Rope way for the transport of goods

Abstract

In order to achieve easier object transport and to improve the safety of persons in a circulating ropeway (1) having at least two ropeway stations (2a-2c) and having a plurality of ropeway vehicles (3) which can be moved between the ropeway stations (2a-2c) by means of a transport cable (4), it is provided that a first detection device (D1) is provided in a first ropeway station (2a), which is configured to detect an object (O) provided in a loading area (6) of the first ropeway station (2a) for loading a cabin (K) of a ropeway vehicle (3) and to determine an object type for the object (O), and that a control unit (5) is provided, which is configured to operate the circulating ropeway (1) in a defined transport operating mode if the object type determined for the detected object (O) is a defined object type.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a loop cableway having at least two stations and a plurality of cable cars movable between the stations by means of transport cables, wherein each of the plurality of cable cars has a cabin for accommodating an object, and wherein a control unit is provided for controlling the loop cableway. The invention also relates to a method for operating such a loop cableway. Furthermore, the invention relates to an operating method for operating a loop cableway having at least two stations and a plurality of cable cars movable between the stations by means of transport cables, wherein each of the plurality of cable cars has a cabin for accommodating an object, and wherein the loop cableway is controlled by a control unit. Background Technology

[0002] In a loop lift, the lift vehicles move in a known manner within a circular loop, between two terminal stations. Previously, loop lifts were primarily used for passenger transport within ski resorts. The main purpose was to transport skiers with ski equipment between valley and peak stations. Later, skiers with skis were added. In smaller cabins, skiers and snowboards are usually transported in standardized transport baskets specifically provided for them, located on the outside of the cabin. In larger cabins, all equipment is transported inside the cabin in most cases. Besides skiers and snowboards, other, bulkier winter sports equipment such as snow bikes or sleds often also must be transported inside the cabin. However, loop lifts in ski resorts are increasingly used during the summer. Here, for example, strollers, wheelchairs, or mountain bikes are also transported inside the cabin in most cases due to their large size.

[0003] However, cable cars are increasingly being used as public transportation in urban spaces. Here, in addition to passenger transport, they often transport objects, and the range of different object types is generally wider than in ski resorts. Especially in urban areas, in addition to the aforementioned objects, luggage, such as suitcases or bags, or goods are frequently transported. Due to the wide range (width) of objects, it is no longer possible to use standardized transport baskets outside the cabins. Besides the objects used by people, goods, such as food or similar items, are also frequently transported. Unlike the other objects mentioned, these goods are usually not tied to people and therefore are not carried into the cabins by people in most cases. For example, goods are loaded into the cabins by operators at the first cable car station (e.g., the valley station in a ski resort) and transported unattended to the second cable car station (e.g., the mountain station). At the mountain station, the goods are unloaded from the cabins by operators. Here, cable car vehicles can be used, for example, for mixed passenger and freight transport, or cable car vehicles can be used exclusively for freight transport. However, cable car vehicles with specially designed and constructed transport cabins may also be provided, for example, for freight transport only.

[0004] The wide range of objects to be transported creates different requirements during loading and unloading. For example, loading easily accessible, personnel-attached objects (e.g., skis, suitcases, etc.) is relatively easy and quick, while loading less accessible (difficult to manage) personnel-attached objects (e.g., wheelchairs, bicycles, strollers, etc.) and / or less accessible, non-personnel-attached objects (e.g., goods like food) into the gondola can be more laborious and therefore require more time. However, in traditional loop cableways, the gondola vehicles typically operate under defined operating patterns and move at a defined, constant transport speed.

[0005] The opening and closing of the gondola doors are typically automatic at fixed locations within the cableway station. Therefore, the location, time, and available time for loading or unloading cableway vehicles are fixed and predetermined, and cannot be changed during normal operation. Particularly during peak traffic periods, this can lead to accidents or unintended emergency stops, as the time available for loading may be too short. Currently, if an operator has identified certain objects, stopping the drive can only be done manually at most. However, as the future trend increasingly leans towards unmanned operation, manual intervention is not a satisfactory solution. Furthermore, due to distraction or other activities, reliable identification of objects that require stopping when necessary cannot be guaranteed.

[0006] Systems are known that reduce human intervention by operators. In AT 414 056 B, cameras are used to monitor the elevator route and its surroundings to determine the position and speed of moving objects. If a dangerous situation arises due to the movement of objects, the assessment unit issues an alarm signal or shuts off the cableway's drive. In EP 1972 520 A1, the cableway's operating mode can be adjusted (adapted) according to the needs of the cableway station. Here, for example, the transport speed of the cableway vehicles changes. In EP 1 849 674 A1, the transport speed of the cableway vehicles is adjusted (adapted) according to the type of cableway vehicle. However, in these systems, the cableway's operating mode is not adjusted according to the object being transported. Summary of the Invention

[0007] Therefore, the objective of this invention is to provide a loop cableway and a method for operating the loop cableway, which make the transportation of objects more convenient and improve personnel safety.

[0008] This task is solved using the aforementioned loop cableway as follows: A first detection device is installed in the first cableway station. This device is configured to detect objects located in the loading area of ​​the first cableway station for loading the cableway cars, determine the object type, and the control unit is configured to operate the loop cableway in a defined (limited) transport operation mode if the determined object type is a known object type. This allows for automatic identification and recognition of desired objects, and the cableway's operation mode can be adjusted accordingly. In mixed operation (passenger and freight), for example, the loading area may be located in the passenger boarding area. However, the loading area may also be located, for example, before or after the passenger boarding area when viewed from the direction of movement.

