Chairlift boarding device for boarding persons and related detection method - Patent Application 20070122967

Abstract

To provide a chairlift riding device capable of detecting a high risk situation.SOLUTION: A chairlift riding device (10) includes at least two adjacent timing gates (20) for adjusting a stream of people passing through the timing gates (20). The riding device (10) includes a detection device (30) that can determine the presence of a person having the possibility of passing through each of the timing gates (20) and determine whether or not the person having the possibility is taller than a predetermined height (G), and a data processing unit (40) for determining the presence of a high risk situation when a person shorter than the predetermined height (G) is detected before a given gate (20) among the adjacent gates (20) and a person taller than the predetermined height (G) is not detected before one of the adjacent gates (20) according to data from the detection device (30).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention generally refers to the technical field of chairlift boarding devices.

[0002] The present invention more particularly refers to a chairlift boarding system for boarding persons onto a weight-bearing structure comprising a vehicle, and a method for detecting high-risk situations on such a boarding system. [Background technology]

[0003] Today, chairlifts are known as passenger transport devices that include a carrier rope and at least one support rope along which a carriage supporting one or more seats moves suspended at regular intervals on the support rope. In some configurations, the same cable may be both the carrier rope and the support rope. Regardless of the configuration, each vehicle generally includes a carriage attached to the carrier rope by a fixed or removable clamp, and the carriage is supported by the carrier rope for continuous movement between boarding and disembarking stations.

[0004] One of the main concerns for manufacturers and purchasers of chairlifts is to ensure optimal safety for users, especially those on or near the carriage, whether they are adults or children.

[0005] To ensure the safety of users on chairlifts, it is known to equip these carriages with guardrails that are movable between an open or raised position, which allows users to access the seats on the carriage, and a closed or lowered position, which blocks this access and ensures the safety of people sitting on the carriage during transport.

[0006] Chairlift manufacturers and purchasers are also obliged to comply with very specific regulations regarding the transport of children. In particular, children under 1.25 m in height may only be transported in seats if accompanied by at least one person who is able to provide the necessary assistance to these children, in particular by operating the guardrails and following the safety instructions. In the case of supervised groups, the group leader is responsible for organizing the allocation of children to seats in accordance with the equipment provided by the operator and for ensuring that those affected by the presence of children do not object to this before loading.

[0007] Another concern for chairlift manufacturers and buyers is to design a device that provides the best cost-to-flow ratio per hour while ensuring sufficient user flow. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The present invention aims to remedy all or part of the shortcomings of the state of the art, in particular by proposing a solution that improves the hourly flow of the number of users transported while still guaranteeing the safety of users, in particular children.

[0009] To this end, according to a first aspect of the invention, a chairlift boarding device for boarding people onto a weight-bearing structure is proposed, the boarding device comprising at least two adjacent timing gates for regulating the flow of people boarding through the timing gates, the boarding device comprising: one detection device capable of determining the potential presence of a person as they pass through each of the timing gates and determining whether this person is taller than a predetermined height; - one data processing unit configured to determine the existence of a high-risk situation when, from data from the detection device, a person shorter than a predetermined height is detected before a given gate among the adjacent gates, and when a person taller than the predetermined height is not detected when passing through at least one of the gates adjacent to the given gate.

[0010] This combination of features allows for a boarding device with a detection system that is capable of detecting a high-risk situation corresponding to the presence of an unaccompanied child in close proximity to an adult.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the predetermined height corresponds to a height between 1 m and 1.5 m, preferably equal to 1.25 m.

[0012] In one embodiment, each timing gate is movable between two timed positions, i.e., a closed position that blocks access to the given gate and an open position that provides access to the given gate. In one particular configuration, each gate comprises a post that stands perpendicular to the ground and supports a locking arm that extends in a horizontal plane, the locking arm being pivotally connected to the post with a vertical axis and movable between a closed position that blocks access to the gate by extending substantially transversely to the direction of user travel, and an open position in which the locking arm is pivoted to lie longitudinally relative to the direction of user travel, preferably in the direction of travel.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the opening and closing movements of the timing gates are synchronized to allow all users ready to board to be boarded simultaneously on the same carriage. As soon as the passage of a user is detected, the closing of each gate may be accelerated.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the data processing unit is connected to the opening commands from each gate and can inhibit the opening of a given one of the adjacent gates or force the given gate to remain in a closed position during the passage of a person below a predetermined height, unless a person above a predetermined height is detected during the passage of at least one of the gates adjacent to the given gate. Such an arrangement can further ensure the security of the boarding device by compensating for possible lack of vigilance on the part of the supervisor.

