Aerial cable transport station, aerial cable transport installation comprising such a station and method for operating such an installation

Abstract

An overhead cableway station (4) comprises a cable (2) running along the station (4) to define a circulation path. A transport vehicle (3a) and a maintenance vehicle (3b) remain fixedly attached to the cable (2) during movement in the station (4). The maintenance vehicle (3b) is mounted so as to be removable from the cable (2) and has a different size from the transport vehicle (3a). A guide (11) prevents the transport vehicle (3a) from pivoting about a longitudinal axis of the cable (2) beyond a threshold position. The guide (11) is movable between operating and maintenance positions. In the operating position, the guide (11) forms an obstacle to the movement of the maintenance vehicle (3b) during movement in the station (4). In the maintenance position, the guide (11) is arranged outside the volume occupied by the maintenance vehicle (3b) during movement in the station (4).

Description

Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to an aerial cableway station, an aerial cableway installation comprising such a station and a method of operating such an installation. State of the art

[0002] In the field of aerial cable transport, it is traditional to use equipment such as fixed-grip chairlifts. Each chair is fixedly mounted on a cable that forms a loop passing through at least one station of an aerial cable transport facility.

[0003] In each station, the seats remain fixedly attached to the cable and follow the cable's path. Because the seats are attached to the cable, they are able to pivot relative to the cable's longitudinal axis, particularly when the weight is not evenly distributed across the seat's various positions. For example, when an adult and a child sit at the two outermost positions of the seat, the seat pivots under the adult's weight. This makes it more difficult to place the child in the seat. This configuration can lead to accidents. A similar problem can arise when occupants leave the seat.

[0004] To reduce the swivel angle or even prevent the seat from swiveling, a guide is installed in the station. The guide forms one or more stops that fix the lateral swivel of the seat relative to the longitudinal axis of the cable, which corresponds to a heel angle.

[0005] As with any overhead cable transport installation, it is necessary to carry out regular maintenance operations, particularly operations where the tops of the pylons and in particular the rollers and balancers which guide the cable are observed.

[0006] To carry out this operation, it is conventional to use a maintenance vehicle that is attached to the cable and moves with the cable to each pylon in order to get as close as possible to the balance beam. In order to facilitate the work of the operators, the maintenance vehicle has a different configuration from the transport vehicles that are intended to transport users. For example, the maintenance vehicle has means that facilitate observation and intervention on the rollers.

[0007] However, the configuration of the maintenance vehicle is incompatible with the use of an external guide that is configured to limit the swiveling of the seat. During maintenance operations, the vehicle is secured to the cable within the station footprint and then once the maintenance vehicle leaves the station, the vehicle is stopped to install at least some of the maintenance vehicle-specific equipment. When the maintenance vehicle returns to the station, it is necessary to remove its specific equipment.

[0008] This operation is time consuming and must be carried out each time it is necessary to couple the maintenance vehicle with the cable.

[0009] Document EP2647538 discloses a system for detecting vehicles approaching stations. A vehicle is pulled by a cable that runs between two stations. A beacon is attached to the vehicle, and each station has a receiving antenna to pick up the signal emitted by the beacon. The vehicle has a retractable element positioned above the vehicle, and the beacon only transmits when the retractable element protrudes from the vehicle. When the beacon receives the signal, a control system stops the cable. The control system allows the vehicle to circulate when the beacon does not receive the signal. Statement of the invention

[0010] An object of the invention is to overcome these drawbacks, and more particularly to provide a station which makes it possible to have a maintenance vehicle operational more quickly.

[0011] These drawbacks are being addressed by means of an aerial cableway station comprising: a cable running along the station; a traffic lane; vehicles comprising at least one transport vehicle and one maintenance vehicle, the maintenance vehicle having a different size from the transport vehicle, each vehicle comprising a drive system carrying out the attachment to the cable at the exit of the station and the attachment to the traffic lane in the station.

