Chassis for a gondola of a gondola lift system, support device for gondolas of a gondola lift system, gondola for a gondola lift system, gondola lift system and method for controlling a chassis

Description

State of the art

[0001] The invention is based on a device or a method according to the class of the independent claims. The present invention also relates to a computer program.

[0002] For example, cable cars for use in urban environments typically have a drive system external to the cabin in the form of a traction cable or similar. For such cable cars, branching of the track can usually be achieved at specially designed intermediate stations. For cable cars with internal drive systems, a track change can usually be achieved using active switches operated by the infrastructure. For the technical details, see DE2429887 A1. Disclosure of the invention

[0003] Against this background, the approach presented here presents a chassis for a gondola of a gondola lift system, support means for gondolas of a gondola lift system, a gondola for a gondola lift system, a gondola lift system, and a method for controlling a chassis, furthermore, a control device that uses this method, and finally, a corresponding computer program according to the main claims. The measures listed in the dependent claims enable advantageous refinements and improvements of the device specified in the independent claim.

[0004] According to embodiments, a route selection or route selection for rail or cable car concepts can be implemented with passive switches. This can be used, for example, for a local transport system based on autonomously operating, individually electrically powered cabins on the infrastructure of a cable car with fixed suspension cables or a rigid track. In this case, route flexibility can be increased, particularly compared to conventional urban cable cars, for example, circulating cable cars with connectable cabins. In contrast to conventional switch concepts, passive switches can be provided, in particular, whereby the selection of the route can be carried out solely by suitable actuators on the gondola, more precisely a chassis of the gondola. Such switches can thus be implemented without their own actuators. A topology for active switches can thus be implemented, i.e.for switches that can set a desired route state through suitable nacelle-side actuators through suitable communication with an approaching nacelle. Optionally, a central signal box that can transmit switching commands to a nacelle can be dispensed with. For example, it can be provided that the nacelle is assigned a destination and possibly general waypoints. In particular, a sequence of switching operations can be determined on the nacelle side based on a current position and a structure of a route network stored in the nacelle control unit. A switch can be triggered, for example, when approaching a switch or junction point, either by a satellite navigation signal or a signal transmitter, e.g. magnetic, on the route, which can mark an upcoming switch and optionally also uniquely identify it.

[0005] Advantageously, a power supply, actuators, a communication unit, and safety systems, such as software, mechanical, electrical, or similar, which prevent travel through a defective switch, e.g., when it is half-open, or other elements can be omitted, particularly on the track side for switches. Depending on requirements, such elements can be omitted entirely, or fallback levels or redundancies can be eliminated. In addition, passive switches can increase line capacity, since switching can, by design, occur directly while the switch is being passed without braking. Therefore, by design, no additional safety distances need to be maintained between gondolas for switching times or emergency braking in the event of defects detected during switching.In particular, it is possible to easily influence the route of a cable car with individual gondolas, thus creating branches and stations in a simplified manner. In combination with individually powered gondolas without predetermined routes and a cost-effective infrastructure based on pylons and cables, it is possible to create, for example, extensive route networks that differ from the linear layout of conventional cable cars, trams, or local trains. This can improve the accessibility of urban areas. Unlike conventional urban cable cars, flexible route layouts can be achieved. Since no movable cable or traction cable is required, the route does not have to follow a straight line.Directional changes are possible not only at intermediate stations, but at all switches, which can save additional drives and thus costs. Such a system, with individually driven gondola units, allows direction changes at every pylon or, in the case of a fixed track, at every switch along the route.

[0006] A running gear for a gondola of a gondola lift system is presented, the running gear being intended for use with support means of the gondola lift system, the running gear having the following features: a chassis frame coupled or coupleable to a cabin of the gondola via a support arm; at least one running wheel rotatably mounted or mountable on the chassis frame for traveling on a running device of the support means; a guide unit coupled or coupleable to the chassis frame via a pivotable boom, wherein the guide unit has a guide element for positive locking with one of two guide devices of the support means and an actuator element for positive locking with one of two actuator devices of the support means rigidly coupled to the running device for deflecting the running device; and at least one actuator for pivoting the boom with the guide unit in order to selectively establish the positive locking with one of the guide devices and one of the actuator devices at a branching point of the support means for selecting the travel path of the gondola.

