Aerial cable transportation system with a brush device for grounding the hauling cable

Abstract

Aerial cable transportation system for the transportation of passengers and / or cargo; wherein the system comprises: two terminal embarkation and disembarkation stations (3) at opposite ends of the system and possibly one intermediate station; a hauling cable (2) movable between the terminal stations; a plurality of transportation units (6) moved by the hauling cable (2) outside the terminal stations (3); at least one brush device (11) for grounding the hauling cable (2) in at least one station (3); wherein the brush device (11) comprises a brush body (12) made of conductive material, a grounding circuit (16) connected to the brush body (12), and a plurality of conductive bristles (15) protruding from one side of the brush body (12); wherein the at least one brush device (11) is arranged at the station (3) in such a position that the bristles (15) are in contact with the hauling cable (2) to make a conductive bridge between the hauling cable (2) and the grounding circuit (16).

Description

Cross-Reference to Related Applications

[0001] This patent application claims priority from Italian patent application no. 102024000021334 filed on September 25, 2024, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.Technical Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to an aerial cable transportation system in which a plurality of transportation units are moved one after the other by a hauling cable in an aerial configuration between two terminal stations located at opposite ends of the system. In this context, the present invention addresses the problem of providing an innovative brush device for grounding the hauling cable.Background Art

[0003] As is known, an aerial cable transportation system is a system for the transportation of passengers and / or cargo in which a plurality of transportation units are moved one after the other in an aerial configuration between two terminal stations located at opposite ends of the system, and in which the embarkation and disembarkation occur. The transportation units, which can be chairs and / or cabins, or the like, are moved between the stations by a hauling cable, which is a loop-closed cable returned into motion between the terminal stations. The motion of the hauling cable is generated by a pulley present in one of the terminal stations. The transportation units are supported in an aerial configuration by the hauling cable in systems where a single cable is present or by one or two hauling cables in systems having two or three cables (one of which is precisely a hauling cable and one or two are carrying cables). For the purposes of the present invention, the presence of the carrying cable(s) is not relevant, however the presence of the hauling cable is required.

[0004] As described above, the hauling cable moves between the stations and comprises a path section outside the stations and a path section inside the stations. It is known to provide, both in the external and in the internal section, supports for guiding the hauling cable. For example, in the external section, the hauling cable is supported by pylons arranged along the route having rollers at the top. In the section inside the stations, guide rollers for the hauling cable are provided, which are directly constrained to the fixed structure of the station.

[0005] Both the hauling cable and the supporting pylons along the route are made of a metal material and are, therefore, electrically conductive elements. Since such cable systems are often installed in mountain places, the cable (with its long extension) and the pylons can be lightning attractors. To evacuate from the hauling cable the current that may be introduced therein by lightning or anyway to limit in any case the accumulation of static electricity on the hauling cable, it is known to provide special devices for grounding the hauling cable, which usually contact the hauling cable in a sliding manner as it travels along the internal section at the station. This need also exists in urban systems and, therefore, not only necessarily in the mountain ones.

[0006] WO2018150149 describes a first example of a device for grounding the hauling cable of an aerial cable transportation system. According to WO2018150149, a low friction conductive pad is provided as a wear element which, on the one hand, contacts the hauling cable and, on the other hand, is connected to an electrical grounding circuit.

[0007] JPS6085080U and WO2022090166 describe other examples of devices for grounding the hauling cable of an aerial cable transportation system. In particular, according to JPS6085080U and WO2022090166, the device for grounding the hauling cable is made in the form of a brush, so that the cable contacts elastic / flexible bristles and, therefore, there exists less wear between the elements in sliding contact. Both the bristles and the brush body supporting the bristles are made of a conductive material to put the hauling cable in electrical communication with the grounding circuit connected to the brush body. More in particular, the unique aspect of WO2022090166 is the provision of bristles made of plastic conductive material.Subject Matter and Summary of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, an aerial cable transportation system is provided, as defined in the appended claims.

[0009] In particular, the starting point of the present invention is an aerial cable transportation system, preferably for the transportation of passengers, wherein the system comprises: two terminal embarkation and / or disembarkation stations at opposite ends of the system and possibly one or more intermediate stations; a hauling cable movable between the terminal stations, which is preferably returned in a loop between the terminal stations to form two parallel back and forth branches; a plurality of transportation units (cabins, chairs, a combination of cabins and chairs, and the like), moved by the hauling cable outside the stations.

[0010] For the purposes of the present invention, the presence of one or two carrying cables in addition to the aforementioned hauling cable is not relevant. In other words, the system of the present invention can be a single-, two-or three-cable system.

[0011] As is known, the hauling cable is provided with a path portion outside the stations and a path portion inside the stations. In a non-limiting manner, the transportation units entering the station disengage from the hauling cable so that they can move forward more slowly. Before leaving the station, the units are coupled again to the hauling cable.