[0012] The aerial cableway station is remarkable in that it comprises a guide mounted to move between an operating position and a maintenance position, the operating position blocking a pivoting of the transport vehicle around the attachment of the transport vehicle to the traffic lane beyond a threshold position; in that, in the operating position, the guide forms an obstacle to the movement of the maintenance vehicle when the maintenance vehicle is traveling along the traffic path; and in that in the maintenance position the guide is arranged outside the volume occupied by the maintenance vehicle when the maintenance vehicle is traveling along the traffic path.

[0013] According to an advantageous aspect of the invention, the guide is pivotally mounted between the operating position and the maintenance position.

[0014] Preferably, the guide is mounted pivoting around a pivot axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cable.

[0015] In a particular embodiment, the aerial cableway station comprises a first sensor emitting a signal representative of the coupling and uncoupling of the maintenance vehicle with the cable and a second sensor emitting a signal representative of the guide in the operating position or of the guide in the maintenance position. When the first sensor emits a signal indicating the coupling of the maintenance vehicle with the cable and the second sensor emits a signal indicating that the guide is in the operating position, a control circuit stops the movement of the cable.

[0016] Advantageously, the first sensor is arranged upstream of the guide and detects the presence or absence of the upper platform, the presence of the upper platform corresponding to coupling with the cable and the absence of the upper platform corresponding to uncoupling with the cable.

[0017] In a particular embodiment, the aerial cable transport station comprises a parking area for the maintenance vehicle when the maintenance vehicle is uncoupled from the cable, the parking area comprising the first sensor detecting the presence or absence of the maintenance vehicle in the parking area, the presence of the maintenance vehicle corresponding to uncoupling with the cable and the absence of the maintenance vehicle corresponding to coupling with the cable.

[0018] Preferably, the cable defines a loop and the parking area is arranged outside the loop. An access platform extends from inside the loop to outside the loop passing over the cable. The access platform forms a slide intended to move the maintenance vehicle from the parking area to the cable and vice versa to couple or uncouple the maintenance vehicle.

[0019] The invention also relates to a cable transport installation which allows easier coupling and operation of the maintenance vehicle.

[0020] This problem tends to be solved by means of an aerial cable transport installation comprising at least one aerial cable transport station according to any of the preceding configurations.

[0021] In an advantageous development, the aerial cable transport installation according to the previous configuration comprises a maintenance vehicle and several transport vehicles coupled to the cable.

[0022] The invention also relates to a method of operating an overhead cable transport installation which allows easier management of the maintenance vehicle.

[0023] The problem is being solved by means of a method of operating an overhead cable transport installation which comprises the following steps: providing an aerial cableway facility according to any of the preceding configurations; coupling the maintenance vehicle with the cable; moving the guide from the operating position to the maintenance position; running the cable to move the maintenance vehicle only after coupling the maintenance vehicle and after moving the guide. Description of the drawings

[0024] 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 1schematically illustrates a station of a cable transport installation in which the maintenance vehicle is in a parking area, the guide being in an operating position; the figure 2 schematically illustrates a station of a cable transport installation in which the maintenance vehicle is located between the parking area and the drive cable, the guide being in an operating position; the figure 3 schematically illustrates a station of a cable transport installation in which the maintenance vehicle on the drive cable, the guide being in a maintenance position; the figure 4 schematically illustrates a cable transport installation with two stations. Detailed description

[0025] THE figures 1 to 4represent an aerial cableway installation 1 or a station of an aerial cableway installation. The aerial cableway installation 1 comprises a cable 2 and several vehicles 3 capable of being towed by the cable 2. The vehicles 3 comprise at least one transport vehicle 3a capable of transporting people or goods, for example a cabin, or a seat. The vehicles 3 comprise at least one maintenance vehicle 3b. The maintenance vehicle 3b is a vehicle different from the transport vehicle 3a, in particular in its safety rules. For example, the maintenance vehicle 3b requires each user to attach to an anchor point of the maintenance vehicle 3b. The passenger has a harness and is attached to the maintenance vehicle 3b by means of an anchor point.The 3b maintenance vehicle allows the passenger to move inside the 3b maintenance vehicle or even to leave the 3b maintenance vehicle outside the stations, for example to hang on to a pylon.

[0026] The installation 1 comprises a station 4 for boarding and disembarking passengers in the vehicle(s) 3. The installation 1 comprises a drive pulley 5 for the cable 2. The drive pulley 5 is rotated by a motor 6.