[0007] The cabin can be open or closed. The cabin can also be designed as a trough, a basket, or the like. The cabin can be designed to transport people and, additionally or alternatively, goods. A chassis frame can be understood as a load-bearing frame structure for supporting the gondola. A support arm can be understood as a rod-shaped or tubular component that is articulated to the chassis frame or the cabin. The support means can comprise at least one suspension rail and, additionally or alternatively, at least one suspension cable. A suspension rail can be understood as a rail for suspending a gondola, along which the gondola can be moved in a suspended position. In contrast to a revolving haulage cable, a suspension cable can be understood as a fixed cable that can be stretched over one or more pylons or fixed to other structural elements such as buildings, secondary suspension cables, or bridges.The at least one running device can be designed as a suspended rail or a supporting cable, or as part of a suspended rail or a supporting cable. Each of the guiding devices can be designed as a suspended rail or a rail. Each of the actuator devices can be designed as a suspended rail or a rail. The actuator can be designed as at least one electric motor or other actuator. The actuator can be coupled or coupleable to the boom directly or via a gear. The undercarriage can have a plurality of running wheels.

[0008] According to one embodiment, the guide unit can have at least one pair of rollers. The pair of rollers can have a guide roller as the guide element and an actuator roller as the actuator element. The guide roller and the actuator roller can have a common axis of rotation. The guide roller and the actuator roller can each be designed, for example, as a vertically, horizontally, or obliquely aligned guide roller. Such an embodiment offers the advantage of enabling simple and reliable deflection of the running device according to the selected travel path.

[0009] The guide element and the actuator element can also be arranged on the boom in a fixed position relative to each other. Additionally or alternatively, the boom with the guide unit can be arranged ahead of the at least one running wheel in the direction of travel of the undercarriage. Such an embodiment offers the advantage that, depending on the selected travel path, a deflection of the running gear in the area of ​​a branching point of the support means can be achieved in a reliable and positively guided manner. This can also be done in good time before the undercarriage reaches the branching point.

[0010] Furthermore, the undercarriage can have a drive unit for driving the at least one running wheel and additionally or alternatively the guide unit. A drive unit can be understood as at least one electric motor. The drive unit can optionally comprise a transmission. The undercarriage can also have a current collector arranged or arrangeable on the undercarriage frame for electrically contacting a conductor section of the support means. The current collector can be designed, for example, as a pivotable arm. In this case, the drive unit can be or can be connected electrically to the current collector. Such an embodiment offers the advantage that a nacelle-specific drive can be implemented in a simple and safe manner.

[0011] Support means for gondolas of a gondola lift system are also presented, wherein the support means are intended for use with an embodiment of the above-mentioned chassis, wherein the support means have the following features: a running device over which at least one running wheel of the chassis can travel; and two guide devices and two actuator devices for positive engagement with the guide unit of the chassis, wherein each of the actuator devices is rigidly coupled to the running device for deflecting the running device.

[0012] The support means may be configured to provide safe travel paths for gondolas, each of which comprises an embodiment of the aforementioned undercarriage. The support means may further comprise pylons, supports, or the like for securing the running gear and the guide devices, as well as the actuator devices.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the running device can be arranged in the region of at least one branching point of the support means between two pairs, each consisting of a guide device and an actuator device. Thus, a first pair consisting of a first guide device and a first actuator device and a second pair consisting of a second guide device and a second actuator device can be provided. Each of the pairs can be assigned to a branch of the support means. Outside the branching point, the support means can only have the running device. Such an embodiment offers the advantage that the travel path selection can be achieved reliably, inexpensively, and only in the region of branching points using the guide devices and actuator devices.

[0014] Each pair can have a threading section for each direction of travel of the gondolas for threading the landing gear guide unit into the guide device and the actuator device of the pair. Each threading section can be funnel-shaped or tapered in some other way. Such a design offers the advantage of avoiding errors when crossing a branching point and enforcing a safe route selection.

[0015] The support means can also have at least one branching point. In this case, the running device can have a deflectable, separated subsection in the region of the at least one branching point, which is coupled to the actuator devices. The subsection can be arranged between the two pairs, each consisting of a guide device and an actuator device. "Separated" can mean that the subsection is decoupled from other sections of the running device outside the branching point. Such an embodiment offers the advantage that the route selection at the branching point can be implemented on the infrastructure side using just one movably arranged component, the subsection.

[0016] In this case, the subsection can be selectively deflected by the actuator device that is in positive engagement with the control unit of the chassis. In this case, the subsection can release a first travel path in an undeflected rest position and can release a second travel path in a deflected position. Thus, the subsection can remain undeflected in the rest position by a first actuator device that is assigned to the first travel path when there is a positive engagement between the control unit and the first actuator device. Furthermore, the subsection can be deflected into the deflected position by a second actuator device that is assigned to the second travel path when there is a positive engagement between the control unit and the second actuator device. Such a

[0017] A gondola for a gondola lift system is also presented, with the gondola having the following features: an embodiment of the aforementioned chassis; a cabin, wherein the chassis is coupled to the cabin via the support arm.

