to another possibility, the actuator includes a rotary motor driving a motor shaft, which motor shaft is mechanically coupled to the second movable secondary rail section or to the movable main slide section.

Thus, either the actuator drives the second movable secondary rail section, which in turn drives the main movable slide section via the mechanical link between these two sections, or the actuator drives the main movable slide section, which in turn drives the second movable secondary rail section via the mechanical link between these two sections. The mechanical link between the second movable secondary rail section and the main slide section forms a transmission mechanism, which transmits the motion from one section to the other.

According to another possibility, the drive shaft is parallel to the first pivot axis and the second pivot axis.

In a particular embodiment, the main movable rail section and the first secondary movable rail section are fixed and can be moved together by an additional actuator between the main switch configuration and the secondary switch configuration.

This additional actuator is thus a common actuator for the main moving rail section and the first secondary moving rail section, which moves them between:
- a first position in which the main movable rail section is in the active position and the first secondary movable rail section is in the inactive position; and
- a second position in which the main movable rail section is in the inactive position and the first secondary movable rail section is in the active position.

The first position is occupied in the main switch configuration, and the second position is occupied in the secondary switch configuration.

Thus, a single actuator (called an additional actuator) is used to move two movable rail sections, namely the main movable rail section and the first secondary movable rail section.

In a particular embodiment, the additional actuator includes an additional rotary motor driving an additional motor shaft in rotation, and the movable main rail section and the first movable secondary rail section are fixed to a rotating plate mechanically coupled to the additional motor shaft to pivot between a first position in which the movable main rail section is in the active position and the first movable secondary rail section is in the inactive position, and a second position in which the movable main rail section is in the inactive position and the first movable secondary rail section is in the active position.

In this way, the rotating platform forms a kind of carousel in which the main moving rail section and the first secondary moving rail section are arranged, and it is enough to rotate it on itself to occupy the first position or the second position, in other words to align on the upstream rail either the main moving rail section or the first secondary moving rail section.

According to one possibility, the rotating platform pivots around a pivot axis that is orthogonal to the rotating platform.

According to another possibility, the rotating platform has a first edge on which the movable main rail section is arranged and a second edge, opposite the first edge, on which the first movable secondary rail section is arranged, and it has two opposing intermediate edges arranged between the first edge and the second edge, said intermediate edges being in arcs of a circle centered on the pivot axis.

According to one variant, the rotating platform moves from the first position to the second position, and vice versa, by pivoting 180 degrees, in other words a half turn.

According to one possibility, the secondary rail comprises a static secondary rail section, and the second movable secondary rail section is interposed between the first movable secondary rail section and the static secondary rail section, and said second movable secondary rail section is aligned with the first movable secondary rail section and the static secondary rail section in its active position and is misaligned with the first movable secondary rail section and the static secondary rail section in its inactive position.

Thus, in the main switch configuration, the first and second movable secondary rail sections are both in their inactive positions and offset from both the upstream rail and the static secondary rail section. Conversely, in the secondary switch configuration, the first and second movable secondary rail sections are both in their active positions and aligned with each other, the upstream rail, and the static secondary rail section, so that the rolling wheels can run on the upstream rail, then the first movable secondary rail section, then the second movable secondary rail section, and finally the static secondary rail section.

According to another possibility, the secondary rail includes a static intermediate rail section which is interposed between the first mobile secondary rail section and the second mobile secondary rail section, where the first mobile secondary rail section and the second mobile secondary rail section are aligned with said static intermediate rail section in their respective active positions.

Thus, in the secondary switch configuration, the first movable secondary rail section and the second movable secondary rail section are both in their active positions and are aligned both with each other and with the upstream rail and the static intermediate rail section.

