CABLE CAR

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a circulating cable car with a first conveyor section having a first conveyor cable, and with a second conveyor section having a second conveyor cable, and with a connecting station connecting the two conveyor sections, wherein the first conveyor cable is deflected around a first cable pulley in the connecting station and the second conveyor cable is deflected around a second cable pulley in the connecting station, wherein several cable car vehicles are provided which are movable with the conveyor cables in the conveyor sections, wherein a connecting guide device is provided in the connecting station,along which cable car vehicles decoupled from the first conveyor cable in an entry area of ​​the first conveyor section are movable to an exit area of ​​the first conveyor section or to an exit area of ​​the second conveyor section, and along which cable car vehicles decoupled from the second conveyor cable in an entry area of ​​the second conveyor section are movable to the exit area of ​​the second conveyor section or to the exit area of ​​the first conveyor section. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for operating a circulating cable car.

[0002] Circulating cable cars with multiple, particularly two, conveying sections are known in the art. They are also referred to as multi-section cable cars. A separate conveying cable is provided for each conveying section, forming a closed cable loop along which a plurality of cable car vehicles can be moved in a known manner. A first conveying section typically connects a first terminal station with a middle station, and a second conveying section connects the middle station with a second terminal station. The middle station acts as a connecting station for selectively connecting the two conveying sections. Such circulating cable cars can be operated in various operating modes.

[0003] For example, only one conveyor section can be in operation at a time, while the other conveyor section is out of operation. In this case, only the cable car vehicles in the active conveyor section can be moved using the corresponding conveyor cable, while the cable car vehicles in the deactivated conveyor section are stationary. However, both conveyor sections can also be in operation at the same time. The two conveyor sections can be connected to each other, for example, via the connecting station, so that the cable car vehicles can be moved from the first end station of the first conveyor section via the connecting station to the second end station of the second conveyor section, similar to a single long circulating cable car. With a corresponding design of the circulating cable car, however, both conveyor sections could also be operated separately, so that the cable car vehicles are only moved in the first or second conveyor section.Thus, a number of cable car vehicles can be moved along the closed loop of the first conveying section formed by the first conveying cable between the first cable car station and the connecting station, and a number of cable car vehicles can be moved along the closed loop of the second conveying section formed by the second conveying cable between the connecting station and the second cable car station, similar to two separate circulating cable cars. A multi-section cable car therefore has the advantage that its operation can be very flexibly adapted to given conditions, such as weather or passenger volume.

[0004] AT 519826 A1, for example, discloses a multi-section cableway with a connecting station, wherein a first cable loop forms a first track along which cableway vehicles are movable, and a second cable loop forms a second track along which cableway vehicles are movable. The two cable loops are connected within the connecting station by means of a connecting guide device having four switches. This allows the aforementioned operating modes to be implemented. A disadvantage, however, is that the connecting station has a relatively large length in the direction of movement, meaning that the connecting station may not be usable in unfavorable locations.

[0005] For the technical background, reference is also made to EP 2331379 A1, FR 2933359 A1 and JP H01175560 A.

[0006] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a multi-section circulating cable car with a more compact connecting station.

[0007] The object is achieved according to the invention in that a circulating guide section is provided in the connecting guide device, which forms a closed conveyor loop along which the cable car vehicles are movable, in that a first switchable guide element is provided, which is displaceable between a closed position, in which it connects a first entry guide section of the connecting guide device provided in the entry area of ​​the first conveyor section with the circulating guide section, and an open position, in that a second switchable guide element is provided, which is displaceable between a closed position, in which it connects a first exit guide section of the connecting guide device provided in the exit area of ​​the first conveyor section with the circulating guide section, and an open position, in that a third switchable guide element is provided, which is displaceable between a closed position,in which it connects a second entry guide section of the connecting guide device, provided in the entry area of ​​the second conveyor section, with the circulating guide section, and is displaceable between an open position, and a fourth switchable guide element is provided, which is displaceable between a closed position, in which it connects a second exit guide section of the connecting guide device, provided in the exit area of ​​the second conveyor section, with the circulating guide section, and an open position. This creates a connecting station that can be built significantly shorter than known comparable connecting stations. The circulating guide section essentially functions as a central roundabout, over which the cable car vehicles can be moved in a desired direction.

[0008] Preferably, a control unit is provided for controlling the circulating cable car, and each switchable guide element has an actuating device that can be controlled by the control unit to move the respective switchable guide element between the closed position and the open position. The actuating devices of the switchable guide elements preferably each have at least one of the following electrically controllable actuators: hydraulic cylinder, pneumatic cylinder, electric motor. This allows a desired switching position of the switchable guide elements to be controlled centrally and preferably automatically via the control unit of the cable car. These actuators allow for the proven and reliable generation of a sufficient actuating force.

[0009] Preferably, the control unit is designed to operate the circulating cable car in a first conveying operating mode, in which the actuating devices of the first switchable guide element and the second switchable guide element are controlled such that the first switchable guide element and the second switchable guide element are each in the closed position and the actuating devices of the third switchable guide element and the fourth switchable guide element are controlled such that the third switchable guide element and the fourth switchable guide element are each in the open position.Alternatively or additionally, the control unit is preferably designed to operate the circulating cable car in a second conveying operating mode, in which the actuating devices of the first switchable guide element and of the second switchable guide element are controlled such that the first switchable guide element and the second switchable guide element are each in the open position, the actuating devices of the third switchable guide element and of the fourth switchable guide element are controlled such that the third switchable guide element and the fourth switchable guide element are each in the closed position.Alternatively or additionally, the control unit is preferably designed to operate the circulating cable car in a third conveying operating mode, in which the actuating devices of all four switchable guide elements are controlled such that they are each in the closed position. As a result, in the first conveying operating mode, only the first conveying section can be operated and the second conveying section can be deactivated. Analogously, in the second conveying operating mode, only the second conveying section can be operated and the first conveying section can be deactivated. In the third conveying operating mode, the full length of both conveying sections can be utilized by connecting the two conveying sections and operating them simultaneously. This enables very flexible operation of the cable car, with only those parts required for the current operation being operated.

[0010] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the control unit can be designed to operate the circulating cable car in a fourth conveying operating mode, in which the actuating devices of the first switchable guide element and the second switchable guide element are controlled such that the first switchable guide element and the second switchable guide element are each in the closed position and the actuating devices of the third switchable guide element and the fourth switchable guide element are controlled such that the third switchable guide element and the fourth switchable guide element are each cyclically displaced between the closed position and the open position,so that a number of successive cable car vehicles can be moved alternately from the first conveyor section via the fourth switchable guide element in the closed position into the exit area of ​​the second conveyor section and at least one cable car vehicle immediately following the number of cable car vehicles can be moved along a part of the circulating guide section into the exit area of ​​the first conveyor section, wherein, n ∈ ℕ with ℕ ≥ 1 This allows both conveyor sections to be operated, similar to the third conveyor operating mode. However, unlike the third conveyor operating mode, the number of cable car vehicles, and thus the transport capacity, can be increased in the first conveyor section and decreased in the second conveyor section. For example, if n=1 is used, every second cable car vehicle in the first conveyor section can be moved back into the first conveyor section and looped between two cable car vehicles in the second conveyor section. If n=2, every third cable car vehicle can be looped back; if n=3, every fourth cable car vehicle can be looped back, and so on.