[0018] The gondola can be moved safely and reliably along the support means of the gondola lift system using an embodiment of the above-mentioned chassis.

[0019] A gondola lift system is also presented, with the gondola lift system having the following features: at least one example of an embodiment of the aforementioned gondola; and an embodiment of the aforementioned support means, wherein the support means are configured to support the at least one gondola.

[0020] In the gondola lift system, the support means and the at least one gondola can advantageously cooperate to carry out a safe transport of the at least one gondola along the support means in the gondola lift system.

[0021] A method for controlling an embodiment of the above-mentioned chassis is also presented, the method comprising the following steps: Reading in a satellite navigation signal and / or a sensor signal generated using at least one environmental sensor arranged on the nacelle and / or on the support means and / or a control signal generated using a central server device and / or a mobile terminal; and generating a control signal for controlling the at least one actuator using the satellite navigation signal and / or the sensor signal and / or the control signal.

[0022] This method can be implemented, for example, in software or hardware, or in a hybrid form of software and hardware, for example in a control unit. A satellite navigation signal can be understood as a signal for determining a position provided by a satellite system such as GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, or Beidou. The environmental sensor(s) can be, for example, one or more radar, lidar, or ultrasonic sound sensors, one or more cameras, or combinations of the aforementioned sensors. The central server device can, in particular, be a cloud server. A mobile device can be understood as, for example, a smartphone, tablet, or laptop.The at least one actuator can be designed to pivot the boom with the control unit using the control signal in order to selectively establish the positive connection with one of the control devices and one of the actuator devices at a branching point of the support means for selecting the travel path of the gondola.

[0023] The approach presented here further provides a control unit configured to perform, control, or implement the steps of a variant of a method presented here in corresponding devices. This embodiment of the invention in the form of a control unit also allows the problem underlying the invention to be solved quickly and efficiently. The control unit can be designed as part of the landing gear or nacelle. Thus, the landing gear or nacelle can incorporate the control unit.

[0024] For this purpose, the control unit can have at least one computing unit for processing signals or data, at least one memory unit for storing signals or data, at least one interface to a sensor or an actuator for reading sensor signals from the sensor or for outputting control signals to the actuator, and / or at least one communication interface for reading or outputting data embedded in a communication protocol. The computing unit can be, for example, a signal processor, a microcontroller, or the like, wherein the memory unit can be a flash memory, an EPROM, or a magnetic storage unit.The communication interface can be designed to read in or output data wirelessly and / or wired, wherein a communication interface that can read in or output wired data can read this data, for example, electrically or optically from a corresponding data transmission line or output it to a corresponding data transmission line.

[0025] In this context, a control unit can be understood as an electrical device that processes sensor signals and outputs control and / or data signals depending on them. The control unit can have an interface that can be implemented in hardware and / or software. In a hardware implementation, the interfaces can, for example, be part of a so-called system ASIC, which contains a wide variety of functions of the control unit. However, it is also possible for the interfaces to be separate integrated circuits or to consist at least partially of discrete components. In a software implementation, the interfaces can be software modules that are present, for example, on a microcontroller alongside other software modules.

[0026] Also advantageous is a computer program product or computer program with program code that can be stored on a machine-readable carrier or storage medium such as a semiconductor memory, a hard disk memory or an optical memory and is used to carry out, implement and / or control the steps of the method according to one of the embodiments described above, in particular when the program product or program is executed on a computer or a device.

[0027] Embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawings and explained in more detail in the following description. It shows: Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a gondola lift system according to an embodiment; Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of a gondola lift system according to an embodiment; Fig. 3 shows a schematic representation of the gondola lift system from Fig. 2 ; Fig. 4 a schematic representation of the gondola lift system from Fig. 2 or Fig. 3 ; Fig. 5a schematic representation of the gondola lift system from Fig. 2, Fig. 3 or Fig. 4 ; Fig. 6a schematic representation of the gondola lift system from Fig. 2, Fig. 3 , Fig. 4 or Fig. 5 ; Fig. 7 a schematic representation of the gondola lift system from Fig. 2, Fig. 3 , Fig. 4, Fig. 5 or Fig. 6 ; Fig. 8a schematic representation of the gondola lift system from Fig. 2, Fig. 3 , Fig. 4, Fig. 5 , Fig. 6 or Fig. 7 ; Fig. 9a schematic representation of the gondola lift system from Fig. 2, Fig. 3 , Fig. 4, Fig. 5 , Fig. 6, Fig. 7 or Fig. 8 ; Fig. 10 shows a schematic representation of a gondola lift system according to an embodiment; Fig. 11 shows a schematic representation of a control device according to an embodiment; and Fig. 12 shows a flowchart of a method according to an embodiment.