[0027] Station 4 defines a traffic lane. When vehicles 3 are in station 4, vehicles 3 move along the traffic lane. When leaving station 4, vehicles 3 move along cable 2.

[0028] Each vehicle 3 comprises a drive system which ensures the movement of the vehicle 3. The drive system comprises one or more attachment systems carrying out the attachment of the vehicle 3 to one or more movement members. A first movement member is the cable 2 and the drive system is configured to attach to the cable 2 at least at the exit of the station 4 in order to move the vehicles 3 out of the station 4.

[0029] The drive system preferably comprises a clamp 7 which attaches to the cable 2. The cable 2 supports the vehicle 3 and the movement of the cable 2 ensures the movement of the vehicle 3.

[0030] When the installation 1 is a fixed-grip installation or a non-disengageable type installation, the traffic lane is formed by the cable 2. The drive system may comprise only one grip 7 which is attached to the cable 2 in the station 4 and outside the station 4. When the installation 1 is a disengageable-grip installation, the grips 7 are disconnected from the cable 2 in the station 4 and the vehicles 3 move along the traffic lane which is different from the cable 2. The traffic lane is formed by a second movement member, for example tires or other conveying means, for example another cable, a drive belt, a chain, etc. The drive system may then comprise a grip 7 and another attachment device which cooperates with the traffic lane. The traffic lane moves the vehicles 3 in the station 4.

[0031] Controlling the pivoting of the vehicle 3 is particularly advantageous in installations with a fixed clamp and a single carrier-tractor cable.

[0032] The aerial cable transport installation 1 preferably comprises one or more pylons 8 to hold the cable 2 above the ground. The pylon 8 generally comprises a balance beam 9 comprising one or more beams equipped with rollers 10 mounted to rotate to guide and allow the movement of the cable 2. The vehicles 3 are pulled by the cable 2 and cross the pylon 8 to go from one station 4 to another.

[0033] In the boarding station and preferably in each station 4, a guide 11 is installed which is configured to limit a pivoting of the transport vehicle 3a around the attachment between the transport vehicle 3a and the running track. In other words, the guide 11 prevents the transport vehicle 3a from pivoting beyond a threshold position in a pivoting direction. For example, in a fixed clamp installation, the attachment corresponds to the attachment of the clamp 7 to the cable 2. The guide 11 limits the pivoting of the transport vehicle 3a around the longitudinal axis of the cable 2. The axis of the cable 2 is the axis in the attachment area of ​​the vehicle 3 with the cable 2. The guide 11 forms an end stop in a pivoting of the transport vehicle 3a relative to the cable 2.Preferably, two guides 11 are used in the form of an inner guide arranged inside the loop defined by the cable 2 and an outer guide arranged outside the loop defined by the cable 2. The two guides 11 are separated by the cable 2, at least in a vertical observation.

[0034] It is advantageous for the guide(s) 11 to be located and / or extend below the horizontal plane containing the cable 2 and the clamps 7 of the vehicles 3 to constrain the position of the arm 3' of the transport vehicle 3a when the latter is in the station 4.

[0035] Each of the two guides 11 limits the pivoting of the transport vehicle 3a relative to the cable 2, which makes it possible to have a substantially horizontal reference surface from one end of the transport vehicle 3a to the other. In the example of a chairlift, the different places in the seat remain substantially in the same horizontal plane regardless of the number of places occupied and the weight of each of the passengers. In the case of a cabin, the floor remains substantially horizontal regardless of the arrangement of the passengers.

[0036] Preferably, the guide 11 extends only opposite the arm 3' without extending to the altitude intended to receive passengers.

[0037] The maintenance vehicle 3b has a footprint that is different from the footprint of the transport vehicles 3a. The maintenance vehicle 3b has an upper platform 3" which is arranged closer to the balancers 9 and the rollers 10 than another platform intended to receive one or more passengers during the movement of the maintenance vehicle 3b.

