Rope conveying system, in particular for a recreational sports system

Abstract

The present invention relates to a system (10) in which a user (30) is towed by means of rope forces (46) through a movement region (20) which can be configured by software. The ropes (16) are parallel-kinematically connected at an anchor point (26), via which the user (30) is connected to the recreational sports system (10). By selectively tensioning the individual ropes (16), a controllable resultant tensile force (48) is created in the anchor point (26), which tensile force flexibly tows the user (30) along a movement path (40; 50).

Description

[0001] Rope conveyor system, especially for a fun sports facility

[0002] The present invention relates to a cable conveyor system and a system comprising a cable conveyor system. The invention further relates to a method for operating the system and a control system.

[0003] In the technical field of fun sports facilities, such as waterskiing or wakeboarding facilities, concepts have long been established in which a tow rope is guided along a circular or circular-like path. Various users of the facility can hook onto the tow rope at safe distances and be pulled along. One such concept is known, for example, from DE 10 2020 121 781 A1.

[0004] Alternatively, concepts are also known, for example from WO 2009 / 015878 A2, in which the user is pulled by a pull rope along a straight path rather than a circular path.

[0005] What these concepts have in common is that the user has virtually no flexibility in the path of travel. Only the entry and exit points can be influenced by the user picking up or releasing the traction cable. Furthermore, these concepts are characterized by relatively high energy consumption, as high friction losses occur, particularly in the traction cable guides. Especially with circular guide concepts, the absolute length of the cable moved, and thus the total mass moved, is also large.

[0006] The present invention is therefore based on the object of proposing a novel concept for a cable conveyor system, for a facility with a cable conveyor system, and for a method for operating such a facility. The novel concept should be characterized by configurability, high user flexibility, energy efficiency, and lower mechanical complexity. This applies in particular to a facility designed as a fun sports facility.

[0007] The object is achieved by the subject matter of independent patent claims 1, 10, 11 and 12. Preferred embodiments of the present invention emerge from the features recited in the subclaims and further from the present disclosure as a whole. A first aspect of the invention relates to a cable conveyor system, in particular for a fun sports facility, comprising a plurality of, in particular at least three, cable conveyor devices, each with a cable, and a control system with which the cable conveyor devices can be controlled so that a free cable length of the cable conveyed by the respective cable conveyor device can be adjusted, wherein the cables are kinematically coupled via a common anchor point and the cable conveyor devices are arranged around the anchor point so that the anchor point can be positioned in a movement range spanned between the cable conveyor devices.

[0008] In other words, several, in particular at least three, selectively tensionable ropes are provided, which are kinematically connected parallel to the anchor point. By individually tensioning or exerting tensioning forces on the ropes, at least three rope forces result, which superimpose themselves at the anchor point to form a resultant rope force. The tensioning forces or tension of the ropes are achieved by moving the ropes, i.e. by adjusting the free rope length, which can take the form of elongation or shortening. If, purely as an example, three rope conveyor systems are arranged at the corners of an equilateral triangle and the free rope lengths of all ropes are set identically, the anchor point is located at the centroid of the triangle. If all ropes are then tensioned with the same rope force, the position of the anchor point does not change because the resultant rope force is zero.The free rope lengths, and thus the rope forces, can then be specifically adjusted to move the anchor point along any path between the rope conveyors and to accelerate it in a targeted manner. Movement in one direction is thus achieved by pulling more strongly in the desired direction, i.e., against this direction. To increase speed, this difference in tensile forces is further increased. To decrease speed, the difference is reduced accordingly.

[0009] As long as all ropes remain taut, the movement of the anchor point practically speaking (i.e., apart from any unavoidable sagging of the ropes due to gravity) occurs in a single plane. If one or more ropes are completely relaxed, the position of the anchor point can also change vertically outside of the plane. The trajectory can be spanned two-dimensionally (and relate, for example, to a surface such as water, ice, asphalt, stone, or snow), but can also be spanned three-dimensionally in space. With a three-dimensional trajectory, movements can be performed in all three spatial directions.

[0010] A user of the facility, which may be intended as a fun sports facility, can connect to the anchor point in a manner suitable for the desired fun sport and be pulled along by the anchor point. The facility is preferably a water sports facility, e.g., a waterskiing or wakeboarding facility. However, the fun sports facility can also be, for example, a streetboarding facility or a facility for practicing another sport that requires a user to move along a movement path caused by external traction. Furthermore, the facility can be a transport facility for transporting people or other objects.