[0011] Additionally or alternatively, the control unit can also be designed to operate the circulating cable car in a fifth conveying operating mode, in which the actuating devices of the third switchable guide element and the fourth switchable guide element are controlled such that the third switchable guide element and the fourth switchable guide element are each in the closed position and the actuating devices of the first switchable guide element and the second switchable guide element are controlled such that the first switchable guide element and the second switchable guide element are each cyclically displaced between the closed position and the open position, so that a number of successive cable car vehicles can be moved alternately from the second conveying section via the second switchable guide element in the closed position into the exit area of ​​the first conveying section and at least one,the number of cable car vehicles immediately following, cable car vehicle along a part of the circulating guide section into the exit area of ​​the second conveyor section, wherein, n ∈ ℕ with ℕ ≥ 1 This allows both conveyor sections to be operated, similar to the third conveyor operating mode. However, unlike the third conveyor operating mode, the number of cable car vehicles and thus the transport capacity can be increased in the second conveyor section and decreased in the first conveyor section—essentially the opposite of the fourth conveyor operating mode.

[0012] Preferably, at least one sensor unit for detecting a switching state is provided for each of the switchable guide elements and the control unit is designed to control the circulating cable car depending on the switching states.

[0013] The control unit is preferably designed to operate the circulating cable car in the first conveying operating mode when the sensor units provided for the first and second switchable guide elements each determine a sensor variable representative of the closed position, and the sensor units provided for the third and fourth switchable guide elements each determine a sensor variable representative of the open position. Alternatively or additionally, the control unit is preferably designed to operate the circulating cable car in the second conveying operating mode when the sensor units provided for the first and second switchable guide elements each determine a sensor variable representative of the open position, and the sensor units provided for the third and fourth switchable guide elements each determine a sensor variable representative of the closed position.Alternatively or additionally, the control unit is preferably designed to operate the circulating cable car in the third conveying operating mode when the sensor units of all four switchable guide elements each determine a sensor variable representative of the closed position. This can increase operational reliability, since the respective operating mode is only implemented when it is ensured that none of the relevant switchable guide elements is still in the open state. The sensor units can, for example, comprise electrical switches that close or break an electrical circuit to detect the closed or open position. Other suitable sensors can also be used to detect the switching state, such as capacitive sensors or inductive sensors, magnetic sensors or optical sensors.

[0014] Preferably, a first drive device for driving the first conveyor cable of the first conveyor section and a second drive device for driving the second conveyor cable of the second conveyor section are provided. The control unit is configured to activate the first drive device and deactivate the second drive device in the first conveyor operating mode and / or to activate the second drive device and deactivate the first drive device in the second conveyor operating mode and / or to activate the first drive device and the second drive device in the third, fourth, and fifth conveyor operating modes. This allows only the drive device relevant for the respective operating mode to be operated automatically.

[0015] Advantageously, an auxiliary drive is also provided in the connecting station for moving the cable car vehicles decoupled from the conveyor cables along the connecting guide device, wherein the control unit is designed to control the auxiliary drive in the first conveyor operating mode such that the cable car vehicles decoupled from the first conveyor cable of the first conveyor section can be moved from the first entry guide section via a first part of the circulating guide section to the first exit guide section of the first conveyor section, in the second conveyor operating mode such that the cable car vehicles decoupled from the second conveyor cable of the second conveyor section can be moved from the second entry guide section via a second part of the circulating guide section to the second exit guide section of the second conveyor section, and in the third conveyor operating mode such thatthat the cable car vehicles decoupled from the first conveyor cable of the first conveyor section are movable from the first entry guide section via a third part of the circulating guide section to the second exit guide section of the second conveyor section, and the cable car vehicles decoupled from the second conveyor cable of the second conveyor section are movable from the second entry guide section via a fourth part of the circulating guide section to the first exit guide section of the first conveyor section.

[0016] This means that only the part of the auxiliary drive relevant for a conveying operating mode can be activated at any one time. The auxiliary drive can comprise, for example, a known tire conveyor, chain conveyor, or belt conveyor. A tire conveyor has, in a known manner, a plurality of driven friction wheels arranged one behind the other in the direction of movement along the guide device. The friction wheels interact with a friction lining of a cable car vehicle in order to drive the cable car vehicle decoupled from the conveying cable. A chain conveyor has a driven chain on which a plurality of carriers are arranged. The carriers interact with a component of the cable car vehicle, e.g. a cable clamp, in order to drive the cable car vehicle. A belt conveyor has a driven belt on which a plurality of carriers are arranged. The carriers interact with a component of the cable car vehicle, e.g.a cable clamp, to drive the cable car vehicle. A combination of different embodiments is also possible. For example, a chain or belt conveyor could be provided for the movement from an entry guide section to the circulating guide section or from the circulating guide section to an exit guide section, and a tire conveyor for the movement along the circulating guide section.

[0017] According to a preferred embodiment, the circulating guide section is circular, oval, or elliptical and preferably has a geometrically continuous curvature, particularly preferably with a G2 continuity. This allows the shape of the circulating guide section to be adapted, for example, to the available space in the connecting station, and enables a substantially jerk-free movement along the circulating guide section. Preferably, the entire guide device has a (G2) continuous curvature, so that jerk-free movement is also possible in the transition from the entry guide sections to the circulating guide section or from the circulating guide section to the exit guide sections. This increases comfort and also reduces wear.

[0018] In an advantageous embodiment, the circulating guide section has a first curved section and an opposite second curved section, wherein a convex side of the first curved section faces the first pulley of the first conveyor section and a convex side of the second curved section faces the second pulley of the second conveyor section. In addition, the circulating guide section preferably has a first straight section and an opposite parallel second straight section that connect the curved sections to form the closed conveyor loop, wherein the first switchable guide element and the fourth switchable guide element are connected to the first straight section in the closed position, and the second switchable guide element and the third switchable guide element are connected to the second straight section in the closed position.The curved sections are preferably designed as circular arc sections, and the switchable guide elements are preferably each pivotably connected to the associated entry guide section or exit guide section about an axis. This provides a preferred embodiment that enables a very compact design.

[0019] Advantageously, the cable car according to the invention is operated according to a method according to one of claims 12 to 18.

[0020] The present invention is described below with reference to the Figures 1 to 2 which show exemplary, schematic and non-limiting advantageous embodiments of the invention. Fig.1 a circulating cable car with a connecting station according to the state of the art, Fig.2 a connecting station of a circulating cable car in an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0021] Fig.1shows a schematically illustrated circulating cable car 1 in the form of a multi-section cable car according to the prior art. The circulating cable car 1 serves to illustrate the general mode of operation. For the sake of simplicity, the term cable car 1 is used synonymously with circulating cable car 1 below. The cable car 1 has a first conveyor section F1 with a first conveyor cable 2a and a second conveyor section F2 with a second conveyor cable 2b. The first conveyor section F1 has a first cable car station 3a, which is designed as an end station, and the second conveyor section F2 has a second cable car station 3b, which is also designed as an end station. For example, the first cable car station 3a could be a valley station in a valley of a ski area and the second cable car station 3b could be a mountain station on a mountain in the ski area, or vice versa. The transport of passengers would predominantly take place from the valley to the mountain.Cable cars are also increasingly being used as public transport in urban areas. Passenger transport can be essentially even in both directions. Furthermore, an incline is not necessarily required; transport could also be on level ground, for example.

[0022] Furthermore, a connecting station V is provided between the first cable car station 3a and the second cable car station 3b, which connects the two conveyor sections F1, F2. The first conveyor cable 2a of the first conveyor section F1 is deflected around a first cable pulley 5a in the first cable car station 3a and in the connecting station V in each case to form a closed cable loop. In the same way, the second conveyor cable 2a of the second conveyor section F2 is deflected around a second cable pulley 5b in the second cable car station 3b and in the connecting station V in each case to form a closed cable loop. Furthermore, several, preferably identical, cable car vehicles 4 are provided in the cable car 1. On the one hand, a number of cable car vehicles 4 can be moved with the first conveyor cable 2a in the first conveyor section F1, and a number of cable car vehicles 4 can be moved with the second conveyor cable 2b in the second conveyor section F2.Secondly, the two conveyor sections F1, F2 can be connected by the connecting station, whereby the two conveyor cables 2a, 2b essentially form a long cable loop along which the cable car vehicles 4 can be moved between the two end stations 3a, 3b. The cable car vehicles 4 are designed here, for example, as cabin vehicles and each have a cabin for accommodating persons and / or objects. In principle, however, chair vehicles could also be provided, each having a chair for accommodating persons.