According to one characteristic, the static intermediate rail section is integral with the static main rail section.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, of a non-limiting example of implementation, made with reference to the accompanying figures in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a switching system according to an example of an embodiment of the invention in the main switching configuration;

FIG. 2 is a schematic top view of the switching system of the FIG. 1 in the main switch configuration;

FIG. 3 is a schematic top view of the switching system of the FIG. 1 in the main switch configuration, in a version with a friction drive system on the secondary track, and where the disengageable coupling device 9 is shown in two distinct positions;

FIG. 4 is a schematic top-down perspective view of the switching system of the FIG. 1 in the secondary switch configuration, the friction drive system(s) not being shown;

FIG. 5 is a zoomed schematic view of area A of the FIG. 4 ;

FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view from below of the switching system of the FIG. 1 in the secondary switch configuration, the friction drive system(s) not being shown;

FIG. 7 is a zoomed schematic view of zone E of the FIG. 6 ;

FIG. 8 is a zoomed schematic view of area B of the FIG. 6 ;

FIG. 9 is a schematic perspective view from below of the switching system of the FIG. 1 in the main switch configuration;

FIG. 10 is a zoomed schematic view of area D of the FIG. 9 ;

FIG. 11 is a zoomed schematic view of area C of the FIG. 9 ;

FIG. 12 is a schematic top view of the switching system of the FIG. 1 in the main switch configuration, the friction drive system(s) not being shown;

FIG. 13 is a zoomed schematic view of zone F of the FIG. 12 ;

FIG. 14 is a zoomed schematic view of area G of the FIG. 12 ;

FIG. 15 is a schematic top view of the switching system of the FIG. 1 in an intermediate configuration between the main switch configuration and the secondary switch configuration, the friction drive system(s) not being shown;

FIG. 16 is a zoomed schematic view of zone H of the FIG. 15 ;

FIG. 17 is a zoomed schematic view of zone I of the FIG. 15 ;

FIG. 18 is a schematic top view of the switching system of the FIG. 1 in the secondary switch configuration, the friction drive system(s) not being shown;

FIG. 19 is a zoomed schematic view of zone J of the FIG. 18 ;

FIG. 20 is a zoomed schematic view of zone K of the FIG. 18 .

[Detailed description of embodiments of the invention]

The figures illustrate a switching system 1 intended for a cable transport installation, also called an aerial cable transport installation, such as a cable car, chairlift, or gondola lift, in which a transport unit (not shown) is coupled to a haul rope. This transport unit is suspended from a detachable coupling device 9, sometimes called a detachable grip.

This disengageable coupling device 9 includes a jaw (or gripper mechanism) configured to be:
- either closed on the carrier-traction cable so that the carrier-traction cable pulls the transport unit, the disengageable coupling device 9 is then in an engaged position between two stations and is thus coupled to the carrier-traction cable;
- either open so that the disengageable coupling device 9 is disengaged from the carrier-traction cable, the disengageable coupling device 9 is then in a disengaged position in a station.

The disengageable coupling device 9 includes a mechanism, for example of the lever type, which cooperates with an element of the station to open/close the jaw.

The disengageable coupling device 9 includes running rollers 90 which can run on rails in the station, as well as a balancing roller 91 (also called a stabilizing roller or stabilizer) which can be guided in slides in the station; the rails and slides forming tracks.

In this case, the switching system 1 includes an upstream track 2 comprising:
- an upstream rail 20 having a running surface to allow the rolling of the rollers 90 of the disengageable coupling device 9, and
- an upstream slide 21 to allow guidance of the balancing roller 91 of the disengageable coupling device 9.

The running surface of the upstream rail 20 extends in a running plane which, in the illustrated example, is a horizontal plane. Thus, the rolling of the running rollers 90 takes place in a horizontal plane and the guidance of the balancing roller 91 also takes place in a horizontal plane.

In the illustrated example, the upstream rail 20 and the upstream slide 21 are straight and thus define a linear direction of travel for the transport unit. The upstream rail 20 and the upstream slide 21 are static and are fixed to a station structure.

The switching system 1 includes a main track 3 comprising a main rail 30 and a main slide 31 which are curved and which respectively extend the upstream rail 20 and the upstream slide 30 in a main switching configuration (illustrated in Figures 1, 2, 3, 9 and 12) of the switching system 1, in order to be able to direct the running rollers 90 and the balancing roller 91 of the disengageable coupling device 9 from the upstream track 2 to the main track 3. This main track 3 thus forms a curve at the exit of the upstream track 2, with a tangential transition.