[0011] The cable car system can also be used indirectly for a fun sport, for example, as a ski lift in the form of a drag lift. While no traction is required for skiing itself, it is impractical to reach a starting position at a high altitude on foot. Such a ski lift can, for example, flexibly approach different starting positions (e.g., beginner or professional starting points) on a slope and tow a user there. The cable car system can also be used for purposes outside of the sports sector, for example, as a transport facility. Purely for example, in the tourism sector, such a cable car system can be installed above the holiday village, for example in holiday villages with bungalows that are difficult to access, and used for the convenient transport of luggage or shopping.

[0012] The term "rope" is to be interpreted broadly in the context of the present invention. It encompasses any form of flexible, long body suitable for transmitting rope forces. Consequently, these can only be tensile forces.

[0013] The term "anchor point" should also be interpreted broadly. This encompasses any form of connecting parts or connecting assemblies that can accommodate several, in particular three or more, ropes and can transmit the rope forces that occur in a typical application. Furthermore, the anchor point provides a user interface. Preferably, the anchor point has a structure that can accommodate the ropes, taking into account changing angles of their impact during operation of the rope conveyor system. The same applies to the user interface. Purely by way of example, the anchor point can comprise an axle on which the ropes are mounted so that they can rotate one above the other. Furthermore, purely by way of example, the user interface can also be mounted so that it can rotate and, if necessary, pivot on or at the axle.

[0014] The cable conveyors can be arranged in a variety of configurations around an area referred to as the range of motion of the anchor point. The arrangement and the resulting directions in which the cables can be tensioned define this range of motion. Based on the teachings disclosed herein, the skilled person is able to select the arrangement appropriately for a desired range of motion.

[0015] Preferably, the cable conveyor devices are arranged relative to one another in such a way that their distances from one another enclosing the movement area describe a triangle or, if more than three cable conveyor devices are provided, a corresponding polygon.

[0016] More rope conveyors enable even faster changes in the components of the resulting rope force attributable to the respective direction (in which the rope conveyor can pull) in individual directions. This enables even faster changes in movement and even more complex trajectories. As mentioned above, the trajectory or trajectories can be two-dimensional or three-dimensional. A trajectory can also comprise partly two-dimensional and partly three-dimensional trajectories, i.e., it can be composed of a two-dimensional trajectory and a three-dimensional trajectory.

[0017] The cable conveyors themselves are preferably electrically driven. The fact that the cable conveyors are controllable implies, in the context of the present teaching, that they can preferably be regulated. Terminologically, no consistent distinction is made between these features. Drive data such as currents, voltages, and rotor position or angle data can preferably be used as variables for the control.

[0018] To determine the free rope length, for example, the rotor position data can be evaluated and the number of revolutions already completed to wind or unwind the rope can be determined. The rope conveyor system can also include a measuring device for the free rope length, e.g., using a roller over which the rope runs during winding or unwinding.

[0019] From the free rope lengths and the position of the rope conveyor in the selected arrangement, the control system can determine the position of the anchor point within the movement range at any time, which must be the intersection point of all ropes. In other words, a vectorial addition of the free rope lengths of the ropes leads to an intersection point where the anchor point is located. For this purpose, the control system includes a control unit that is operatively connected to all rope conveyors.

[0020] The rope conveyors are designed to work together effectively within the system. Important parameters include the rope length stored on them with regard to the desired range of motion, performance data, and achievable response times in the control system.

[0021] The cable conveyor system of the invention thus offers the advantage that virtually any movement path (e.g., two-dimensional or three-dimensional, or a combination thereof) can be described with the anchor point within the selected movement range. The increase in flexibility compared to conventional concepts is therefore significant.

[0022] The rope conveyor system of the invention is also extremely energy and power efficient, since no additional rope guide devices are required and the associated friction losses are eliminated.

[0023] The cable conveyor system of the invention can also be implemented particularly inexpensively, quickly, and flexibly, since only a small number of individual components are required and the number of mechanically moving parts is minimal. This also reduces wear and tear and lowers operating costs. In a preferred embodiment of the cable conveyor system of the invention, at least one trajectory for the anchor point is stored in the control system. Preferably, several or different trajectories with different kinematics are stored, from which the user can select. A trajectory can be spanned two-dimensionally or three-dimensionally. A trajectory can also be composed of a two-dimensional and a three-dimensional partial trajectory. Thus, several different trajectories can be stored in the control system.