[0023] A first guide device 6a is provided within the first cable car station 3a. The cable car vehicles 4 can be decoupled from the first haulage cable 2a in an entry area E of the first cable car station 3a and moved along the first guide device 6a parallel to a platform B at a reduced speed relative to the first haulage cable 2a to the exit area A of the first cable car station 3a. The first guide device 6a thus serves to turn the cable car vehicles 4. Similarly, a second guide device 6b for turning the cable car vehicles 4 is provided within the second cable car station 3b.The cable car vehicles 4 can in turn be decoupled from the second haulage cable 2b in an entry area E of the second cable car station 3b and moved along the second guide device 6b parallel to a platform B at a reduced speed relative to the second haulage cable 2b to the exit area A of the second cable car station 3b. Passengers P can board or disembark the cable car vehicles 4 via the platforms B, as shown in . Fig.1 indicated by the arrows.

[0024] To connect the two conveyor sections F1, F2, a connecting guide device D is provided in the connecting station V. The connecting guide device D has a first turning section W1 for the first conveyor section F1 and a second turning section W2 for the second conveyor section F2. The first turning section W1 is essentially the same as the first guide device 6a of the first cable car station 3a, and the second turning section W2 is essentially the same as the second guide device 6b of the second cable car station 3b. Furthermore, the connecting guide device D has a first passage guide section D1 and a second passage guide section D2, which here are spaced apart transversely to the direction of movement of the cable car vehicles 4 and arranged parallel to one another.

[0025] In addition, four switchable guide elements S1-S4 are provided, each of which can be switched between an open position (in Fig.1shown) and a closed position (not shown). The switchable guide elements S1-S4 serve as switches for the cable car vehicles 4. When the guide elements S1+S4 are each in the closed position, the first turning section W1 and the second turning section W2 are connected via the first passage guide section D1, so that cable car vehicles 4 can be transferred from the first conveyor section F1 to the second conveyor section F2. When the guide elements S2+S3 are each in the closed position, the first turning section W1 and the second turning section W2 are connected via the second passage guide section D1, so that cable car vehicles 4 can be transferred from the second conveyor section F2 to the first conveyor section F1.

[0026] If the switchable guide elements S1-S4 are open, then, for example, both conveyor sections F1, F2 can be operated independently of one another. Alternatively, only one of the two conveyor sections F1, F2 could be operated, while the other conveyor section F1, F2 is out of operation. The cable car vehicles 4 of the first conveyor section F1 can then be moved from the entry area E1 of the connecting station V provided for the first conveyor section F1, via the first turning section W1 to the exit area A1 of the connecting station V provided for the first conveyor section F1. In the same way, the cable car vehicles 4 of the second conveyor section F2 can be moved from the entry area E2 of the connecting station V provided for the second conveyor section F2, via the first turning section W1, from the exit area A2 of the connecting station V provided for the second conveyor section F2.

[0027] For detachable coupling to the haulage cables 2a, 2b, the cable car vehicles 4 each have a cable clamp (not shown) in a known manner. The cable clamps are usually pretensioned in the closed state by a pretensioning device, e.g. comprising a number of springs, and can be actuated to open in the entry areas E, E1, E2 and in the exit areas A, A1, A2 by suitable (not shown) stationary actuating devices against the pretensioning force of the pretensioning device. Such cable clamps are known in the art, which is why they will not be explained in more detail here. In the area of ​​the cable clamps, one or more guide rollers are usually also arranged, with which the cable car vehicles 4 can roll along the guide devices 6a, 6b, D.

[0028] In the cable car 1, a suitable drive device is of course also provided for driving the cable car vehicles 4. The drive device comprises at least a first drive unit 13a, e.g. in the form of an electric machine, for driving the first haulage cable 2a and at least one second drive unit 13b, e.g. in the form of an electric machine, for driving the second haulage cable 2b. The first drive unit 13a can, for example, be arranged in the first cable car station 2a and be designed to drive the first cable pulley 5a, and the second drive unit 13b can, for example, be arranged in the second cable car station 2b and be designed to drive the second cable pulley 5b. Alternatively or additionally, the first drive unit 13a and the second drive unit 13b could, for example, also be arranged in the connecting station V and be designed to drive the first cable pulley 5a and the second cable pulley 5b, respectively.

[0029] Furthermore, a suitable auxiliary drive (not shown) is provided in each of the first and second cable car stations 3a, 3b and the connecting station V in order to move the cable car vehicles 4, which are decoupled from the respective haulage cable 2a, 2b, along the first or second guide device 6a, 6b or along the connecting guide device D. The drive device therefore preferably also comprises drive units for driving the auxiliary drives. The auxiliary drives can be designed in a known manner and, for example, each have a plurality of driven friction wheels arranged one behind the other along the respective guide device 6a, 6b, D. To drive the cable car vehicles 4, the friction wheels interact with friction linings provided on the cable car vehicles 4, e.g., on the cable clamps. A chain conveyor can also be used as an auxiliary drive in a known manner.

[0030] Furthermore, a suitable control device 10 is provided in the cable car 1, which is designed to control the cable car 1, in particular the drive device. The control device 10 can have suitable hardware and / or software and can be provided, for example, in one of the cable car stations 3a, 3b or in the connecting station V. The control device 10 could, of course, also comprise several separate control units that communicate with each other. This sufficiently describes the basic structure and function of the multi-section circulating cable car 1. The following is based on Fig.2 the cable car 1 according to the invention is explained in more detail.

[0031] In Fig.2 For the sake of simplicity, only the connecting station V of the cable car 1 is shown. The first cable car station 3a and the second cable car station 3b are not shown and can essentially be designed as in Fig.1The first drive unit 13a for driving the first cable pulley 5a and the second drive unit 13b for driving the second cable pulley 5b are provided here, by way of example, in the connecting station V. The two drive units 13a, 13b are part of the overall drive device and can be controlled by the control unit 10. The conveying speed of the conveying cables 2a, 2b can thus be adjusted via the control unit 10. In the connecting station V, a connection guide device D is also provided, which differs from the known connection guide device D according to Fig.1 as described in more detail below.

[0032] In the connecting guide device D, a circulating guide section 7 is provided for connecting the two conveyor sections F1, F2, forming a closed conveyor loop along which the cable car vehicles 4 can move. Furthermore, in the connecting guide device D, a first entry guide section 8a, a first exit guide section 9a, as well as a second entry guide section 8b and a second exit guide section 9b are provided. The first entry guide section 8a is arranged in the entry area E1 of the first conveyor section F1, and the first exit guide section 9a is arranged in the exit area A1 of the first conveyor section F1. Similarly, the second entry guide section 8b is arranged in the entry area E2 of the second conveyor section F2, and the second exit guide section 9a is arranged in the exit area A2 of the second conveyor section F2. As shown in Fig.2As can be seen, the two conveyor sections F1, F2 overlap in the longitudinal direction, while the conveyor sections F1, F2 in Fig.1 are spaced apart. This allows the connecting station V of the invention to be built significantly shorter than before.