[0028] In the following description of advantageous embodiments of the present invention, the same or similar reference numerals are used for the elements shown in the various figures and having a similar effect, whereby a repeated description of these elements is omitted.

[0029] Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a gondola lift system 100 according to an embodiment. The gondola lift system 100 has at least one gondola 110 and support means 140 for supporting the at least one gondola 110. According to the embodiment shown here, the support means 140 are designed as rails for suspending and / or supporting the at least one gondola 110. In the illustration of Fig. 1 only one gondola 110 is shown as an example.

[0030] The gondola 110 has a cabin 115. The cabin 115 can be a closed cabin or an open cabin, for example, a trough or a trough. The cabin 115 can be used to transport people, animals, and / or goods. Furthermore, the gondola 110 has a chassis 120. The chassis 120 is intended for use with the support means 140 of the gondola lift system 100. In other words, the chassis 120 of the gondola 110 serves to travel on the support means 140.

[0031] The chassis 120 comprises a chassis frame 122 or a chassis, a support arm 124, at least one running wheel 126, a guide unit 128 with a guide element 130 and an actuator element 132, a boom 134 and at least one actuator 136. In the illustration of Fig. 1 Four running wheels 126 are shown. According to one embodiment, the support arm 124 can also be designed as part of the cabin 115. The chassis frame 122 is coupled to the cabin 115 via the support arm 124. Thus, the chassis 120 is coupled to the cabin 115 via the support arm 124. The running wheels 126 and the boom 134 are mounted on the chassis frame 122. The guide element 130 and the actuator element 132 are mounted on the boom 134.

[0032] The support means 140 are designed to be used with the undercarriage 120 of the at least one gondola 110. In other words, the support means 140 can be driven over by the undercarriage 120. The support means 140 have a running device 142 and two guide devices 144 as well as two actuator devices 146. In Fig. 1 For reasons of illustration, only a guide device 144 and an actuator device 146 are shown. The running device 142 can be driven over by at least one running wheel 126 of the chassis 120. In other words, the running device 142 represents a travel path for the chassis 120. In the illustration of Fig. 1 A movable or deflectable section of the running device 142 is shown. A possible movement or deflection of the section of the running device 142 shown here is symbolically illustrated by a bidirectional arrow. Each of the actuator devices 146 is rigidly coupled to the running device 142 for deflecting the running device 142. The guide devices 144 and the actuator devices 146 are designed for positive engagement with the guide unit 128 of the chassis 120. More precisely, each guide device 144 is designed as a guide rail, and each actuator device 146 is designed as an actuator rail.

[0033] The running wheels 126 of the undercarriage 120 are rotatably mounted on the undercarriage frame 122 or chassis. Furthermore, each of the running wheels 126 is shaped or configured to travel on the running device 142 of the support means 140. The guide unit 128 is coupled to the undercarriage frame 122 via the pivoting boom 134. The guide unit 128 has the guide element 130 and the actuator element 132. The guide element 130 is shaped for a positive fit with optionally one of the guide devices 144 of the support means 140. The actuator element 132 is shaped for a positive fit with optionally one of the actuator devices 146 of the support means 140.

[0034] According to the exemplary embodiment shown here, the guide unit 128 has at least one pair of rollers or is formed as at least one pair of rollers. The pair of rollers of the guide unit 128 has a guide roller as the guide element 130 and an actuator roller as the actuator element 132. The guide roller or the guide element 130 and the actuator roller or the actuator element 132 have a common axis of rotation. Furthermore, the guide element 130 and the actuator element 132 are arranged stationary relative to each other on the boom 134. Even if it is in Fig. 1 Although this cannot be shown implicitly, the boom 134 with the guide unit 128 is arranged ahead of at least one running wheel 126 in the direction of travel of the landing gear 120. In other words, the guide unit 128 reaches a branching point of the support means 140 ahead of the running wheels 126 in the direction of travel of the nacelle 110.

[0035] For pivoting the boom 134 with the guide unit 128, the chassis 120 further comprises at least one actuator 136. To select the travel path of the gondola 110 at a branching point of the support means 140, by pivoting the boom 134 with the guide unit 128, the gondola can be selectively positively connected to one of the guide devices 144 and one of the actuator devices 146. At a branching point of the support means 140, a pair of one of the guide devices 144 and one of the actuator devices 146 is assigned to one of two travel paths for the at least one gondola 110. At the branching point, the running device 142 can be selectively deflected by the actuator device 146 that is in positive connection with the guide unit 128, more precisely, the actuator element 132.