The switching system 1 includes a secondary track 4 comprising a secondary rail 40 and a secondary slide 41 which are straight and which respectively extend the upstream rail 20 and the upstream slide 21 in a secondary switching configuration (illustrated in Figures 4, 6 and 18) of the switching system 1 in order to be able to direct the running rollers 90 and the balancing roller 91 of the detachable coupling device 9 from the upstream track 2 to the secondary track 4. This secondary track 4 thus forms a straight line at the exit of the upstream track 2.

The disengageable coupling device 9 also includes a drive shoe 92 (also called a friction shoe) which is positioned at the top and is adapted to cooperate with a main friction drive system 13 provided on the main track 3 and comprising a line of motorized friction wheels 130 (for example pneumatic wheels) which move the disengageable coupling device 9 along the main track 3 by friction; the motorized friction wheels 130 rotating in contact with the drive shoe 92 so as to move the disengageable coupling device 9. This line of motorized friction wheels 130 is curved so as to follow the main track 3.

In the version shown in Figures 1 and 2, only the main track 3 is equipped with a friction drive system, referred to above as the main friction drive system 13. Thus, on this main track 3, the transport unit is moved automatically. In contrast, the secondary track 4 is not equipped with such a friction drive system, so on this secondary track 4 the transport unit is moved manually by pulling on it.

In the version of the FIG. 3 Secondary track 4 is also equipped with a friction drive system, called the secondary friction drive system 14, which includes a line of motorized friction wheels 140 (for example, pneumatic tires) that move the disengageable coupling device 9 along secondary track 4 by friction. Thus, the transport unit is moved automatically along secondary track 4. This line of motorized friction wheels 140 is straight so as to follow secondary track 4.

Main rail 30 comprises successively:
- a section of movable main rail 32 which is curved; and
- a section of static main rail 33 which is also curved.

The movable main rail section 32 can be moved between:
- an active position (illustrated in Figures 1, 2, 3, 9 and 12) in which the movable main rail section 32 is aligned with the upstream rail 20 and with the static main rail section 33, being contiguous on one side with the upstream rail 20 and on the other side with the static main rail section 33, thus ensuring continuity so that the running rollers 90 of the disengageable coupling device 9 can roll from the upstream rail 20 to the static main rail section 33 via the movable main rail section 32; and
- an inactive position (illustrated in Figures 4, 6 and 18) in which the movable main rail section 32 is misaligned with the upstream rail 20 and with the static main rail section 33.

The static main rail section 33 is fixedly mounted on the station structure. The movable main rail section 32 and the static main rail section 33 have the same curvature, and for example the same radius of curvature.

It should be noted that the line of motorized friction wheels 130 starts at the level of the main moving rail section 32, or even at the level of the upstream rail 20.

The main slide 31 comprises successively:
- a curved section of the main movable slide 34; and
- a static main slide section 35 which is also curved.

The main movable slide section 34 can be positioned between:
- an active position (illustrated in Figures 1, 2, 3, 9 and 12) in which the movable main slide section 34 is aligned with the upstream slide 21 and with the static main slide section 35, thus ensuring continuity so that the balancing roller 91 of the disengageable coupling device 9 can be guided from the upstream slide 21 to the static main slide section 35 via the movable main slide section 34; and
- an inactive position (illustrated in Figures 4, 6 and 18) in which the movable main slide section 34 is misaligned with the upstream slide 21 and with the static main slide section 35.

The static main slide section 35 is fixedly mounted on the station structure. The movable main slide section 34 and the static main slide section 35 have the same curvature as the static main rail section 33, and for example the same radius of curvature.

Secondary rail 40 comprises successively:
- a first section of mobile secondary rail 42 which is straight;
- a static intermediate rail section 43 which is straight and in alignment with the upstream rail 40;
- a second section of movable secondary rail 44 which is straight; and
- a section of static secondary rail 45 which is straight and in alignment with the upstream rail 40.