[0009] Preferably, the first detection device has at least one camera for detecting the loading area and an evaluation unit configured to detect objects located in the loading area from multiple images acquired by the at least one camera and determine the object type for the object. The at least one camera preferably includes a 3D camera, an infrared camera, or a video camera, and the evaluation unit preferably stores an image recognition model. For example, the image recognition model may include a suitable image recognition algorithm, such as an artificial intelligence (AI) model, which can be trained to distinguish the desired object from other objects. Training can be performed, for example, by first pre-providing the model with multiple images of objects of a known object type. With a sufficiently large number of images, the model learns to recognize the known object type on its own in subsequent runs. Depending on the complexity of the known object type, a suitable model and a suitable camera can be used. For example, at least one camera may be positioned above the loading area.

[0010] The loop cableway naturally also includes a drive unit for driving the cableway vehicles, wherein the transport operation mode preferably includes a loading operation mode. The control unit is configured to control the drive unit in the loading operation mode so that when the cableway vehicle is located in the loading area of ​​the first cableway station at the loading time, it either stops driving the cableway vehicle for a determined loading duration (stops driving for a determined loading duration) or reduces the transport speed for a determined loading duration (reduces speed for a determined loading duration). The loading time is preferably determined based on a detection time at which an object of a known type is detected by a first detection device. Thus, if an object is detected, and experience suggests that the object requires a relatively long loading time, the drive unit can, for example, automatically stop completely without operator intervention. On the other hand, in the case of a known object, simply reducing the transport speed may be sufficient, thus allowing more time for loading the object compared to the normal operating mode. Here, the loading duration may, for example, vary depending on the object type.

[0011] Preferably, the transport operation mode also includes an unloading operation mode, wherein the control unit is configured to control the drive unit in the unloading operation mode so that when a cable car carrying an object of a defined object type is located in a defined unloading area of ​​the second cable car station at the unloading time, the drive of the cable car is stopped for a defined unloading duration, or the transport speed is reduced for a defined unloading duration. This allows for automatic stopping of the drive or reduction of the transport speed in the defined unloading area, similar to the loading area, to facilitate the unloading of the object. This is particularly advantageous, for example, when there are no operators monitoring the disembarkation area or unloading area in the disembarkation area of ​​the cable car station (e.g., a mountain station). The unloading duration can also be varied, for example, depending on the object type. In the case of mixed operation (personnel and objects), the unloading area can be located, for example, in the disembarkation area, but it can also be located before or after the disembarkation area along the direction of movement.

[0012] Preferably, each of the multiple cable car cabins is equipped with a cabin door and a door operating device for operating the cabin door, which can be controlled by a control unit. Preferably, the transport operation mode also includes a pass-through operation mode, wherein the control unit is configured to control the door operating device in the pass-through operation mode such that, when the cable car is carrying an object of a known type, the cabin door is closed in a defined pass-through area of ​​the cable car station. This is advantageous, for example, when the cable car is transporting only one type of object, such as food or the like, in mixed operation. Thus, the cabin door can remain closed, for example, at intermediate stations, preventing passengers from boarding.

[0013] The control unit is preferably configured to determine the unloading time based on the cable car's travel time between the loading and unloading areas and / or based on the cable car's unique vehicle identification. Here, the travel time depends on the route length and transport speed, and can be assumed to be known. For example, the control unit can determine the unloading time from known loading times, loading durations, and travel times. If the cable car has a vehicle identification, the control unit knows where the cable car is at each moment and can determine the unloading time accordingly.

[0014] Advantageously, a first vehicle identification device can be installed within the first cableway station. This device is configured to detect vehicle identifiers (vehicle identification information) of cableway vehicles located in the loading area. The control unit can be configured to use the detected vehicle identifiers to determine the unloading time. For example, in addition to object identification, the first detection device can also be configured as a vehicle identifier device for detecting vehicle identification. For example, the vehicle identifier can be a clear (unambiguous) optical feature on the outer side of the cableway vehicle, suitable for identification by image recognition. However, the first vehicle identification device can also be a separate device installed in addition to the first detection device. For example, a QR code, barcode, or RFID transponder can be used as the vehicle identifier, and the first vehicle identification device can have a corresponding reading device.

[0015] A second vehicle identification device can also be installed within the second cableway station. This device is configured to detect vehicle identifiers on cableway vehicles, and the control unit can be configured to determine the unloading time based on the detected vehicle identifiers. For example, the second vehicle identification device can be constructed similarly to the first detection device and has a detection device with at least one camera and evaluation unit. However, the second vehicle identification device can also have a suitable reading device for reading QR codes, barcodes, or RFID transponders. In this case, the control unit can also determine and use the unloading time based on the signal from the second vehicle identification device, even without knowing the running time, in order to switch to the unloading operation mode.

[0016] It would be more advantageous to install a signaling device at at least one cableway station, and to configure the control unit to control this device to (re)issue the signal when the loop cableway is in transport operation mode. The signal can include, for example, visual, auditory, or electronic signals. Thus, passengers or operators can receive warnings or be informed of appropriate information using the desired signal. Depending on the type of signal desired, suitable signaling devices may be provided, such as signal lights, loudspeakers, screens for displaying information, mobile terminals for (re)issuing (reproducing) electronic information, etc.

[0017] A circular cableway can be constructed as a gondola-type cableway, wherein each of the multiple cableway vehicles has a gondola, or a circular cableway can be constructed as a combined cableway, wherein the multiple cableway vehicles include multiple cableway vehicles with chairlifts and multiple cableway vehicles with gondolas. Here, the detection and analysis of objects according to the invention are carried out in the boarding or disembarking area provided for the gondola vehicles.

[0018] Preferably, the defined object types include at least one of the following: suitcases, transport pallets, crates, transport vehicles, bicycles, strollers, wheelchairs, scooters, and objects exceeding the defined dimensions. This allows for the identification of the most common object types, although this list is not exhaustive. Object types not considered can be added later, for example, by retraining the image recognition model.

