Autonomous vehicle transport installation by means of a continuously moving cable

Description

Technical field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of cable transport systems. More particularly, the invention relates to continuous motion transport systems comprising at least one traction cable to which vehicles are coupled for traction.

[0002] Various types of cable transport systems exist. Some of these systems use one or more aerial traction cables, such as gondola lifts, funitels and DMC lifts, 3S lifts, chairlifts, or cable cars with seats and cabins. Other systems use one or more traction cables attached to vehicles running on a track, either elevated or laid on the ground, such as funiculars. These transport systems allow the movement of one or more vehicles. These vehicles make it possible to transport passengers and / or goods between different locations. These vehicles are also called cabins, gondolas, or seats.

[0003] A cable transport system comprises at least two end stations, spaced apart, and may include intermediate stations. The stations are connected by one or more carrying and / or haul cables to form a line. A line typically has two tracks along which vehicles travel in opposite directions.

[0004] Detachable cable transport systems consist of vehicles connected to the haul rope by means of a tether that is detached from the haul rope upon arrival at the stations. The speed of the haul rope loop, which propels the vehicles along the line, remains constant upon arrival at the station. The cable's movement remains uninterrupted under normal operating conditions. Upon arrival at the station, the vehicles are taken over by a drive system that moves them one after the other, at reduced speed, along a single track. The transfer of passengers and / or equipment is carried out within this track. Upon leaving the station, the vehicle tethers are reattached to the haul rope, which then transports the vehicle to the next station. Prior art

[0005] One category of cable transport system comprises two end stations, with no intermediate stations, and a preferred direction of travel. The flow of passengers and / or transported goods is thus oriented. For this type of system, a passenger and / or goods boarding area is located in the track of one of the two end stations. The track of the second station, located opposite, is dedicated to the unloading of passengers and / or goods. This is the typical configuration of cable transport systems used in ski resorts to transport skiers to the upper part of the lift.

[0006] The ratio of the vehicle speed in the station to the speed of the haul rope is typically approximately 0.3. A drive system, separate from the cable, ensures the continuous movement of the vehicles in the station. Under normal operating conditions, the vehicles do not stop in the station. Based on current technology known to those skilled in the art, the drive system for the vehicles in the station consists of pneumatic beams or ratchet chains, mechanically linked to the cable speed.

[0007] The distance between vehicles on the haul rope is kept constant by a timing system located in the stations. The purpose of the timing system is to regulate the spacing between two successive vehicles. Thus, the boarding and disembarking time of passengers and / or equipment is constrained by the nominal time interval between two successive vehicles on the line. This time interval is a function of the haul rope loop speed and the nominal distance between two vehicles. Consequently, the time interval between two vehicles depends on the number of vehicles on the line. For a given vehicle transport capacity, the time interval between two successive vehicles is shorter on a high-capacity line than on a low-capacity line. The flow of passengers passing through the stations is greater on a high-capacity line compared to a lower-capacity line.A minimum time is required for passenger transfers, both when boarding and disembarking vehicles, to ensure acceptable levels of comfort and efficiency. This requirement helps prevent incidents such as passenger falls.

[0008] The state of the art described in patent document JP H04 39155 shows a vehicle parking solution for a cable transport system that utilizes three-dimensional space. A system ensures the storage and movement of vehicles at a terminal station of the system in a vertical direction. The aim is to allow for the storage of vehicles once they are no longer in passenger service, thus minimizing the parking area's footprint.

[0009] The state-of-the-art described in patent document EP 1 972 520 A1 demonstrates a vehicle guidance solution for a cable transport system within a station, directing vehicles to different, distinct boarding and disembarking areas where they operate at varying speeds. The aim is to differentiate passenger boarding and disembarking areas according to the needs of each passenger category, thereby reducing the stress associated with boarding and disembarking.

[0010] The state of the art described in patent documents FR 2731972 and FR2731196 shows a solution, called DLS, for Double Loading System,This applies to a chairlift-type installation where two separate boarding lanes are available in the station dedicated to passenger boarding. The aim is to increase throughput without compromising passenger comfort during the boarding process.

[0011] The state-of-the-art described in patent document FR 2899191 demonstrates the operation of a gondola lift in which the vehicles are isolated from the station's main track and directed to a boarding / disembarking station, where they are parked. After the passengers have transferred, the vehicles are reinserted into the main track to rejoin the moving cable loop. If the boarding and / or disembarking time exceeds a certain threshold, a vehicle is inserted onto the line from a compensation station to fill the gap left by the vehicle in the main boarding / disembarking station. This method maintains a regular distribution of vehicles along the cable loop.

[0012] Patent document WO 2018 / 185653 A1 shows a solution with stations comprising a multitude of travel lanes, linked together by junctions, in which vehicles stop for the transfer of passengers.

[0013] The solutions described in patent documents FR 2731972, FR2731196, FR 2899191, and WO 2018 / 185653 A1 have the drawback of maintaining a constant number of vehicles attached to the mobile cable loop, regardless of passenger demand. Thus, empty vehicles are systematically sent into operation as soon as the vehicle's dwell time at the boarding / disembarking station exceeds the threshold defined by the nominal time interval between two successive vehicles. Furthermore, this invention does not offer a way to optimize the occupancy of vehicles moving along the line.

[0014] Another category of cable transport systems includes, in addition to the two end stations, numerous intermediate stations arranged along the line. In this case, there is no preferred direction of operation for the system. Each station has both boarding and disembarking areas located on the same track. This configuration is primarily found on urban cable transport systems dedicated to passenger transport. The operation of such a system is similar to that of a metro or bus line, where each passenger boards and disembarks at any station along the line, according to their origin and destination, which are distinct from those of other passengers. On this type of system, without a preferred direction for passenger flow, the stations have separate boarding and disembarking areas.These boarding and disembarking areas ensure the transfer of passengers and / or equipment between the platforms and vehicles without interference between these two flows. The boarding and disembarking of passengers and / or equipment take place sequentially, while the vehicles move at reduced speed along the station's transport track. The boarding and disembarking areas are located along the same transport track within the station.

[0015] The prior art described in patent document FR0905847 shows a solution applied to an aerial cable transport system with selectively served intermediate stations. According to the invention, passenger boarding into the vehicles is controlled by a programmer that calculates the number of passengers authorized to successively enter an airlock and then the vehicle. The calculation is based on the number of passengers already inside the vehicle and the number of passengers disembarking from the vehicle at the station, after having been required to indicate this number upon boarding.

[0016] RopeTaxi technology, marketed by the manufacturer Bartholet, is based on patent document EP 3978328. The invention describes the operation of a cable transport line relying on the self-propelled nature of the vehicles within stations, combined with an energy storage system. The process is based on a hierarchical arrangement of the vehicles, implemented a priori Upon arrival at the station, vehicles are prioritized according to a specific criterion. Vehicle storage at the stations is differentiated into two distinct lanes, a short lane and a long lane, depending on the type of journey, express or normal, to which the vehicle is assigned. a priori the vehicle. Thus, a so-called priority resource is stored on a short storage rail located near the path leading to the station exit. The other resource, called non-priority, is positioned in a long single storage track located as an extension of the main path.