The first section of movable secondary rail 42 is movable between:
- an active position (illustrated in Figures 4, 6 and 18) in which the first movable secondary rail section 42 is aligned with the upstream rail 20, being contiguous on one side with the upstream rail 20 and on the other side with the static intermediate rail section 43, thus ensuring continuity so that the running rollers 90 of the disengageable coupling device 9 can roll from the upstream rail 20 to the static intermediate rail section 43 via the first movable secondary rail section 42; and
- an inactive position (illustrated in Figures 1, 2, 3, 9 and 12) in which the first section of movable secondary rail 42 is misaligned with the upstream rail 20.

It should be noted that in the example of the FIG. 3 The motorized friction wheel line 140 starts after the first section of movable secondary rail 42. In the secondary switch configuration, the transport unit is launched by means of the first motorized friction wheels 130 of the motorized friction wheel line 130, then the motorized friction wheel line 140 takes over to move the transport unit on the secondary track 4.

The motorized friction wheel line 130 and the motorized friction wheel line 140 are fixed and arranged side by side, and the drive shoe 92 is at the highest point of the disengageable coupling device 9 so that this drive shoe 92 can begin to engage with the motorized friction wheel line 130 before passing over the motorized friction wheel line 130 in the secondary switch configuration. In the main switch configuration, the motorized friction wheel line 140 does not impede the passage of the drive shoe 92 over the motorized friction wheel line 130.

The second section of movable secondary rail 44 is movable between:
- an active position (illustrated in Figures 4, 6 and 18) in which the second movable secondary rail section 44 is aligned with the static intermediate rail section 43 and with the static secondary rail section 45 (and therefore also with the first movable secondary rail section 42, which is also in its active position), being contiguous on one side with the static intermediate rail section 43 and on the other side with the static secondary rail section 45, thus ensuring continuity so that the running rollers 90 of the disengageable coupling device 9 can roll from the static intermediate rail section 43 to the static secondary rail section 45 via the second movable secondary rail section 44; and
- an inactive position (illustrated in Figures 1, 2, 3, 9 and 12) in which the second movable secondary rail section 44 is misaligned with the static intermediate rail section 43 and with the static secondary rail section 45 (and also with the first secondary rail section 42 which is also in its inactive position).

The static intermediate rail section 43 and the static secondary rail section 45 are fixedly mounted on the station structure. The static intermediate rail section 43 can be integral with the static main rail section 33.

The static intermediate rail section 43 is therefore interposed between the first mobile secondary rail section 42 and the second mobile secondary rail section 44. In a variant, the static intermediate rail section 43 is not present and, in this case, when the first mobile secondary rail section 42 is in its active position and the second mobile secondary rail section 44 is also in its active position, then the second mobile secondary rail section 44 is aligned with the first mobile secondary rail section 42, being contiguous on one side with the first mobile secondary rail section 42 and on the other side with the static secondary rail section 45, thus ensuring continuity so that the running rollers 90 of the disengageable coupling device 9 can roll from the first mobile secondary rail section 42 to the static secondary rail section 45 via the second mobile secondary rail section 44.

The second mobile secondary rail section 44 is therefore inserted between the first secondary rail section 42 (with possibly interposition of the static intermediate rail section 43) and the static secondary rail section 45.

The secondary slide 41 is static and aligned with the upstream slide 31. This secondary slide 41 is fixedly mounted on the station structure.

In the main switch configuration (illustrated in Figures 1, 2, 3, 9 and 12) of switch system 1, the movable main rail section 32 and the movable main slide section 34 are in their respective active positions, while the first movable secondary rail section 42 and the second movable secondary rail section 44 are in their respective inactive positions.

In the secondary switch configuration (illustrated in Figures 4, 6 and 18) of the switch system, the movable main rail section 32 and the movable main slide section 34 are in their respective inactive positions, and the first movable secondary rail section 42 and the second movable secondary rail section 44 are in their respective active positions.