[0033] Furthermore, a first switchable guide element S1 is provided in the connecting guide device D, which is displaceable between a closed position, in which it connects the first entry guide section 8a to the circulation guide section 7, and an open position. Furthermore, a second switchable guide element S2 is provided, which is displaceable between a closed position, in which it connects the first exit guide section 9a to the circulation guide section 7, and an open position. Similarly, a third switchable guide element S3 and a fourth switchable guide element S4 are provided.The third switchable guide element S3 can be moved between a closed position, in which it connects the second entry guide section 8b to the circulating guide section 7, and an open position. The fourth switchable guide element S4 can be moved between a closed position, in which it connects the second exit guide section 9b to the circulating guide section 7, and an open position. The switching elements S1-S4, in turn, function as switches for the cable car vehicles 4.

[0034] Each switchable guide element S1-S4 preferably has an actuating device 11 that can be controlled by the control unit 10 of the cable car 1 to move the respective switchable guide element S1-S4 between the closed position and the open position. The actuating devices 11 of the switchable guide elements S1-S4 can, for example, each have at least one of the following electrically controllable actuators: hydraulic cylinder, pneumatic cylinder, or electric motor. According to a preferred embodiment, either 400V three-phase motors or 24V DC motors are used.

[0035] The circulating guide section 7 essentially forms a central roundabout, which is located between the first conveyor section F1 and the second conveyor section F2. This allows both conveyor sections F1, F2 to use a part of the circulating guide section 7 as a turning section, whereby the connecting guide device D and consequently the connecting station V can be used in comparison to the prior art (according to Fig.1) can be constructed more compactly. Depending on the available space in the connecting station V, the circulating guide section 7 can, for example, be circular, oval, or elliptical. In order to increase comfort for passengers and reduce wear on the cable car vehicles 4, e.g., on the guide rollers or on the bearings of the guide rollers, and / or wear on the connecting guide device D, the circulating guide section 7 preferably has a geometrically continuous curvature, preferably with a G2 continuity. This enables the cable car vehicles 4 to move smoothly along the circulating guide section 7.

[0036] In the example shown, the circulating guide section 7 has a first curved section 7a and an opposite second curved section 7b, which are designed here as circular arc sections. A convex side of the first curved section 7a faces the first pulley 5a of the first conveyor section F1, and a convex side of the second curved section 7b faces the second pulley 5b of the second conveyor section F2. Furthermore, the circulating guide section 7 has a first straight section 14a and an opposite parallel second straight section 14b, which connect the ends of the curved sections 7a, 7b to one another in order to form the closed conveyor loop. The first switchable guide element S1 and the fourth switchable guide element S3 are connected to the first straight section 14a in the closed position.The second switchable guide element S2 and the third switchable guide element S3 are connected to the second straight section 14b in the closed position.

[0037] The switchable guide elements S1-S4 can, for example, each be connected to the associated entry guide section 8a, 8b or exit guide section 9a, 9b so as to be pivotable about a, for example, vertical, axis R. The switchable guide elements S1-S4 can thus be selectively and individually moved by the associated actuating devices 11 about the respective axis R between the open position (in Fig.2indicated by dashed lines) and the closed position. For the sake of simplicity, the axis R is indicated only for the fourth switchable guide element S4. Of course, the embodiment shown is only an example, and the switchable guide elements S1-S4 could also be designed differently. Also conceivable would be, for example, translationally movable switchable guide elements S1-S4, which can be introduced by suitable actuating devices 11 into a free space provided in the direction of movement between the entry guide sections 8a, 8b or exit guide sections 9a, 9b and the circulating guide section 7.

[0038] As above Fig.1As mentioned, a suitable (not shown) auxiliary drive is also provided, with which the cable car vehicles 4 decoupled from the conveyor cables 2a, 2b can be moved in a desired direction along the connecting guide device D. The auxiliary drive can have one or more auxiliary drive units, which can also be controlled by the control unit 10. For example, the auxiliary drive can have a tire conveyor or a chain conveyor or a combination of different types of conveyors. For example, a tire conveyor could be provided for each of the entry guide sections 8a, 8b and the exit guide sections 9a, 9b in order to move the cable car vehicles 40. In the same way, a tire conveyor could be provided for the circulating guide section 7. In the area of ​​the switchable guide elements S1-S4, however, a chain conveyor could be provided, for example.

[0039] The circulating cable car 1 can be operated in a first conveying mode, in which exclusively the first conveying section F1 is used. The control unit 10 can control the actuating devices 11 of the first switchable guide element S1 and the second switchable guide element S2 such that the switchable guide elements S1, S2 are each in the closed position. Additionally, the actuating devices 11 of the third switchable guide element S3 and the fourth switchable guide element S4 can be controlled such that the switchable guide elements S3, S4 are each in the open position (shown in dashed lines).

[0040] In the first conveying operating mode, the control unit 10 can activate the first drive device 13a of the first conveying section F1 and deactivate the second drive device 13b of the second conveying section F2. Furthermore, the control unit 10 can control the auxiliary drive in the first conveying operating mode such that the cable car vehicles 4 decoupled from the first conveying cable 2a of the first conveying section F1 can be moved from the first entry guide section 8a via a first part of the circulating guide section 7 to the first exit guide section 9a of the first conveying section F1. In the example shown, the first part of the circulating guide section 7 is formed by the first straight section 14a, the second curved section 7b, and the second straight section 14b. The first entry guide section 8a, the first part of the circulating guide section 7, and the first exit guide section 9a together essentially form the first turning section W1. Fig.1 out of.

[0041] This means that the control unit 10 preferably only activates the necessary part of the auxiliary drive required for the first conveyor operating mode. In the above-mentioned embodiment of the auxiliary drive, this can mean, for example, that the tire conveyor of the first entry guide section 8a, the tire conveyor of the first exit guide section 9a, the tire conveyor of the circulating guide section 7, and the chain conveyors of the first and second switchable guide elements S1, S2 are activated. If necessary, only the part of the tire conveyor of the circulating guide section 7 required for movement along the first part of the circulating guide section 7 can be active, here, for example, for movement along the first straight section 14a, the second curved section 7b, and the second straight section 14b.The tire conveyor of the second entry guide section 8b, the tire conveyor of the second exit guide section 9b as well as the chain conveyors of the third and fourth switchable guide elements S3, S4 (and possibly the unnecessary part of the tire conveyor of the circulating guide section 7, here e.g. the first curved section 7a) can be deactivated by the control unit 10 in the first conveyor operating mode.

[0042] The circulating cable car 1 can also be operated in a second conveying mode, in which exclusively the second conveying section F2 is used. In this case, the control unit 10 can control the actuating devices 11 of the third switchable guide element S3 and the fourth switchable guide element S4 such that the switchable guide elements S3, S4 are each in the closed position. Additionally, the actuating devices 11 of the first switchable guide element S1 and the second switchable guide element S2 can be controlled such that the switchable guide elements S2, S3 are each in the (dashed) closed position.

[0043] In the second conveying operating mode, the control unit 10 can deactivate the first drive device 13a of the first conveying section F1 and activate the second drive device 13b of the second conveying section F2. Furthermore, the control unit 10 can control the auxiliary drive in the second conveying operating mode such that the cable car vehicles 4 decoupled from the second conveying cable 2b of the second conveying section F2 can be moved from the second entry guide section 8b via a second part of the circulating guide section 7 to the second exit guide section 9b of the second conveying section F2. In the example shown, the second part of the circulating guide section 7 is formed by the second straight section 14b, the first curved section 7a, and the first straight section 14a. The second entrance guide section 8b, the second part of the circulation guide section 7 and the second exit guide section 9b together thus essentially form the second turning section W2. Fig.1 Again, preferably only the part of the auxiliary drive required for the second conveying mode can be activated, as described above for the first conveying mode. Therefore, a repetition will be omitted here.