[0019] In addition, the task is also solved by the method mentioned at the beginning, that is, by using a first detection device to detect objects loaded into the cabins of the cable car in the loading area of ​​the first cable car station, to determine the object type, and if the object type determined for the detected object is a known object type, then the control unit operates the loop cable car in a defined (limited) transport operation mode. Attached Figure Description

[0020] The following will refer to Figure 1 To further explain the present invention, Figure 1 Advantageous design features of the invention are illustrated, illustrative, and non-limiting. The accompanying drawings show:

[0021] Figure 1 A loop cableway, according to an advantageous implementation of the invention, is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0022] exist Figure 1 The diagram illustrates a loop cableway 1 with three stations 2a-2c. In the following text, the concept of "cableway" is used synonymously with "loop cableway." The loop cableway 1 has multiple cable cars 3 that can move between the stations 2a-2c by means of transport cables 4. The first station 2a and the second station 2b are configured as terminal stations, where the transport cables 4 deflect around sheaves 15 to form closed cable loops. The cable cars 3 can move in a looping motion along these cable loops. The third station 2c is optional and configured as an intermediate station located between the two terminal stations, namely the first station 2a and the second station 2b. Sheaves 15 are also exemplarily provided in the third station 2c. However, the transport cables 4 do not turn within the third station 2c but extend straight through it. The sheaves 15 are primarily used to guide the transport cables 4.

[0023] For example, it is also conceivable to divide the transport cable 4 into two cable loops. In this case, a first transport cable is provided, which forms a closed first cable loop between the first cableway station 2a and the third cableway station 2c (intermediate station), and a second transport cable is provided, which forms a closed second cable loop between the third cableway station 2c (intermediate station) and the second cableway station 2b. Thus, a first cable wheel is provided in the third cableway station 2c, around which the first transport cable rotates, and a second cable wheel is provided, around which the second transport cable rotates. Of course, the implementation with three cableway stations 2a-2c is only exemplary, and in principle, the intermediate station, i.e., the third cableway station 2c, can also be omitted.

[0024] The loop cableway 1 also includes a drive unit 9 for driving the cableway vehicle 3. The drive unit 9 has at least one first drive unit 9a, such as a suitable motor, for driving the transport cable 4. For example, the first drive unit 9a can be exemplarily arranged in one of the cableway stations 2a-2c and configured to drive the cable sheave 15. According to... Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the first drive unit 9a is exemplaryly located in the second cableway station 2b. However, if necessary, other first drive units 9a may be provided in other cableway stations 2a, 2c to drive the corresponding cable sheaves 15. This may be advantageous, for example, to achieve drive redundancy, or in cases where the cable length is particularly long and / or the load is particularly large and / or the gradient is large.

[0025] The illustrated loop cableway 1 is constructed as a gondola type cableway, wherein all cableway vehicles 3 correspondingly have gondolas K for accommodating objects O. Of course, gondolas K can also be additionally configured for transporting passengers. Thus, within the scope of this invention, conventional gondolas primarily used for passenger transport can be used, but these gondolas can also be used for freight transport as needed. Gondola doors 12 are correspondingly provided on the sides of each gondola K in a known manner, and each gondola door 12 may have, for example, two door panels that can open in opposite directions, such as... Figure 1 The three cable car vehicles at the first cableway station 2a are shown. The car doors 12 are arranged such that they face the platform 16 in cableway stations 2a-2c. People can enter the car K through the platform 16, or objects O can be loaded into the car K through the platform 16.

[0026] Cable car 3 can be detachably connected to transport cable 4 in a known manner. For this purpose, cable car 3 is equipped with a controllable cable clamp (not shown). When traveling on the free section between cable car stations 2a-2c, the cable clamp of cable car 3 closes, fixing the cable car to transport cable 4. Here, the driving force generated by the first drive unit 9a is transmitted from transport cable 4 to cable car 3 via the cable clamp in a frictional engagement. Upon entering cable car stations 2a-2c, the cable clamp can be opened by a control device (not shown), thereby detaching cable car 3 from transport cable 4. As transport cable 4 continues to move around cable wheel 15 at a substantially constant, continuous transport speed, in the entry area E, the detached cable car 3 brakes after detachment and moves at a lower speed from the entry area E to the exit area A of the corresponding cable car station 2a-2c.

[0027] Cableway stations 2a-2c are equipped with fixed guide rails 17 for guiding detached cableway vehicles 3. The guide rails 17 extend from the entry area E of each cableway station 2a-2c to the exit area A. In the exit area A, the cableway vehicle 3 can first accelerate again to the transport speed of the transport cable 4, and the cable clamp of the cableway vehicle 3 can be operated via a control device (not shown) to reconnect the cableway vehicle 3 to the transport cable 4. Multiple guide rollers (not shown) can be correspondingly provided at each cableway vehicle 3, which guide the cableway vehicle 3 along the guide rails 17 when the transport cable 4 is detached.

[0028] To drive the detached cable car 3 along the guide rail 17, an auxiliary drive (not shown) can be provided for each guide rail 17 at each cable car station. The auxiliary drive can be constructed, for example, in the form of a known tire conveyor (Reifenförderer) with multiple driven tires arranged sequentially along the respective guide rail 17. The tires can interact with friction pads at the cable car 3 to drive the cable car 3. A suitable second drive unit 9b, such as a motor, can be provided to drive the auxiliary drive. The second drive unit 9b is only shown exemplarily in the second cable car station 2b. Of course, a second drive unit 9b would also be provided in a similar manner in the first cable car station 2a. In the third cable car station 2c, a guide rail 17 is provided for each direction of travel, wherein a separate auxiliary drive with a second drive unit 9b can be provided for each guide rail 17.