[0012] It is known to provide at least one brush device for grounding the hauling cable arranged in at least one of the stations provided in the system, wherein the brush device comprises a brush body made of conductive material, a grounding circuit connected to the brush body, and a plurality of conductive bristles protruding from one side of the brush body and contacting the hauling cable. In this manner, as is known, a conductive bridge between the hauling cable and the grounding circuit is made.

[0013] A first specific aspect of the present invention lies in the material used to make the bristles. The prior art teaches the general use of metal materials or of a plastic conductive material (see WO2022090166). The present invention provides instead for using a specific material which is particularly suitable for this application and which is not mentioned nor suggested in the prior art, i.e. according to the present invention it is provided that at least one bristle of the plurality of bristles is made of carbon fiber. The choice of this specific material combines several advantages in a single solution. Indeed, in the present invention, carbon fiber is used not only for its high electrical conductivity but also for the following advantageous aspects: high mechanical resistance and high durability due to a lower proneness to wear, abrasion and breakage, especially under mechanical stress conditions that can arise from the contact with the moving hauling cable; high water resistance reducing the ordinary degradation of metals due to humidity. Indeed, carbon fiber does not significantly absorb water and is, therefore, not subject to corrosion like metals and maintains its conductive capabilities over time. In consideration of the environment in which cable systems are usually present, this feature is extremely advantageous. Preferably, all bristles are made of carbon fiber. So, the bristles are a plurality of filaments or thread-like elements of carbon fiber. However, the present invention does not exclude embodiments in which the bristles can be made of two different materials, for example, some bristles can be made of carbon fiber and other bristles can be made of another conductive material.

[0014] Preferably, the brush body is a parallelepiped element with a rectangular or square base defining a plane orthogonal to the axis of the cable. The brush body comprises a horizontal flat surface parallel to the axis of the cable. The bristles protrude from this horizontal flat surface.

[0015] The bristles are not arranged on the entire aforementioned surface of the brush body but are grouped in a plurality of bristle tufts to form separate bristle groups. These tufts are arranged along at least one row parallel to the axis of the hauling cable; each bristle tuft comprises at least one bristle (preferably all bristles) made of carbon fiber.

[0016] Each bristle tuft is coupled to the brush body in a removable manner. It is provided that each bristle tuft comprises a base (of conductive material, preferably of the same material of the brush body, more preferably of copper), in which the ends of the tuft bristles opposite the cable are forcibly retained. Then, each base is coupled to a corresponding hole obtained in the brush body in a removable manner, preferably by providing a threaded coupling. The fact of providing the bristles divided into independently and individually replaceable tufts is very advantageous since it effectively makes the brush device of the present invention a modular device. This constructive feature allows, in contrast to a traditional brush, an easier and more targeted maintenance and / or replacement by removing the worn tuft for replacing the same without having to intervene on the entire device. Furthermore, this solution is also economically convenient because in case the bristles wear out, it is not necessary to replace the entire brush device.

[0017] Preferably, each base is made in the form of a cup in which the inner ends of the bristles of the corresponding tuft are inserted. These ends are retained in the cup, preferably by compressive deformation of the cup which collapses against the bristles. In this manner, both the constraint and the flow of electricity are obtained.

[0018] Finally, regarding the position of the brush device at the station, preferably the brush device is positioned in the first portion of the entrance to the station when the cable is still proceeding in a horizontal direction before encountering the deviation rollers which divert the path of the cable from that of the transportation unit (released from the cable).Brief Description of the Drawings

[0019] For a better understanding of the present invention, an embodiment will now be described, by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: Figure 1 shows a schematic view of an example of an aerial cable system which can be provided with the brush device for grounding the hauling cable according to the present invention; Figure 2 is a schematic view of the portion of the station indicated by reference numeral II in Figure 1 and shows an example of the positioning of the brush device according to the present invention within the station for grounding the hauling cable; Figure 3 is a schematic view of an example of an embodiment of a brush device for grounding the hauling cable according to the present invention; Figure 4 is a schematic view of a component of the brush device of Figure 3. Preferred Embodiments of the Invention

[0020] As previously described, the present invention refers to an aerial cable transportation system in which an innovative brush device for grounding the hauling cable is provided. Hereinafter, the embodiment of the invention illustrated in the above listed Figures will now be described.

[0021] Figure 1 shows a schematic view of an example of an aerial cable system which can be provided with the cabin group according to the present invention. In Figure 1 an aerial cable system 1 is shown, having a hauling cable 2 which also serves as a carrying cable for supporting and moving in an aerial configuration a plurality of cabins 6 moved along the route. In the example of Figure 1, two cabins 6 are respectively shown "in line", i.e. in the path section comprised outside the stations, and at the station, where the cabin is usually disengaged from the cable 2 and proceeds more slowly to allow a safer embarkation and disembarkation of passengers. Therefore, reference numeral 3 identifies a station in which passengers perform the embarkation into and disembarkation from the cabins 6, as well as the loading and unloading of any sport equipment and personal effects. Although not shown, the system also comprises at least another station located at the opposite end of the system. Therefore, the cable 2 is a single loop-cable returned between these terminal stations and moved by a motorised pulley accommodated in one of the two stations. Reference numeral 7 indicates a suspension arm connecting the cabin 6 to a clamp 8 coupled to the cable 2. Arrows A and B indicate that the cabins 6 travel along both directions of the system, travelling along parallel back and forth branches.