[0036] Each gondola 110 of the gondola lift system 100 also has a drive unit for driving the at least one running wheel 126 and / or the guide unit 128. The drive unit is, for example, part of the chassis 120. In Fig. 1 The drive unit is not explicitly shown due to the nature of the illustration.

[0037] In Fig. 1 The gondola lift system 100 is shown in a partial sectional view transverse to a longitudinal axis of the support means 140 in the region of the movable track section. The longitudinal axis represents a movement axis of the at least one gondola 110 along the support means 140. In the illustration of Fig. 1 There is a positive connection between the guide unit 128 and one of the guide devices 144 and one of the actuator devices 146, more precisely between the guide element 130 and one of the guide devices 144 and between the actuator element 132 and one of the actuator devices 146.

[0038] Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of a gondola lift system 100 according to an embodiment. The gondola lift system 100 corresponds to or is similar to the gondola lift system of Fig. 1 . Here, the cable car system 100 shown in the illustration of Fig. 2 The chassis 120, the boom 134, and the guide unit 128 of a nacelle, as well as the running gear 142, the guide gear 144, and the actuator gear 146 of the support means are shown. Furthermore, a deflectable section 242 of the running gear 142 and threading sections 248 of the support means are shown. Fig. 2 shows a top view of a junction or switch of the support means in a travel situation from the switch end in a straight direction or through direction. The direction of travel of the gondola is symbolically illustrated by an arrow on the chassis 120.

[0039] In the region of the branching point, the running device 142 has a deflectable, separate section 242 that is coupled to both actuator devices 146. In other words, the running device 142 is designed to be deflectable in the region of the branching point by one of the actuator devices 146. Here, the section 242 can be selectively deflected by the actuator device 146 that is in positive engagement with the guide unit 128 of the chassis 120.

[0040] The running device 142, including the subsection 242, is arranged in the region of the branching point between two pairs, each consisting of a guide device 144 and an actuator device 146. Each pair, each consisting of a guide device 144 and an actuator device 146, has a threading section 248 or an insertion geometry for threading the guide unit 128 of the landing gear 120 into the guide device 144 and the actuator device 146 of the pair for each direction of travel of the gondolas.

[0041] In the presentation of Fig. 2 There is a positive connection between the guide unit 128 and the pair shown on the left in the illustration, consisting of a guide device 144 and an actuator device 146.

[0042] Fig. 3 shows a schematic representation of the gondola lift system 100 from Fig. 2 . The representation in Fig. 3 the representation from Fig. 2 with the exception that a plan view of the branching point or switch of the support means in a travel situation is shown from the switch end in the branching direction, wherein there is a positive connection between the guide unit 128 and the pair shown in the illustration on the right consisting of a guide device 144 and an actuator device 146, and that an area 350 with a constantly deflected switch for the crossing of the chassis is also shown.

[0043] Fig. 4 shows a schematic representation of the gondola lift system 100 from Fig. 2 or Fig. 3 . The representation in Fig. 4 corresponds to the representation from Fig. 2 with the exception that a driving situation from the beginning of the switch is shown.

[0044] Fig. 5 shows a schematic representation of the gondola lift system 100 from Fig. 2, Fig. 3 or Fig. 4 . The representation in Fig. 5 corresponds to the representation from Fig. 3 with the exception that a driving situation from the beginning of the switch is shown.

[0045] Fig. 6 shows a schematic representation of the gondola lift system 100 from Fig. 2, Fig. 3 , Fig. 4 or Fig. 5 . The representation in Fig. 6 a driving situation that occurred before that shown in Fig. 4 lies when the gondola approaches from the beginning of the switch. Only one entry side of the branching point of the support means is shown. The boom 134 with the guide unit 128 is pivoted toward the threading section 248 shown on the left in the illustration for straight-ahead travel.

[0046] Fig. 7 shows a schematic representation of the gondola lift system 100 from Fig. 2, Fig. 3 , Fig. 4, Fig. 5 or Fig. 6 . The representation in Fig. 7 represents a driving situation that occurred before that in the representation of Fig. 5 when the gondola approaches from the beginning of the switch. The representation in Fig. 7 corresponds to the representation from Fig. 6 with the exception that the boom 134 with the guide unit 128 is pivoted in the direction of the threading section 248 shown on the right in the illustration for travel in the branching direction.

[0047] In Fig. 6 und Fig. 7 Thus, a gondola-side direction selection is illustrated using the example of an approach from the beginning of the switch. Fig. 6 The boom 134, which is swung out to the left, leads to a threading into the insertion geometry or the threading section 248 for a straight travel. In Fig. 7 the boom 134 swung out to the right leads to a threading into the insertion geometry or the threading section 248 for a travel in the branching direction.