[0029] The loop cableway 1 also includes a control unit 5 for controlling its functions. The control unit 5 primarily controls the drive unit 9, specifically controlling one or more available first drive units 9a for driving the transport cable 4 and one or more available second drive units 9b for driving the auxiliary drive components. Additionally, the control unit 5 can, of course, be configured to control other functions, but these functions are unrelated to the present invention, such as lighting control. Figure 1 The location of control unit 5 is shown only as an example. For example, control unit 5 may be located in one of the cableway stations 2a-2c, such as in the control room of one of the cableway stations 2a-2c. Control unit 5 may also consist of multiple independent control units that communicate with each other via appropriate communication connections. Control unit 5 may have suitable hardware and / or software.

[0030] For example, the first cableway station 2a could be a valley station in the valley of a ski resort, while the second cableway station 2b could be a mountain station on a peak of the ski resort. The third cableway station 2c could be located at a suitable position between the mountain peak and the valley. Therefore, when the loop cableway 1 is in operation, the transportation of people and objects O is mainly from the valley to the mountain peak. Of course, transportation from the mountain peak to the valley is also possible. Passenger transport is also possible. Of course, the use in a ski resort is just exemplary, and the loop cableway 1 can also be used for urban operations, etc. In this case, it is not necessary to (build a bridge) across the height difference, but movement on flat ground, or movement with only a small height difference, or movement across a river, etc., can also be carried out. Here, passenger and / or freight transport can also be carried out in substantially equal proportions in both directions. However, for the purpose of describing the invention, the following will only consider the transportation of objects O along the direction from the valley station, i.e., the first cableway station 2a, to the intermediate station, i.e., the third cableway station 2c, or further to the mountain station, i.e., the second cableway station 2b.

[0031] A loading area 6 is provided at platform 16 before departure area A at the first cableway station 2a for loading objects O onto cableway vehicles 3. Here, loading area 6 can be understood as an area where the car doors 12 of the passing cableway vehicles 3 are open at their cabins K. In the example shown, at any given time, only one cableway vehicle 3 is correspondingly located within loading area 6. However, contrary to the illustration, loading area 6 can also be longer in the direction of travel B of the cableway vehicles 3, allowing multiple cableway vehicles 3 to be located in loading area 6 simultaneously. In mixed operation (passenger + freight), loading area 6 can, for example, also be used as a waiting area for passengers. However, loading area 6 can also be separate from the passenger boarding area, for example, it can be arranged along the direction of travel B before or after the boarding area at platform 16.

[0032] Furthermore, a first detection device D1 is provided in the first cableway station 2a. The first detection device D1 is configured to detect objects O located in the loading area 6 for the cabins K of the cableway vehicles 3, and to determine the object type for object O. In the example shown, the first detection device D1 has a camera 7 and an evaluation unit 8. The camera 7 is used to detect the loading area B and generate multiple images. Multiple cameras 7 may also be provided. The camera 7 may be, for example, a 3D camera or an infrared camera. The camera 7 may also be a video camera, which can record time-series images of the loading area 6.

[0033] Camera 7 is mounted at a suitable location within the first cableway station 2a to record the loading area 6 with minimal disturbance and weather influence. For example, camera 7 can be mounted on a fixed structure in the upper region of the first cableway station 2a, such that the image axis of camera 7 is substantially orthogonal to the platform 16 where the loading area 6 is located. Here, for example, a single camera 7 may suffice, where object recognition can be performed by the evaluation unit (analysis unit) 8 based on the normal projection of the object O located in the loading area 6 onto the image plane. However, it is advantageous to use multiple cameras 7 or 3D cameras arranged at different locations to generate three-dimensional photographs of the object O.

[0034] Evaluation unit 8 is configured to detect object O located in loading area B from the image acquired by camera 7 and determine the object type for object O. The following object types can be identified as defined object types: suitcases, transport pallets, crates (storage boxes), transport vehicles, bicycles, strollers, wheelchairs, scooters, and objects exceeding defined dimensions. For example, the projected area of ​​object O or the area of ​​its smallest bounding rectangle can be used as a measure of size. Of course, the list of object types is not exhaustive and can be expanded to include other desired object O. It is also conceivable that object types not initially considered can be added later.

[0035] To identify object O and determine its type, a suitable image recognition model can be stored, for example, in evaluation unit 8. In the example shown, evaluation unit 8 is constructed as a standalone unit, connected to camera 7 via a suitable first communication connection 18 and to control unit 5 via a suitable second communication connection 19. Camera 7 can transmit captured images to evaluation unit 8 via the first communication connection 18, and evaluation unit can process the images to identify object O and determine its type. Evaluation unit 8 can send this information to control unit 5 via the second communication connection 19. If the determined object type for the detected object O is a known object type, then control unit 5 can operate loop cableway 1 in a predefined transport operation mode, as explained in more detail below.

[0036] Contrary to the illustrated embodiment, the evaluation unit 8 can also be integrated into the camera 7, for example, as a so-called "smart camera." Alternatively, the evaluation unit 8 can also be integrated into the control unit 5, for example, in the form of suitable software. As an image recognition model, a suitable algorithm in the form of artificial intelligence (AI model) can be used, for example. Such an algorithm could be an artificial neural network capable of machine learning. The AI ​​model can be trained on a large amount of data to recognize certain objects O and identify the type of object they belong to. Such models are known in the prior art and therefore will not be described in more detail here. For applications within the scope of this invention, those skilled in the art can choose a suitable image recognition model.

