Tower head and method for mounting a tower head

Abstract

A pylon head (1) of a cable transport installation comprises a crossarm (2) and a footbridge (3). A first fixing piece (4) is attached to the crossarm (2), and a second fixing piece (5) is attached to the footbridge (3). The first fixing piece (4) is a hook (A). The second fixing piece (5) defines a hole (B) that receives the hook (A). The hook (A) defines a downward vertical driving direction (Z). The hook (A) and the hole (B) are able to penetrate each other along the driving direction (Z) until the footbridge (3) abuts the crossarm (2). The hook (A) defines a decreasing cross-section along the driving direction (Z) until the footbridge abuts the position, thus bringing the footbridge (3) and the crossarm (2) closer together.

Description

Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to a pylon head and to a method of mounting a pylon head. Prior art

[0002] In a cable transport installation, it is common to have two stations that are connected by a cable that is supported or tensioned by a plurality of rollers fixed to a support. Typically, the rollers are arranged at the top of the pylon and are at a significant height.

[0003] Maintenance operations must be carried out regularly on the rollers as well as on all the equipment involved in the movement of the cable, in particular the balancers. It is therefore important that operators who must intervene throughout the year at the top of the pylon can work in complete safety. To achieve this, the pylons are equipped with one or more walkways that extend parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cable opposite the rollers and balancers.

[0004] Since pylon heads are generally installed high up and in difficult to access or acrobatic locations, it appears that pylon heads are assembled using a helicopter that lifts the pylon head and installs it on its support. In order to limit the mass and / or size constraints of the pylons, the latter are divided into sections which are assembled one after the other from the foot to the head.

[0005] As technical improvements are made, the mass of the pylon heads increases, which poses an installation problem because it is necessary to use increasingly powerful helicopters. As the altitude increases, the problem of lift becomes increasingly difficult to resolve.

[0006] A way is therefore being sought to facilitate the installation of pylon heads by helicopter.

[0007] Document EP1980465 discloses a mechanical device for guiding an overhead cable of a ski lift installation. The mechanical device comprises a main support and guide beam which is fixed to a jib and an auxiliary beam which is movable between a working position and a waiting position. The auxiliary beams are attached to support arms.

[0008] Document FR2395940 discloses a method and device for assembling chairlift and cable car pylons using a helicopter. A pylon head suspended by helicopter is installed on an already existing shaft. The pylon head is gradually lowered towards the pylon and is presented facing the shaft to bring self-guiding and self-centering elements into cooperation until it rests completely on the shaft in a centered position. The head is then fixed to the shaft. Subject of the invention

[0009] An object of the invention is to provide a pylon head which is more easily installed at the top of a pylon.

[0010] This problem tends to be solved by means of a pylon head of a cable transport installation according to the appended claims and preferably which comprises: a jib intended to be fixed to a pylon; a footbridge; a first fixing piece fixed to the jib and a second fixing piece fixed to the footbridge; wherein one of the first fixing piece and the second fixing piece is a hook and the other of the first fixing piece and the second fixing piece defines a hole for receiving the hook, the hook defining a driving direction extending from a top of the hook to the bottom of the hook; wherein the hook and the hole are adapted to drive into each other in the driving direction until the gangway abuts the jib; wherein the hook defines a decreasing section in the driving direction from the top of the opening to the position where the gangway abuts to bring the gangway and the jib closer together.

[0011] Advantageously, the direction of sinking is a vertical direction.

[0012] In a particular configuration, the hole has a decreasing section in a direction opposite to the direction of penetration.

[0013] Preferably, the pylon head comprises at least one lock having a locking position in which the gangway is fixedly mounted relative to the jib and an unlocking position in which the gangway is mounted mobile relative to the jib.

[0014] According to one embodiment, in the unlocked position the gateway is removable relative to the jib.

[0015] In a particular embodiment, the pylon head comprises at least one adjusting element configured to adjust the penetration of the hook relative to the hole according to the penetration direction, the adjusting element bearing on at least one of the gangway and the jib.

[0016] Advantageously, the adjusting element comprises at least one screw fixed to the bridge and bearing on the bracket or at least one screw fixed to the bracket and bearing on the bridge.