[0048] Fig. 8 shows a schematic representation of the gondola lift system 100 from Fig. 2, Fig. 3 , Fig. 4, Fig. 5 , Fig. 6 or Fig. 7 . The representation in Fig. 8 the representation from Fig. 3 except that a fault is shown at a moment of jamming between the control unit 128 and the pair of control device 144 and actuator device 146 shown on the right, as well as a resulting emergency braking of the nacelle. In other words, Fig. 8 a representation of a fault at the moment of driving over a switch blocked in a deflected or partially deflected position from the switch end coming from the branch direction.

[0049] Fig. 9 shows a schematic representation of the gondola lift system 100 from Fig. 2, Fig. 3 , Fig. 4, Fig. 5 , Fig. 6, Fig. 7 or Fig. 8 . The representation in Fig. 9 the representation from Fig. 2 with the exception that a fault is shown at a moment of jamming between the guide unit 128 and the insertion geometry or the threading section 248 for the pair of guide device 144 and actuator device 146 shown on the left, as well as a resulting emergency braking of the nacelle. In other words, Fig. 9 a representation of an error case at the moment of driving over a switch blocked in a deflected or partially deflected position from the switch end coming from a straight direction.

[0050] Fig. 10 shows a schematic representation of a gondola lift system 100 according to an embodiment. The gondola lift system 100 corresponds to or is similar to the gondola lift system from one of the figures described above.

[0051] In the presentation of Fig. 10 A plurality of gondolas 110 and pylons 1048 for holding the support means 140 are shown. Shown is the principle of a sensor system and a wireless data exchange between autonomously operating gondolas 110 with their own cabin sensors 1000, which are designed, for example, to communicate wirelessly with a mobile phone mast 1002 or with communication devices 1004 mounted on the pylons 1048. For example, the cabin sensors 1000 each transmit a sensor signal 1005 representing the surroundings of the respective gondola 110 to the mobile phone mast 1002 or to other gondolas 110. In addition, the position of the gondolas 110 is determined, for example, via satellite using a corresponding satellite navigation signal 1006.

[0052] The communication devices 1004 are coupled, for example, to a server device 1008 in the form of a cloud-based control center for cabin routing and to a user interface for communication with a mobile terminal 1011. The server device 1008 is designed, for example, to generate a control signal 1014 using user data 1012 received via the user interface and to transmit it via the communication devices 1004 to a control device 1016 of the respective gondolas 110, wherein the control device 1016 uses the control signal 1014 to control the at least one actuator of the landing gear of the respective gondola 110. Additionally or alternatively, the control device 1016 uses the satellite navigation signal 1006 and / or the sensor signal 1005 to control the at least one actuator of the landing gear of the gondola 110.In addition, the control unit 1016 uses at least one of the above-mentioned signals to control the drive unit of the respective gondola 110.

[0053] According to one embodiment, a central signal box that can transmit switching commands to a gondola 110 can be dispensed with. Provision can be made to assign a destination and possibly general waypoints to the gondola 110. In particular, a sequence of switching operations is determined on the gondola side based on a current position and a structure of a track network stored in the control unit 1016. A switch is triggered, for example, upon approaching a switch or branching point, either based on the satellite navigation signal 1006 or another sensor signal from a signal generator, e.g., a magnetic one, on the track, which marks a switch ahead and optionally also uniquely identifies it.

[0054] Fig. 11 shows a schematic representation of a control unit 1016 according to an embodiment. The control unit 1016 is the Fig. 10 described control unit or a similar control unit. The control unit 1016 for controlling a landing gear of a nacelle comprises a reading device 1110 for reading the sensor signal 1005, the satellite navigation signal 1006, and / or the control signal 1014. A generating device 1120 of the control unit 1016 is configured to receive a signal 1112 output by the reading device 1110 using at least one of the three signals 1005, 1006, 1014 and to use it to generate a control signal 1122 for controlling the at least one actuator of the landing gear of the nacelle.

[0055] Fig. 12 shows a flowchart of a method 1200 according to an embodiment. The method 1200 can be executed to control the landing gear from one of the figures described above or a similar landing gear. The method 1200 is executed by a control unit, as described above with reference to Fig. 11 described, or a similar control device. The method 1200 can also be carried out in conjunction with a gondola lift system such as the gondola lift system from one of the figures described above or a similar gondola lift system. In a reading step 1210, the satellite navigation signal, the sensor signal, or the control signal, or at least two of the aforementioned signals, are read in. In a generating step 1220, the control signal for controlling the at least one actuator of the gondola's landing gear is subsequently generated using at least one of the three signals.