[0017] In particular, the process described in patent document EP 3978328 does not allow for the simultaneous differentiation of destination stations for vehicles located in the non-priority storage lane, but only for sequential differentiation. Indeed, the vehicles are positioned one behind the other in a queue, which results in a degradation of throughput. Furthermore, no rules for prioritizing, allocating, or determining the departure conditions of the vehicles are proposed based on a program established from a real-time measurement of demand or resource capacity. In addition, no method for optimizing system operation or automating flows is presented in this invention.

[0018] According to an embodiment described in patent document EP 3978328, the invention consists of vehicles equipped with an individual motor integrated into the suspension head and whose movement within stations is autonomous. The vehicles are sent on demand, with the user manually selecting the destination via a control unit. The vehicle departure order is given by a passenger counting system, which tracks the number of passengers boarding to determine the occupancy level of the first vehicle positioned at the exit of the transport lane. Platform screen doors attached to the platforms act as an interface and control passenger flow.

[0019] According to the previous embodiment described in patent document EP 3978328, no automatic flow control method between each station is proposed. The absence of automated control results in a loss of throughput and a decrease in the system's efficiency. The presence of barriers with platform screen doors creates a discontinuity in the platform-vehicle interface, hindering the smooth flow of passenger exchange. In particular, the presence of barriers makes it impossible to board and disembark using a conventional operating method in which vehicles move at reduced speed along the tracks simultaneously with the transfer of passengers between the vehicles and the platforms.

[0020] Furthermore, according to the previous embodiment described in patent document EP 3978328, all the cabins are stored on the ground floor of the station tracks. This feature is presented as an advantage but raises the question of station space and footprint, which is an important issue in the context of urban use.

[0021] Ultimately, the solution described in patent EP 3978328 is suitable for a line configuration with a single intermediate station and low operating capacity, but it is not appropriate for an installation with multiple intermediate stations and high transport capacity. The operation of such a system, as described in patent EP 3978328, is similar to that of a conventional elevator, with differentiated transport demand based on origin and destination, and without an optimal control method in the presence of numerous intermediate floors. Summary of the invention

[0022] The present invention aims to overcome at least one of the aforementioned drawbacks and to lead to other advantages by proposing a new operating method for a continuous motion cable vehicle transport system and its implementation method.

[0023] One objective of the invention is to simultaneously direct the flow of passengers and / or materials to different specific stations within the installation, which comprises numerous intermediate stations and / or distinct branches. Vehicles are thus dispatched as needed, while ensuring increased efficiency through automated management. This automated route management optimizes energy consumption and reduces wear on the system, particularly during off-peak operating hours, since vehicles are attached to the haul rope only as required. Specifically, the load to be moved is limited, and wear on the moving components of the attachments, supports, and stations is reduced.

[0024] Another objective of the invention is to allow the system to operate while vehicles are stopped at stations, parked one after the other in the transfer lanes. The vehicles thus form a continuous exchange interface with the platforms where passengers and / or goods are simultaneously boarded and disembarked. Stopping vehicles during passenger transfers facilitates the flow of traffic within the stations, while improving the comfort and throughput of the system. In particular, the stopping of vehicles is suitable for the boarding and disembarking of people with reduced mobility. According to the invention, stopping vehicles in the transfer lanes does not interrupt the operation of the rest of the system and does not prevent other vehicles from leaving the station simultaneously, thus not reducing the passenger throughput.

[0025] Another goal is to adapt the speed of the traction cable loop according to the number of vehicles attached to the cable with an operating mode in which the number of vehicles in line is propositional on demand, which optimizes the energy consumption of the system.

[0026] Another goal is to reduce the visual footprint of the system's overhead line with the number of vehicles attached to the cable optimized according to need.

[0027] Another goal is to allow maintenance operations to be carried out in a dedicated area of ​​the station tracks during the operation of the installation, while being able to reintroduce vehicles into the circuit for passenger service as needed, without interrupting the operation of the line.

[0028] According to a first aspect, the invention relates to transfer tracks, in which vehicles transit, leading to at least one station platform. The transfer tracks are: Connected to the route; Positioned above ground, at ground level or underground due to space constraints with the surrounding environment; With mixed transfer flows such as the boarding and disembarking of passengers and / or equipment taking place in the same exchange area. The role of the transport track is to receive vehicles, detached from the haul rope loop, and direct them to a separate transfer track. Once the flow of passengers and / or equipment entering and / or exiting the vehicles has been completed in the transfer tracks, the transport track guides the vehicles from the transfer tracks to the station exit for the next phase. launch on the haul rope loop.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the first aspect, the transfer tracks are arranged successively along the station's main travel track. The transfer tracks have a lobe-shaped geometry around the station's main travel track, such that each vehicle: Enters the transfer path from the travel path at one end, called the lobe inlet; Exits the transfer path at the opposite end to move towards the travel path. A switching system directs vehicles at each junction point, individually: From the wayway to a transfer lane; From the transfer lane to the wayway; Or from the transfer lane to an adjacent transfer lane.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the first aspect, several modes of vehicle traffic in the lobe transfer lane are possible: When a vehicle enters the transfer lane from the forward lane, it positions itself behind the last vehicle parked in the lobe and remains there until the first vehicle in the lobe moves to the forward lane. All vehicles in the lobe are then moved forward to create space for the next vehicle entering the lobe. Vehicles entering the transfer lobe are parked sequentially. Once the lobe is full, no new vehicles can enter or exit it. A departure command is then issued, initiating the simultaneous departure of all vehicles in the lobe. The vehicles then leave the lobe one after another to reach the station's forward lane.The vehicles pass successively one after the other at slow speed through the transfer lobe without stopping, according to a classic method of implementation known to those skilled in the art.

[0031] According to one embodiment of the first aspect, each transfer lobe is differentiated according to the destination stations of the vehicles departing from it. The flow of passengers and / or goods is thus directed to each destination separately and in a controlled manner. A passenger and / or goods transfer lobe is assigned to one or more destination stations. A destination station can be either a terminus or an intermediate station. The assignment of a lobe can be modified during operation. The assignment is: Either global to all vehicles passing through the relevant transfer lobe; Or individualized to each vehicle in a specific way.

[0032] According to one embodiment of the first aspect, a process for regulating the transfer of passengers and / or equipment between vehicles and the platforms of the transfer tracks controls the automatic opening and closing of vehicle doors according to a set program. An audible signal alerts passengers, and a set of sensors detects the presence of any obstacle to the closing of the doors.

[0033] According to one embodiment of the first aspect, the vehicles are positioned in the transfer lanes so that they form a wall with the platform. This arrangement prevents passengers and / or equipment from falling into the gaps between two successive vehicles. The presence of an obstacle in the transfer lanes or in the vehicle door closing clearance is then detected by a set of sensors, which send the information to a pre-programmed system that automatically stops the installation.

[0034] According to a second aspect, the invention relates to auxiliary tracks, separate from the slow-moving track, towards which vehicles are directed and temporarily stored. These vehicles are intended to be subsequently directed to a transfer track located in the same station or to the haul rope line to reach another station of the installation.

[0035] According to a third aspect, the invention consists of a method for autonomously regulating the movement of each vehicle within the station tracks. Vehicle movement is autonomous from the moment they are picked up from the haul rope loop by the deceleration device at the station entrance until they are dispatched onto the line at the station exit. The movement law defines the speed, acceleration, stopping, starting, and switching of the vehicles within: The travel routes; The transfer routes; The auxiliary routes of the stations. The motion law is generated by a program established using real-time information gathered on the system's operation. This information is acquired in real time by a set of sensors located in stations, both inside and outside the vehicles.