[0044] Furthermore, the circulating cable car 1 can also be operated in a third, fourth, or fifth conveying mode described below, in which both conveying sections F1, F2 are used. In the third conveying mode, the control unit 10 can control the actuating devices 11 of the four switchable guide elements S1-S4 such that all switchable guide elements S1-S4 are in the closed position. In the third conveying mode, the control unit 10 can activate the first drive device 13a of the first conveying section F1 and the second drive device 13b of the second conveying section F1.

[0045] In addition, the control unit 10 can control the auxiliary drive in the third conveying operating mode such that the cable car vehicles 4 decoupled from the first conveying cable 2a of the first conveying section F1 can be moved from the first entry guide section 8a via a third part of the circulating guide section 7 to the second exit guide section 9b of the second conveying section F2, and that the cable car vehicles 4 decoupled from the second conveying cable 2b of the second conveying section F2 can be moved from the second entry guide section 8b via a fourth part of the circulating guide section 7 to the first exit guide section 9a of the first conveying section F1. In the example shown, the third part of the circulating guide section 7 is formed by the first straight section 14a, and the fourth part of the circulating guide section 7 is formed by the second straight section 14b.The first straight section 14a thus essentially forms the first passage guidance section D1. Fig.1 and the second straight section 14b thus essentially forms the second passage guide section D2 Fig.1 Again, preferably only the part of the auxiliary drive required for the third conveying mode of operation can be activated, as described above using the first conveying mode of operation. A repetition is therefore omitted here. In the third conveying mode of operation, the first conveying section F1 and the second conveying section F2 are connected to each other, allowing the cable car vehicles 4 to pass through the connecting station V in one direction of travel. In the third conveying mode of operation, the connecting station V thus functions similarly to a conventional intermediate station.

[0046] In the fourth conveying operating mode, the control unit 10 can control the actuating devices 11 of the first switchable guide element S1 and the second switchable guide element S2 such that the first switchable guide element S1 and the second switchable guide element S2 are each in the closed position, analogously to the first and third conveying operating modes. In the fourth conveying operating mode, however, the actuating devices 11 of the third switchable guide element S3 and the fourth switchable guide element S4 are controlled such that the third switchable guide element S3 and the fourth switchable guide element S4 are each cyclically shifted between the closed position and the open position.

[0047] As a result, a plurality of successive cable car vehicles 4 can be moved into the entry area E1 of the first conveyor section F1 by means of the first conveyor cable 2a and in the entrance areaE1 of the first conveyor section F1 can be decoupled from the first conveyor cable 2a. In the decoupled state, the cable car vehicles 4 can each be moved along the first entry guide section 8a via the first switchable guide element S1 in the closed position onto the circulating guide section 7 and via the third part of the circulating guide section 7 (which is formed by the first straight section 14a) up to the fourth switchable guide element S4.

[0048] Depending on the switching pattern according to which the actuating device 11 of the fourth switchable guide element S4 is controlled by the control unit 10, a number n of successive cable car vehicles 4 can now be moved alternately onto the second exit guide section 9b and further into the exit area A2 of the second conveyor section F2 (when the fourth switchable guide element S4 is in the closed position) and a cable car vehicle 4 immediately following the number n of cable car vehicles 4 can be moved (when the fourth switchable guide element S4 is in the open position) via the first part of the circulating guide section 7 and via the second switchable guide element S2 in the closed position onto the first exit guide section 9a of the first conveyor section F1.In the example shown, the first part of the circulating guide section 7 is formed by the first straight section 14a, the second curved section 7b and the second straight section 14b.

[0049] The switching pattern of the actuating device 11 of the fourth switchable guide element S4 can be set so that n ∈ ℕ with ℕ ≥ 1 applies. For n=1, this means, for example, that a cable car vehicle 4 coming from the entry area E1 of the first conveyor section F1 is conveyed to the exit area A2 of the second conveyor section F2 (via the closed fourth switchable guide element S4), and the following cable car vehicle 4 coming from the entry area E1 of the first conveyor section F1 is conveyed back to the exit area A1 of the first conveyor section F1 (via the open fourth switchable guide element S4 and the closed second switchable guide element S2). This allows the number of cable car vehicles 4 and consequently the transport capacity in the first conveyor section F1 to be doubled or halved in the second conveyor section F2. Depending on how the number n is selected, different ratios can be set between the transport capacity in the first conveyor section F1 and the transport capacity in the second conveyor section F2.For example, if n=2, every third cable car vehicle 4 is returned to the first conveyor section F1, if n=3, every fourth cable car vehicle 4, etc. The fourth conveyor operating mode offers the advantage that both conveyor sections F1, F2 can be operated simultaneously and that the transport capacity can be adapted to the passenger volume of the respective conveyor section F1, F2.

[0050] Similarly, the circulating cable car 1 can be operated in a fifth conveying mode, in which the actuating devices 11 of the third switchable guide element S3 and the fourth switchable guide element S4 are controlled such that the third switchable guide element S3 and the fourth switchable guide element S4 are each in the closed position. The actuating devices 11 of the first switchable guide element S1 and the second switchable guide element S2 are in turn controlled such that the first switchable guide element S1 and the second switchable guide element S2 are each cyclically displaced between the closed position and the open position.

[0051] As a result, a plurality of consecutive cable car vehicles 4 can be moved into the entry area E2 of the second conveyor section F2 by means of the second conveyor cable 2b and decoupled from the second conveyor cable 2b in the entry area E2. In the decoupled state, the cable car vehicles 4 can each be moved along the second entry guide section 8b via the third switchable guide element S3 in the closed position onto the circulating guide section 7 and via the fourth part of the circulating guide section 7 (which is formed by the second straight section 14b) up to the second switchable guide element S2.

[0052] Depending on the switching pattern according to which the actuating device 11 of the second switchable guide element S2 is controlled by the control unit 10, a number n of successive cable car vehicles 4 can now be moved alternately onto the first exit guide section 9a and further into the exit area A1 of the first conveyor section F1 (when the second switchable guide element S2 is in the closed position) and a cable car vehicle 4 immediately following the number n of cable car vehicles 4 can be moved (when the second switchable guide element S2 is in the open position) via the second part of the circulating guide section 7 and via the fourth switchable guide element S4 in the closed position onto the second exit guide section 9b of the second conveyor section F2.In the example shown, the second part of the circulating guide section 7 is formed by the second straight section 14b, the first curved section 7a and the first straight section 14a.

[0053] The switching pattern of the actuating device 11 of the fourth switchable guide element S4 can in turn be set so that n ∈ ℕ with ℕ ≥ 1 applies. With n=1, this means that one cable car vehicle 4 coming from the entrance area E2 of the second conveyor section F2 is conveyed to the exit area A1 of the first conveyor section F1 (via the closed second switchable guide element S2). The following cable car vehicle 4 coming from the entrance area E2 of the second conveyor section F2 can be conveyed back to the exit area A2 of the second conveyor section F2 (via the open second switchable guide element S2 and the closed fourth switchable guide element S4). In the fifth conveyor operating mode, the number of cable car vehicles 4 and consequently the transport capacity in the second conveyor section F2 can be doubled or halved in the first conveyor section F1.Depending on the number n chosen, different ratios can be set between the transport capacity in the second conveyor section F2 and the transport capacity in the first conveyor section F1. For example, with n=2, every third cable car vehicle 4 is returned to the second conveyor section F2; with n=3, every fourth cable car vehicle 4 is returned, and so on.