The switching system 1 includes two actuators 5, 6 for moving the movable main rail section 32, the movable main guide rail section 34, the first movable secondary rail section 42 and the second movable secondary rail section 44, of which:
- an actuator 5 which is common to the second movable secondary rail section 44 and to the movable main slide section 34, such that this actuator 5 moves both the second movable secondary rail section 44 and the movable main slide section 34; and
- an additional actuator 6 which is common to the main movable rail section 32 and the first secondary movable rail section 42, so that this additional actuator 6 moves both the main movable rail section 32 and the first secondary movable rail section 42.

The main movable rail section 34 is pivotally mounted about a first pivot axis A1 in a bearing fixed to the station structure. The second movable secondary rail section 44 is pivotally mounted about a second pivot axis A2 in a bearing fixed to the station structure, this second pivot axis A2 being parallel to the first pivot axis A1 and offset from this first pivot axis A1.

The first pivot axis A1 and the second pivot axis A2 are both orthogonal to the rolling plane, and are therefore vertical in the illustrated example where, as a reminder, the rolling plane is a horizontal plane.

The actuator 5 includes a rotary motor driving a motor shaft 50 in rotation, and this motor shaft 50 is mechanically coupled either to the second movable secondary rail section 44 or to the movable main slide section 34; this motor shaft 50 extending along a motor axis parallel to the first pivot axis A1 and the second pivot axis A2.

In the illustrated example, the drive shaft 50 is mechanically coupled to the second movable secondary rail section 44 (alternatively to the movable main slide section 34) via a connecting rod mechanism comprising an arm 51 (or return arm) fixed to the drive shaft 50 and a connecting rod 52 articulated on one side on the arm 51 and on the other side on the second movable secondary rail section 44 (alternatively on the movable main slide section 34).

This mechanical coupling using a connecting rod mechanism can be retained for space reasons. Alternatively, the drive shaft 50 is directly coupled or meshed with the second movable secondary rail section 44 (or alternatively with the movable main slide section 34).

The second mobile secondary rail section 44 and the mobile main slide section 34 are mechanically connected by a mechanical link and are thus jointly movable by this actuator 5 between the main switch configuration and the secondary switch configuration.

In the illustrated example, the second mobile secondary rail section 44 and the mobile main slide section 34 are mechanically connected by a connecting rod 53 (thus forming the mechanical link) having one end articulated on the second mobile secondary rail section 44 and another end articulated on the mobile main slide section 34.

Thus, in the main switch configuration, the second movable secondary rail section 44 is in its inactive position and is misaligned with the upstream rail 20, and the movable main slide section 34 is in its active position and is aligned with the upstream slide 21 and with the static main slide section 35.

To switch from the main switch configuration to the secondary switch configuration, the rotary motor of the actuator 5 is activated to rotate the drive shaft 50 in a first direction (counterclockwise in the top view in the illustrated example), so that the drive shaft 50 rotates the second movable secondary rail section 44 around the second pivot axis A2 towards alignment with the upstream rail 20. At the same time as the second movable secondary rail section 44, it acts on the movable main slide section 34 via the connecting rod 53 (here the second movable secondary rail section 44 pushes the movable main slide section 34) so that the movable main slide section 34 pivots around the first pivot axis A1 towards misalignment with the upstream slide 21 and with the static main slide section 35.

To switch from the secondary switch configuration to the main switch configuration, the rotary motor of the actuator 5 is activated to rotate the drive shaft 50 in a second direction (clockwise in the top view in the illustrated example) opposite to the first, so that the drive shaft 50 rotates the second movable secondary rail section 44 around the second pivot axis A2 towards misalignment with the upstream rail 20. At the same time as the second movable secondary rail section 44, it acts on the movable main slide section 34 via the connecting rod 53 (here the second movable secondary rail section 44 pulls the movable main slide section 34) so that the movable main slide section 34 pivots around the first pivot axis A1 towards alignment with the upstream slide 21 and with the static main slide section 35.

The main movable rail section 32 and the first secondary movable rail section 42 are fixed and can be moved together by the additional actuator 6 between the main switch configuration and the secondary switch configuration.