[0024] A trajectory can be understood as an interconnected sequence of anchor point positions. This is particularly preferably a trajectory. A trajectory is a trajectory that is additionally linked to dynamic, i.e. time-related, information. For example, speed or acceleration values ​​can be stored for each position. However, there is no strict linguistic distinction between the terms trajectory and trajectory. The trajectory can preferably also be programmable or parameterizable. Programmable means that the positions and the dynamic values ​​can be freely combined, or additional trajectories can be newly stored. Parameterizable means that the positions or the dynamic values ​​are assigned selectable values, but their combination is otherwise predetermined.In the context of this teaching, however, parameterizability should also be understood as a sub-term for programmability. Selectable variables can be, for example, the lengths of a straight section or the radii of a curved section of the trajectory, whereby the basic sequence of the straight and curved sections can be predetermined. Furthermore, the selectable variables can be specific values ​​or value ranges for speeds and accelerations that are already fundamentally linked to, for example, a straight or curved section.

[0025] This allows for user-friendly and convenient operation, while also ensuring a high degree of flexibility. Certain programs or parameters can also be blocked for safety reasons, such as speeds above a certain limit near a start or finish position, or in the vicinity of other hazardous areas.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment of the cable conveyor system of the invention, the movement path is programmable while the anchor point is being moved along the movement path. In other words, this can also be described as live programmability or real-time programmability.

[0027] This allows a user or another operator to change the desired path of movement while using the ropeway system or facility, in particular the fun sports facility.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment of the cable conveyor system of the invention, at least one user interface is provided for programming the movement path, which contains an element from the following group: a manual data input device, a wireless interface for coupling a mobile input device, a sensor for detecting a gesture, a sensor for detecting a force, a sensor for detecting a voice command.

[0029] The manual data input device can, for example, comprise a terminal of the control system. The wireless interface can, for example, allow coupling with a smartphone so that the user can make the desired inputs via a corresponding app. The sensor for detecting gestures is particularly well suited for live programming. The sensor can preferably be designed as a camera or multiple cameras that detect the user in the area of ​​movement so that the control system can recognize specific operating gestures. Such operating gestures can, for example, be given by hand signals to the left or right, whereupon the movement path is adjusted to the left or right. Hand signals forward or backward could also be given, whereupon the speed is increased or decreased. The sensor for detecting force, for example, is equally well suited for live programming.For example, the sensor can be integrated into the anchor point and communicate with the control system wirelessly or via cables integrated into the ropes. To change direction, for example, the user can lean more strongly in that direction or apply special "jerk impulses" to the anchor point. The sensor offers a particularly high degree of flexibility for recording a voice command, which is suitable for both live programming and pre-operational programming. The user can wear a headset, for example, to give the voice commands. This also makes it possible, for example, to select the trajectory for the next lap in advance while the previous lap is still being completed.

[0030] The flexibility of the rope conveyor system of the invention is thereby significantly increased.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment of the cable conveyor system of the invention, it is provided that one or more of the cable conveyor devices are mounted stationary or mobile on the ground.

[0032] Any structure that allows for secure mounting can be considered a base. Examples of stationary mounting include mounting on a mast, stone / rock, or even a building. An example of mobile mounting would be mounting on a vehicle that is appropriately secured. This also significantly increases the flexibility of the rope conveyor system of the invention and allows for a variety of locations where the rope conveyor system can be installed. It is even possible to set up the rope conveyor system temporarily, for example, for an event.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment of the cable conveyor system of the invention, a traction cable is additionally connected to the anchor point, which can be picked up by a user at the end facing away from the anchor point. For this purpose, the traction cable can preferably comprise a handle structure at this end.

[0034] Depending on one design of the cable conveyor system, it can also be provided that an object (e.g., a package, a piece of luggage, a sensor, a camera) is picked up directly at the anchor point. An object-picking device can be arranged or connected directly to the anchor point to pick up the object. The object-picking device can be any type suitable for picking up an object, e.g., a transport net, a transport box, a transport container, a transport cabin, one or more gripping arms, clamping arms, screwing devices, etc. This is particularly suitable when waterskiing, wakeboarding, or streetboarding facilities are to be implemented as fun sports facilities. In this case, the "user" is a person who engages in waterskiing, wakeboarding, streetboarding, etc.

[0035] If the rope conveyor system is used in a system designed as a transport system for other objects, a "user" is understood to mean an object, in particular a load or a transported good.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment of the cable conveyor system of the invention, electric cable winches are provided as cable conveyor devices.