[0036] According to one embodiment of the third aspect, the sensors placed on the vehicles send information back to the program which is executed in real time by a computing unit: On the real-time position of vehicles in the station tracks and on the cable line; On the distance separating each vehicle in the station from its nearest neighbors, located on either side in the travel, transfer and auxiliary tracks of the stations; On the number of passengers present on board the vehicles; On the intrusion of individuals into the station tracks.

[0037] According to one embodiment of the third aspect, a set of sensors measures the occupancy level of a vehicle and sends this information back to the program. This measurement allows vehicles to be dispatched to the line based on passenger demand. Therefore, the distance between two successive vehicles on the line is not constant.

[0038] According to one embodiment of the third aspect, a set of sensors measures passenger traffic on station platforms and sends this information back to the program. This measurement allows for the regulation of vehicle allocation to different transfer lanes based on demand.

[0039] According to one embodiment of the third aspect, a threshold is defined to trigger the immediate departure of the vehicle from a transfer track to the station's routing track and then onto the line. For example, this threshold could represent a minimum number of passengers present inside the vehicle. If the number of passengers in the vehicle is less than this threshold, a departure delay is defined to allow the vehicle to remain parked in the transfer area awaiting new passengers and / or incoming equipment. When the delay period expires, the vehicle is sent onto the routing tracks to join the line. The passengers and / or equipment are then transported to the destination station(s).

[0040] According to one embodiment of the third aspect, the program executed in real time by a computing unit commands the departure of an empty vehicle from a transfer track or auxiliary track to another station. At the destination station, the empty vehicle is: Either received in a transfer lane; Or received in an auxiliary lane; Or redirected to its original station. This embodiment allows for a minimal number of vehicles on the haul rope loop for technical reasons and frees up the transfer tracks. For example, having several vehicles on the line limits the effects of cable twisting on the vehicle attachments. Furthermore, an appropriate distribution of vehicles on the line, defined according to a rule calculated by the program, allows for: Ensure efficient acceleration and braking of the haul rope loop; Minimize energy consumption, with balanced mass distribution along the rope loop over all sections of the installation line.

[0041] According to a fourth aspect, the invention consists of a set of rules for assigning vehicles according to a program established from real-time system operating information. The acquisition of operating information is carried out by sensors. The assignment rules are imposed on vehicles located in the transfer and auxiliary tracks of an origin station in order to direct them to another transfer, auxiliary, or routing track within the same station, or to any other destination station within the installation. Brief description of the drawings

[0042] [ fig.1 ] There figure 1is a schematic illustration of a self-contained transport system according to the invention using one or more cables, mobile and / or fixed. fig.2 ] There figure 2 is a schematic illustration of a portion of a self-contained cable transport system according to the invention, with a vehicle origin station and a vehicle destination station. fig.3] to [fig.8 ] THE figures 3 to 8 are a schematic illustration of embodiments of the configuration of the routing, transfer and auxiliary tracks of an end station of an autonomous transport installation according to the invention. fig.9] to [fig.10 ] THE figures 9 to 10 are a schematic illustration of embodiments of the configuration of the travel, transfer and auxiliary tracks of a straight intermediate station of an autonomous transport installation according to the invention. fig.11 ] There figure 11is a schematic illustration of one embodiment of the configuration of the routing, transfer and auxiliary tracks of an intermediate "fork" station of a self-contained cable transport installation according to the invention. fig.12] to [fig.18 ] THE figures 12 to 18 are a schematic illustration of embodiments of the control of vehicle movement and parking in the travel, transfer and auxiliary tracks of an end station of an autonomous cable transport installation according to the invention. fig.19 ] There figure 19 is a schematic illustration of the continuous interface between the platform and the vehicles, instrumented by a set of sensors, located in a transfer track of a station of an autonomous cable transport installation according to the invention. fig.20 ] There Figure 20is a flowchart representing the movement steps of a vehicle from an origin station of an autonomous cable transport installation according to the invention. Description of the implementation methods

[0043] It should first be noted that while the figures illustrate the invention in detail for its implementation, they can, of course, also serve to further define the invention where necessary. It should also be noted that, throughout all the figures, similar elements and / or those performing the same function are indicated by the same numbering.

[0044] There figure 1 shows an autonomous transport installation 100 according to the invention. The transport installation 100 comprises two loops of mobile cable 20a, 20b, in continuous motion, and guided and supported by a plurality of pylons 1. In an embodiment not shown, the transport installation 100 comprises a plurality of fixed and / or mobile cables.

[0045] The cable loops 20a and 20b provide traction for the two vehicles attached to the cables 20a and 20b. The cables 20a and 20b are continuous, closed-loop cables. The cables 20a and 20b are metallic cables consisting of multiple strands of wire twisted into a helix, forming a composite "rope" around a central core. The cable is primarily composed of steel.

[0046] The transport system 100 also includes vehicles 2. These vehicles 2 can be used to transport people and / or equipment. The vehicles 2 are configured to be coupled to and pulled by cables 20a and 20b. More specifically, the transport system 100 is a gondola lift, and in this case, the vehicles 2 are enclosed. In an embodiment not shown, the transport system 100 may include other haul and / or carrying cables, particularly when the vehicles 2 are heavy. These other cables may be haul or carrying cables.

[0047] The transport facility 100 also includes three end stations 3a, 3b, and 3c for loading and / or unloading people and / or equipment into vehicles 2. A first station 3a is located at the first end 100a of the transport facility 100. A second station 3b is located at the second end 100b of the transport facility. A third station 3c is located at the third end 100c of the transport facility. Stations 3a, 3b, and 3c are also referred to as terminals.

[0048] Transport facility 100 includes an intermediate station 3d located in an intermediate zone 100d along the cable. Station 3d is also intended for the embarkation and / or disembarkation of passengers and / or the transshipment of equipment, depending on the type of use of transport facility 100.

[0049] Transport facility 100 includes an intermediate fork station 3e located at the junction 100e between two sections of the transport facility leading to two end stations 3b, 3c. Station 3e allows for the switching of vehicles onto the branches of the facility leading to the end stations 3b, 3c. Depending on the type of use of transport facility 100, station 3e is also intended for the boarding and / or disembarking of passengers, and / or the transshipment of equipment.

[0050] Thus, as illustrated by the figure 1 The cable loop 20a allows vehicles 2 to be moved by traction from the first station 3a to the second station 3b via the intermediate stations 3d and 3e, and vice versa. The cable loop 20b allows vehicles 2 to be moved by traction from the intermediate station 3e to the third station 3c, and vice versa.

[0051] Stations 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, and 3e can be located: At ground level; Above ground level on support elements for space reasons; Below ground level, underground, in a trench or cavity.

[0052] As shown by figure 1A control device 40 generates a control law 42 sent to the vehicles 2 based on data from measurements 41 taken at various points on the system. The control device 40 includes at least one computing system, not shown, configured to implement the control method for the autonomous cable transport system described later. The computing system may be a central processing unit comprising at least one single-core or multi-core processor. In another embodiment, the computing system is a remote computer server to which the control device has access via a wired connection or a wireless connection through a communication network, such as the internet. The connection to the communication network may be secure.