[0037] For example, the transport operation mode may include a loading operation mode. In the loading operation mode, the control unit 5 can control the drive unit 9 (first drive unit 9a and / or second drive unit 9b) of the circulating cableway 1 to stop the drive of the cableway vehicle 3 for a defined loading duration at a loading moment, or to reduce the transport speed for a defined loading duration. This means that, for example, if an object O corresponding to a known object type is identified in the loading area 6, the drive can be automatically stopped without operator intervention. The object O can then be loaded by personnel through the open car door 12 of the car K of the cableway vehicle 3 located in the loading area 6. This is particularly advantageous for relatively large and heavy objects O, as there is a longer loading duration compared to normal operation.

[0038] For example, the loading duration can be fixed and predetermined, or it can be adjusted, for example, via a user interface in the control room of cableway stations 2a-2c. The loading duration also does not need to be the same for all objects O, but can, for example, be assigned different lengths of loading duration for different types. Thus, it can be considered that some objects O (e.g., suitcases) are loaded relatively quickly, while larger objects O (like, for example, bicycles) are loaded for significantly longer periods. For some object types, the drive can also be stopped, while for others, only the transport speed can be reduced.

[0039] After the loading period ends, the control unit 5 can automatically restart normal operation by restarting the drive unit 9 or increasing the transport speed again. Alternatively, normal operation mode can be regained through manual intervention. After loading object O and closing the car door 12, the cable car 3 can move to the second cable car station 2b in the usual manner, or, if necessary, only to the third cable car station 2c (intermediate station). Once a new object O corresponding to the identified object type is identified in the loading area 6, the control unit 5 can automatically switch back to the loading operation mode, etc. The loading time is preferably determined based on the detection time, at which the object type is identified by the first detection device D1. "Based on" can, for example, mean that the loading time corresponds to the detection time, but it can also be a time after the detection time.

[0040] To unload the loaded object O from the cable car 3 at the first cable car station 2a, suitable unloading areas 10 can be identified at the second cable car station 2b and / or the third cable car station 2c. Similar to the loading area 6, the unloading area 10 can also serve as a disembarkation area for passengers in mixed operations (freight + passenger). Alternatively, however, the unloading area 10 can also be arranged before or after the disembarkation area for passengers along the direction of movement. Figure 1 In the second cableway station 2b, only an exemplary unloading area 10 is provided. Of course, a corresponding unloading area (not shown) may also be provided additionally (or alternatively) in the third cableway station 2c. In order to unload the object O from the unloading area 10 from the cableway vehicle 3, the transport operation mode may advantageously also include an unloading operation mode.

[0041] Similar to the loading operation mode, when the cable car 3 carrying an object O of a known object type is located in the unloading area 10 of the second cable car station 2b at the unloading time, the control unit 5 correspondingly controls the drive unit 9 (first drive unit 9a and / or second drive unit 9b) in the unloading operation mode to stop the drive of the cable car 3 for a defined (prescribed) unloading duration, or to reduce the transport speed for a defined (prescribed) unloading duration. There are several possibilities for determining the unloading time when the cable car 3 carrying an object O of a known object type is located in the unloading area 10 of the second cable car station 2b, as will be explained below.

[0042] On one hand, the control unit 5 can be configured, for example, to determine the unloading time based on the travel time of the cable car 3 between the loading area 6 of the first cable car station 2a and the unloading area 10 of the second cable car station 2b. The travel time is generally known, or it can be determined based on the route length and transport speed. The route length can be assumed to be known, or it can be measured if necessary. The transport speed can also be assumed to be known, or it can be measured, for example, by means of sensors at the transport cable 4 or the drive unit 9, or determined from other available quantities, such as the rotational speed of the first drive unit 9a. The control unit 5 can then calculate the unloading time based on the travel time between the loading area 6 and the unloading area 10, for example, starting from the loading time. As mentioned above, the loading time can be, for example, the moment when the first detection device D1 identifies an object O of a clearly defined object type. The control unit 5 can then calculate the unloading time, for example, starting from the loading time, from the sum of the prescribed loading duration and the travel time.

[0043] On the other hand, each cable car 3 can also have a single, unambiguous vehicle identifier X. The control unit 5 can determine the unloading time of the cable car 3 loaded with an object O of a clearly defined type in the unloading area 10 of the second cable car station 2b based on the vehicle identifier X. Here, it can be assumed that the position of each cable car 3 along the transport route is known. This means that the control unit 5 knows the position of the cable car 3 with the specific vehicle identifier X on the route (including the cable car station) at every time. For example, the control unit 5 can then determine the vehicle identifier X of the cable car 3 loaded with an object O of a clearly defined type in the loading area 6 of the first cable car station 2a based on the loading time. In this way, the unloading time is the time when the cable car 3 with the corresponding vehicle identifier X is located in the unloading area 10 of the second cable car station 2b.

[0044] A first vehicle identification device may also be provided in the first cableway station 2a. This device is configured to identify the vehicle identifier X of a cableway vehicle 3 loaded with an object O of a clearly defined object type in the loading area 6 of the first cableway station 2a, and transmit this identifier to the control unit 5. The vehicle identifier X may be, for example, a QR code, barcode, or RFID transponder (RFID = Radio Frequency Identification), located at an appropriate position on the cableway vehicle 3. The vehicle identification device may have a reading device for reading the QR code, barcode, or RFID transponder. The control unit 5 can then use the vehicle identifier of the cableway vehicle 3 detected (acquired) by the reading device at the loading area 6 to determine the unloading time in the unloading area 10. This can be achieved by the known location and travel time of the cableway vehicle on the route, or by providing a second vehicle identification device in the second cableway station 2b, which will identify the cableway vehicle 3 with the corresponding vehicle identifier X and thus transmit the presence of the cableway vehicle 3 to the control unit 5.