[0037] These are also known as "electric winches," or "e-winches" for short. Such electric cable winches often have an electric motor, a brake, a rotary encoder, a cable drum, and a cable guide device on and off the drum, which may have its own servomotor for smooth winding and unwinding of the cable. Such electric cable winches can also include an integrated inverter or controller, or they can be directly connected to the control system's control unit and a central inverter. Such an e-winch implementation exhibits significantly higher rotational dynamics and bandwidth compared to conventional solutions, with regard to real-time positioning of the anchor point.

[0038] Since the required electrical power is low compared to conventional concepts, the rope conveyor system of the invention can be operated extremely energy-efficiently. For example, a waterski or wakeboarding facility requires a total rated electrical power of 100 W to 600 W, preferably 200 W to 600 W.

[0039] Such electric cable winches are ideal for achieving the required (dynamic) performance values ​​as well as for controlling the free cable length and are very energy-efficient, flexible and cost-effective.

[0040] In a preferred embodiment of the cable conveyor system of the invention, the cable conveyor system according to one of the preceding claims is characterized in that the cable conveyor system is or can be equipped with a renewable energy source. Due to the low power requirements of the cable conveyor system of the invention, it can, for example, be powered entirely by photovoltaic modules that can be flexibly installed. This even enables emission-free operation. It should be noted that instead of being equipped with a renewable energy source, other (traditional or conventional) energy sources can also be used to operate the cable conveyor system.

[0041] A further aspect of the invention relates to a control system designed to control a cable conveyor system according to the invention according to the present disclosure.

[0042] A further aspect of the invention relates to a facility, in particular a fun sports facility, comprising a cable conveyor system according to the invention according to the present disclosure, wherein cable conveyor devices of the cable conveyor system are arranged relative to a traffic surface such that a common anchor point of cables of the cable conveyor devices, in a tensioned state of the cables, can be arranged above the traffic surface and that a vertical projection of the traffic surface overlaps at least in sections with a movement range of the anchor point.

[0043] The traffic surface can preferably be a water surface or an asphalt surface. Other traffic surfaces (all types of ground and even air) are also conceivable. The fun sports facility of the invention can therefore preferably be a waterskiing, wakeboarding, or streetboarding facility.

[0044] Preferably, the ropes are tensioned so that the anchor point is at a constant height above the traffic surface, particularly preferably about 6 m to 10 m above the traffic surface.

[0045] A further aspect of the invention relates to a method for operating a facility according to the invention, in particular a fun sports facility, according to the present disclosure. The method of the invention comprises the following steps:

[0046] - Adjustment of free rope lengths of ropes of a rope conveyor system by a control system so that an anchor point of the rope conveyor system is positioned at a starting position. A user (e.g., a person or another object such as a load or transported goods) of the facility, especially a fun sports facility, can then kinematically couple themselves to the anchor point.

[0047] - Detection of a start signal for moving the anchor point along a trajectory by the control system. The start signal can be given, for example, by another operator or by a user gesture.

[0048] - The control system controls the free rope lengths so that the anchor point follows the movement path. For example, the user on a wakeboard can then be pulled through a movement area to a final position.

[0049] In a preferred embodiment of the method of the invention, it is provided that at least one cable conveyor device of the cable conveyor system, towards which the anchor point is moving at a time, applies a cable force which is greater than a cable force of at least one other cable conveyor device from which the anchor point is moving away at the same time.

[0050] As mentioned at the beginning, the difference in the rope forces can be used to effectively control the speed and acceleration vectors of the anchor point and, consequently, those of the user.

[0051] In a preferred embodiment of the method of the invention, it is provided that a user of the facility, in particular a fun sports facility, gives a user command at least once via a user interface of the control system, which leads to the movement path being changed during operation.

[0052] This can be achieved, for example, via the gesture control mentioned above. Real or physical user interaction, via an applied user movement or user force, has proven particularly efficient. This is detected by a force or torque sensor, preferably via the cable forces and the corresponding e-winch torques.

[0053] In a preferred embodiment of the method of the invention, it is provided that during operation, rope forces are measured directly or indirectly by the control system and at least once a change is detected which is characteristic of a user of the facility, in particular a fun sports facility, having lost a traction rope connected to the anchor point, or of an object picked up by an object picking device directly connected to the anchor point being lost.