[0015] In one embodiment, the data processing unit is connected to a warning system, preferably comprising an audible and / or visual horn, which makes it possible to alert a boarding area supervisor when such a high-risk situation is encountered, in particular when a child is about to board without proper adult supervision.

[0016] In one embodiment, the detection device comprises at least a first presence sensor for each timing gate capable of determining the presence of any person above a predetermined height, and / or a second presence detector for each timing gate capable of determining the presence of any person below a predetermined height. Such sensors are easily manufactured and installed in timing gates for new gates or to retrofit existing timing gates.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the detection device, preferably the first and / or second presence detector, comprises at least one sensor, preferably a sensor comprising at least one photocell.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the detection device comprises at least one camera, preferably a single camera, preferably in this case the data processing unit is able to determine the presence of a high-risk situation from an image or a series of images common to all gates.

[0019] According to another aspect of the invention, the latter relates to a method for detecting a high-risk situation on a boarding device as described above, comprising the steps of: one detection step configured to determine the presence of a potential person as they pass through each of the timing gates and to determine whether the potential person is higher than a predetermined height; - one data processing step configured to determine the presence of a high-risk situation when, from the data resulting from the detection step, a person shorter than a predetermined height is detected before a given one of the adjacent gates, and when a person taller than a predetermined size is not detected when passing through at least one of the gates adjacent to the given gate.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the detection method comprises a warning step, preferably an audible and / or visual warning step, in which a warning signal is activated upon detection of a high-risk situation. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0021] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front view of a boarding apparatus with multiple timing gates in one embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 1. Top view.

[0022] For purposes of clarity, the same or similar features will be marked with the same reference symbols throughout the figures.

[0023] In this specification and claims, for clarity of description and claims, the terms longitudinal, transverse, and vertical are employed with respect to the X, Y, Z trihedron shown in the figures. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] 1 and 2, a chairlift boarding apparatus 10 is illustrated for boarding persons onto a carriage forming a weight-bearing structure (not shown). The boarding apparatus 10 includes six adjacently positioned timing gates 20 aligned along a Y axis transverse to the direction of travel of a user toward a boarding platform (not shown) for boarding the carriage. The direction of travel of the user extends along a longitudinal reference axis X.

[0025] The number of timing gates 20 corresponds precisely to the locations on the chairlift carriage, in particular the number of seats. The timing gates 20 are intended to regulate the flow of people boarding, who must pass through them one by one to access the boarding platform located downstream of the gate 20 in the direction of travel X. Each timing gate 20 is movable between two timed extreme positions: a closed position 20A that blocks access to the given gate 20, and an open position 20B that provides access to the given gate 20 (see FIG. 2). To ensure better flow, the boarding device 10 is configured so that the opening and closing movements of the timing gates 20 are synchronized. Thus, the timing gates 20 are programmed to open simultaneously with the passage of a user and to close simultaneously or immediately after the passage of a user. Each timing gate 20 is locally associated with an access lane 70 intended for the passage of people. In practice, each access lane 70 may be indicated on the boarding device using floor markings or barriers, or may be realized primarily on the basis of simple passage restricted by the timing gate 20 itself. Regardless of the solution chosen, in all cases, one person at a time may stand in front of the timing gate 20 and pass through it at a timed passage, whether or not people upstream are waiting for their passage in a single-file organized manner.

[0026] Each timing gate 20 comprises a vertical post 21, i.e., parallel to a vertical axis Z. Each timing gate 20 further comprises, in a non-limiting manner, a locking arm 22 extending substantially perpendicular to the vertical post 21 and pivotally connected to said post 21 about the vertical axis Z. The locking arm 22 is rotatable relative to the post 21 between a closed position extending substantially transversely to the direction of travel X, Y, of a user, thereby blocking access to the gate 20, and an open position in which the locking arm is positioned longitudinally relative to the direction of travel X of a user and preferably pivots forward relative to the direction of travel X so as not to interfere with operation of the locking arm 22.

[0027] Each access lane 70 is bounded on one side, on the left side of the figure, by posts 21 of the timing gate 20 of the given access lane 70, and on the other side, on the right side of the figure, by posts 21 of the gate 20 adjacent to the given gate 20. For external access lanes 70 that may not have adjacent lanes on another side, the access lane 70 is bounded by posts, such as posts 61 of at least one signaling device 60, on which, among other things, a signaling panel 62 may be mounted. The spaces between these posts 21, 61 create the access lanes 70.