[0022] Figure 2 is a schematic view of the portion of the station indicated by reference numeral II in Figure 1 and shows an example of the positioning of the brush device for grounding the hauling cable according to the present invention within the station. In particular, Figure 2 shows the portion of the entrance to the station 3 for the hauling cable 2 having a first section 4 still outside the station and a second section 5 inside the station 3. Reference numerals 9 and 10 identify two pairs of rollers known as fore-station rollers 9 (line side outside the station 3) and vertical deviation rollers 10 (inner side of the station 3), respectively. Between these rollers, the cable 2 has a straight, horizontal progression. Reference numeral 11 identifies the brush device according to the present invention which, in this example, contacts the cable precisely in the portion between these pairs of rollers 9 and 10.

[0023] Figure 3 is a schematic view of an example of an embodiment of a brush device 11 according to the present invention for grounding the hauling cable 2. This brush device 11 comprises a copper brush body 12 in the form of a parallelepiped having bases orthogonal to the axis A of the cable 2, and a face 14 facing the cable 2 which defines a plane horizontal and parallel to the axis A of the cable 2. The brush device 11 comprises a row of bristle tufts 13, wherein the row is arranged along an axis parallel to the axis A of the cable 2, preferably these axes being superimposed when viewed from above. Each tuft 13 comprises a plurality of bristles 15 or thread-like elements of carbon fiber which extend from face 14 of the brush body 12 towards the cable 2. These bristles 15 have such an extension that they contact the cable 2, which in its motion along arrow F elastically bends them at least in part. Preferably, the distance from face 14 to cable 2 is ¾ of the length of the bristles 15. Finally, reference numeral 16 identifies the grounding electric circuit 17 so that the electricity on the cable 2 passes to the bristles 15 of the tufts 13, from the bristles 15 to the brush body 12, and from the brush body 12 to ground 17 via the electric circuit 16. Reference numeral 18 identifies a movable support along the vertical direction orthogonal to face 14 so that the distance between the device 11 and the axis A of the cable 2 can be varied as necessary (for example, depending on the thickness of the cable).

[0024] Figure 4 is a schematic view of a tuft 13 of the brush device 11 of Figure 3. As can be seen in this example, the tufts 13 can be removed from the brush body 12 since they provide a base in the form of a copper cup 18 provided with a thread 19 which couples to a corresponding hole obtained on the face 14 of the brush body 12. On the opposite side from the thread 19, the cup 18 houses the inner ends of the bristles 15 opposite the free ends 20 contacting the cable 2. These inner ends are retained within the cup 18 by crushing deformation of the cup 18. Reference numeral 21 indicates the portions of the cup 18 crushed against the inner ends of the bristles 15. In this example, the bristles 15 are accommodated in the cup 18 for a length equal to ¼ of their total length.

[0025] Finally, it is clear that modifications and variations can be made to the preferred embodiment described and illustrated herein without thereby departing from the scope of protection of the present invention, as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. An aerial cable transportation system for the transportation of passengers and / or cargo; wherein the system comprises: - two terminal embarkation and disembarkation stations at opposite ends of the system and possibly one or more intermediate stations; - a hauling cable movable between the terminal stations; - a plurality of transportation units moved by the hauling cable outside the terminal stations; - at least one brush device for grounding the hauling cable in at least one station; wherein the brush device comprises a brush body made of conductive material, a grounding circuit connected to the brush body, and a plurality of conductive bristles protruding from one side of the brush body; wherein the at least one brush device is arranged at the station in such a position that the bristles are in contact with the hauling cable to make a conductive bridge between the hauling cable and the grounding circuit; characterized by the fact that at least one bristle of the plurality of bristles is made of carbon fiber; wherein the bristles are grouped into a plurality of bristle tufts arranged separately along at least one row parallel to the axis of the hauling cable; each bristle tuft comprising at least one bristle made of carbon fiber; wherein each bristle tuft is coupled to the brush body in a removable and replaceable manner; wherein each bristle tuft comprises a conductive base in which the ends of the bristles of the tuft opposite the cable are forcibly retained; each base being coupled to a corresponding hole obtained in the brush body; wherein the coupling between each base and the corresponding hole obtained in the brush body is of the threaded type.

2. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein each base is made in the form of a receiving cup for the ends of the bristles of the tuft opposite the cable.

3. The system as claimed in claim 2, wherein each cup on the opposite side from the bristles comprises a threaded portion.

4. The system as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the base of each bristle tuft and the brush body are made of the same material, preferably copper.

5. The system as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein all bristles are made of carbon fiber.

6. The system as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the brush device is positioned at the station at a straight horizontal section of the hauling cable.

7. The system as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the brush device is mounted on a movable support to vary its distance from the cable.

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