[0053] There figure 2The diagram shows a vehicle 2a leaving a starting station 30 through the exit of the routing circuit (S) to reach the cable loop 20a. The starting station 30 is defined as the starting point of vehicle 2a's path. In this example, the starting station 30 is represented by an end station 3a. The starting station can be either an end station or an intermediate station. A vehicle 2b enters a destination station 31 through the entry (E) of the routing circuit and leaves the cable loop 20a. The destination station 31 is defined as the arrival point of the vehicle's path from the starting station 30. In this example, the destination station 31 is represented by an intermediate station 3d. The destination station can be either an end station or an intermediate station.

[0054] There figure 3shows the configuration of vehicle traffic lanes at an end station 3a. In the example described and represented by the figure 3 , the travelway 4 makes a 180-degree turn, along a non-zero curvature, to allow vehicles to start again in the opposite direction of travel on the mobile cable loop.

[0055] In another embodiment represented by the figures 9 And 10 , the route 4 is straight in the intermediate stations where the line is not diverted.

[0056] The entrance (E) to the track 4 receives the vehicles 2b arriving at the station from the haul rope loop. Once detached from the haul rope, the vehicles 2b are taken over by a separate drive unit controlled by the control unit 40, according to a program established from a set of data 41 collected on the system. The drive unit individually controls the movement of each vehicle in the track 4, the transfer tracks 5, and the auxiliary tracks 6. Furthermore, it ensures their deceleration relative to the haul rope loop to allow for passenger boarding and disembarking, and / or the transshipment of equipment. The switches 7a allow the selection of a direction of vehicle movement, according to a command generated by the control law 42.

[0057] In an embodiment not shown on the figure 3The individual vehicle training device can be: Controlled tire beams, driving the vehicles at the attachment point and positioned above the station tracks; An autonomous mobile support, positioned at the vehicle attachment point, moving in running rails positioned above the station tracks; An autonomous trolley carrying the vehicle and moving in the station tracks.

[0058] One or more transfer tracks 5 are arranged outside the curve described by the route track 4, to which they are connected by switches 7a. The transfer tracks 5 are arranged in a lobe pattern around the route track 4, i.e., they have an entrance and an exit connected to the route track 4.

[0059] Each station 3 of the installation 100 includes at least one transfer track 5 positioned at ground level, underground or overhead, with a mixed exchange zone 8 independent of the travel circuit 4, having a lobe-shaped, curved or straight geometry, connected to the travel circuit 4 and / or to other transfer tracks 5 and / or to auxiliary tracks 6 by at least two bifurcation points equipped with a switching system 7a.

[0060] In another embodiment represented by the figure 4 , the transfer tracks 5 can be positioned in combination outside and inside the curve described by the travel track 4. According to this configuration, a passenger access to platform 8 located inside the curve of the travel track 4 ensures crossing of track 4 by a lower or upper level.

[0061] In another embodiment represented by the figure 8, the transfer channels 5 are positioned successively relative to each other in a parallel configuration.

[0062] In another embodiment represented by the figures 9 And 10 , the transfer lanes 5 can be positioned in combination on either side of the straight travel lane 4.

[0063] Vehicles travel and / or park in transfer tracks 5 after being diverted there by switches 7a from the route track 4.

[0064] Transfer lanes 5 are adjacent, along their entire length or partially, to a transfer platform 8. Passengers board vehicles from platform 8 or disembark vehicles at platform 8. Transfer platform 8 is directly connected to transfer lane 5. An open facade, described later by the figure 19This allows for the continuous transit of passenger flow in the mixed interchange area, with both incoming and outgoing vehicle flows. The geometry of the transfer lanes in the interchange area adjacent to platform 8 can be curved or straight.

[0065] In a realization mode represented in figures 6 and 7 The transfer tracks can be connected by switches 7b, which allow the control device 40 to select one direction or another to direct the vehicles. Depending on one mode of travel, vehicles are directed from one transfer track to the next. Depending on another mode of travel, a vehicle leaving a transfer track is redirected to the transit track 4. The selection of the vehicle direction is carried out by the control device 40, which generates a command transmitted to the vehicles by a control law 42.

[0066] In one embodiment represented in Figures 5 , 6 and 7 , the transfer platforms 8 can be common to several transfer lanes 5.

[0067] In one embodiment represented by the figures 7 And 8 , platforms 8 are positioned on either side of the vehicles in the transfer lanes 5. One side door of the vehicles leads to platform 8a while the other side door of the vehicles leads to a separate platform 8b, allowing a flow without crossing between passengers entering and exiting the vehicles.

[0068] In another embodiment not shown, the exchange platform 8 can be used for the transshipment of equipment, materials or parcels.

[0069] One or more auxiliary tracks 6 are arranged inside the curve described by the main track 4, to which they are connected by switches 7a. The auxiliary tracks 6 are arranged in a lobe pattern around the main track 4, that is to say, they have an entrance and an exit connected to the main track 4.

[0070] At least one station 3 of the installation 100 includes at least one auxiliary track 6 located at the same level or at a lower or higher level than the transfer tracks 5, independent of the routing circuit 4, connected to the routing circuit 4 and / or to the adjacent transfer tracks 5 and / or to the other adjacent auxiliary tracks 6 by at least two curved bifurcation points equipped with a switching system 7a.

[0071] In another embodiment represented by the figure 4, the auxiliary tracks 6 can be positioned in a combined manner outside and inside the curve described by the traversing track 4.

[0072] In another embodiment represented by the figures 9 And 10 , the auxiliary tracks 6 can be positioned in combination on either side of the straight travel track 4.

[0073] Vehicles travel and / or park in the auxiliary tracks 6 after being diverted there from the main track 4 by the switches 7a. The auxiliary tracks 6 constitute a vehicle reserve. Their role is to accommodate vehicles for temporary storage. Vehicles can be either stationary or moving in the auxiliary tracks 6, according to control law 42. Vehicles parked in the auxiliary tracks 6 are then redirected to the other transfer tracks 5 of the station or to the moving cable line towards any other station in the installation.

[0074] In one embodiment represented by the Figures 5 And 10The configuration of the auxiliary tracks 6 allows vehicles to enter the reserve from the exit side (S), and thus form a loop by turning around to reinject the vehicles directly onto the line or into the transfer tracks 5 located on the entrance side (E) of the station.

[0075] In one embodiment represented by the Figure 10 Auxiliary tracks 6 also allow the transfer of vehicles from one side of the line to the other at intermediate stations. Switches 7c allow the selection of a direction of vehicle movement within the tracks, according to a command generated by control law 42.

[0076] In an embodiment not shown, the auxiliary tracks are located either at the same level, at a lower level, or at a higher level relative to platforms 8. A lift and ramp system allows vehicles to overcome the difference in altitude between the tracks.

[0077] There figure 11 shows the configuration of vehicle traffic lanes at an intermediate station 3e. In the example described and represented by the figure 11Intermediate station 3e is located at the intersection of three branches of the installation. Along each branch, three travel lanes 4a, 4b, and 4c make a 180-degree turn, following a non-zero curve, to allow vehicles to travel in the opposite direction on the moving cable loop. The travel lanes are connected by transfer lanes 5a, 5b, and 5c. This configuration allows vehicles to be transferred from one branch of the installation to another.