[0017] Preferably, in the locking position, a wall defining the hole is spaced from a wall defining the hook in the driving direction.

[0018] The invention also relates to a method for mounting a pylon head of a cable transport installation which is easier to implement than the configurations of the prior art.

[0019] This result is achieved by means of a method of mounting a pylon head of a cable transport installation according to the appended claims and preferably which comprises the following steps: providing a pylon body and a pylon head according to any of the preceding configurations, the jib being fixed to the pylon body; inserting the hook into the hole and moving the gangway downwards to slide the gangway relative to the jib until the gangway is supported by the jib, the direction of driving being vertical and directed downwards.

[0020] In a particular embodiment, the method comprises vertically adjusting the gangway relative to the jib and then locking the position of the gangway relative to the jib, a wall defining the hole is spaced from a wall defining the hook in the driving direction. Summary description of the drawings

[0021] Other advantages and characteristics will emerge more clearly from the following description of particular embodiments and implementations of the invention given as non-limiting examples and represented in the appended drawings, in which: there figure 1 schematically illustrates a bracket of a pylon head which is provided with a first fixing element in the form of a hook; the figure 2 schematically illustrates an enlarged view of the first fastening element in the form of a hook; the figure 3 schematically illustrates a second fixing element in the form of a hole; the figure 4 schematically illustrates the positioning of the hook and the hole; Figure 5 schematically illustrates the different stages of driving the hole of the gangway into the hook; the figure 6schematically illustrates the adjustment of the position of the bridge in relation to the jib; the figure 7 schematically illustrates a pylon of a cable transport installation equipped with a footbridge. Description of the embodiments

[0022] THE figures 1 to 7 illustrate different embodiments of a pylon head 1 as well as the steps of the method for partially assembling a pylon head 1. The pylon head 1 is a pylon head of a cable transport installation. The pylon head 1 may already be fixed to the pylon or it is to be fixed to the rest of the pylon, for example to a pylon body C.

[0023] The pylon head 1 comprises a jib 2 and at least one footbridge 3. The jib 2 is intended to provide the mechanical connection between the pylon body C and the footbridge(s) 3.

[0024] The pylon head 1 also comprises at least one first fixing piece 4 fixed to the jib 2 and at least one second fixing piece 5 fixed to the at least one footbridge 3. The second fixing piece 5 is fixed to the first fixing piece 4 to fix the footbridge 3 to the jib 2.

[0025] One of the first fixing piece 4 and the second fixing piece 5 is a hook A defining an opening having a decreasing section. The other of the first fixing piece 4 and the second fixing piece 5 defines a hole B intended to receive the hook A. The hook A defines a driving direction Z extending from a top of the hook A to the bottom of the hook A. The hook A and the hole B are able to drive into each other in the driving direction Z until the gangway 3 is in abutment against the bracket 2.

[0026] The hook A and the hole B define a driving direction Z in which the second fixing part 5 moves relative to the first fixing part 4 until it reaches a threshold position.

[0027] The threshold position is a position where the gangway 3 abuts against the gallows 2. For example, the wall defining hole B abuts against the wall defining hook A. However, it is possible to have a stop between other elements.

[0028] As illustrated in figures 2 , 4 And 5 , the hook A has a decreasing section in the direction of insertion, that is to say a decreasing section in the direction which connects the opening of the hook A to the bottom of the hook A. Advantageously, the section decreases monotonically between the top of the opening of the hook A and the position corresponding to the abutment of the gangway 3.

[0029] Preferably, the direction of depression Z corresponds to a vertical downward movement of the gangway 3 relative to the jib 2.

[0030] In the illustrated embodiment, the first fixing part 4 is in the form of a hook A which is preferably projecting from a side wall of the bracket 2 to facilitate installation. The gangway 3 defines a hole B intended to receive the hook A. It is advantageous for the hook A to extend in the longitudinal direction of the gangway 3. It is advantageous for the hook A to extend in the longitudinal direction of the cable intended to carry the vehicles. The distance of the opening of the hook A is preferably measured along the longitudinal axis of the cable or the longitudinal axis of the gangway 3 as illustrated in figure 7 .