[0038] The upper platform 3" is attached higher on the arm 3' relative to a transport vehicle 3a which modifies the size relative to the transport vehicle 3a. Preferably, the upper platform 3" is arranged between 1m and 1.5m below the axis of rotation of one or more rollers 10 when the clamp 7 of the maintenance vehicle 3b is stopped on a roller 10. Advantageously, the upper platform is arranged outside the loop defined by the cable 2. In a particular embodiment, the upper platform is provided with a guardrail and the guardrail is preferably opposite a roller in a horizontal direction when the clamp 7 is on a balance beam 9.

[0039] The difference in size between a maintenance vehicle 3b and a transport vehicle 3a means that the upper platform comes into abutment against at least one guide 11 at least when the maintenance vehicle 3b seeks to make a complete turn of the loop defined by the cable 2. By upper platform comes into abutment, it is meant that at least one of the upper platform or the guardrail associated with the upper platform comes into abutment against the guide 11.

[0040] More generally, the size of the maintenance vehicle 3b is different from the size of the transport vehicle 3a so that at least part of the maintenance vehicle 3b comes into abutment against the guide 11 or one of the guides 11.

[0041] To avoid damaging the guide 11 and / or the upper platform, the guide 11 is mounted to move between an operating position and a maintenance position. In the operating position illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the guide 11 blocks a pivoting of a transport vehicle 3a, for example around the longitudinal axis of the cable 2 beyond a threshold position, so as to have a horizontal or substantially horizontal reference plane. In the operating position, the maintenance vehicle 3b cannot pass through the station 4.

[0042] In a guide maintenance position 11 shown in figure 3 , the guide 11 is deactivated. In other words, the maintenance vehicle 3b can pass through the station 4 and the transport vehicle 3a is able to pivot beyond the threshold position.

[0043] The installation of a guide 11 which is mounted movably in the station 4 makes it possible to avoid intervening on the maintenance vehicle 3b. It is possible to quickly move the guide 11 from the operating position to the maintenance position. The maintenance vehicle 3b can be installed in its ready-to-use configuration, which makes it possible to have a maintenance vehicle 3b which is operational quickly after its coupling to the cable 2. This also avoids dismantling the guide 11.

[0044] Preferably, the guide 11 is pivotally mounted between the operating position and the maintenance position, more preferably pivotally about a pivot axis which is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cable 2 located under or substantially under the pivot axis of the guide 11. IlIt is advantageous if the pivot axis of the guide 11 is arranged above the horizontal plane which contains the cable 2 in the station 4. In other words, in the maintenance position, the maintenance vehicle 3b passes under the guide 11.

[0045] The pivoting mounting of the guide 11 is an easy-to-implement mounting which makes it possible to pass an upper platform having a large footprint without having to intervene on another element of the station 4. The pivoting mounting around a pivot axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cable 2 makes it possible to limit the footprint of the guide 11 in the maintenance position with respect to the other equipment of the station 4, for example the walkways which run inside the station 4.

[0046] Other modes of movement are possible with a pivot along another axis, or the combination of a pivot and another movement, for example a translation, or even with a translation only.

[0047] It is advantageous for the station 4 to have an internal guide and an external guide. The internal guide is configured to prevent the arm 3' from pivoting towards the inside of the ring formed by the cable 2. The external guide is configured to prevent the arm 3' from pivoting towards the outside of the ring formed by the cable 2. It is particularly advantageous for the external guide to move between the operating position and the maintenance position and for the internal guide not to be modified for the coupling of the maintenance vehicle 3b. The upper platform and / or the associated guardrail may be opposite the internal guide in a horizontal direction when the maintenance vehicle 3b is in the station 4.

[0048] When a maintenance vehicle 3b is coupled to the cable 2, a maintenance operation is preferably planned outside the station 4 and possibly in the station 4. The size of the maintenance vehicle 3b being different from the other vehicles 3, it is advantageous to provide a safety mechanism configured to limit, stop or prevent the movement of the cable 2 and therefore the movement of the maintenance vehicle 3b when an abnormal situation is detected.