[0056] In the following, examples of implementation are summarized again and briefly explained in other words.

[0057] This application describes the possibility of implementing junctions and intersections in rail- or cable-based mobility concepts, i.e., gondola lift systems at 100. Exemplary embodiments are explained below using a gondola lift, cable car, or overhead railway system that travels at least partially on rails. A junction is implemented in which the direction-changing or direction-determining assemblies are located in the moving gondola 120 or in the gondola's suspension, more precisely in the chassis 120.

[0058] The basic principle is in the Figuren 1 , 2 und 3 shown schematically. The switch or branching point of the support means 140 has a classic arrangement with a flexible part of the track in the partial section 242, which can be deflected, for example, in the branching direction and thus opens the straight track in the rest position and closes a turning track. By way of example, this track is shown as a downwardly open profile into which the chassis 120 engages with support rollers and guide rollers in the form of the running wheels 126 and the guide unit 128. The switch can also be combined with any other track designs. In the passive switch shown here, a central aspect is the use of a roller arrangement or guide unit 128 attached to the leading boom 134, which, in interaction with auxiliary rails, the guide devices 144 and the actuator devices 146, actuates the switching of the switch through the forward movement of the gondola 110 during its passage.

[0059] The auxiliary rails, i.e., the guide devices 144 and the actuator devices 146, are each arranged in a similar paired arrangement on both sides of the travel path defined by the running device 142. The two paired arrangements each correspond to a direction of travel, as seen from the beginning of the switch. Fig. 6 und Fig. 7 show a bogie 120 approaching the start of the switch with two different travel direction settings. If the switch is to be followed in a straight line, at least one actuator 136 steers the boom 134 projecting from the bogie 120 in the direction of travel to the left, whereby the guide roller arrangement or guide unit 128 threads into the left guide rail arrangement comprising guide device 144 and actuator device 146 via the insertion geometry or threading section 248. As shown in Fig. 1 As shown, the guide unit 128 with the guide element 130 and the actuator element 132 has two rollers arranged one above the other, which run simultaneously in a downwardly opening groove in the upper guide rail, the guide device 144, and in an upwardly opening groove in the lower actuator rail, the actuator device 146. Since both rollers are firmly mounted on a common axis, both grooves, and thus the guide device 144 and the actuator device 146 or the guide rail and the actuator rail, are forced into the same position at the point of guide roller engagement or engagement of the guide unit 128.

[0060] Fig. 4 und Fig. 5 show the further course of the two scenarios from Fig. 6 und Fig. 7 . In the Fig. 4 In the straight direction of travel shown, the control device 144 and the actuator device 146 are already aligned in the home position of the switch. Therefore, no movement of the switch occurs; the primary goal is to lock the switch in the home position. Fig. 5 In the turning direction shown, the guide device 144 and the actuator device 146 run in different paths. When the guide unit 128 intervenes, this causes the actuator device 146, which is articulated and connected to the section 242 or the flexible part of the track, to be displaced to the right.

[0061] A special design results in essentially three zones in the interaction between the guide device 144 and the actuator device 146: When entering over a pivot point, a tangential and thus jerk-free and wear-free run of the wheels 126 is achieved. In a central area, the guide device 144 and the actuator device 146 are aligned along a defined section. This section is selected so that it corresponds to the full deflection of the guideway in the turning position. It is designed such that the guide unit 128 is located in this area as long as the chassis 120 passes over the separation point in the guideway. When exiting over the separation point of the pivoting actuator device 146, a tangential transition is again realized. The positioning of the guide device 144 and the actuator device 146 should be at a lateral distance from the guideway orof the running device 142, so that a blockage of the travel path can be prevented in any position. In the vertical direction, the guide device 144 and the actuator device 146 are arranged in a different plane than the travel path or the running device 142, as shown in FIG. Fig. 1 shown as an example below, so that a collision with the rigid parts of the guideway, such as the left pair of guide device 144 and actuator device 146 in Fig. 3 , can be prevented.

[0062] Embodiments also include safeguards against malfunctions. In contrast to conventional switches, a situation can be avoided in which a track briefly leads to empty areas during the switching process, or in which driving over an incorrectly set switch from the direction of the branching point could lead to problems. When branching points of the support means 140 are designed as passive switches, malfunctions generally lead to jamming or other blocking of the guide unit 128 and thus to an emergency braking of the gondola 110 on the track before a dangerous situation can occur. Two examples in this regard are shown in Fig. 8 und Fig. 9 shown. Extended insertion geometries or threading sections 248 are also used, which force even an incorrectly deflected boom into the guide rail arrangement consisting of guide device 144 and actuator device 146. This ensures that a gondola 110 can never enter a switch without a closure of the guideway caused by a simultaneous intervention in guide device 144 and actuator device 146. Fig. 2 For example, threading occurs independently of the pivoting position of the boom 134. An additional function of the boom 134 can be a built-in damper element or crash element, which can mitigate the resulting emergency braking in the event of a complete blockage of the guide unit 128.