[0054] A suitable detection device (not shown) for detecting cable car vehicles 4 in specific sections of the connecting guide device D can also be provided in the connecting station V. The detection device can communicate in a suitable manner with the control unit 10 and generate a sensor value representative of the presence of a cable car vehicle 4 and transmit it to the control unit 10. For example, the detection device can be designed to detect the presence of cable car vehicles 4 on a switchable guide element S1-S4. This can prevent a switchable guide element S1-S4 from being actuated by the control unit 10 when a cable car vehicle 4 is currently located on the respective guide element S1-S4.Additionally or alternatively, the detection device can also be configured to detect the presence of cable car vehicles 4 in the direction of movement upstream of a switchable guide element S1-S4 or downstream of a switchable guide element S1-S4. Detection of a cable car vehicle 4 in a specific area of ​​the circulating guide section 7 is also possible.

[0055] The detection device can, for example, comprise a number of sensors for detecting the presence of cable car vehicles 4, which are arranged at a suitable position on the connecting guide device D. A proximity sensor, for example, which can detect the presence of a cable car vehicle 4 without contact, can be used as a sensor. A proximity sensor can, for example, be designed as an inductive sensor, capacitive sensor, magnetic sensor, optical sensor, ultrasonic sensor, or light barrier. A contact switch could also be used, which detects the presence of a cable car vehicle 4, for example, by the contact switch being actuated by a component of the cable car vehicle 4.

[0056] The use of a detection device is particularly advantageous for the fourth and fifth conveying operating modes, because here a cyclic opening and closing of the third guide element S3 and the fourth switchable guide element S4 (fourth conveying operating mode) or a cyclic opening and closing of the first guide element S1 and the second switchable guide element S2 (fifth conveying operating mode) occurs depending on the above-mentioned number n of cable car vehicles 4. The control unit 10 can use the sensor values ​​generated by the detection device to control the actuating devices 11 of the switchable guide elements S1-S4.

[0057] For example, in the fourth conveying operating mode with a specified number n (e.g., n=1), the control unit 10 can determine, based on the sensor values ​​generated by the detection device, when the number n of cable car vehicles 4 have passed the fourth switchable guide element S4. For this purpose, a sensor can be provided, for example, directly in the area of ​​the fourth switchable guide element S4 or in the area of ​​the second exit guide section 9b downstream of the fourth switchable guide element S4 in the direction of movement. After the number n of cable car vehicles 4 have passed, the control unit 10 can control the actuating device 11 of the fourth switchable guide element S4 in order to move the fourth switchable guide element S4 from the closed position to the open position.

[0058] Now, the control unit 10 can determine, based on the sensor values ​​generated by the detection device, when at least one of the number n of cable car vehicles 4 following the cable car vehicle 4 has passed the branch from the circulating guide section 7 (here the first straight section 14a) to the fourth switchable guide element S4. For this purpose, a sensor can be provided in the area of ​​the circulating guide section 7 in the direction of movement after the branch, in Fig. 2 for example, in the region of the second curve section 7b. After passing the at least one cable car vehicle 4, the control unit 10 can again control the actuating device 11 of the fourth switchable guide element S4 in order to move the fourth switchable guide element S4 from the open position back to the closed position, etc.

[0059] Similarly, the third switchable guide element S3 can also be cyclically opened and closed depending on sensor values ​​of the detection device in order to guide the at least one cable car vehicle 4 between two consecutive cable car vehicles 4, which are moved from the entry area E2 of the second conveyor section F2 to the exit area A1 of the first conveyor section F1. For this purpose, one or more suitable sensors can be provided in the area of ​​the third switchable guide element S3 and / or upstream in the direction of movement (e.g., in the area of ​​the second entry guide section 8b) or downstream in the direction of movement (e.g., in the area of ​​the second straight section 7b).

[0060] The same as described for the fourth conveying mode applies analogously to the fifth conveying mode for the operation of the second switchable guide element S2 and the first switchable guide element S1. Therefore, a repetition is omitted here.

[0061] Preferably, at least one sensor unit 12 for detecting a switching state is provided for each of the switchable guide elements S1-S4. The control unit 10 can then use the sensor values ​​representative of the respective switching state to control the circulating cable car 1. This can increase operational reliability by implementing the operating modes depending on the switching states. The sensor unit 12 is only indicated as an example for the fourth switchable guide element S4. Contrary to the illustrated arrangement on the guide element S4, the sensor unit 12 can of course also be arranged at another suitable location, for example on the first straight section 14a or in the region of the axis R. This depends essentially on the structural design of the sensor unit 12. The same naturally applies to all four guide elements S1-S4.

[0062] For example, the control unit 10 can operate the cable car 1 in the first conveying operating mode if the sensor units 12 provided for the first and second switchable guide elements S1, S2 each determine a sensor variable representative of the closed position, and the sensor units 12 provided for the third and fourth switchable guide elements S3, S4 each determine a sensor variable representative of the open position. In the same way, the control unit 10 can operate the circulating cable car 1 in the second conveying operating mode if the sensor units 12 provided for the first and second switchable guide elements S1, S2 each determine a sensor variable representative of the open position, and the sensor units 12 provided for the third and fourth switchable guide elements S3, S4 each determine a sensor variable representative of the closed position.Furthermore, the control unit can operate the circulating cable car 1 in the third conveying operating mode if the sensor units 12 of all four switchable guide elements S1-S4 each determine a sensor variable representative of the closed position.

[0063] The sensor units 12 can each comprise a suitable sensor, for example, an electrical switch, a displacement sensor, a proximity sensor, etc. The sensors can also use different measuring principles, for example, inductive measurement, capacitive measurement, optical measurement, etc. The sensor units 12 can, for example, be connected to the control unit 10 via a suitable sensor line to transmit the sensor value. For the sake of simplicity, the sensor line is also shown only for the fourth switching element S4.

[0064] The cable car 1 according to the invention can thus be operated very flexibly in a desired operating mode, whereby the connecting station V can be built much more compactly than before.

Claims

1. A circular cableway (1) with a first conveying section (F1) which has a first conveyor cable (2a), and with a second conveying section (F2) which has a second conveyor cable (2b), and with a connecting station (V) which connects the two conveying sections (F1, F2), wherein the first conveyor cable (2a) is deflected in the connecting station (V) about a first cable sheave (5a), and the second conveyor cable (2b) is deflected in the connecting station (V) about a second cable sheave (5b), wherein a plurality of cableway vehicles (4) are provided which are movable by the conveyor cables (2a, 2b) in the conveying sections (F1, F2), wherein a connecting guide device (D) is provided in the connecting station (V) along which cableway vehicles (4) decoupled from the first conveyor cable (2a) in an entry area (E1) of the first conveying section (F1) can be moved to an exit area (A1) of the first conveying section (F1) or to an exit area (A2) of the second conveying section (F2), and along which cableway vehicles (4) decoupled from the second conveyor cable (2b) in an entry area (E2) of the second conveying section (F2) can be moved to the exit area (A2) of the second conveying section (F2) or to the exit area (A1) of the first conveying section (F1), wherein a circulating guide section (7) is provided in the connecting guide device (D) that forms a closed conveyor loop along which the cableway vehicles (4) can be moved, characterized in that a first switchable guide element (S1) is provided which is displaceable between a closed position, in which it connects a first entry guide section (8a) of the connection guide device (D) provided in the entry area (E1) of the first conveying section (F1) to the circulating guide section (7), and an open position, that a second switchable guide element (S2) is provided which is displaceable between a closed position, in which it connects a first exit guide section (9a) of the connection guide device (D) provided in the exit area (A1) of the first conveying section (F1) to the circulating guide section (7), and an open position, that a third switchable guide element (S3) is provided which is displaceable between a closed position, in which it connects a second entry guide section (8b) of the connection guide section (D) provided in the entry area (E2) of the second conveying section (F2) to the circulating guide section (7), and an open position, and that a fourth switchable guide element (S4) is provided which can be displaced between a closed position, in which it connects a second exit guide section (9b) of the connection guide device (D) provided in the exit area (A2) of the second conveying section (F2) to the circulating guide section (7), and an open position.