[0049] The station 4 is preferably provided with a first sensor 12 which emits a signal representative of the coupling and uncoupling of the maintenance vehicle 3b with the cable 2. The first sensor 12 can emit a first signal which indicates that the maintenance vehicle 3b is coupled to the cable 2 and it can emit a second signal which indicates that the maintenance vehicle 3b is uncoupled from the cable 2. The first signal is different from the second signal. One of the first signal and the second signal can be an absence of signal.

[0050] The station 4 is preferably provided with a second sensor 13 which emits a signal representative of the guide 11 in the operating position or of the guide 11 in the maintenance position. Here again, the second sensor 13 emits a first signal which is different from the second signal. It is possible that one of the two signals is an absence of signal.

[0051] The first sensor 12 and the second sensor 13 are connected to a control circuit 14 which is configured to control the movement of the cable 2. When the first sensor 12 emits a signal indicating the coupling of the maintenance vehicle 3b with the cable 2 and the second sensor 13 emits a signal indicating that the guide 11 is in the operating position, the control circuit 14 stops the circulation of the cable 2 and / or prevents a movement of the cable 2. The detection of the maintenance vehicle 3b coupled to the cable 2 means that there is a vehicle 3 having a larger footprint than the other vehicles. To avoid damaging the guide 11, the cable 2 is stopped. For example, the engine 6 is stopped.

[0052] To detect the coupling of the maintenance vehicle 3b with the cable 2, different embodiments are possible. The first sensor 12 may be a presence sensor of the upper platform. The first sensor 12 is arranged upstream of the guide 11 in the direction of travel of the cable 2, the cable 2 moving from upstream to downstream. The presence sensor may be a sensor that is struck by the upper platform to detect the presence of the platform at a given position. The presence sensor may be an optical sensor that detects the upper platform. It is also possible for the maintenance vehicle 3b to be equipped with a radio frequency tag or another electromagnetic signal transmitter and for the station to be equipped with a radio frequency signal or electromagnetic signal sensor so as to detect the presence of the maintenance vehicle 3b in the station 4 or near the guide 11.It is advantageous to have a sensor on each side of the guide 11 in order to detect the presence of the maintenance vehicle 3b depending on whether the cable 2 is running in one direction or the other.

[0053] In a particular embodiment, the station 4 comprises a parking area 15 for the maintenance vehicle 3b. The parking area 15 is designed to receive the maintenance vehicle 3b when the latter is uncoupled from the cable 2. It is advantageous for the parking area 15 to comprise the first sensor 12. The first sensor 12 detects the presence or absence of the maintenance vehicle 3b in the parking area 15. The presence of the maintenance vehicle 3b in the parking area 15 corresponds to the uncoupling with the cable 2. The absence of the maintenance vehicle 3b from the parking area 15 corresponds to the coupling with the cable 2. Figures 1 and 2illustrate a parking area 15 arranged next to an operating room 16.

[0054] Advantageously, the parking area 15 of the maintenance vehicle 3b is located outside the loop formed by the cable 2 in an observation along the vertical direction. The installation of the parking area 15 outside the loop makes it possible to limit the size of the part of the station 4 which houses the drive pulley 5 or the return pulley and which defines the circulation path of the vehicles 3. This part of the station 4 can also contain the motor 6. This makes it possible to reduce the size inside the loop.

[0055] In order to facilitate the coupling of the maintenance vehicle 3b with the cable 2, it is advantageous to have a station 4 which is provided with a slide 17. The slide 17 extends from the parking area 15 to the immediate vicinity of the cable 2. The slide 17 is fixedly mounted and it opens out opposite a portion of cable 2 which is particularly well suited to coupling the maintenance vehicle 3b and the cable 2.

[0056] The slide 17 allows the maintenance vehicle 3b to be moved from the parking area 15 to the coupling area with the cable 2 and then to make the reverse path. The slide 17 is a fixed structure. The end of the slide 17 is arranged in the immediate vicinity of the cable 2 and above the cable 2 and so as to be able to quickly install the clamp 7 of the maintenance vehicle 3b on the cable 2. A slider 18 moves along the slide 17 and the slider 18 supports the maintenance vehicle 3b.