[0054] This makes it possible, for example, to detect a fallen user or lost object. Detection can be achieved, for example, via current signals, motor forces, or even bearing forces in the bearings of the rope conveyor system, since the signal curves exhibit characteristic dynamics at the moment the traction rope or object is lost. A sensor can also be integrated into the traction rope and directly measure the rope force in the traction rope. The measurement data can be read out, for example, wirelessly or via cables integrated, for example, in the ropes of one or more rope conveyor systems. Such a sensor can also be arranged at the anchor point or near the anchor point (e.g., in the aforementioned object-receiving device) in order to measure or determine the rope forces present in the ropes.

[0055] The safety and "intelligence" of the facility, especially the fun sports facility, is thus significantly increased and allows for specific measures.

[0056] Thus, in a preferred embodiment of the method of the invention, it can be provided that a loss position on the movement path is stored by the control system and the anchor point is then automatically returned to the loss position.

[0057] This allows the user to immediately retract the pull rope or retract the object, thus significantly increasing not only safety but also user comfort and flexibility.

[0058] To summarize again in other words, the invention proposes a facility, in particular a fun sports facility, in which a user is pulled by cable forces through a range of motion that is preferably configurable via software. The cables are kinematically connected parallel to an anchor point to which the user is connected. By selectively tensioning the individual cables, a controllable resulting tensile force is created at the anchor point, which pulls the user or an object flexibly along a path of movement. In principle, all features disclosed herein with reference to specific aspects or embodiments can also be combined with other aspects or embodiments of the invention in a technically expedient manner. This also applies across different technical objects and object categories.In particular, this also applies in part to individual features, as long as it is not explicitly pointed out herein or it is obvious due to a technical contradiction that there is an inseparable functional-technical connection between certain features which must be maintained in order to carry out the invention.

[0059] Examples of implementation

[0060] The invention is explained below using exemplary embodiments and schematic drawings. Herein:

[0061] Figure 1 shows a fun sports facility with a cable conveyor system and a method for its operation;

[0062] Figure 2 shows a fun sports facility in a further embodiment;

[0063] Figure 3 shows a block diagram of a control system for a fun sports facility;

[0064] Figure 4 shows an exemplary stationary storage option for a rope conveyor system; and

[0065] Figure 5 shows an exemplary mobile storage option for a rope conveyor system.

[0066] Figure 1 shows a facility 10 according to the invention, which is designed as a fun sports facility, with a cable conveyor system 12 according to the invention. The following explanations refer to a design of the facility 10 as a fun sports facility; this does not exclude any other use of the facility 10.

[0067] The cable conveyor system 12 comprises at least three cable conveyor devices 14, each with a cable 16, and a preferably electrical control system 18. The cable conveyor devices 14 are arranged such that a movement range 20 is spanned between them, which is preferably configurable via software. Optionally, more than three cable conveyor devices 14, each with a cable 16, can also be provided, which is illustrated in Figure 1 by a dash-dotted line associated with a cable 16. Preferably, four cable conveyor devices 14 are provided, since the cost optimum here lies in the ratio of the available movement range 20 to the system costs.

[0068] The cable conveyors 14 are operatively connected to the control system 18 (indicated by dash-dotted lines) in such a way that a free cable length 22 of the respective cable 16 can be controlled within the movement range 20 by winding or unwinding it from the cable conveyor 14, whereby the cables 16 can be tensioned against each other. Specifically, in the present example, this is achieved by means of electric cable winches 24, which are examined in more detail in Figure 3. The cable winches 24 are preferably electromechanical systems.

[0069] Tension can be built up because the cables 16 are kinematically coupled via a common anchor point 26. The anchor point 26 thus comprises a connection point for all cables 16. By deliberately changing the tension and the free length 22 of individual cables 16, the anchor point 26 can be dynamically positioned within the range of motion 20.

[0070] In the context of facility 10, i.e., the fun sports facility, the cable conveyors 14 are arranged relative to a traffic surface 28, here, for example, a water surface, such that the common anchor point 26 of the cables 16, when the cables 16 are tensioned, is located above the traffic surface 28. A vertical projection 58 (see Figure 2) of the traffic surface 28 overlaps with the movement area 20 of the anchor point 26, which is spanned by the cable conveyors 14 arranged around the movement area 20.

[0071] In the present, purely exemplary embodiment, facility 10, i.e., the fun sports facility, constitutes a wakeboarding facility. A user 30 can connect to anchor point 26, in this example via a tow rope 32 additionally connected to anchor point 26, which can be guided to user 30.

[0072] In the illustrated example, the cable conveyors 14 are mounted stationary on the ground 34, here purely as an example via two masts 36 and a building 38. The mounting can also be carried out, for example, on a natural structure such as a natural rock formation 39 (see Fig. 2). Another exemplary mounting option will be presented later using Figure 5.