[0078] Vehicles 2b entering any destination station 31 of the installation 100 are individually taken care of from the haul rope line 20 by a drive system in the routing circuit 4 and directed: to a transfer track 5; to an auxiliary track 6; or to the exit (S) of the station; according to a motion law 42, generated by a control device 40, which defines the starting order, acceleration, braking and stopping order of the incoming vehicle 2b independently of the other vehicles 2 of the installation 100.

[0079] There figure 12 shows the movement path, governed by the control device 40, of a vehicle A in the traffic lanes of an end station 3a and more particularly in a transfer lobe 5, also referred to as a transfer lane, located between the entry point 16 and the exit point 17. In the example described and represented by the figure 12A vehicle A enters the station, moves along the access track 4, then proceeds to the transfer track 5 via the entry point 16, where it travels without stopping to the exit point 17, before returning to the access track 4 and heading towards the station exit. According to this embodiment, the transfer of passengers between the platform and the vehicles is carried out while vehicle A is moving at low speed to allow for boarding and disembarking with an appropriate level of comfort and safety.

[0080] There figure 13 shows an alternative embodiment to that described and represented by the figure 12 , according to which the path of vehicle A, governed by the control device 40, is carried out along successive transfer lobes between the entry point 16 and the exit point 17. The different transfer lobes are connected to each other by bifurcation points.

[0081] There figure 14shows the movement path, governed by the control device 40, of vehicles A and C in the traffic lanes of an end station 3a and more particularly in a transfer lobe 5 located between the entry point 16 and the exit point 17. In the example described and represented by the figure 14Vehicle A enters the station, moves along the forward track 4, and then proceeds to the transfer track 5 via entry point 16. It parks in track 5 behind a vehicle B that is already stopped, in an available position. When the departure command is given, by control law 42, to vehicle C located at the head of the lobe 5, vehicle C moves towards the forward track 4 to reach the station exit. Vehicle B, previously parked behind vehicle C in the transfer lobe 5, moves at very low speed to the position at the head of the transfer lobe 5. All vehicles parked in the transfer lobe 5 are also moved at very low speed from their parking position to the next position. A space is thus freed up at the tail of the lobe for the entry of a new vehicle into track 5 via entry point 16.

[0082] In an embodiment presented by the figure 14Vehicles A, B, and C from the station enter transfer lanes 5 as a parking space becomes available, where they stop to pick up and drop off passengers. When a vehicle C, carrying passengers, located at the head of the lobe, leaves transfer lane 5 to rejoin the line, all other vehicles A and B in the lobe move at very low speed to free up a parking space and allow the arrival of a new vehicle.

[0083] In an embodiment presented by the figure 15 All vehicles in the facility must be able to be stored in the station tracks so that vehicles are only in operation when carrying at least one passenger. This requires the implementation of a vehicle reserve 6b to store vehicles when all transfer lobes 5 are occupied.

[0084] In one embodiment, vehicle reserve 6b can be a siding of the station.

[0085] In one embodiment, a reserve of vehicles 6b is located in each station of the installation.

[0086] In one embodiment, a reserve of vehicles 6b is located in a station and supplies several stations of the installation.

[0087] In an embodiment presented by the figure 15 Auxiliary track 6 serves as a maintenance area to carry out operations on vehicles when the installation is in passenger service and to allow the reinjection of vehicles as needed for operation.

[0088] There figure 15shows the movement path, governed by the control device 40, of vehicles A and C in the traffic lanes of an end station 3a and more specifically in an auxiliary lane 6 located between the entry point 16 and the exit point 17. In the example described and represented by the figure 15Vehicle A enters the station, moves along the main track 4, and then proceeds to the auxiliary track 6 via entry point 16. It parks in track 6 behind a vehicle B that is already stopped, in a free position in the reserve 6b. When the departure command is given to vehicle C, located at the head of the auxiliary track 6, by control law 42, vehicle C moves towards the main track 4 to reach the station exit. Vehicle B, previously parked behind vehicle C in the auxiliary track 6, moves at very low speed to the position at the head of the auxiliary track 6. All vehicles parked in the auxiliary track 6 are also moved at very low speed from their parking position to the next position. A space is thus freed up at the rear of the reserve 6b for the entry of a new vehicle into track 6 via entry point 16.

[0089] In an embodiment presented by the figure 16 All vehicles in the facility must be able to be stored in the station tracks so that vehicles are only in operation when carrying at least one passenger. This requires the implementation of a vehicle reserve 6b to supply the transfer lobes 5 when no new vehicles are arriving at the station entrance via the access track 4.

[0090] In an embodiment not shown, a reserve of free vehicles is in circulation on the cable line in order to supply the transfer tracks 5 of the different stations of the installation.

[0091] There figure 16shows the movement path, governed by the control device 40, of a vehicle C in the traffic lanes of an end station 3a, more specifically from an auxiliary track 6 to a transfer track 5. This path corresponds to the supply of a transfer track 5 by a reserve of vehicles 6b. In the example described and represented by the figure 16 , a vehicle C located at the head of the vehicle reserve 6b in an auxiliary lane 6 moves towards the travel lane by the exit point 17, then moves into a transfer lane 5 by the entry point 16. It parks in the transfer lane 5 in a free position, located behind a vehicle D already stopped.

[0092] THE figures 17 And 18show the movement path, governed by the control device 40, of a train of four vehicles A1, A2, A3, A4 in the traffic tracks of an end station 3a, more specifically in a transfer track 5. In the example described and represented by the figures 17 And 18 A train of vehicles enters the station via siding 4, then proceeds into a transfer lobe 5. figure 17 represents an embodiment in which the vehicle train moves at low speed to facilitate the transfer of passengers entering and exiting the vehicles with the platform. figure 18 represents an embodiment in which the vehicle train is stationary for the purpose of transferring passengers in and out of the platform. Once the vehicle train has left the transfer lobe 5, it proceeds towards the station exit via the passageway 4.

[0093] In one embodiment, each transfer lobe 5 has an operating mode independent of the other lobes, allowing for the distribution of flows within each transfer zone. For example, a transfer lobe of the station can be dedicated to the boarding and disembarking of people with reduced mobility according to an operating mode described by the figure 18 , for which vehicles are stopped during passenger transfers, while the other lobes operate according to the method described by the figure 12 , with a continuous stream of independent vehicles.

[0094] There figure 19The system shows sensors 10c located inside vehicles 2, each equipped with passenger spaces 12, designed to detect the presence of passengers and count them. In one embodiment, the sensors 10c are cameras that record real-time images of the vehicle interiors, thus constituting an information stream 41 transmitted to the control device 40 and analyzed by a program established according to an algorithmic method of automatic image recognition. The analysis of the images transmitted by the sensors 10c makes it possible to determine the departure order of vehicle 2, according to the motion law 42, based on demand and the occupancy level of vehicle 2. In one embodiment, if the sensor 10c detects the presence of a number of passengers inside vehicle 2 below a threshold (VS), a timer is started before vehicle 2 departs.If the vehicle 2 is filled above the threshold (VS), the order to immediately depart the vehicle is transmitted by the control system 40 via the motion law 42. In one embodiment, an empty vehicle 2, without passengers, may be sent into line for technical reasons, in order to avoid, for example, twisting of the haul rope line or to respond to an energy consumption optimization strategy in order to balance the load on the different tracks of the line.