[0045] Advantageously, the first detection device D1 of the first cableway station 2a can also (in addition to object recognition) be used as a first vehicle identification device. In this case, the first detection device D1 can be configured to detect the vehicle identification X of the cableway vehicle 3 carrying an object O of a clearly defined object type in the loading area 6 and transmit it to the control unit 5. For example, for this purpose, the characteristic optical features at the car K of the cableway vehicle 3 can be used as the vehicle identification X, which can be detected by the evaluation unit 8, for example, through an image recognition model. It is conceivable that, for example, an identification code or a clear (unambiguous) pattern can be installed at the car K, for example, in the form of a sticker.

[0046] In the second cableway station 2b, a second detection device D2 may be provided as a second vehicle identification device. Its configuration is to detect vehicle identifier X and transmit it to the control unit 5. The second detection device D2 can be constructed similarly to the first detection device D1, wherein, if possible, only vehicle identifier X needs to be detected, without simultaneously detecting object O of a known object type. If the second detection device D2 transmits the vehicle identifier X of a cableway vehicle 3 loaded with an object of a known object type O in the loading area 6 of the first cableway station 2a, the control unit 5 can operate the circulating cableway 1 in unloading operation mode.

[0047] In conventional cableways, the opening and closing of the cabin doors 12 are typically achieved through mechanical forced controls, such as linkage guides. Here, fixed guides arranged in cableway stations 2a-2c work in conjunction with the operating elements of the cableway vehicle 3 to open or close the corresponding cabin doors. Generally, the opening guide rails for opening the cabin doors 12 are arranged in the entry area E of cableway stations 2a-2c, ahead of the unloading area 10 (and, if possible, the disembarkation area for passengers) along the direction of movement B. Similarly, the closing guide rails for closing the cabin doors 12 are arranged in the exit area A of cableway stations 2a-2c, behind the loading area 6 (and, if possible, the boarding area for passengers) along the direction of movement B. This forced control is a passive control, where the opening or closing of the cabin doors 12 occurs solely due to the movement of the cableway vehicle 3 relative to the corresponding guides. Therefore, the opening and closing positions, or the opening and closing times, depend on the arrangement of the guides in cableway stations 2a-2c, and are thus fixedly predetermined and unchangeable (or can only be changed at a great structural cost).

[0048] According to another advantageous embodiment of the invention, at least one of the cableway stations 2a-2c may be provided with a door operating device 13 for operating the car door 12 of the cableway vehicle 3, which may be controlled by a control unit 5 to open and / or close. It is well known that, instead of or added to forced control, active door operation may be provided by means of the door operating device 13. Figure 1 The door control device 13 is illustrated in the example row of the third cableway station 2c. For example, the door control device 13 may have a movable guide element ( Figure 1 (Not shown in the diagram) These guide elements allow for the application of actuating forces to corresponding actuating elements of the cable car 3, thereby opening or closing (multiple) car doors 12. To generate the actuating force, at least one electrically controllable actuator, such as a hydraulic cylinder, pneumatic cylinder, or servo motor, can be provided on each movable guide element. When the cable car 3 is located within the area of ​​the movable guide elements of the door actuating device 13, the control unit 5 can control the corresponding actuator to open or close the car door 12. Thus, the opening and / or closing of the car door 12 can be actively controlled by the control unit 5. The door actuating device 13 can be arranged at the desired opening or closing position of the third cable car station 2c.

[0049] However, alternatively, the door operating device 13 may also have electrically controllable door actuators at each cable car 3. Figure 1(Not shown in the diagram), the door actuator can be controlled by the control unit 5 to open or close the car door 12. This allows for very flexible and essentially free determination of the open or closed position within the third cableway station 2c. Therefore, in this embodiment, the open or closed position is independent of the position of the guide members in the third cableway station 2c.

[0050] If an actively controllable door operating device 13 is provided, the transport operation mode may include a pass-through operation mode. In the pass-through operation mode, the control unit 5 controls the door operating device 13 (e.g., an actuator of a movable guide element arranged in the third cableway station 2c or a door actuator provided at the cable car 3) such that, in the case of a cable car 3 carrying an object O of a known object type, the car door 12 is closed in the defined pass-through area 20 of cableway stations 2a-2c, here the third cableway station 2c. If a mechanical forced control (e.g.) for opening the car door 12 is provided, the car door 12 may, for example, be actively closed again by the door operating device 13 immediately after the forced control (e.g.) is opened, and remain closed while the cable car 3 passes through the pass-through area 20.

[0051] Thus, for example, if object O is loaded in loading area 6 of the first cableway station and the cable car 3, which is occupied by object O in the third cableway station 2c, has its car door 12 closed, it can pass through the third cableway station 2c (intermediate station). Figure 1 As shown. Figure 1 As shown, the travel area 20 here essentially corresponds to the entire length of platform 16. Therefore, for example, in the case of a freight shipment (e.g., food, beverages), it can be ensured that personnel do not unintentionally enter the car in an unintended manner. In the case of large objects O such as bicycles, strollers, etc., this also prevents the car door 12 from opening, thus preventing others from entering the car.

[0052] Of course, the passing-through operation mode is not limited to the third cableway station 2c, but can certainly also be used in the second cableway station 2b. For example, it is conceivable that the unloading area 10 for object O is arranged along the direction of movement B after the waiting area (or combined boarding / disembarking area) for personnel. In this case, it may be advantageous that the cableway vehicle 3 carrying object O passes through the boarding area with the car door 12 closed and the car door 12 only opens in the unloading area 10. Thus, the passage area 20 substantially corresponds to the length between the entry area E and the unloading area 10 of the second cableway station 2b. The loaded cableway vehicle 3 can be identified in a manner similar to that described in conjunction with the unloading time, for example, based on the travel time between the loading area 6 of the first cableway station 2a and the passing area to be passed through, or based on a single vehicle identifier X.