[0073] The user 30 can then be pulled through the movement area 20 using the anchor point 26.

[0074] A method according to the invention for operating the facility 10, i.e. the fun sports facility, will now be explained with reference to Figure 1.

[0075] In preparation for operation, a movement path 40 for the anchor point 26 is stored in the control system 18, along which the user 30 can be pulled.

[0076] In a first step of the method, the free rope lengths 22 of the ropes 16 are adjusted by the control system 18 so that the anchor point 26 is positioned at a starting position 42, which is illustrated purely by way of example in Figure 1.

[0077] In the next step, a start signal for moving the anchor point 26 along the movement path 40 is detected by the control system 18. As can be seen in Figure 1, the cable conveyor system 12 in this example includes an optional sensor 44 for detecting user behavior, which is operatively connected to the control system 18 (also indicated by the dash-dot line). The sensor 44 is designed here to visually detect a gesture of the user 30 and transmit it to the control system 18. The control system 18 can then recognize the start signal from the gesture. The sensor 44 can preferably be a camera.

[0078] After detection of the start signal, the control system 18 dynamically controls the free cable lengths 22 such that the anchor point 26 follows the movement path 40. This is achieved by the resulting cable forces 46, which superimpose themselves at the anchor point 26 to form a resulting cable force 48. The resulting cable force 48 corresponds to the force vector which, depending on its direction and magnitude, effectively accelerates the anchor point 26. For example, one of the cable conveyor devices 14 (here, for example, the one on the right in Figure 1), towards which the anchor point 26 is to move at a given time, applies a cable force 46 which is greater (illustrated by the longest arrow 46) than a cable force 46 of at least one other cable conveyor device 14 (here, for example, the two on the left in Figure 1), from which the anchor point 26 is to move away at the same time.

[0079] Optionally, it can also be provided that the movement path 40 is programmable while the anchor point 26 is moved along the movement path 40. This can also be achieved purely by way of example, analogous to the above, by gestures of the user 30. For this purpose, the sensor 44 can, for example, detect hand signals to the left or right, from which the control system 18 recognizes corresponding steering commands.

[0080] The user 30 can, for example, give user commands via the sensor 44, which results in the movement path 40 being changed during operation according to a desired movement path 50, which is illustrated by way of example in Figure 1.

[0081] In an advantageous optional embodiment of the method, the cable forces 46 can be measured directly or indirectly by the control system 18 during operation for purposes other than purely controlling the movement of the anchor point 26. If the user 30 loses the traction cable 32, for example, a sudden change in the cable forces 46 can be detected. Of course, the loss can also be detected, for example, via the sensor 44. Based on this, advantageous operating modes can be provided, such as a loss position 52 of the anchor point 26 and thus an approximate loss position 52 of the traction cable 32 on the movement path 40 being stored by the control system 18 and the anchor point 26 then being automatically returned to the loss position 52 and thus to the user 30.

[0082] Since the rope conveyor system 12 operates very energy-efficiently, it can be supplied with up to 100% of its power from a renewable energy source 54. This is illustrated in Figure 1 as an example of a mobile solar system, e.g., a photovoltaic system. The mobile solar system can include its own energy storage unit. Figure 2 shows another facility 10 designed as a fun sports facility, which can essentially correspond to the one in Figure 1. The focus of Figure 2 is on illustrating the layout of the facility 10, which is why it is shown from a top view.

[0083] The cable conveyors 14 can be seen, of which four are provided here as an example. The cable conveyors 14 are arranged relative to one another such that their distances 56 enclosing the movement area 20 form a polygon corresponding to their number, which is trapezoidal in this case.

[0084] The traffic surface 28, here in the form of a lake, overlaps in vertical projection 58 in sections with the movement area 20, which here lies entirely within the vertical projection 58 of the lake. Thus, within the movement area 20, which can be fully utilized, a variety of desired movement paths 50 are possible without leaving the water. The layout here is selected such that one edge of the movement area 20 borders a starting position 42 in the form of an entry and exit point.

[0085] While three of the four cable conveyors 14, as already mentioned, are mounted on masts 36, the cable conveyor 14 at the top right in Figure 2 is mounted directly on the subsurface 34. The subsurface 34 is formed here, for example, by a natural rock formation 39.