[0095] There figure 19Figure 10 shows a set of sensors 10a and 10b positioned on vehicles 2 whose role is to detect when a vehicle approaches other adjacent vehicles in the station tracks. Sensors 10a and 10b also serve to determine the absolute position of the vehicle along the line. The information 41 from sensors 10a and 10b is transmitted remotely to the control system 40 and is used by the programmed system to generate the motion law 42, which adapts the speed and acceleration of each vehicle 2 in real time.

[0096] In one embodiment represented by the figure 19 Optical cells 10d positioned on vehicles 2 and on the interface platform facade 13 send information 41 to the control device 40 to define the order of automatic opening and closing of doors 11. The movements of the doors 11 are accompanied by the triggering of an audible signal to warn the passengers.

[0097] In one embodiment represented by the figure 19A set of sensors 10d, 10e, and 10f are installed on interface 13 to send information 41 to the control device 40, which governs the movement of each vehicle 2 according to the motion law 42. Interface 13 is defined as the spatial boundary between platform 8 and the vehicle 2 circulation area. Horizontal infrared beam sensors 10d and vertical curtain sensors 10e detect the crossing of passengers at the vehicle-platform interface 13 and count the corresponding flow. A camera 10f records real-time images of the vehicle-platform interface 13. These images, constituting an information stream 41, are transmitted to the control device 40 and analyzed by a program based on an algorithmic method for automatic image recognition. The analysis of the images transmitted by sensors 10f allows for the measurement of passenger traffic and the counting of passenger flow.It also enables the detection of accidental intrusion of a passenger into the tracks in order to prevent falls and trigger the automatic shutdown of the installation 100 in case of a problem during boarding.

[0098] In one embodiment represented by the figure 19Dynamic display screens 14a and 14b are positioned on the platform interface facade 13 and on the exterior of the vehicles 2. They broadcast real-time information to passengers about the destination and occupancy status of each vehicle 2. In one embodiment, the destination displayed on screen 14b of the platform facade is dynamic so that it remains above each vehicle and coincides with its instantaneous position as it moves. In one embodiment, all vehicles transiting through the same transfer lobe 5 are associated with the same destination. In another embodiment, the vehicles of the same transfer lobe 5 are associated with several simultaneous destinations, each individualized for each vehicle.

[0099] The law of movement 42, which defines the order of departure, acceleration, braking and stopping of vehicles 2 in the travel lanes 4, transfer 5 and auxiliary 6, is given by a program established by the control device 40 from information 41 retrieved on the installation 100 by a set of sensors 10 positioned in the vehicles 2, at the interface 13, in the lanes 4, 5, 6 of the stations to provide information on the relative position between each of the vehicles 2 in circulation in the lanes of the station 3, the level of filling of the vehicles 2 as well as the intrusion of individuals in the lanes 4, 5, 6.

[0100] The arrival sequence of a vehicle 2b in any of the transfer tracks 5 of a destination station 31 includes at least one of the following steps: the vehicle 2b joins a transfer track 5 from the travel track 4; upon entering the transfer track 5, at least one door 11 of the vehicle 2b leads onto the platform constituting a mixed exchange zone 8; the opening of at least one door 11 of the vehicle 2b is carried out automatically as soon as the vehicle has at least one door 11 which leads onto a platform 8; the vehicle is stopped when another vehicle 2 is parked in front of it or when it is at the head of the transfer track 5; the steps being generated by means of a control device 40 and defined by a program established from the information 41 measured in real time on the installation 100.

[0101] The passenger flow exchange sequence between a vehicle 2 located in any of the transfer lanes 5 of a destination station 31 or origin station 30 of the facility includes at least one of the following steps: passengers board and / or disembark from vehicle 2 from platforms 8 via interface 13, simultaneously or successively, while vehicle 2 is moving or stopped in the transfer lane 5 with at least one door 11 in the open position; screens 14a, 14b display information for travelers on the destination and the instantaneous occupancy status of each vehicle 2; the automatic closing of at least one door 11 of the vehicle 2, whether moving or stopped in the transfer lane 5, is controlled by a program retrieving information transmitted by at least one sensor 10c, 10d located in the vehicle or a sensor 10d, 10e, 10f located at the interface 13 with the platform 8;an audible and visual signal emitted by an actuator accompanies the automatic closing of at least one door 11 of the vehicle 2; the steps being generated via a control device 40 and defined by a program established from the information 41 measured in real time on the installation 100.;

[0102] The departure sequence of a vehicle 2 from any of the transfer tracks 5 of an origin station 30 includes at least one of the following steps: if the vehicle is empty, the vehicle is directed via the switches 7a to another transfer track 5 of the station 30 or to any other station 3 of the installation 100 or to an auxiliary track 6 of the station 30 or to any other station 3 of the installation 100; if the vehicle carries at least one passenger, the vehicle is routed to the exit (S) of the station via the travel tracks to be taken to the destination station 31 via the moving cable loop 20; the steps being generated via a control device 40 and defined by a program established from the information 41 measured in real time on the installation 100.

[0103] The control device 40, which generates a control law 42, subsequently given as an instruction for the movement of vehicles 2, based on measurements 41 taken on the installation, will now be described. A flowchart of the control device 40, and more specifically of the rules for assigning vehicles 2 to the different tracks of the stations of the installation 100, is illustrated on the Figure 20 .

[0104] The control device 40 includes a step 200 of generating a motion law 42 for a direct type vehicle (VD) which makes a targeted journey between two stations (SA) and (SB) of the installation.

[0105] Step 201 corresponds to the procedure for the vehicle (VD) to depart from a home station 30. If the occupancy of the vehicle (VD) parked in a transfer lane 5 exceeds the threshold value (VS), then the vehicle's departure order is given. The vehicle (VD) then leaves the home station 30 to proceed to the destination station 31.

[0106] Step 202 is triggered upon the arrival of the vehicle (VD) in the travel lane 4 of the destination station 31. Substep 202.1 consists of searching for an available transfer lobe 5 to dock the vehicle (VD) and ensure the disembarkation of passengers at an interface 13 with a platform 8: If at least one space is available in at least one transfer lobe 5 of station 31, then substep 202.2 is activated and the vehicle (VD) is directed to the identified available space. Passenger disembarkation takes place at interface 13 between the vehicle and platform 8. The vehicle is then assigned to a new destination. If all transfer lobes 5 of station 31 are full, then substep 202.3 is activated.The vehicle (TL) located at the head of transfer lobe 5, closest to vehicle (VD), then leaves its position to free up a space: • If the vehicle (TL) is carrying at least one passenger, it is directed along the line via the travel track 4 and reaches its destination station; • If the vehicle (TL) is empty, without passengers, and at least one auxiliary track 6 is available in station 31, then the leaving vehicle (TL) moves to an auxiliary track 6 to be parked and can then be used to supply other transfer lobes 5 of station 31; • If the vehicle (TL) is empty, without passengers, and at least one accessible auxiliary track 6 is not available in station 31, then it is directed without passengers towards the station exit to rejoin the line. It becomes a search vehicle according to step 205.Step 205 consists of identifying another station (SB) of the installation 100 which has a deficit of vehicles in the transfer and / or auxiliary lanes, by means of a measurement carried out in real time by at least one sensor 10. According to step 205, the search vehicle is then directed to the station (SB) thus identified where there is a need for empty vehicles to fill the transfer lobes or the auxiliary lanes.