2. The circular cableway (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that a control unit (10) for controlling the circular cableway (1) is provided, that each switchable guide element (S1-S4) has an actuating device (11) which can be actuated by the control unit (10) in order to displace the particular switchable guide element (S1-S4) between the closed position and the open position, wherein the actuating devices (11) of the switchable guide elements (S1-S4) preferably each have at least one of the following electrically actuatable actuators: hydraulic cylinders, pneumatic cylinders, and electric motors.

3. The circular cableway (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the control unit (10) is designed to operate the circular cableway (1) in a first conveying operating mode in which the actuating devices (11) of the first switchable guide element (S1) and the second switchable guide element (S2) are controlled in such a way that the first switchable guide element (S1) and the second switchable guide element (S2) are each in the closed position, and the actuating devices (11) of the third switchable guide element (S3) and the fourth switchable guide element (S4) are controlled in such a way that the third switchable guide element (S3) and the fourth switchable guide element (S4) are each in the open position, and / or that the control unit (10) is designed to operate the circular cableway (1) in a second conveying operating mode in which the actuating devices (11) of the first switchable guide element (S1) and the second switchable guide element (S2) are actuated in such a way that the first switchable guide element (S1) and the second switchable guide element (S2) are each in the open position, and the actuating devices (11) of the third switchable guide element (S3) and the fourth switchable guide element (S4) are actuated in such a way that the third switchable guide element (S3) and the fourth switchable guide element (S4) are each in the closed position, and / or that the control unit (10) is designed to operate the circular cableway (1) in a third conveying operating mode in which the actuating devices (11) of all four switchable guide elements (S1-S4) are actuated in such a way that they are each in the closed position.

4. The circular cableway (1) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the control unit (10) is designed to operate the circular cableway (1) in a fourth conveying operating mode in which the actuating devices (11) of the first switchable guide element (S1) and the second switchable guide element (S2) are controlled in such a way that the first switchable guide element (S1) and the second switchable guide element (S2) are each in the closed position, and the actuating devices (11) of the third switchable guide element (S3) and the fourth switchable guide element (S4) are controlled in such a way that the third switchable guide element (S3) and the fourth switchable guide element (S4) are each moved cyclically between the closed position and the open position so that alternatingly, a number (n) of consecutive cableway vehicles (4) can be moved from the first conveying section (F1) via the fourth switchable guide element (S4) in the closed position into the exit area (A2) of the second conveying section (F2), and at least one cableway vehicle (4) immediately following the number (n) of cableway vehicles (4) can be moved along a part of the circulating guide section (7) into the exit area (A1) of the first conveying section (F1), wherein n ∈ ℕ with ℕ ≥ 1, and / or that the control unit (10) is designed to operate the circular cableway (1) in a fifth conveying operating mode in which the actuating devices (11) of the third switchable guide element (S3) and the fourth switchable guide element (S4) are controlled in such a way that the third switchable guide element (S3) and the fourth switchable guide element (S4) are each in the closed position, and the actuating devices (11) of the first switchable guide element (S1) and the second switchable guide element (S2) are each controlled in such a way that the first switchable guide element (S1) and the second switchable guide element (S2) are each moved cyclically between the closed position and the open position, so that alternatingly, a number (n) of sequential cableway vehicles (4) can be moved from the second conveying section (F2) via the second switchable guide element (S2) in the closed position into the exit area (A1) of the first conveying section (F1), and at least one cableway vehicle (4) immediately following the number (n) of cableway vehicles (4) can be moved along a part of the circulating guide section (7) into the exit area (A2) of the second conveying section (F2), wherein n ∈ ℕ with ℕ ≥ 1.

5. The circular cableway (1) according to any of the claims 2 to 4, characterized in that at least one sensor unit (12) for detecting a switching state is provided for each of the switchable guide elements (S1-S4), and that the control unit (10) is designed to control the circular cableway (1) depending on the switching states, wherein the control unit (10) is preferably designed to operate the circular cableway (1) in the first conveying operating mode when the sensor units (12) provided for the first and second switchable guide elements (S1, S2) each determine a sensor variable representative of the closed position, and the sensor units (12) provided for the third and fourth switchable guide elements (S3, S4) each determine a sensor variable representative of the open position, and / or to operate in the second conveying operating mode when the sensor units (12) provided for the first and second switchable guide elements (S1, S2) each determine a sensor variable representative of the open position, and the sensor units (12) provided for the third and fourth switchable guide elements (S3, S4) each determine a sensor variable representative of the closed position, and / or to operate in the third conveying operating mode when the sensor units (12) of all four switchable guide elements (S1-S4) each determine a sensor variable representative of the closed position.

6. The circular cableway (1) according to any of the claims 3 to 5, characterized in that a first drive device (13a) is provided for driving the first conveyor cable (2a) of the first conveying section (F1), and a second drive device (13b) is provided for driving the second conveyor cable (2b) of the second conveying section (F2), and that the control unit (10) is designed to activate the first drive device (13a) and to deactivate the second drive device (13b) in the first conveying operating mode, and / or to activate the second drive device (13b) and deactivate the first drive device (13a) in the second conveying mode, and / or to activate the first drive device (13a) and the second drive device (13b) in the third, fourth and fifth conveying operating modes.

7. The circular cableway (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that an auxiliary drive is provided in the connecting station (V) for moving the cableway vehicles (4) decoupled from the conveyor cables (2a, 2b) along the connection guide device (D), wherein the control unit (10) is designed to actuate the auxiliary drive in the first conveying operating mode in such a way that the cableway vehicles (4) decoupled from the first conveyor cable (2a) of the first conveying section (F1) are movable from the first entry guide section (8a) via a first part (14a, 7b, 14b) of the circulating guide section (7) to the first exit guide section (9a) of the first conveying section (F1), to actuate the auxiliary drive in the second conveying operating mode in such a way that the cableway vehicles (4) decoupled from the second conveyor cable (2b) of the second conveying section (F2) can be moved from the second entry guide section (8b) via a second part (14b, 7a, 14a) of the circulating guide section (7) to the second exit guide section (9b) of the second conveying section (F2), and to actuate the auxiliary drive in the third conveying operating mode in such a way that the cableway vehicles (4) decoupled from the first conveyor cable (2a) of the first conveying section (F1) can be moved from the first entry guide section (8a) via a third part (14a) of the circulating guide section (7) to the second exit guide section (9b) of the second conveying section (F2), and the cableway vehicles (4) decoupled from the second conveyor cable (2b) of the second conveying section (F2) can be moved from the second entry guide section (8b) via a fourth part (14b) of the circulating guide section (7) to the first exit guide section (9a) of the first conveying section (F1).

8. The circular cableway (1) according to any of the claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the circulating guide section (7) is circular, oval or elliptical and / or that the circulating guide section (7) has a geometrically continuous curvature profile, preferably with a G2 continuity.

9. The circular cableway (1) according to any of the claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the circulating guide section (7) has a first curved section (7a) and an opposite second curved section (7b), wherein the curved sections (7a, 7b) are preferably designed as circular arc sections, wherein a convex side of the first curved section (7a) of the first cable sheave (5a) faces the first conveying section (F1), and a convex side of the second curved section (7b) of the second cable sheave (5b) faces the second conveying section (F2).

10. The circular cableway (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that the circulating guide section (7) has a first straight section (14a) and an opposite, parallel second straight section (14b) which connect the curved sections (7a, 7b) in order to form the closed conveying loop, and that the first switchable guide element (S1) and the fourth switchable guide element (S3) are connected to the first straight section (14a) in the closed position, and the second switchable guide element (S2) and the third switchable guide element (S3) are connected to the second straight section (14b) in the closed position.