[0028] According to an advantageous embodiment, all of the timing gates 20 are connected by a base that ensures connection of the gates 20 by connecting the lower ends of the posts 21, 61 that embody the lanes 70. Such a base ensures stability of the gate structure 20.

[0029] According to the present invention, the boarding apparatus 10 is equipped with a high-risk situation detection system comprising at least one detection device 30 capable of determining the presence of a potential person as they pass through each of the timing gates 20 and determining whether the potential person is taller than a predetermined height G. In particular, an appropriate height G corresponding to an average height of a child, e.g., 1.25 m, is determined.

[0030] In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2, the detection device 30 comprises at least one first presence detector 31 for each timing gate 20 capable of determining the presence of any person who is above a predetermined height G, and a second presence detector 32 for each timing gate 20 capable of determining the presence of any person who is below the predetermined height.

[0031] More precisely, each timing gate 20 includes first and second presence detectors 31, 32, each of which includes a sensor, such as a sensor with at least one photoelectric cell. The first presence detector 31 is positioned at a height of 1.25 m to determine the presence of a person who may be at or above a predetermined height G. The second presence detector 32 is positioned at an intermediate height H, less than the predetermined height G, to determine the presence of a person who may be lower than the predetermined height. The height H is selected to be high enough to avoid any interaction with anything that may constitute an obstacle at ground level or even snow level, but low enough to detect the passage of a possible person. For example, a height H of 0.5 m to 1 m may be selected.

[0032] The first and second detectors 31, 32 are preferably photocells arranged in a horizontal plane, each emitting a beam of light 31', 32' oriented transversely to the access lane 70, i.e., Y, relative to the user's direction of movement X. In this way, a photocell from a first detector arranged at a height G of 1.25 m can detect the passage of any person with a height of 1.25 m or more. In a similar manner, a photocell from a first detector arranged at a lower height H, for example, 0.75 m above the ground, can detect the passage of any person, even if their height is lower than the predetermined height.

[0033] In this embodiment, the first and second sensors 31, 32 of each gate 20 are supported by an associated vertical post 21 and guided along an axis transverse to the direction of travel. Preferably, the post 21 has a longitudinally elongated profile, or cross-section. In this way, the post 21 can support the locking arm 22 and the first and second detectors 31, 32, and more generally, the detection device 30, with a longitudinal offset. Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that the sensor beams 31', 32' are guided horizontally at an angle to the transverse axis Y, so as to enable detection of persons upstream of the gate.

[0034] Alternatively or in combination, the detection device 30 may be at least partially remote from the gate. In this case, all or part of the detection device 30 may be at the level of the boarding gate 20. It may also be offset by a predetermined distance, for example a few meters upstream of the front gate 20, to hasten the horn alarm.

[0035] The boarding apparatus 10 also includes a data processing unit 40, which is preferably remote from the timing gate 20 and is configured to determine the existence of a high-risk situation from data from the detection device 30, in particular from the presence sensors 31, 32, when a person shorter than a predetermined height G is detected before a given gate 20 among the adjacent gates 20, and when a person taller than the predetermined height G is not detected when passing through at least one of the gates 20 adjacent to the given gate 20.

[0036] The data processing unit 40 is connected to commands for opening each gate 20 and can inhibit the opening of a given gate 20 among the adjacent gates 20 in which a person below a predetermined size is detected, or can force a given gate 20 to remain in a closed position, unless a person above a predetermined size is detected through at least one of the adjacent gates 20. In this way, it is possible to constrain the device to avoid high-risk situations. Additionally or alternatively, the data processing unit 40 is connected to a warning system 50, such as an audible and / or visual horn 50. A visual warning device may be located, for example, on the upper end of the post 61 of the signaling device 60. Of course, other configurations are possible. For example, one warning device may be provided for each timing gate 20, and a separate warning signal may be activated if a high-risk situation is detected for any of the associated timing gates 20. This allows high-risk situations to be quickly identified.

[0037] When the system is in use, one or more people appear in front of the timing gates 20, with a maximum of one person positioned along the lane in front of the locking arm 22 of a given gate 20 in the closed position 20A blocking passage.

[0038] A detection step is then implemented to determine the presence of a potential person as they pass through each of the timing gates 20 and to determine whether the potential person is taller than a predetermined height G, i.e., here, greater than 1.25 m. This step is implemented as soon as the person begins to stand in the path of the beams of light 31', 32' from the photocells of the first and second detectors 31, 32.

[0039] Once information about each of the timing gates 20 has been collected, a data processing step is implemented to determine the presence of a high-risk situation from the data resulting from the detection step when a person shorter than a predetermined height G is detected before a given gate 20 of the adjacent gates 20 and a person taller than the predetermined height is not detected when passing through at least one of the gates 20 adjacent to the given gate 20.