[0031] Alternatively, the bridge 3 has a hook A and the gallows 2 defines a hole B.

[0032] The section of hole B is preferentially decreasing until gateway 3 reaches the threshold position.

[0033] In an advantageous embodiment, the driving direction Z is a vertical downward direction. When the hook A is attached to the bracket 2, the hook A has its opening directed upwards, that is to say that one enters the hook A in a vertical movement directed from top to bottom. Conversely, when the hook A is attached to the gangway 3, the opening of the hook A is directed downwards.

[0034] The bottom of the hook A preferably forms an end-of-travel stop which prevents the catwalk 3 from descending downwards beyond the threshold position. As the wall defining the hole B moves towards the bottom of the hook A, the width of the opening of the hook A decreases to approach the thickness of the wall defining the hole B. The reduction in thickness makes it possible to bring the catwalk 3 and the jib 2 closer together in a direction perpendicular to the direction of penetration and the direction of extension and which makes it possible to measure the spacing of the opening of the hook A.

[0035] Hook A has a wall that defines a general “U” or “V” shape.

[0036] The use of a hook A with a decreasing section from the opening to the bottom of the hook A makes it possible to bring the gangway 3 and the jib 2 closer together as the gangway 3 moves in the direction of insertion, preferably downwards. This configuration makes it possible to reduce the alignment constraints between the gangway 3 and the jib 2. Once the hook A is inserted into the hole B, the movement towards the bottom of the hook A facilitates the alignment between the gangway 3 and the jib 2. The automatic alignment of the gangway 3 with the jib 2 as the hook A is inserted makes the work of the helicopter pilot who installs the gangway 3 on the jib 2 easier.

[0037] Preferably, the hole B has a decreasing section in a vertical direction corresponding to a downward movement of the gangway 3 relative to the bracket 2. The decreasing section makes it possible to align the position of the gangway 3 relative to the bracket 2 in a direction which is perpendicular to the vertical direction and perpendicular to the direction of movement between the bracket 2 and the gangway 3 linked to the decrease in the section of the opening of the hook A.

[0038] In order to limit the lateral movements between the proximal end of the bridge 3 and the bracket 2, it is advantageous for the first fixing element 4 to be provided with at least one horn 6, preferably two horns 6 which delimit the offset between the bridge 3 and the bracket 2 in a direction perpendicular to the driving direction Z and perpendicular to the extension direction of the hook A.

[0039] More preferably, the shape of hook A and the shape of hole B make it possible to limit the amplitudes of the movements between the gangway 3 and the jib 2 in two perpendicular directions.

[0040] Preferably, the section of the wall defining the hook A is complementary to the section of a terminal portion of the hole B when the gangway 3 is in the threshold position. Preferably, the section of the wall defining the hole B is complementary to the section of the hook A when the gangway 3 is in the threshold position. This feature makes it possible to fix the position of the gangway 3 relative to the bracket 2 in one or two directions when the gangway 3 is in the threshold position. This embodiment is particularly advantageous because once the gangway 3 is in the threshold position, the spatial configuration of the gangway 3 in the three dimensions is perfectly defined relative to the bracket 2.

[0041] As illustrated in the Figure 5 , once the hook A is installed in the hole B, the movement in the driving direction Z allows automatic positioning of the gateway 3 to the expected position.

[0042] When the hook A is inserted into the hole B, the bridge 3 is able to move laterally and preferably inside the space delimited by the two horns 6. When the bridge 3 moves in the driving direction, the wall of the hole B moves until it comes into contact with the wall of the hook A. When the shape of the terminal portion is substantially complementary to the width of the wall of the hook A, the lateral movement is eliminated. Then the wall of the hole B slides along the wall of the hook A towards the bottom of the hook A. As illustrated in Figure 5, the wall of hole B slides until it reaches the wall forming the bottom of hook A and the gateway 3 reaches the threshold position.

[0043] In a preferred embodiment, the pylon head 1 comprises at least one lock having a locking position and an unlocking position. In the locking position, the gangway 3 is fixedly mounted relative to the jib 2. In the unlocking position, the gangway 3 is movably mounted relative to the jib 2. Once the gangway 3 is in the desired position, the lock fixes the position of the gangway 3 relative to the jib 2.