[0063] If an embodiment includes an "and / or" link between a first feature and a second feature, this should be read as meaning that the embodiment according to one embodiment has both the first feature and the second feature and according to another embodiment has either only the first feature or only the second feature.

Claims

1. Running gear (120) for a gondola (110) of a gondola lift system (100), wherein the running gear (120) is intended for use with support means (140) of the gondola lift system (100), wherein the running gear (120) has the following features: a running gear frame (122) which can be coupled to a cabin (115) of the gondola (110) via a support arm (124); at least one running wheel (126), which is mounted or can be mounted rotatably on the running gear frame (122), for travelling on a running means (142) of the support means (140); a guide unit (128) coupled to the running gear frame (122) via a swivelling boom (134), wherein the guide unit (128) comprises a guide element (130) for positive locking with one of two guide means (144) of the support means (140) and an actuator element (132) for positive locking with one of two actuator means (146) of the support means (140) rigidly coupled to the running means (142) for deflecting the running means (142); and at least one actuator (136) for swivelling the boom (134) with the guide unit (128) in order to selectively establish a positive connection with one of the guide devices (144) and one of the actuator devices (146) at a branching point of the support means (140) for selecting the path of travel of the gondola (110).

2. Running gear (120) according to claim 1, in which the guide unit (128) has at least one pair of rollers, the pair of rollers having a guide roller as the guide element (130) and an actuator roller as the actuator element (132), the guide roller and the actuator roller having a common axis of rotation.

3. Running gear (120) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the guide element (130) and the actuator element (132) are arranged in a fixed position relative to one another on the boom (134), and / or wherein the boom (134) with the guide unit (128) is arranged to lead the at least one running wheel (126) in the direction of travel of the running gear (120).

4. Running gear (120) according to any one of the preceding claims, with a drive unit for driving the at least one running wheel (126) and / or the guide unit (128).

5. Support means (140) for gondolas (110) of a gondola lift system (100), the support means (140) being provided for use with the running gear (120) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the support means (140) have the following features: a running means (142) which can be travelled on by the at least one running wheel (126) of the running gear (120); and two guide devices (144) and two actuator devices (146) for positive locking with the guide unit (128) of the running gear (120), each of the actuator devices (146) being rigidly coupled to the running means (142) for deflecting the running device (142).

6. Support means (140) according to claim 5, in which the running means (142) is arranged in the region of at least one branching point of the support means (140) between two pairs of in each case one guide device (144) and one actuator device (146).

7. Support means (140) according to claim 6, wherein each pair comprises a threading section (248) for each direction of travel of the gondolas (110) for threading the guide unit (128) of the running gear (120) into the guide means (144) and the actuator means (146) of the pair.

8. Support means (140) according to any one of claims 5 to 7, with at least one branching point, wherein the running means (142) has a deflectable, detached partial section (242) in the region of the at least one branching point, which is coupled to the actuator devices (146).

9. Support means (140) according to claim 8, in which the partial section (242) can be deflected selectively by that one of the actuator devices (146) which is in positive engagement with the guide unit (128) of the running gear (120).

10. Gondola (110) for a gondola lift system (100), the gondola (110) having the following features: a running gear (120) according to any one of claims 1 to 4; a cabin (115), wherein the running gear (120) is coupled to the cabin (115) via the support arm (124).

11. Gondola lift system (100), wherein the gondola lift system (100) has the following features: at least one gondola (110) according to claim 10; and the support means (140) according to any one of claims 5 to 9, wherein the support means (140) are configured to support the at least one gondola (110).

12. Method (1200) for controlling a running gear (120) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the method (1200) comprises the following steps: reading (1210) a satellite navigation signal (1006) and / or a sensor signal (1005) generated using at least one environment sensor (1000) arranged on the gondola (110) and / or on the support means (140) and / or a control signal (1014) generated using a central server device (1008) and / or a mobile terminal device (1010); and generating (1220) a drive signal (1122) for driving the at least one actuator (136) using the satellite navigation signal (1006) and / or the sensor signal (1005) and / or the control signal (1014).

13. Control apparatus arranged to carry out the steps of the method (1200) according to claim 12 in corresponding units (1110, 1120).

14. Computer program adapted to perform the method (1200) according to claim 12.

15. Machine-readable storage medium on which the computer program according to claim 14 is stored.