[0040] If no high-risk situation is detected, the locking arm 22 of the associated gate 20 can then pivot forward in the direction of travel to the open position 20B, providing access for people to pass through, and then return to the closed position 20A, blocking passage. This return can occur after a predetermined time delay of opening or after detecting the passage of a person. The passage detection can be performed by presence sensors 31, 32, and a time delay can be combined with the detected signal, so that when the sensor detects a change from a person-present state to a person-absent state, a certain time delay elapses before the associated gate 20 is closed. Each timing gate 20 facilitates the synchronization of boarding passengers at the chairlift boarding area, particularly to avoid collisions between seats and passengers before they are picked up.

[0041] The boarding system is configured so that each timing gate 20 automatically opens as soon as a seat for a preceding passenger is engaged in the boarding area upstream from the gate 20, allowing the passenger time to reach the boarding area before the seat arrives in the boarding area to pick up the passenger.

[0042] If a high-risk situation is detected, i.e., a person lower than the predetermined height G is detected before the timing gate 20, and no person higher than the predetermined height is detected when passing through at least one of the gates 20 adjacent to the given gate 20, a warning step is implemented in which a warning signal is sent to the horn 50 and the given gate remains in the closed position 20A until no further high-risk situations are detected. An area supervisor can then view the gate and intervene if necessary.

[0043] Of course, the present invention has been described above by using examples, and it is understood that those skilled in the art can make various modifications to the invention without going beyond the scope of the invention.

[0044] It is emphasized that all features, even if they are described only in connection with certain other features, can be combined with other features or feature groups disclosed in this specification, both individually and in any combination, as will be apparent to one skilled in the art from the specification, the drawings and the appended claims, provided that this is not expressly excluded or the technical situation makes such a combination impossible or meaningless.

Claims

1. 1. A chairlift boarding apparatus (10) for boarding persons onto a weight-bearing structure, said boarding apparatus (10) comprising at least two adjacent timing gates (20) for regulating the flow of persons to be boarded through said timing gates (20), said boarding apparatus (10) comprising: one detection device (30) capable of determining the presence of a potential person as they pass through each of said timing gates (20) and determining whether said potential person is higher than a predetermined height (G); and one data processing unit (40) configured to determine the existence of a high-risk situation when, from data from the detection device (30), a person lower than the predetermined height (G) is detected before a given gate (20) of the adjacent gates (20) and a person higher than the predetermined height (G) is not detected when passing through at least one of the gates (20) adjacent to the given gate (20).

2. 2. The boarding apparatus (10) of claim 1, wherein each timing gate (20) is movable between two extreme timed positions: a closed position (20A) that blocks access to the given gate (20), and an open position (20B) that provides access to the given gate (20).

3. 3. The boarding apparatus (10) of claim 2, wherein the opening and closing movements of the timing gates (20) are synchronized, allowing for earlier closure of each gate as soon as the passage of a user is detected.

4. 3. The boarding device (10) of claim 2, characterized in that the data processing unit (40) is connected to a command for opening each gate (20) and is adapted to inhibit the opening of the given gate (20) among the adjacent gates (20) in which a person lower than the predetermined height (G) is detected, or to force the given gate (20) to be held in the closed position, unless a person higher than the predetermined height (G) is detected through at least one of the gates (20) adjacent to the given gate (20).

5. A boarding device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the data processing unit (40) is connected to a warning system (50), said warning system comprising an audible and / or visual horn.

6. A boarding apparatus (10) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the detection device (30) comprises at least one first presence detector (31) for each timing gate (20) capable of determining the presence of any person higher than a predetermined height (G), and / or a second presence detector (32) for each timing gate (20) capable of determining the presence of any person lower than a predetermined height (G).

7. A boarding apparatus (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the detection device (30) comprises a sensor comprising at least one photocell.

8. A method for detecting a high-risk situation on a boarding device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 7, said method comprising: one detection step adapted to determine the presence of a potential person when passing through each of said timing gates (20) and to determine whether said potential person is higher than a predetermined height (G); - one data processing step configured to determine the presence of a high risk situation in front of the given gate (20) of the adjacent gates (20) when a person shorter than the predetermined height (G) is detected from the data resulting from the detection step and when a person higher than the predetermined height (G) is not detected when passing through at least one of the gates (20) adjacent to the given gate (20).

9. 9. The method for detecting a high-risk situation according to claim 8, characterized in that said method includes a warning step in which a warning signal is activated upon detection of a high-risk situation.

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