[0044] Advantageously, in the unlocked position, the gangway 3 is removable relative to the jib 2. This facilitates the dismantling of the gangway 3 at the end of the life of the pylon head 1, or at the end of the life of the pylon or at the end of the life of the cable transport installation.

[0045] The lock preferably comprises a plurality of through holes 7 which allow the installation of bolts to fix the position of the gangway 3 relative to the bracket 2.

[0046] In an advantageous configuration illustrated in the figure 6 , the pylon head 1 comprises at least one adjusting element 8 configured to adjust the penetration of the hook A into the hole B in the vertical direction, the adjusting element 8 bearing on at least one of the gangway 3 and the jib 2. The adjusting element 8 can be fixed to the gangway 3 and it then bears on the jib 2 or the adjusting element 8 is fixed to the jib 2 and it bears on the gangway 3 to move the gangway 3.

[0047] In one case, the shape of the hook A and the shape of the hole B are such that the movement of the gangway 3 relative to the bracket 2 by means of the adjusting element 8 does not allow for additional freedom of movement in a direction perpendicular to the driving direction Z and more preferably in two directions perpendicular to the driving direction Z. It is particularly advantageous for the bottom portion of the hook A to have a constant thickness and for the end section of the hole B to also have a constant width so that a vertical movement between the gangway 3 and the bracket 2 does not result in an increase in the functional clearance between the first fixing element 4 and the second fixing element 5. It is preferentially the same in the other direction by using a wall of constant thickness in the end portion of the hole B and a hook A of constant opening before reaching the threshold position.

[0048] It is particularly advantageous to use an adjusting element 8 comprising at least one screw because this makes it possible to adjust the position of the gangway 3 relative to the bracket 2 simply, precisely and with reduced mass. Preferably, the adjusting element 8 comprises two screws or at least two screws in order to better control the movements. It is advantageous for the gangway 3 to comprise a first plate 3a intended to come opposite a second plate of the bracket 2 in the direction of insertion Z of the wall of the hole B in the hook A. The first plate 3a has one or two threaded holes and one or two screws are inserted into the threaded holes. The screwing of the screws has the effect of moving the first plate 3a and the second plate apart to adjust the position between the gangway 3 and the bracket 2. The screw bears on the bracket 2. In the example illustrated, the second plate is formed by the horns 6.

[0049] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, in the locking position, the wall defining the hole B is spaced from the wall defining the hook A. Even more advantageously, the lock is configured to not allow the locking position when the gangway 3 is in the threshold position. The lock then forms the fixing member between the bracket 2 and the gangway 3. The lock preferably comprises a plurality of bolts. The bracket 2 and the gangway 3 define a plurality of through holes 7 intended to come opposite each other to be crossed by the bolts which provide the fixing between the bracket 2 and the gangway 3.

[0050] In order to limit the weight of the pylon head 1, it is advantageous for the wall defining the hook A and the wall defining the hole B to be configured to carry out the adjustment prior to fixing the jib 2 with the gangway 3 without mechanical intervention, subsequently, during the operation of the cable transport installation. During the circulation of the cable with one or more vehicles, the gangway 3 is fixed directly to the jib 2 without the hook A being in contact with the wall defining the hole B as illustrated in the right part of the figure 6 . In other words, the wall defining hole B is spaced from the wall defining hook A in the driving direction Z.

[0051] More particularly, the lock prevents the position of the gangway 3 from being locked relative to the bracket 2 when the gangway 3 is in the threshold position. When the lock comprises one or more screws passing through through holes 7 of the bracket 2 and the gangway 3, the through hole(s) 7 of the bracket 2 and the gangway 3 are arranged so as not to be opposite each other when the gangway 3 is in the threshold position.

[0052] Preferably, the gangway 3 is fixed to the jib 2 by at least one guy wire 9 which connects a distal part of the gangway 3 with the jib 2, more preferably which connects the distal part of the gangway 3 with a support beam. The support beam is arranged higher than the gangways 3.