The main mobile rail section 32 and the first secondary mobile rail section 42 are attached to a rotating plate 60 which pivots around a pivot axis A3 which is orthogonal to the rotating plate 60 and which is even orthogonal to the running plane, and therefore this pivot axis A3 is vertical in the illustrated example where, as a reminder, the running plane is a horizontal plane.

This rotating platform 60 has a first edge 61 on which is arranged/provided the section of main movable rail 32 (which is curved) and a second edge 62, opposite the first edge 61, and on which is arranged/provided the first section of secondary movable rail 42 (which is straight), and it has two intermediate edges 63, 64 opposite and arranged between the first edge 61 and the second edge 62, these intermediate edges 63, 64 being in arc of a circle centered on the pivot axis A3.

The upstream rail 20 has a concave arched end, complementary to the convex arched shape of the intermediate edges 63, 64. Similarly, the static main rail section 33 and the static intermediate rail section 43 each have a concave arched end, complementary to the convex arched shape of the intermediate edges 63, 64. These complementary shapes allow for contiguous alignments in both switch configurations, as seen in Figures 14 and 20.

The additional actuator 6 comprises an additional rotary motor driving an additional drive shaft 65 centered on the pivot axis A3, and the rotating plate 60 is mechanically coupled to the additional drive shaft 65 to pivot between:
- a first position (visible in Figures 12 and 14) in which the movable main rail section 32 is in the active position and the first movable secondary rail section 42 is in the inactive position, this first position therefore being used in the main switch configuration; and
- a second position (visible in Figures 18 and 20) in which the main movable rail section 32 is in the inactive position and the first secondary movable rail section 42 is in the active position.

To switch from the main switch configuration to the secondary switch configuration, the rotary motor of the additional actuator 6 is activated to rotate the additional drive shaft 65 (in either direction), so that the additional drive shaft 65 rotates the rotary plate 60 by 180 degrees (i.e., half a turn) to move it from the first position to the second position.

To switch from the secondary switch configuration to the main switch configuration, the rotary motor of the additional actuator 6 is activated to rotate the additional motor shaft 65 (in either direction), so that the additional motor shaft 65 rotates the rotary plate 60 by 180 degrees (i.e., half a turn) so that it moves from the second position to the first position.

Claims (12)