[0053] According to another advantageous embodiment of the invention, a signaling device 11 is provided in at least one cableway station 2a-2c, and the control unit 5 is configured to control the signaling device 11 to (re)issue the signal S when the circulating cableway 1 is in transport operation mode. For example, the signaling device 11 may be configured to inform passengers and / or operators. Figure 1 The diagram only shows, by way of example, a signal device 11 in the form of a traffic light at the third cableway station 2c. The traffic light, for example, has a green signal light and a red signal light. When the circulating cableway 1 is in normal operating mode, the control unit 5 can control the traffic light to turn on the green signal light. When the circulating cableway 1 is in passing operating mode, the control unit 5 can control the traffic light to turn on the red signal light. Thus, people can be informed by the red signal light that the cabin doors 12 of the passing cableway vehicle 3 remain closed.

[0054] Of course, the signal device 11 shown should be understood as exemplary only, and the signal device 11 can also be designed and constructed in any other way. Additionally or alternatively, the signal device 11 may also be provided in the first cableway station 2a or the second cableway station. For example, the signal device 11 may also be constructed to display information as a signal, for example, via a screen. For example, operators in the second cableway station 2b or the third cableway station 2c can obtain information in advance (proactively) via a screen about the type of object O loaded into the cableway vehicle 3 at the first cableway station 2a. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the signal device 11 in the second cableway station 2b displays the remaining time until the loaded cableway vehicle 3 (will) enters. It is also conceivable that in the first cableway station 2a, the time until the end of a determined (prescribed) loading duration is displayed, for example, in the form of a countdown on a display. Similarly, the time until the end of a predetermined unloading duration may also be displayed in the second cableway station 2b.

[0055] However, alternatively or additionally, the signaling device 11 may also be configured to, for example, reproduce audible warning signals and / or electronic signals. For example, a characteristic signal tone may be reproduced (issued) for each of the various transport operation modes. A warning tone may also be generated at the end of the loading or unloading duration, warning before the imminent start of the loop cableway 1. In particular, for cableways with only a few operators, the signaling device 11 may be configured to send electronic signals to mobile terminal devices, such as smartphones or tablets. Thus, a colleague of an operator not currently at one of the cableway stations 2a-2c can be informed of the transport operation mode, for example, that an object O is about to arrive. It is thus clear that there are many possibilities regarding how the signaling device 11 can be specifically designed and constructed, making a closed enumeration (exhaustive listing) of this possibility impossible. Depending on the specific implementation of the loop cableway 1, a suitable signaling device 11 may be installed in one or more cableway stations 2a-2c.

[0056] The illustrated loop cableway 1 is constructed as a gondola cableway, wherein each of the multiple cableway vehicles 3 includes a gondola K. However, the invention is not limited to this, but can also be used to construct a loop cableway 1 as a combined cableway. In this case, the multiple cableway vehicles 3 include multiple cableway vehicles 3 with chairlifts (chairlift vehicles) for accommodating passengers and multiple cableway vehicles 3 with gondola K (gondola vehicles). Typically, a certain number of chairlift vehicles and a certain number of gondola vehicles are provided alternately. For example, three chairlift vehicles may be followed by one gondola vehicle, etc. Typically, in the case of a combined cableway, a separate boarding or disembarking area is provided for the chairlift vehicles. The detection devices D1 and D2 according to the invention are similar here. Figure 1 The gondola-type cable cars shown are respectively located in the loading area 6 or unloading area 10 for gondola vehicles.

Claims

1. A circulating ropeway (1) having at least two ropeway stations and having a plurality of ropeway vehicles (3) which can be moved between the ropeway stations by means of a transport cable (4), wherein The plurality of cable car vehicles (3) each have a cabin (K) for accommodating an object (O), and wherein a control unit (5) for controlling the circulating cableway (1) is provided, characterized in that a first detection device (D1) is provided in the first cableway station (2a), the first detection device being configured to detect an object (O) in the loading area (6) of the first cableway station (2a) for loading the cabin (K) of the cable car vehicle (3), and to determine the object type for the object (O), and the control unit (5) being configured to operate the circulating cableway (1) in a defined transport operation mode if the object type determined for the detected object (O) is a known object type.

2. The circulating cableway (1) as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first detection device (D1) has at least one camera (7) for sensing the loading area (6) and has an evaluation unit (8) configured to detect an object (O) located in the loading area (6) from multiple images sensed by the at least one camera (7) and determine the object type for the object (O).

3. The circulating cableway (1) as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The at least one camera (7) includes a 3D camera, an infrared camera, or a video camera.

4. The loop cableway (1) as described in claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The evaluation unit (8) stores an image recognition model.

5. The loop cableway (1) as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The loop cableway (1) is provided with a drive device (9) for driving the cableway vehicle (3). The transport operation mode includes a loading operation mode. The control unit (5) is configured to control the drive device (9) in the loading operation mode to stop driving the cableway vehicle (3) for a determined loading duration or reduce the transport speed for a determined loading duration when the rail vehicle (3) is located in the loading area (6) of the first cableway station (2a) at the loading time.

6. The circulating cableway (1) as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The loading time is determined based on the detection time, at which the first detection device (D1) detects an object (O) of a known object type.

7. The circulating cableway (1) as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The transport operation mode includes an unloading operation mode, and the control unit (5) is configured to control the drive unit (9) in the unloading operation mode such that when the cable car (3) carrying the object (O) of the known object type is located in the determined unloading area (10) of the second cable car station (2b) at the unloading time, the drive of the cable car (3) is stopped for a determined unloading duration, or the transport speed is reduced for a determined unloading duration.