[0053] It is advantageous for the pylon head 1 to have at least two walkways 3 which are arranged on either side of the jib 2 along the cable circulation axis. The cable circulation axis is defined by the alignment of the grooves of the rollers intended to be fixed to the jib 2.

[0054] The pylon head 1 can be mounted in the following manner. A pylon body C is provided which is intended to receive the pylon head 1 and the pylon head 1 is provided according to any of the preceding configurations. Depending on the configurations, the pylon head 1 is already mounted on the pylon body C or it is mounted by any suitable means, preferably by helicopter.

[0055] Preferably, the first fixing element 4 is already fixed to the bracket 2 when the bracket 2 is installed on the pylon body C.

[0056] The gangway 3 is provided and is provided with the second fastening element 5. The gangway 3 is lifted so that the hook A enters the hole B and the gangway 3 moves until it reaches the threshold position. The gangway 3 is connected to lifting means by suspension elements, for example ropes, straps, slings or chains.

[0057] Since the gangway 3 is a bulky element with wind resistance, it is difficult to maintain the position of the gangway 3 in order to ensure the correct spatial placement relative to the jib 2. By using a hook A with a decreasing section, the gangway 3 aligns with a predetermined position as it moves along the driving direction Z until reaching the threshold position. Preferably, the hook A and the hole B ensure alignment in two perpendicular directions. Thus, the personnel in charge of the installation manage the driving of the gangway 3 relative to the jib 2 and, in the threshold position, the gangway 3 is naturally in the predetermined position.

[0058] The position of the bridge 3 was previously defined by installing hook A and hole B in particular positions and defining the shape of hook A and the shape of hole B.

[0059] It is particularly advantageous to choose that the driving direction Z is the vertical direction downwards or is predominantly the vertical direction downwards in order to take advantage of the weight of the gangway 3 which automatically achieves its alignment from the moment the hook A is introduced into the hole B. This particularity makes it easier to place the work, particularly by helicopter.

[0060] Once the gangway 3 is in the threshold position and when the driving direction Z is vertically downwards, the gangway 3 is supported by the first fixing element 4. It is then possible to remove the suspension elements. The lifting system can be used to prepare the lifting of another element, for example another gangway.

[0061] Preferably, the pylon head 1 is provided with an adjusting element 8 which is configured to adjust the position of the gangway 3 relative to the jib 2 according to the driving direction Z. It is advantageous for the adjusting element 8 to lift the gangway 3 so as to place the gangway 3 in a predetermined position which corresponds to a locking position of the lock. For example, the jib 2 and the gangway 3 have through holes 7 and the adjusting element 8 is used to align the through holes 7 of the gangway 3 and the through holes 7 of the jib 2. Bolts are inserted into the through holes 7 and tightened to lock the position of the gangway 3 relative to the jib 2.

[0062] Preferably, the adjusting element 8 slides the gangway 3 vertically relative to the jib 2. The adjusting element 8 is configured to move the gangway 3 relative to the jib 2 inside the hook A along the driving axis Z.

[0063] The jib 2 is fixed to the proximal end of the gangway 3 by means of the lock. It is advantageous to fix the distal end of the gangway 3 with the jib 2. A guy wire 9 can be used which is fixed to the distal part of the gangway 3 prior to its lifting and installation on the jib 2.

[0064] Particularly advantageously, the suspension element used to lift the gangway 3 is attached to the proximal portion of the gangway 3. Once the gangway 3 is in the threshold position, the suspension element is separated from the lifting system and is attached to the jib 2 to form a temporary guy wire.

[0065] The shape of hook A can be adapted to the axis of inclination of the longitudinal direction of the pylon. Hook A can have one wall which is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the pylon and another wall which is inclined at 45°. The angle of 45° is particularly advantageous when the longitudinal axis is vertical or substantially vertical. When the longitudinal axis of the pylon is more inclined, an angle other than 45° can be used in order to benefit from better management of the mass of the footbridge 3.

[0066] Once the footbridge(s) are installed, it is possible to install the balancers and rollers.