11. The circular cableway (1) according to any of the claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the switchable guide elements (S1-S4) are each connected to the associated entry guide section (8a, 8b) or exit guide section (9a, 9b) so as to be pivotable about an axis.

12. A method for operating a circulating cableway (1) according to any of the claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the circular cableway (1) is operated in a first conveying mode, wherein a drive of the cableway vehicles (4) of the first conveying section (F1) is activated and a drive of the cableway vehicles (4) in the second conveying section (F2) is deactivated, wherein at least one cableway vehicle (4) is moved into the entry area (E1) of the first conveying section (F1) by means of the first conveyor cable (2a), is decoupled from the first conveyor cable (2a) in the entry area (E1) of the first conveying section (F1) and, in the decoupled state, is moved along the first entry guide section (8a) via the first switchable guide element (S1) in the closed position to the circulating guide section (7), is moved via a first part (14a, 7b, 14b) of the circulating guide section (7), is moved via the second switchable guide element (S2) in the closed position and the first exit guide section (9a) into the exit area (A1) of the first conveying section (F1), and is coupled again to the first conveyor cable (2a) in the exit area (A1) of the first conveying section (F1).

13. The method for operating a circular cableway (1) according to any of the claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the circular cableway (1) is operated in a second conveying operating mode, wherein a drive of the cableway vehicles (4) of the second conveying section (F2) is activated and a drive of the cableway vehicles (4) in the first conveying section (F1) is deactivated, wherein at least one cableway vehicle (4) is moved into the entry area (E2) of the second conveying section (F2) by means of the second conveyor cable (2b), is decoupled from the second conveyor cable (2b) in the entry area (E2) of the second conveying section (F2), in the decoupled state is moved along the second entry guide section (8b) via the third switchable guide element (S3) in the closed position to the circulating guide section (7), is moved via a second part (14b, 7a, 14a) of the circulating guide section (7), is moved via the fourth switchable guide element (S4) in the closed position and the second exit guide section (9b) into the exit area (A2) of the second conveying section (F2), and is coupled again to the second conveyor cable (2b) in the exit area (A2) of the second conveying section (F2).

14. The method for operating a circular cableway (1) according to any of the claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the circular cableway (1) is operated in a third conveying operating mode, wherein a drive of the cableway vehicles (4) of the first conveying section (F1) is activated and a drive of the cableway vehicles (4) of the second conveying section (F2) is deactivated, wherein at least one cableway vehicle (4) is moved into the entry area (E2) of the first conveying section (F1) by means of the first conveyor cable (2a), is decoupled from the first conveyor cable (2a) in the entry area (E1) of the first conveying section (F1), in the decoupled state is moved along the first entry guide section (8a) via the first switchable guide element (S1) in the closed position to the circulating guide section (7), is moved via a third part (14a) of the circulating guide section (7), is moved via the fourth switchable guide element (S4) in the closed position and the second exit guide section (9b) into the exit area (A2) of the second conveying section (F2), and is coupled to the second conveyor cable (2b) in the exit area (A2) of the second conveying section (F2), and wherein at least one cableway vehicle (4) is moved into the entry area (E2) of the second conveying section (F2) by means of the second conveyor cable (2b), is decoupled from the second conveyor cable (2b) in the entry area (E2) of the second conveying section (F2), in the decoupled state is moved along the second entry guide section (8b) via the third switchable guide element (S3) in the closed position to the circulating guide section (7), is moved via a fourth part (14b) of the circulating guide section (7), is moved via the second switchable guide element (S2) in the closed position and the first exit guide section (9a) into the exit area (A1) of the first conveying section (F1), and is coupled to the first conveyor cable (2a) in the exit area (A1) of the first conveying section (F1).

15. The method for operating a circular cableway (1) according to any of the claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the circular cableway (1) is operated in a fourth conveying operating mode, wherein a drive of the cableway vehicles (4) of the first conveying section (F1) is activated and a drive of the cableway vehicles (4) of the second conveying section (F1) is activated, wherein a plurality of consecutive cableway vehicles (4) is moved into the entry area (E1) of the first conveying section (F1) by means of the first conveyor cable (2a), is decoupled from the first conveyor cable (2a) in the entry area (E1) of the first conveying section (F1), in the decoupled state is moved along the first entry guide section (8a) via the first switchable guide element (S1) in the closed position to the circulating guide section (7), and is moved via a third part (14a) of the circulating guide section (7), wherein alternatingly, a number (n) of consecutive cableway vehicles (4) of the plurality of cableway vehicles (4) is moved via the fourth switchable guide element (S4) in the closed position and the second exit guide section (9b) into the exit area (A2) of the second conveying section (F2), and is coupled to the second conveyor cable (2b) in the exit area (A2) of the second conveying section (F2), and at least one cableway vehicle (4) immediately following the number (n) of cableway vehicles (4) is moved via a first part (14a, 7b, 14b) of the circulating guide section (7), is moved via the second switchable guide element (S2) in the closed position and the first exit guide section (9a) into the exit area (A1) of the first conveying section (F1), and is coupled to the first conveyor cable (2a) in the exit area (A1) of the first conveying section (F1), where n ∈ ℕ with ℕ ≥ 1.

16. The method for operating a circular cableway (1) according to any of the claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the circular cableway (1) is operated in a fifth conveying operating mode, wherein a drive of the cableway vehicles (4) of the first conveying section (F1) is activated and a drive of the cableway vehicles (4) of the second conveying section (F2) is activated, wherein a plurality of consecutive cableway vehicles (4) is moved into the entry area (E2) of the second conveying section (F2) by means of the second conveyor cable (2b), is decoupled from the second conveyor cable (2b) in the entry area (E2) of the second conveying section (F2), in the decoupled state is moved along the second entry guide section (8b) via the third switchable guide element (S3) in the closed position to the circulating guide section (7), and is moved via a fourth part (14b) of the circulating guide section (7), wherein alternatingly, a number (n) of consecutive cableway vehicles (4) of the plurality of cableway vehicles (4) is moved via the second switchable guide element (S2) in the closed position and the first exit guide section (9a) into the exit area (A1) of the first conveying section (F1), and is coupled to the first conveyor cable (2a) in the exit area (A1) of the first conveying section (F1), and at least one cableway vehicle (4) immediately following the number (n) of cableway vehicles (4) is moved via a second part (14b, 7a, 14a) of the circulating guide section (7), is moved via the fourth switchable guide element (S4) in the closed position and the second exit guide section (9b) into the exit area (A2) of the second conveying section (F2), and is coupled to the second conveyor cable (2a) in the exit area (A2) of the second conveying section (F2), where n ∈ ℕ with ℕ ≥ 1.

17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that the at least one cableway vehicle (4) which is moved to the exit area (A1) of the first conveying section (F1) via the first part (14a, 7b, 14b) of the circulating guide section (7) is introduced between two consecutive cableway vehicles (4) which are moved from the entry area (E2) of the second conveying section (F2) to the exit area (A1) of the first conveying section (F1), or that the at least one cableway vehicle (4), which is moved via the second part (14b, 7a, 14a) of the circulating guide section (7) to the exit area (A2) of the second conveying section (F2), is introduced between two consecutive cableway vehicles (4) which are moved from the entry area (E1) of the first conveying section (F1) to the exit area (A2) of the second conveying section (F2).

18. The method according to any of the claims 12 to 17, characterized in that the first part of the circulating guide section (7) comprises at least the first straight section (14a), the second curved section (7b), and the second straight section (14b), and / or that the second part of the circulating guide section (7) comprises the second straight section (14b), the first curved section (7a), and the first straight section (14a), and / or that the third part of the circulating guide section (7) comprises the first straight section (14a), and / or that the fourth part of the circulating guide section (7) comprises the second straight section (14b).