[0057] The slide 17 is fixedly mounted to an access platform 19 which extends from outside the loop to an area inside the loop defined by the cable 2. Preferably, the access platform 19 extends from above the parking area 15 to inside the loop according to a vertical observation. The access platform 19 is terminated by a staircase 19a. The access platform 19 is arranged above the cable 2 at a distance which allows the passage of the vehicles 3 under the access platform 19 when the installation is in operation, that is to say with the vehicles 3 towed by the cable 2.

[0058] Preferably, the access platform 19 is the only means of access to the upper part of the station 4, that is to say the part located above the plane containing the cable 2, without crossing the path taken by the vehicles 3 when the cable 2 is running. The access platform 19 allows secure access to the upper part of the station 4, that is to say without having to take into account the movements of the vehicles 3. This configuration makes it possible to improve the safety of the operating personnel.

[0059] In addition to improving safety, the access platform 19 forms all or part of the slide 17 to facilitate the rapid attachment of the maintenance vehicle 3b.

[0060] When the access platform 19 extends vertically to the parking area 15, it is possible to hook the maintenance vehicle 3b to the slide 17 and then lift the maintenance vehicle 3b, for example by means of a hoist.

[0061] Once the maintenance vehicle 3b has been lifted, it can be moved by means of the slider 18 until the clamp 7 is arranged vertically and above the cable 2. The maintenance vehicle 3b can be lowered until the cable 2 and the clamp 7 of the maintenance vehicle 3b are coupled. Once the maintenance vehicle 3b is coupled to the cable 2, the slider 18 is preferably moved to leave the volume occupied by the moving vehicles 3.

[0062] The use of the slide 18 which slides along the access platform 19 allows better control of the position of the clamp 7 which facilitates the installation of the maintenance vehicle 3b. The slide 17 does not provide any additional space compared to the access platform 19. The maintenance vehicle 3b can be moved without the intervention of a lifting system which must also move the maintenance vehicle 3b to the cable 2, for example a mobile crane, a forklift or any other equivalent vehicle.

[0063] In a particular embodiment, the second sensor 13 is linked to the position of the slider 18 along the slide 17. The slider 18 is movable between a first position which is opposite the parking zone 15 in the vertical direction and a second position where the slider 18 is opposite the cable 2 in the vertical direction. When the second sensor 13 detects that the slider 18 is out of the first position, the second sensor 13 can provide information indicating that the maintenance vehicle 3b is coupled. When the second sensor 13 detects that the slider 18 is in the second position, the second sensor 13 can provide information indicating that the maintenance vehicle 3b is coupled. When the second sensor 13 detects that the slider 18 is in the first position, the second sensor 13 can provide information indicating that the maintenance vehicle 3b is uncoupled.When the second sensor 13 detects that the slider 18 is out of the second position, the second sensor 13 can provide information indicating that the maintenance vehicle 3b is uncoupled. The second sensor 13 can also provide information on the weight lifted by the slider 18.

[0064] In a particular embodiment, the parking area 15 is delimited on a first side by a staircase 19a which connects a reference level to the access platform 19, on a second side by a post 19b which supports the reference platform and on a third side by a housing intended to receive at least part of the control circuit 14, for example the operating room 16 and at least one person carrying out the operation of the cable transport installation 1.

[0065] The access platform 19 extends in a direction which passes between the staircase 19a and the accommodation up to the inside of the loop. Such an arrangement allows the person operating the aerial cable transport installation 1 to have a clear view of the circulation path of the vehicles 3 and of any passengers who are boarding.

[0066] In one embodiment, the access platform 19, the slide 17, the slide 18 and all other means capable of allowing movement of a maintenance vehicle 3b are used independently of the mobile guide. The station 4 may use a guide or it may be without a guide.

[0067] It is possible to provide a station 4 already comprising a cable 2 and cable drive means such as a motor 6 and rollers and pulleys. An access platform 19 is installed which extends above the cable 2 between the inside and the outside of the loop. The access platform 19 is provided with a slide 17 which allows the sliding of a slider 18 in order to facilitate the coupling and uncoupling of a maintenance vehicle 3b or even another type of vehicle 3.