[0067] The cableway installation comprises one or more stations, for example two terminal stations with possibly intermediate stations. The cableway installation has one or more vehicles. The cableway installation defines a circulation path for the vehicle(s). The circulation path is defined entirely or in part by one or more cables. Preferably, when the cableway installation has several stations, the cable(s) connect the stations together.

[0068] The cable transport installation comprises a cable drive means which is configured to drive the cable. The cable drive means has, for example, at least one motor. The cable drive means may be arranged in the station or elsewhere.

[0069] The vehicle(s) are attached to the cable by one or more clamps. Depending on the configuration, the vehicles are fixedly mounted to the cable or are mounted in a disengageable manner relative to the cable. The clamp is adapted accordingly.

[0070] The station has a movement device configured to allow the movement of at least one vehicle within the station, for example the movement of the vehicle through the station. The movement device partly defines the movement path of the vehicle and in particular the movement path within the station and preferably through the station.

[0071] In order to facilitate the movement of an operator within the station, the latter has a platform. The platform defines a path allowing the operator to move between the different parts of the station. The platform is arranged on one side of the movement device. When the circulation path defines a "U", the platform is preferably arranged on the internal side of the circulation path, that is to say inside the "U".

Claims

1. Pylon head (1) of a cable transport installation comprising: - a jib (2) intended to be fixed to a pylon; - a footbridge (3); - a first fixing part (4) fixed to the jib (2) and a second fixing part (5) fixed to the footbridge (3); characterized in that one of the first fixing piece (4) and the second fixing piece (5) is a hook (A) and the other of the first fixing piece (4) and the second fixing piece (5) defines a hole (B) for receiving the hook (A), the hook (A) defining a driving direction (Z) extending from a top of the hook (A) to the bottom of the hook (A); in that the hook (A) and the hole (B) are capable of being pushed into each other in the direction of insertion (Z) until the gangway (3) is in abutment against the bracket (2); and in thatthe hook (A) defines a decreasing section according to the direction of insertion (Z) from the top of the opening to the position where the gangway (3) is in abutment to bring the gangway (3) and the jib (2) closer together.

2. Pylon head (1) of a cable transport installation according to claim 1 in which the driving direction (Z) is a vertical direction.

3. Pylon head (1) of a cable transport installation according to one of claims 1 and 2 in which the hole (B) has a section decreasing in a direction opposite to the driving direction (Z).

4. Pylon head (1) of a cable transport installation according to either of claims 1 and 2 comprising at least one lock having a locking position in which the gangway (3) is fixedly mounted relative to the jib (2) and an unlocking position in which the gangway (3) is movably mounted relative to the jib (2).

5. Pylon head (1) of a cable transport installation according to claim 4 in which in the unlocked position the gangway (3) is removable relative to the jib (2).

6. Pylon head (1) of a cable transport installation according to any one of claims 1 to 5 comprising at least one adjusting element (8) configured to adjust the penetration of the hook (A) relative to the hole (B) in the penetration direction (Z), the adjusting element (8) bearing on at least one of the gangway (3) and the jib (2).

7. Pylon head (1) of a cable transport installation according to claim 6 in which the adjusting element (8) comprises at least one screw fixed to the gangway (3) and bearing on the bracket (2) or at least one screw fixed to the bracket (2) and bearing on the gangway (3).

8. Pylon head (1) of a cable transport installation according to claim 6 when dependent on claim 4 in which in the locking position a wall defining the hole (B) is spaced from a wall defining the hook (A).

9. A method of mounting a pylon head (1) of a cable transport installation comprising the following steps: - providing a pylon body (C) and a pylon head (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, the jib (2) being fixed to the pylon body (C); - inserting the hook (A) into the hole (B) and moving the gangway (3) downwards to slide the gangway (3) relative to the jib (2) until the gangway (3) is supported by the jib (2), the driving direction (Z) being vertical and directed downwards.

10. Method for mounting a pylon head (1) of a cable transport installation according to claim 9 comprising the pylon head (1) according to claim 8 and comprising the vertical adjustment of the gangway (3) relative to the jib (2) then the locking of the position of the gangway (3) relative to the jib (2), a wall defining the hole (B) is spaced from a wall defining the hook (A) in the driving direction (Z).

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