[0086] With further reference to Figure 3, a block diagram of a control system 18 for a facility 10 designed as a fun sports facility is now described. The described control system 18 is designed here as an example to control the previously described cable conveyor systems 12, but is not limited to these. Therefore, reference is made to the remaining figures purely for explanatory purposes, and the same reference numerals are used in these cases.

[0087] The control system 18 is illustrated in Figure 3 in the context of the cable conveyor system 12. The control system 18 comprises at least one control unit 60, which centrally controls the individual cable conveyor devices 14 and coordinates them with one another so that the anchor point 26 describes the desired movement path 50. For this purpose, the control unit 60 can exchange data with the cable conveyor devices 14, which can be done via a wired or wireless connection. The control unit 60 can, for example, comprise an industrial computer with motion control software.

[0088] In the example shown, the control unit 60 is connected to the cable conveyor devices 14 via a wired data line 62.

[0089] The cable conveyor devices 14, which are designed as electric cable winches 24, are also shown as a block diagram, for example on the left in Figure 3. The data line 62 is each connected to an internal control unit 64 of the respective cable conveyor device 14. The internal control unit 64 controls the subsystems of the cable conveyor device 14, e.g., a servo motor 66 and, if applicable, a brake 68 or an optional gear 70 of the cable conveyor device 14. The servo motor 66, with its rotary encoder, can also be used to precisely determine the free cable length 22 by measuring the number of revolutions when the cable 16 is pulled off a cable drum 74 of the cable conveyor devices 14 by the cable force 46 of another cable conveyor device 14. The brake 68, in turn, can be used to apply the cable force 46 when the cable 16 is pulled off the cable drum 74.When the cable conveyor system 12 is not in operation, the brake 68 can also ensure that the cable 16 is kept under tension and that the anchor point 26 does not sag. Furthermore, the internal control unit 64 can control a cable guide mechanism 72 for smooth winding onto or off the cable drum 74.

[0090] The internal control unit 64 thus controls all variables which, for example, for reasons of response time, should expediently be processed locally in the cable conveyor device 14, instead of first having to be passed via the data line 62 to the higher-level control unit 60 of the control system 18.

[0091] In contrast, the control unit 60 controls all variables that must be coordinated between the various cable conveyor devices 14 in order to achieve movement along the desired path 50. These are, in particular, the temporally coordinated cable forces 46 of the individual cables 16 of the cable conveyor devices 14, which are transmitted, for example, in the form of target engine performance data or target braking data to the respective internal control unit 64. Merely for the purpose of systematic clarification, it should be noted that the cable conveyor devices 14 are not considered part of the control system 18, but interact with it and are illustrated for the purpose of explanation.

[0092] The control system 18 further includes an energy source 76, for example, in the form of the regenerative energy source 54 or, more conventionally, in the form of an AC supply network. This is connected to an inverter 80 via a power line 78 or can also directly supply the internal control devices 64, which may, for example, include a motor inverter. The supply voltage is distributed to the cable conveyor devices 14 and the control device 60 via the inverter 80 shown in Figure 3. The inverter 80 can, for example, be a PFC, AC / DC converter, or rectifier.

[0093] The supply voltage is then modulated at the respective cable conveyor device 14 by its internal control unit 64 for the intended control of the cable conveyor device 14.

[0094] Figure 4 shows an exemplary stationary mounting option for a cable conveyor 14 in more detail. As already mentioned in the previous figures, the cable conveyor 14 of the cable conveyor system 12 can be mounted on a mast 36. The mast 36 expediently has a foundation 82 embedded in the subsurface 34. For further stabilization, guy cables 84 are expediently provided, which are also anchored in the subsurface 34 via foundations 82.

[0095] Figure 5 shows an exemplary mobile storage option for a cable conveyor device 14 of the cable conveyor system 12. This is carried out via a vehicle 86, which serves as a mobile platform for the cable conveyor device 14. On the vehicle 86, the cable conveyor device 14 can, if necessary, be mounted on a type of mast 36 to provide a means of height adjustment. The vehicle 86 can expediently be additionally supported with a mechanical safety device 88 against the occurring cable forces 46. With such mobile storage, the cable conveyor system 12 and thus the facility 10 designed as a fun sports facility can be flexibly and easily assembled and dismantled.