[0107] The control device 40 includes a step 203 of generating a motion law 42 for an omnibus type vehicle (VO) which makes a journey stopping at each of the stations of the installation 100 encountered on its journey.

[0108] Step 201 corresponds to the procedure for the vehicle (VO) to depart from a home station 30. If the occupancy of the vehicle (VO) parked in a transfer lane 5 exceeds the threshold value (VS), then the departure order for (VO) is given. The vehicle (VD) then leaves the home station 30 to proceed to the next station (SP) closest to the line.

[0109] Step 204 is triggered upon the arrival of the vehicle (VO) at the entrance of the station's (SP) travel lane 4. The vehicle (VO) is directed into a transfer lobe 5, where vehicles move continuously without stopping, to carry out passenger boarding and / or disembarking. Once the vehicle (VO) has passed through the transfer lane 5, it returns to the station's (SP) travel lane 4. If the vehicle's (VO) onboard sensors 10 detect the presence of at least one passenger inside the vehicle after the transfer, then step 204.2 is activated and the vehicle (VO) is sent online to the nearest available station. If the vehicle's (VO) onboard sensors 10 no longer detect the presence of passengers inside the vehicle after the transfer, then step 204.3 is triggered. The vehicle (VO) is directed to another available transfer lobe of the station (SP). If no other transfer lobe is available, the vehicle (VO) is directed to an auxiliary channel of the station (SP) to supply a reserve 6b. If no other auxiliary channel is available, then the vehicle (VO) becomes a seeker vehicle according to step 205.

[0110] In one embodiment, the orientation of the vehicles 2 in the different transfer lobes 5 of the stations 3 of the installation 100 is carried out by the control device 40 according to a rule established according to the passenger influx measured by the sensors 10 located at the interface 13.

[0111] In one embodiment, the selection of a vehicle 2 by the control device 40 allows it to be directed specifically to a storage area, which can be a garage track connected to the travel track 4 or an auxiliary track 6, to carry out maintenance operations during the operation of the installation 100 without interrupting its operation.

[0112] In one embodiment, a single transfer lobe 5 can be filled by vehicles parked there and associated with several destinations. If the first vehicle (V1), located at the head of the lobe and associated with a destination (A), is empty, while the vehicle (V2), located second behind vehicle (V1) and associated with another destination (B), has at least one passenger inside, then a timer is triggered, issuing a departure order for vehicle (V1) regardless of its occupancy level, to allow the loaded vehicle (V2) to depart. If vehicle (V1) is empty when the departure order is given, then it becomes the search vehicle according to step 205.Generally, if N vehicles are stored empty and stationary in a transfer lobe 5 in front of a vehicle (N+1) that is filled with at least one passenger, a group departure order for the N vehicles stationary in front of it is given after a timer has been triggered. This rule allows a vehicle loaded with at least one passenger to be sent into line, thus avoiding unnecessary waiting time corresponding to the time it takes for other vehicles in the same lobe to fill up.

[0113] In one embodiment, if the transfer lobe 5 of any station 3 of the installation 100 is empty, then a vehicle from a reserve 6b of the same station 3 is routed to the empty transfer lobe 5. If there are no vehicles in reserve 6b, the first empty vehicle leaving another transfer lobe 5 of the same station is sent to the empty transfer lobe, if it is accessible. Otherwise, the search vehicle, according to step 205, closest to the station is routed to the empty lobe.

[0114] In one embodiment, the timing which ensures a minimum spacing between two successive vehicles 2 attached to the mobile cable line 20 is ensured in each station 3 by the control device 40, according to a synchronization of the different departures of the vehicles from the transfer track 5 and auxiliary track 6.

[0115] In an unclaimed embodiment, a computer program comprising portions of program code is used for the execution of the operating steps of a self-contained cable transport installation (100) when said program is executed on a computer.

[0116] Of course, the invention is not limited to the examples just described and many modifications can be made to these examples without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. Autonomous installation for transport by cables (100), comprising at least one moving cable loop (20) hauling detachable vehicles (2), the installation comprising at least two end stations (3a, 3b, 3c), remote from one another, the stations (3a, 3b, 3c) being connected to one another by the moving cable (20) so as to form a line, the detachable vehicles (2) being taken over by a conveying circuit (4): - located in a station (3) at an end (100a) or an intermediate point (100d) of the line; - ensuring the movement of the vehicles (2) inside the station (3) at a speed which is reduced relative to the cable loop (20); each vehicle (2) at the entry (E) of the conveying circuit (4) being directed, at each switch of a switching system (7a), toward one of the following directions: - into a transfer track (5), arranged distinctly around the conveying circuit (4), which has a mixed exchange zone (8) for flows of passengers entering and leaving the vehicles (2) in translation at reduced speed or at a standstill; a platform (8) constituting the mixed exchange zone (8); - into an auxiliary track, arranged distinctly around the conveying circuit (4), which constitutes a reserve of vehicles (6b) in translation at reduced speed or at a standstill without any transfer of passengers being carried out; - into the continuation of the conveying circuit (4) in order to be directed toward another transfer track (5) or auxiliary track (6) of the station (3), or in order to be reinjected onto the moving cable loop (20) at the station exit (S); characterized in that the assignment and the motion control law (42), which defines the departure command, the acceleration, the braking and the stopping of the vehicles (2) in the conveying (4), transfer (5) and auxiliary (6) tracks, are given by a program established by a control device (40) on the basis of information (41) measured in real time on the installation (100) by a set of sensors (10) positioned: - in the vehicles (2); - at an interface (13) defined as being the spatial boundary between the platform (8) and a circulation zone of the vehicles (2); - in the tracks (4), (5), (6) of the stations; in order to provide information on the relative position between each of the vehicles (2) circulating in the tracks of the station (3), the filling level of the vehicles (2) and the intrusion of individuals into the tracks (4), (5), (6).

2. Autonomous installation for transport by cables according to claim 1, characterized in that each station (3) of the installation (100) comprises at least one transfer track (5): - positioned at ground level, underground or elevated; - provided with a mixed exchange zone (8), independent of the conveying circuit (4), with an interface (13) provided with a set of sensors (10d), (10e), (10f); - having a lobe-shaped geometry, curved or rectilinear; - connected to the conveying circuit (4) and / or to the other transfer tracks (5) and / or to the auxiliary tracks (6) by at least two points provided with a switching system (7a) with an assignment and a motion control law (42) of the vehicles (2), which defines the departure command, the acceleration, the braking and the stopping of the vehicles (2), given by a program established by the control device (40) on the basis of information (41) measured in real time on the installation (100) by a set of sensors (10) positioned: - in the vehicles (2); - at the interface (13); - in the tracks (4), (5), (6) of the stations; in order to provide information on the relative position between each of the vehicles (2) circulating in the tracks of the station (3), the filling level of the vehicles (2) and the intrusion of individuals into the tracks (4), (5), (6).

3. Autonomous installation for transport by cables according to claim 1, characterized in that at least any one station (3) of the installation (100) comprises at least one auxiliary track (6): - located at the same level as, or at a level below or above, the transfer tracks (5); - independent of the conveying circuit (4); - connected to the conveying circuit (4) and / or to the adjacent transfer tracks (5) and / or to the other adjacent auxiliary tracks (6) by at least two points provided with a switching system (7a); with an assignment and a motion control law (42) of the vehicles (2), which defines the departure command, the acceleration, the braking and the stopping of the vehicles (2), given by a program established by the control device (40) on the basis of information (41) measured in real time on the installation (100) by a set of sensors (10) positioned: - in the vehicles (2); - at the interface (13); - in the tracks (4), (5), (6) of the stations; in order to provide information on the relative position between each of the vehicles (2) circulating in the tracks of the station (3), the filling level of the vehicles (2) and the intrusion of individuals into the tracks (4), (5), (6).