[0068] If station 4 is already provided with an access platform 19 which spans cable 2 by passing over cable 2, it is possible to functionalize access platform 19 by adding a slide 17 to it, for example in the form of a beam which allows a slide 18 to slide.

[0069] The weight of a maintenance vehicle 3b is generally less than the weight intended to be supported by a snow-covered access platform 19, for example a footbridge supporting at least 50cm of snow. Under these conditions, the addition of a slide 17 intended to facilitate the transport of a maintenance vehicle 3b does not require a significant structural modification of the access platform 19.

Claims

1. Aerial cable transport station comprising: - a cable (2) running along the station (4); - a traffic lane; - vehicles (3) comprising at least one transport vehicle (3a) and one maintenance vehicle (3b), the maintenance vehicle (3b) having a different size from the transport vehicle (3a), each vehicle (3) comprising a drive system carrying out the attachment to the cable (2) at the exit of the station (4) and the attachment to the traffic lane in the station (4); characterized in that the station (4) comprises a guide (11) mounted to move between an operating position and a maintenance position, the operating position blocking a pivoting of the transport vehicle (3a) around the coupling of the transport vehicle (3a) with the traffic lane beyond a threshold position; in that, in the operating position, the guide (11) forms an obstacle to the movement of the maintenance vehicle (3b) when the maintenance vehicle (3b) travels along the traffic path; and in that , in the maintenance position, the guide (11) is arranged outside the volume occupied by the maintenance vehicle (3b) when the maintenance vehicle (3b) travels along the traffic path.

2. Aerial cable transport station according to claim 1 in which the guide (11) is pivotally mounted between the operating position and the maintenance position.

3. Aerial cable transport station according to claim 2 in which the guide (11) is pivotally mounted around a pivot axis parallel to the axis of advance of the transport vehicle (3a) along the traffic lane.

4. Aerial cableway station according to one of claims 1 to 3 comprising a first sensor (12) emitting a signal representative of the coupling and uncoupling of the maintenance vehicle (3b) with the cable (2) and a second sensor (13) emitting a signal representative of the guide (11) in the operating position or of the guide (11) in the maintenance position and in which when the first sensor (12) emits a signal indicating the coupling of the maintenance vehicle (3b) with the cable (2) and the second sensor (13) emits a signal indicating that the guide (11) is in the operating position, a control circuit (14) stops the circulation of the cable (2).

5. Aerial cable transport station according to claim 4 in which the first sensor (12) is arranged upstream of the guide (11) and detects the presence or absence of an upper platform, the presence of the upper platform corresponding to coupling with the cable (2) and the absence of the upper platform corresponding to uncoupling with the cable (2).

6. Aerial cable transport station according to claim 4 comprising a parking area (15) for the maintenance vehicle (3b) when the maintenance vehicle (3b) is uncoupled from the cable (2), the parking area (15) comprising the first sensor (12) detecting the presence or absence of the maintenance vehicle (3b) in the parking area (15), the presence of the maintenance vehicle (3b) corresponding to the uncoupling with the cable (2) and the absence of the maintenance vehicle (3b) corresponding to the coupling with the cable (2).

7. An overhead cableway station according to claim 6 wherein the cable (2) defines a loop and the parking area (15) is arranged outside the loop; wherein an access platform (19) extends from inside the loop to outside the loop passing over the cable (2); and wherein the access platform (19) forms a slide (17) for moving the maintenance vehicle (3b) from the parking area (15) to the cable (2) and vice versa for coupling or uncoupling the maintenance vehicle (3b).

8. Aerial cable transport installation (1) comprising at least one aerial cable transport station according to any one of the preceding claims.

9. Aerial cable transport installation (1) according to the preceding claim comprising a maintenance vehicle (3b) and several transport vehicles (3a) coupled to the cable (2).

10. A method of operating an overhead cableway installation (1) comprising the following steps: - providing an overhead cableway installation (1) according to any one of claims 8 and 9; - coupling the maintenance vehicle (3b) with the cable (2); - moving the guide (11) from the operating position to the maintenance position; - circulating the cable (2) to move the maintenance vehicle (3b) only after coupling the maintenance vehicle (3b) and after moving the guide (11) into the maintenance position.

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