[0096] List of reference symbols

[0097] 10 Appendix

[0098] 12 Rope conveyor system 14 Rope conveyor device

[0099] 16 rope

[0100] 18 Control system

[0101] 20 range of motion

[0102] 22 free rope length 24 cable winch

[0103] 26 Anchor point

[0104] 28 Traffic surface

[0105] 30 users

[0106] 32 Pull rope 34 Subsurface

[0107] 36 masts

[0108] 38 buildings

[0109] 39 natural rock formations

[0110] 40 Movement path 42 Starting position

[0111] 44 Sensor

[0112] 46 rope force

[0113] 48 resulting rope force

[0114] 50 desired trajectory 52 loss position

[0115] 54 renewable energy sources

[0116] 56 distance

[0117] 58 vertical projection

[0118] 60 Control unit 62 Data line

[0119] 64 internal control unit

[0120] 66 servo motor

[0121] 68 Brake

[0122] 70 Gearbox 72 Cable guide mechanism

[0123] 74 Cable drum 76 Energy source

[0124] 78 power line

[0125] 80 inverters

[0126] 82 Foundation 84 Guy rope

[0127] 86 vehicles

[0128] 88 Security

Claims

Patent claims 1. A cable conveyor system (12) comprising a plurality of cable conveyor devices (14), each having a cable (16), and a control system (18) with which the cable conveyor devices (14) can be controlled so that a free cable length (22) of the cable (16) conveyed by the respective cable conveyor device (14) can be adjusted, wherein the cables (16) are kinematically coupled via a common anchor point (26) and the cable conveyor devices (14) are arranged around the anchor point (26) so that the anchor point (26) can be positioned in a movement range (20) spanned between the cable conveyor devices (14).

2. Cable conveyor system (12) according to claim 1, characterized in that the cable conveyor system (12) comprises at least three cable conveyor devices (14).

3. Cable conveyor system (12) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that at least one movement path (40; 50) for the anchor point (26) is stored in the control system (18).

4. Cable conveyor system (12) according to claim 3, characterized in that the movement path (40; 50) is programmable while the anchor point (26) is moved along the movement path (40; 50).

5. Cable conveyor system (12) according to claim 4, characterized in that for programming the movement path (40; 50) at least one user interface is provided which contains an element from the following group: a manual data input device, a wireless interface for coupling a mobile input device, a sensor (44) for detecting a gesture, a sensor for detecting a force, a sensor for detecting a voice command.

6. Cable conveyor system (12) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that one or more of the cable conveyor devices (14) are mounted stationary or mobile on the ground (34). Cable conveyor system (12) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a traction cable (32) is additionally connected to the anchor point (26), which can be picked up by a user (30) at its end facing away from the anchor point (26), or in that an object receiving device for picking up an object is arranged directly at the anchor point (26). Cable conveyor system (12) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that electric cable winches (24) are provided as cable conveyor devices (14). Cable conveyor system (12) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cable conveyor system (12) is equipped with a regenerative energy source (54). Control system (18) designed to control a cable conveyor system (12) according to one of the preceding claims.Installation (10) comprising a cable conveyor system (12) according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein cable conveyor devices (14) of the cable conveyor system (12) are arranged relative to a traffic surface (28) such that a common anchor point (26) of cables (16) of the cable conveyor devices (14), in a tensioned state of the cables (16), can be arranged above the traffic surface (28) and that a vertical projection (58) of the traffic surface (28) overlaps at least partially with a movement range (20) of the anchor point (26). Method for operating a installation (10) according to claim 11, comprising the following steps:. - Adjusting free rope lengths (22) of ropes (16) of a rope conveyor system (12) by a control system (18) so that an anchor point (26) of the rope conveyor system (12) is positioned at a starting position (42); - detection of a start signal for moving the anchor point (26) along a movement path (40; 50) by the control system (18); - Control of the free rope lengths (22) by the control system (18) such that the anchor point (26) follows the movement path (40; 50). Method according to claim 12, characterized in that at least one cable conveyor device (14) of the cable conveyor system (12), toward which the anchor point (26) is moving at a given time, applies a cable force (46) that is greater than a cable force (46) of at least one other cable conveyor device (14) from which the anchor point (26) is moving away at the same time. Method according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that a user (30) of the system (10) issues a user command at least once via a user interface of the control system (18), which command results in the movement path (40; 50) being changed during operation.Method according to one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that during operation, cable forces (46) are measured directly or indirectly by the control system (18), and at least once a change is detected that is characteristic of a user (30) of the system (10) having lost a traction cable (32) connected to the anchor point (26), or of an object picked up by an object pickup device directly connected to the anchor point (26) having been lost. Method according to claim 15, characterized in that a loss position (52) on the movement path (40; 50) is stored by the control system (18), and the anchor point (26) is then automatically returned to the loss position (52).

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