Switching system (1) for a cable transport installation intended to transport a transport unit which includes a disengageable coupling device (9) supporting running rollers (90) and a balancing roller (91), said switching system (1) comprising:
- an upstream track (2) comprising an upstream rail (20) having a running surface to allow the rolling of the rolling rollers (90) of the disengageable coupling device (9) of the transport unit, and an upstream slide (21) to allow guidance of the balancing roller (91) of the disengageable coupling device (9) of the transport unit, said upstream rail (20) and said upstream slide (21) being static;
- a main track (3) comprising a main rail (30) and a main guide rail (31) which are curved and which respectively extend the upstream rail (20) and the upstream guide rail (21) in a main switch configuration of the switch system (1) in order to be able to switch the transport unit from the upstream track (2) to the main track (3);
- a secondary track (4) comprising a secondary rail (40) and a secondary slide (41) which respectively extend the upstream rail (20) and the upstream slide (21) in a secondary switching configuration of the switching system (1) in order to be able to switch the transport unit from the upstream track (2) to the secondary track (4);
in which:
- the main rail (30) successively comprises a movable main rail section (32) and a static main rail section (33), said movable main rail section (32) being movable between an active position and an inactive position, where said movable main rail section (32) is aligned with the upstream rail (20) and the static main rail section (33) in its active position and is misaligned with the upstream rail (20) and the static main rail section (33) in its inactive position;
- the secondary rail (40) comprises successively at least a first movable secondary rail section (42) and a second movable secondary rail section (44), said first movable secondary rail section (42) being movable between an active position and an inactive position, where said first movable secondary rail section (42) is aligned with the upstream rail (20) in its active position and is misaligned with the upstream rail (20) in its inactive position, and said second movable secondary rail section (44) being movable between an active position and an inactive position, where said second movable secondary rail section (44) is aligned with the first movable secondary rail section (42) in its active position and is misaligned with the first movable secondary rail section (42) in its inactive position;
- the secondary slide (41) is static and aligned with the upstream slide (21);
- the main slide (31) successively comprises a movable main slide section (34) and a static main slide section (35), said movable main slide section (34) being movable between an active position and an inactive position, where said movable main slide section (34) is aligned with the upstream slide (21) and the static main slide section (35) in its active position and is misaligned with the upstream slide (21) and the static main slide section (35) in its inactive position;
where in the main switching configuration of the switching system (1), the movable main rail section (32) and the movable main slide section (34) are in their respective active positions, and the first movable secondary rail section (42) and the second movable secondary rail section (44) are in their respective inactive positions;
and where in the secondary switching configuration of the switching system (1), the movable main rail section (32) and the movable main slide section (34) are in their respective inactive positions, and the first movable secondary rail section (42) and the second movable secondary rail section (44) are in their respective active positions;
and in which the second movable secondary rail section (44) and the movable main slide section (34) are mechanically linked and jointly movable by an actuator (5) between the main switch configuration and the secondary switch configuration. Switching system (1) according to claim 1, in which the second movable secondary rail section (44) and the movable main slide section (34) are mechanically connected by a connecting rod (53) having one end articulated on the second movable secondary rail section (44) and another end articulated on the movable main slide section (34). Switching system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the main movable slide section (34) is pivotally mounted about a first pivot axis (A1) and the second secondary movable rail section (44) is pivotally mounted about a second pivot axis (A2) parallel to the first pivot axis (A1). Switching system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuator (5) comprises a rotary motor driving a drive shaft (50), which drive shaft (50) being mechanically coupled to the second movable secondary rail section (44) or to the movable main slide section (34). Switching system (1) according to claims 3 and 4, in which drive shaft (50) is parallel to the first pivot axis (A1) and the second pivot axis (A2). Switching system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the movable main rail section (32) and the first movable secondary rail section (42) are fixed and jointly movable by an additional actuator (6) between the main switching configuration and the secondary switching configuration. Switching system (1) according to claim 6, wherein the additional actuator (6) comprises an additional rotary motor rotating an additional motor shaft (65), and the movable main rail section (32) and the first movable secondary rail section (42) are integral with a rotating plate (60) mechanically coupled to the additional motor shaft (65) to pivot between a first position in which the movable main rail section (32) is in the active position and the first movable secondary rail section (42) is in the inactive position, and a second position in which the movable main rail section (32) is in the inactive position and the first movable secondary rail section (42) is in the active position. Switching system (1) according to claim 7, in which the rotating plate (60) pivots around a pivot axis (A3) which is orthogonal to the rotating plate (60). Switching system (1) according to claim 8, in which the rotating plate (60) has a first edge (61) on which the movable main rail section (32) is disposed and a second edge (62), opposite to the first edge (61), and on which the first movable secondary rail section (42) is disposed, and it has two intermediate edges (63, 64) opposite and disposed between the first edge (61) and the second edge (62), said intermediate edges (63, 64) being in arcs of a circle centered on the pivot axis (A3). Switching system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the secondary rail (40) comprises a static secondary rail section (45), and the second movable secondary rail section (44) is interposed between the first movable secondary rail section (42) and the static secondary rail section (45), and said second movable secondary rail section (44) is aligned with the first movable secondary rail section (42) and the static secondary rail section (45) in its active position and is misaligned with the first movable secondary rail section (42) and the static secondary rail section (45) in its inactive position. Switching system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the secondary rail (40) comprises a static intermediate rail section (43) which is interposed between the first movable secondary rail section (42) and the second movable secondary rail section (44), where the first movable secondary rail section (42) and the second movable secondary rail section (44) are aligned with said static intermediate rail section (43) in their respective active positions. Switching system (1) according to claim 11, wherein the static intermediate rail section (43) is integral with the static main rail section (33).