8. The loop cableway (1) as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Car doors (12) are provided at the cars (K) of the plurality of cable cars (3); a door operating device (13) for operating the car doors (12) is provided, which can be controlled by the control unit (5); the transport operation mode includes a pass-through operation mode; and the control unit (5) is configured such that, in the pass-through operation mode, the door operating device (13) is controlled such that, when the cable car (3) is loaded with an object (O) of the known object type, the car doors (12) are closed in a defined pass-through area of ​​the cable car station.

9. The loop cableway (1) as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The control unit (5) is configured to determine the unloading time based on the running time of the cable car (3) between the loading area (6) and the unloading area (10) and / or based on the undefined vehicle identifier (X) of the cable car (3).

10. The loop cableway (1) as described in claim 9, characterized in that, A first vehicle identification device is provided in the first cableway station (2a). The first vehicle identification device is configured to detect the vehicle identification mark (X) of the cableway vehicle (3) located in the loading area (6). The control unit (5) is configured to use the detected vehicle identification mark (X) to determine the unloading time.

11. The loop cableway (1) as described in claim 10, characterized in that, A second vehicle identification device is provided in the second cableway station (2b). The second vehicle identification device is configured to detect the vehicle identification mark (X) of the cableway vehicle (3). The control unit (5) is configured to determine the unloading time based on the detected vehicle identification mark (X).

12. The loop cableway (1) as described in claim 11, characterized in that, The second vehicle identification device has a second detection device (D2) with at least one camera (7) and an evaluation unit (8).

13. The loop cableway (1) as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, A signaling device (11) is provided in at least one cableway station, and the control unit (5) is configured to control the signaling device to issue a signal (S) when the circulating cableway (1) is in the transport operation mode.

14. The loop cableway (1) as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The circulating cableway (1) is constructed as a gondola cableway, wherein each of the plurality of cableway vehicles (3) includes a gondola (K), or the circulating cableway (1) is constructed as a combined cableway, wherein the plurality of cableway vehicles (3) includes a plurality of cableway vehicles (3) with chairlifts and a plurality of cableway vehicles (3) with gondolas (K).

15. The loop cableway (1) as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The defined object types include at least one of the following: suitcases, transport pallets, crates, transport vehicles, bicycles, strollers, wheelchairs, scooters, and objects exceeding the specified dimensions.

16. A method for operating a loop cableway (1), the loop cableway having at least two cableway stations and having a plurality of cableway vehicles (3) movable between the cableway stations by means of transport cables (4), wherein, The plurality of cable car vehicles (3) each have a cabin (K) for accommodating objects (O), and wherein the circulating cableway (1) is controlled by a control unit (5), characterized in that an object (O) loaded into a cabin (K) of a cable car vehicle (3) in a loading area (6) of a first cableway station (2a) is detected by a first detection device (D1), and the object type is determined for the object (O). If the object type determined for the detected object (O) is a known object type, then the control unit (5) operates the circulating cableway (1) in a defined transport operation mode.

17. The method as described in claim 16, characterized in that, Using at least one camera (7) as a first detection device (D1), the loading area (6) is sensed by means of the camera; using an evaluation unit (8), the evaluation unit detects objects (O) located in the loading area (6) from multiple images sensed by the at least one camera (7), and determines the object type for the objects (O).

18. The method as described in claim 17, characterized in that, Use a 3D camera or an infrared camera as at least one of the cameras (7).

19. The method as described in claim 17 or 18, characterized in that, The evaluation unit (8) stores an image recognition model.

20. The method as described in claim 16 or 17, characterized in that, The transport operation mode includes a loading operation mode, wherein, in the loading operation mode, at the loading time when the cable car vehicle (3) is located in the loading area (6) of the first cable car station (2a), for a determined loading duration, the drive of the cable car vehicle (3) is stopped, or the transport speed is reduced for a determined loading duration.

21. The method as described in claim 20, characterized in that, The loading time depends on the detection time, at which the object (O) of the identified object type is detected by the first detection device (D1).

22. The method as described in claim 20, characterized in that, The transport operation mode includes an unloading operation mode, wherein, in the unloading operation mode, at the unloading moment when the cable car (3) carrying an object (O) of a known object type is located in the unloading area (10) of a known or determinable second cable car station (2b), for a determined unloading duration, the drive of the cable car (3) is stopped, or the transport speed is reduced for the determined unloading duration.

23. The method as described in claim 16, characterized in that, The transport operation mode includes a pass-through operation mode, wherein, in the case of a cable car (3) carrying an object (O) of the known object type, the car door (12) of the car (K) remains closed in the defined pass-through area (20) of the cable car station (2c).

24. The method as described in claim 22, characterized in that, The unloading time is determined based on the running time of the cable car (3) between the loading area (6) and the unloading area (10) and / or based on the unidirectional vehicle identifier (X) of the cable car (3).

25. The method as described in claim 24, characterized in that, The control unit (5) uses the detected vehicle identifier (X) of the cable car (3) located in the loading area (6) of the first cable car station (2a) to determine the unloading time.

26. The method as described in claim 25, characterized in that, The second vehicle identification device is used to detect the vehicle identifier (X) of the cable car (3) in the unloading area (10) of the second cable car station (2b), and the control unit (5) determines the unloading time based on the detected vehicle identifier (X).

27. The method as described in claim 26, characterized in that, A second detection device (D2) having at least one camera (7) and an evaluation unit (8) is used as a second vehicle detection device.

28. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 18, characterized in that, In at least one of the cableway stations, when the loop cableway (1) is operating in the transport operation mode, the signal (S) is reproduced by means of a signaling device (11).

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