4. Autonomous installation for transport by cables according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the vehicles (2b) entering any destination station (31) of the installation (100) are taken over individually, from the hauling cable line (20), by a drive system in the conveying circuit (4) and in order to be directed: - toward a transfer track (5); - toward an auxiliary track (6); - or toward the exit (S) of the station; according to a motion control law (42), generated by the control device (40), which defines the departure command, the acceleration, the braking and the stop command of the entering vehicle (2b) independently of the other vehicles (2) of the installation (100), on the basis of information (41) measured in real time on the installation (100) by a set of sensors (10) positioned: - in the vehicles (2); - at the interface (13); - in the tracks (4), (5), (6) of the stations; in order to provide information on the relative position between each of the vehicles (2) circulating in the tracks of the station (3), the filling level of the vehicles (2) and the intrusion of individuals into the tracks (4), (5), (6).

5. Autonomous installation for transport by cables according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by an operating mode according to which a vehicle (2a) leaving an origin station (30) is directed toward a destination station (31) of the installation where it is received in any transfer track (5) of the station (31) having at least one free position, in order to ensure the boarding and the alighting of the passengers, according to an instruction and a motion control law (42) generated by the control device (40) and established on the basis of information (41) measured in real time on the installation (100) by a set of sensors (10) positioned: - in the vehicles (2); - at the interface (13); - in the tracks (4), (5), (6) of the stations; in order to provide information on the relative position between each of the vehicles (2) circulating in the tracks of the station (3), the filling level of the vehicles (2) and the intrusion of individuals into the tracks (4), (5), (6).

6. Autonomous installation for transport by cables according to any one of the preceding claims, for which the arrival sequence of a vehicle (2b) in any one of the transfer tracks (5) of a destination station (31) comprises at least one of the following steps: - the vehicle (2b) joins a transfer track (5) from the conveying track (4); - as soon as it enters the transfer track (5), at least one door (11) of the vehicle (2b) opens onto the platform constituting a mixed exchange zone (8); - the opening of at least one door (11) of the vehicle (2b) is carried out automatically as soon as the vehicle has at least one door (11) which opens onto a platform (8); - the vehicle is stopped when another vehicle (2) is parked in front of it or when it is located at the head of the transfer track (5); the steps and the motion control law (42), which defines the departure command, the acceleration, the braking and the stopping of the vehicles (2), being generated by means of the control device (40) and defined by a program established on the basis of the information (41) measured in real time on the installation (100) by a set of sensors (10) positioned in the vehicles (2), at the interface (13), in the tracks (4), (5), (6) of the stations in order to provide information on the relative position between each of the vehicles (2) circulating in the tracks of the station (3), the filling level of the vehicles (2) and the intrusion of individuals into the tracks (4), (5), (6).

7. Autonomous installation for transport by cables according to any one of the preceding claims, for which the sequence of exchange of passenger flows between a vehicle (2) located in any one of the transfer tracks (5) of a destination station (31) or origin station (30) of the installation comprises at least one of the following steps: - the passengers board and / or alight from the vehicle (2) from the platforms (8) through the interface (13), simultaneously or successively, while the vehicle (2) is moving or at a standstill in the transfer track (5) with at least one door (11) in the open position; - screens (14a), (14b) broadcast information for the passengers on the destination and the instantaneous filling state of each vehicle (2); - the automatic closing of at least one door (11) of the vehicle (2), moving or at a standstill in the transfer track (5), is controlled by a program retrieving information transmitted by at least one sensor (10c), (10d) located in the vehicle or a sensor (10d), (10e), (10f) located at the interface (13) with the platform (8); - an audible and visual signal emitted by an actuator accompanies the automatic closing of at least one door (11) of the vehicle (2); the steps being generated by means of the control device (40) and defined by a program established on the basis of the information (41) measured in real time on the installation (100) by a set of sensors (10) positioned in the vehicles (2), at the interface (13), in the tracks (4), (5), (6) of the stations in order to provide information on the relative position between each of the vehicles (2) circulating in the tracks of the station (3), the filling level of the vehicles (2) and the intrusion of individuals into the tracks (4), (5), (6).

8. Autonomous installation for transport by cables according to any one of the preceding claims, for which the departure sequence of a vehicle (2) from any one of the transfer tracks (5) of an origin station (30) comprises at least one of the following steps: - if the vehicle is empty, the vehicle is directed by means of the switches (7a): ∘ toward another transfer track (5) of the station (30) or of any other station (3) of the installation (100); ∘ or an auxiliary track (6) of the station (30) or of any other station (3) of the installation (100); - if the vehicle is carrying at least one passenger, the vehicle is conveyed toward the exit (S) of the station by the conveying tracks in order to be taken to the destination station (31) via the moving cable loop (20); the steps and the motion control law (42), which defines the departure command, the acceleration, the braking and the stopping of the vehicles (2), being generated by means of the control device (40) and defined by a program established on the basis of the information (41) measured in real time on the installation (100) by a set of sensors (10) positioned in the vehicles (2), at the interface (13), in the tracks (4), (5), (6) of the stations in order to provide information on the relative position between each of the vehicles (2) circulating in the tracks of the station (3), the filling level of the vehicles (2) and the intrusion of individuals into the tracks (4), (5), (6).

9. Autonomous installation for transport by cables according to any one of the preceding claims, for which all of the vehicles (2) arrive at, transit through and / or park in and then depart simultaneously from one and the same transfer track (5) or auxiliary track (6) of at least any one station (3) of the installation (100), forming a train of vehicles, according to a coupled operating mode established by the control device (40) with a motion control law (42) defined by a program established on the basis of the information (41) measured in real time on the installation (100) by a set of sensors (10) positioned in the vehicles (2), at the interface (13), in the tracks (4), (5), (6) of the stations in order to provide information on the relative position between each of the vehicles (2) circulating in the tracks of the station (3), the filling level of the vehicles (2) and the intrusion of individuals into the tracks (4), (5), (6).

10. Autonomous installation for transport by cables according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the program of the control device (40) which analyzes the data (41), transmitted by the sensors (10c) (10d) positioned in the vehicle (2) or the sensors (10d) (10e) (10f) located at the interface (13) with the platforms (8), proceeds according to an algorithm of the automatic image recognition type in order to detect the number of passengers present inside the vehicle (2), the passenger crowding on the transfer platform (8) and the intrusion of individuals into the tracks (4), (5), (6) of the station (3).

11. Autonomous installation for transport by cables according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the program of the control device (40) is implemented by a computing system, on the basis of the analysis of the information (41) measured in real time on the installation (100) by a set of sensors (10) positioned in the vehicles (2), at the interface (13), in the tracks (4), (5), (6) of the stations in order to provide information on the relative position between each of the vehicles (2) circulating in the tracks of the station (3), the filling level of the vehicles (2) and the intrusion of individuals into the tracks (4), (5), (6).

Images